Lost in Douala!

Traveling to a foreign country is always an adventure, but sometimes, unexpected challenges turn into the best learning experiences. This is exactly what happened to me on my first trip to Douala. I had always dreamed of exploring the vibrant city, strolling through its bustling markets, and soaking in the beauty of its coastal views. What I didn’t expect was to get completely lost—and how my basic knowledge of French would come to the rescue.

It was my second day in Douala, and I had just finished a wonderful afternoon at the Marché des Fleurs, admiring the colourful displays of local crafts and textiles. Enthralled by the city’s charm, I wandered through the lively streets, stopping at small food stalls to try local delicacies. Before I knew it, the sun had set, and I realized I had no idea where I was. My phone’s battery was dead, and I couldn’t access Google Maps. Panic set in.

I had taken a few beginners French classes before my trip with Linguatopia, mostly to help with basic conversations. Never did I think those simple phrases would be my lifeline. Taking a deep breath, I approached a friendly-looking passerby and said, “Excusez-moi, je suis perdu. Pouvez-vous m’aider?” The man smiled reassuringly and responded in rapid French. I caught a few words but struggled to understand fully. Remembering another phrase from class, I quickly added, “Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, s’il vous plaît?”

With a mixture of hand gestures, simple French, and a few English words, I managed to explain that I needed to get back to my hotel near Bonanjo. The kind stranger pointed me toward a nearby taxi stand and gave me directions. I thanked him with a relieved, “Merci beaucoup!” and made my way to the taxi.

At the taxi stand, I confidently asked, “Un taxi pour Bonanjo, s’il vous plaît.” The driver nodded and gestured for me to get in. As I sat back and watched the city lights blur past, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

That night, as I stood in my hotel room, gazing at the shimmering waters of the Wouri River, I reflected on the experience. Knowing just a few key phrases in French had transformed a stressful situation into an opportunity for connection and confidence. It reminded me that language is more than just words—it’s a bridge that brings people together.

From that moment on, I made a promise to continue learning French and to always embrace the challenges of travel. After all, the best adventures often begin where comfort zones end.

Join Linguatopia and learn French by sending us an email – hello@linguatopian.com