Christmas

Was it really Christmas? I don't think so as it was far too hot and my Christmases so far have been dull and rainy. But that is in England and I'm in Sierra Leone, so it makes sense. It just felt so odd. We had none of the relentless pre-Christmas commercialism that you get back home. I did not see a single Christmas card or wrapping paper or anything at all. I got one Christmas card from a fellow Brit who had been back home and come back with cards and crackers. I saw 3 Christmas trees; one outside the Lebanese supermarket in Bo, one at Magbenthe hospital and one here in the Wusum hotel, whose internet cafe I am using at the moment.

I went on Christmas eve to the beach at a place called River no. 2 (imaginative, no?) not far from Freetown. The photos above are of River no. 2 and I have just added them (May 2010). I got myself and my rucksack to Magbenthe hospital on a motor bike taxi before 8 in the morning but we didn't leave until about 11. I do like to be punctual! I went with Matt, who is currently taking care of the farm his father manages about 40 mins. outside Makeni, Natasha, a Dutch midwife from Magbenthe hospital and Ellenoor a Dutch physio also from Magbenthe and her boyfriend Desmond. We were a motley crew: a Sierra Leoneon, 2 Dutch, one South African and British me. Matt and Natasha and I were not too keen on the accomodation at River no. 2. If you have the Bradt guide book, it sounds much better than it is and, for $50 per room per night, it is not worth it. However, the location is great and the food was not bad. We spent the night of Christmas Eve on the beach with a bottle of wine, a bonfire and looking up at the stars. I am sure we saw a Christmas tree up there ...

On Christmas day we went the few miles over the usual cratered road to Franco's where Suzie and Bernhard were staying and I had my lobster on the beach that I had so long wanted at Christmas. Well, almost on the beach; actually on a terrace overlooking the beach. It was a lovely day and we had Suzie's Christmas crackers and wore out paper hats. How British! Boxing day was similar but minus lobster, then back to Makeni on 27th. So that was it; no presents either given or received, no mad last minute Christmas shopping or anything. Just being lazy. And eating lobster.

New Year was quiet and back in Makeni. Nothing much else to say really. I did miss my girls, but as it did not seem like Christmas at all that was bearable.

A Happy new year to you all and I shall be home this year! Before you know it!!