Getting To Know Our New Country

As we departed the port at 6:15am on Saturday with bananas and bread in each hand, we were off to explore the land of Sierra Leone. I would say that this was one of those excursions where is was pure exploring. There are only two main roads (dirt ground) so, with not many options we figured it would just be fun to drive and stop at places that seemed interesting.

Stop 1: After having to manually shift into 4 wheel drive to conquer a very steep hill, we arrived at the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Sanctuary. Now let me tell you, these monkey's were ridiculous. I suppose this stop was more like take a look, laugh, stretch your legs and cram back into the Land Rover.

Stop 2: Just down the road we discovered this gorgeous dam. This may have been the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. As we walked across the dam, surrounded by the lovely hills and trees of this country, in awe of creation and how there is nothing like that feeling you have as you walk outdoors. My love for the outdoors was greatly deepened at that moment. Seeing the pure reflection in the water of the clouds in the blue sky and the lush greens hills made me so thankful that I have eyes to see, a nose to smell, ears to hear, and a mouth to taste expeditions as this.

Stop 3-5: All three of these stops consisted of finding random beaches and checking them out. Just remember, we're basically just driving where ever we see some sort of path and going with our gut that a beach is near in sight. As we drive through many people are out in their village just relaxing and are excited to show us their land and tell us all about it. The first beach was gorgeous...well, they all are really. See for yourself..when I post them ;)

Stop 6: This beach, Kent Beach, was seriously like one of those that you dream of. Unreal. A deserted beach, it was just the 20 of us enjoying a relaxing day in the clear blue water. We actually had to change into our suits in one of the little huts! So cool haha. They brought out plates of homeade rice and fesh baracuda with its teeth showing...so crazy!

All in all, I would say we were successful in our expedition and enjoyed a relaxing day after a full two weeks of non-stop chaos here on the ship.