One of the things that is very interesting to me as a US American is the issue of acceptable personal space. What is comfortable and acceptable is very much bound by culture. For instance, how near do you stand to someone with whom you have entered an elevator? Many people will stand all the way on the opposite side if space permits. Personal space in Cameroon can be tricky for outsiders. Take the taxi experience for instance. If a taxi is full, you are sitting body to body with the next person. If something is on their clothing, it will probably get on yours. Holding hands is a similar case. Holding hands here is something you do with close friends as you’re walking, talking, or anything else. It is common to see boys, girls, men and women holding hands with one another as they move along the street or engage in conversation. My male friends in the States would probably rather be caught with their pants down than holding hands with another man. I have one friend who holds my hand when we’re walking, and it’s slowly becoming okay.