The Diary Game [31st/12/2024] // New Year Eve Celebration Fever in My Neighborhood.

It is another year with new energy as the old has gone and the new has come. Of course we need to carry on with a positive mindset ready to quick start a new year with lots of fireworks.

The euphoria in town was everywhere and one could hardly tell this is a town witnessed an armed conflict. Though every junction was positioned with armored vehicles. The heavy presence on the military on the streets, one could not imagine that the population will defy all odds to storm the streets with fireworks which is a contraband product in Cameroon.

Leaving the house that early morning was a must to buy food items to be cooked on new year day. I had little to buy since the purchases I made during Christmas shopping were still available. I had to buy just fruits air my fruit salad. This is one of my favorites and I cannot do without it especially during this harmattan season.

Returning home after spending hours in traffic, I was exhausted already and needed enough rest to be able to start the year on good footing. I napped for over 3 hours, and felt much more better.

It is that moment of the year where Cameroonians wait patiently to listen to the head of state address to the nation. For me, I am not anxious about it because since 1982, we have been listening to it but I see no improvements. The rate of unemployment keep soaring, poor roads network, poor health facilities, poor portable water, etc. Even on the eve of the new year, we experienced blackouts throughout the day and only when he was about to deliver his speech that electricity was restored.

^{The head of state address to the nation}

Was I actually listening to all what he was saying? No, I had no interest because nothing will still change. I was occupied preparing my ingredients for food the next day while waiting on 12:00 minutes to join others in thanking and praising God for another year while saying bye to the old year’s brouhaha.

When it was 12:00 midnight, every neighborhood answered with fireworks. One could not even think that despite fireworks being contraband, people still managed to smuggle it into the country. I was even more surprised seeing some military officials participating in firing some of the fireworks in neighborhoods.

Everywhere was noisy, some hitting pots, drums, others firing fireworks, others simple screaming. What a joyous start of a new year.

After the noise, now time to receive new year messages from workplace, friends, and families. The first message I received that day was from @yemsgroup, one of my favorites.

Guys, it was indeed an amazing end of year and with positive mindset and positive vibes, I know this year 2025 will definitely be one of my best years despite all challenges. I keep hoping for better days and until another day, happy New Year 🎆 🎈.