The Diary Game[27/07/2026] // A Day Assisting My Kid Sister in Her Lucrative but Risky Canda Business.

Hi guys, accept special Steemit greetings from the motherland of Cameroon and welcome back to my blog, where I share my daily lifestyle experiences with you all. I hope you're all doing great and enjoying the blessings each new day brings. Today, I am excited to share another unique experience from my stay at my kid sister's place.

^{At my kid sister's house.}

I finally got the opportunity to assist her in her cow skin business, locally known as canda. I had always been curious about the entire roasting process, and today my curiosity was satisfied. Although it turned out to be a rewarding learning experience, it also made me realise how physically demanding and risky this business truly is.

Starting the Day with Enthusiasm.

The day began on a very positive note. I woke up feeling refreshed, full of energy, and ready to lend a helping hand. My sister had already planned the day's activities, so after having breakfast, we wasted no time getting to work.

Our first assignment was to cut the cow skin into desirable sizes before roasting. At first glance, the task looked simple, but I quickly realised it required patience, strength, and precision. The skin is quite tough, and every piece had to be cut neatly to ensure even roasting. Working side by side with my sister gave me a deeper appreciation of the effort she invests in this business every single day.

^{Cutting the canda into desirable sizes.}

Preparing the Traditional Roasting Fireside.

The most interesting part of the day was preparing the special roasting fireside. This was something I had longed to witness because I had never seen how it was done.

The process begins by gathering sawdust, which is then moulded and compacted firmly using the legs. I honestly underestimated this stage until I joined in. It demanded a lot of energy, and before long, my legs were already feeling the pressure.

^{Local fireside using sawdust}

Once the sawdust was properly compacted, we inserted a piece of firewood right in the centre. More sawdust was carefully arranged around it before covering the top with a layer of grey ash. The ash helps regulate the heat, allowing the fire to burn slowly and evenly. With everything perfectly arranged, the traditional fireside was finally ready, and the roasting of the canda could begin.

An Exhausting but Eye-Opening Experience.

Watching the roasting process was fascinating. Every piece of cow skin required constant monitoring to ensure it roasted evenly without burning. The heat from the fire was intense, and the smoke made the work even more challenging. Standing close to the roasting area for hours was exhausting, and I found myself appreciating the resilience of people who do this every single day.

^{Roasting the canda.}

Although the business is quite lucrative and provides a steady source of income, it comes with significant risks. The combination of intense heat, smoke inhalation, sharp cutting tools, and long hours of physical labour makes it a very demanding occupation. After spending just one day assisting my sister, I can confidently say this is not a business I would recommend to everyone. It requires determination, endurance, and a willingness to work under difficult conditions.

Lessons from the Day.

Despite the exhaustion, I was grateful for the opportunity to learn something completely new. Sometimes we consume products without appreciating the amount of hard work involved in producing them. Spending the day with my sister gave me a new level of respect for her commitment and perseverance. She works tirelessly to provide for her family, and her dedication is truly inspiring.

By the time we finished for the day, my body was aching, my clothes carried the smell of smoke, and my legs reminded me of every moment spent compacting the sawdust. Nevertheless, I ended the day with a grateful heart, richer in knowledge and filled with admiration for everyone involved in this trade. I hope you enjoyed sharing this experience with me. Until my next diary, guys, have a splendid week ahead. Stay safe, stay blessed, and keep smiling!!!