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July 19, 2007

Beyond the Project…

It has been extremely hard to be engaged in other activities down here that are not project related. But when I am not eating Cassava Leaves or Potato Leaves, I am busy choosing between a ripe banana, plantain or pawpaw for the fruit of the day. Other times, I am busy drinking the coconut water after feasting on a sugar beet. My mom cannot stop feeding us- it feels like a punishment almost- food after food, dish after dish, delicacies after another and we cannot stop. I feel a bit happy since I am the one who has to describe the food to my colleagues as if I could cook all of them but little do they know…

I also have to try every food first because very spicy food do not quite appeal to them and not finding spicy dishes here are a bit like finding cassava leaves in Denmark. One thing we have also done pretty well is to visit as many places as possible. Walking around Bo town is relaxing, though very humid when there is sun. This is the rainy season and it rains at least once a day for like 15 minutes or so. Walking in the rain is soothing when the air is humid but not when one is on a 'honda' or an 'Okada'.

'Hondas' are the mode of transportation in Bo and it costs about 33 cents (USD) to move from spot to another using a motorbike. Next time you are around Bo town and you see a motorbike, wave your hand and as the rider slows down, say your destination and be sure that he will take you there in no time. You should also remember to tell him to slow down because it is not uncommon to have accidents as most of these riders are inexperienced and have no licenses. We usually charter 4 bikers at a time and have all the other 3 follow the bike I am on as we thread in between people towards our destination.

The crowds we slip through are usually people in election campaigns. It is only about 3 weeks to the election and one can already feel the tension-in good atmosphere. I have tried to stay away from election talk but I cannot help but share this story with all. One of my childhood friends, who is in his 3rd year in University, has been given a symbol by the National Democratic Party. He will be vying to be a parliamentarian in my constituency as the youngest aspirant ever. He is 22 years old and I can say I know most things about him including the fact that should he win, all his plans will be fulfilled. His platform revolves around youth involvement- an area I personally like. I have been walking with him around my area when he is in town and even though I won't be voting I have a feeling he will win and be the example the country has been waiting for. In a country like Sierra Leone with about 70% illiteracy rate, it is hard to visualize people voting for a young man, especially when his symbol is not the Palm Tree or the Rising Sun but an Elephant.