ON THE WAY TO KAILAHUN 

November 1 and 2, 2012

This morning we set off for the District of Kailahun.  It is quite an adventure as the roads are worse than the ones leading to Kono from Freetown!  Along the way we stop to ask a motorbike driver about the road ahead.  he tells us there is a detour that is better than the “main” road (main is stretching it a bit). We continue up the road stopping twice more to confirm where we will pick up the detour.  Did I mention there are absolutely NO road signs of any kind whatsoever, anywhere?

Stuck!

We find the “shorter and better” detour and begin to take it.  At first it seems we have made a good decision, but as the road narrows and we hit some really deep areas of mud, water and trenches, we begin to wonder.  At one point we come across a pick up truck that is stuck in the mud impeding our ability to continue.  Since the road we are on has become not much wider than a tractor path we have no choice but to help them. 

The villagers who are gathered around, want to charge them 30,000 SLL for a rope which is a LOT for locals.  They have no choice but to pay it.  The rope is attached to the front of our vehicle and the back of theirs.  Michaela and I get out walk around, across the bridge and through the trees trying to avoid as much of the stinky mud as possible.  At one point I enlist a young man to give me a hand over the bridge and a log.  Success!  Miracle Mustafa has done it again.  The truck is free and we are on our way finally making it back to the main road leading into Kailahun Town.

Entrance To District Office

Our first stop is at the District Office for Fambul Tok.  The Peace Mothers coordinator by the name of Yatta greets us.  Sheku from the Freetown office is there along with Musa, and Mohamed from Kailahun.  We speak about our plans for the visits in the area.

The next day our first stop is the house of the Chief of Kailauhn Town.  He lives in a large house with a large cool verandah in front.  What little I saw of the inside is beautifully tiled.  We tell him of our purpose in town and the surrounding countryside.  

Next stop the police station for the same purpose.  We have an appointment with Youth Chairman of Kailahun to discuss a venue for a very large town meeting to take place on Sunday.

It amazes me how quickly and last minute meetings can be planned and take place.  This is Friday and the meeting on Sunday will have the stakeholders (Police,PPRC,DCMC,All Religious Leaders,Women’s Advocate,Youth Representatives,Chiefs etc) in the process for a peaceful election.  All of these people still have to be invited!  It will be for all the people of Kailahun Town.   I have no doubt it will take place even with the short notice.

Lunch is at a local place.  The cost? 4,700 SLL or about $1.15! I had Casava Leaves and rice.  I was surprised to find meat with the leaves.  Tiny bones and all!!! It was delicious.

I need to find local places to eat and shop in Freetown.  I can see now how they say you can live in Salone (short for Sierra Leone) for $100 a week not including rent.  I have been shopping in the most expensive store in Freetown where everything is imported from France, UK and Belgium.  Cereal is $4.00 a box, a qt of milk is $3., a large instant coffee is $10.00 and bag of almonds $8.00!  It is apparent I need to find local places to buy my goods.  Adama is going to show me the places when I return.  Even then the shop keepers will raise the price because I am a non-national.  I don’t mind and understand why.

Our meeting with the Youth Chairman is productive.  A venue is found, the time for the meeting set and the proper people notified by the evening.

The place I am staying is very attractive.  I opt for a room with a standing fan for about $28.00 per night.  The electricity here, as in Kono, is run by generator.  This means 6:30PM to 6:30AM are the hours of light and power.  No sense spending $55.00 for the room with A/C that can’t be used during the day.  A fan and the windows open allow for cool sleeping.

Sitting Room for Four Sleeping Rooms

The place is set up in “Houses”.  I am in House 1 in room 103.  There is an entry room with couches.  There are four rooms off the main room, two on each side.  The cold water shower is part of the bathroom.   

Tomorrow we go to three Chiefdoms to deliver the same message we have been giving in Kono. 

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma/Sara

A Beauty.  Great Colors.

For those who don't know, I LOVE snakes.  Here is a beauty found in the bushes by the guest house in Kailahun.  Isn't he/she spectacular?