Cameroonisms

Miscommunication is an often endured phenomena for us as we adjust to language.  Yes, people speak English but they are coming from a British/African English perspective with Pidgin English in the mix as well.  Yesterday, a French speaking (Francophone) student came by, and I agreed to take him to town as I was just going there myself.  We try to communicate in English or Pidgin. We got on the motorcycle and headed together for the 4 minute drive.  The frist half is dust and pot holes, and the second half is paved (tarred).  I stopped at the shop and he indicated that he was going farther.  I told him if he waited I'd take him the rest of the way.  Well, he disappeared, and I finished buying my gas bottle for the stove and made some copies for Sunday School.  I had just finished tying the heavy bottle to the motorcycle when my friend showed up again.  He looked confused and so did I...there was now no room for him as I thought he left.  He said he was ready to go back to the neighborhood where we stay, which is not what I was expecting.  I said that I'd be back to get him as I had another friend to bring back to town to catch a taxi. A long story short, we never met back up.  Who knows what we really heard from each other!  I am hoping to start learning French next year.