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Sierra Leone Travel Blogs

Background: The 1991 to 2002 civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about one-third of the population), many of whom are now refugees in neighboring countries. With the support of the UN peacekeeping force and contributions from the World Bank and international community, demobilization and disarmament of the RUF and Civil Defense Forces (CDF) combatants has been completed. National elections were held in May 2002 and the government continues to slowly reestablish its authority. However, the gradual withdrawal of most UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) peacekeepers in 2004 and early 2005, deteriorating political and economic conditions in Guinea, and the tenuous security situation in neighboring Liberia may present challenges to the continuation of Sierra Leone's stability.

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By ashleylaurin
January 21st 2008

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly! Africa » Sierra Leone » Freetown

A Sight for Sore Eyes!

I have to say, I really love it here! I can't believe I only have 6 weeks left of my journey here in Freetown and I already know it is going to be really difficult saying good-bye! Especially the people! I had a wonderful time this weekend at home in the city. Trying to recover from my last lung infection I stayed home Friday night, bought some greasy, questionable Chinese food and watched reruns of Will and Grace on my laptop! YES I did! After almost completing the entire 7th season, I sprayed on my bug repellent, climbed under my bug [View Full Entry]

By ashleylaurin
December 12th 2007

A Moment of Truth. Africa » Sierra Leone

Literacy Testing

I have never found writing a Blog so difficult. The up and down emotions that accompany this experience make it extremely challenging in trying to determine how I truly feel and what I honestly think. So many people have already asked me about what I have learned so far, and after a lot of thought I have come realize that I will not be able to answer that question properly for quite some time, perhaps not until long after I have returned home. Many of you may have noticed my sarcasm, critical sounding jokes and comments, as well as my [View Full Entry]

By ashleylaurin
November 20th 2007

It's becoming home to me Africa » Sierra Leone » Freetown

CIMG1739

I was blessed this afternoon with a long run along the beach just as the sun started to set. It's hammerton wind season in Sierra Leone which means the desert winds blow in and blanket the sky with clouds. It feels a little like the summer in the Okanagan (British Columbia) during that really hot and dry summer when there were huge forest fires. The sun is blocked but the air stays thick and is filled with dry dust. Running on the beach has become my new favourite activity. It seems to be the only activity I can do without wanting [View Full Entry]

By ashleylaurin
November 15th 2007

Kabala Second Time Around... Africa » Sierra Leone » Freetown

Welcoming Entrance

Just love this adventure I'm on..... Going back to Kabala for a few days was just exactly what I needed. Because our Executive Director is visiting from Canada, we got to experience some pretty amazing celebrations (pictures to follow) and sneak into some extremely interesting meetings with Directors, Principals, the Head Chief etc... Just incredible to watch how development is actually carried out in places like this. To see the difference that can be made from just a little NGO like CAUSE is really quite motivating. The cool air, the warmth of the village people and the quite pace [View Full Entry]

By ashleylaurin
November 6th 2007

Routine Africa » Sierra Leone » Freetown

I always look forward to being in a place long enough to begin some sort of daily routine. There is something about having an idea about what tomorrow will bring that provides a certain amount of comfort and confidence. When my phone alarm goes off at about 7:30am every morning, I open my eyes to the sights and sounds of Freetown at the beginning of a day. Usually a rooster is crowing, the baby next door is screaming for breakfast and the angry Lebanese neighbour is yelling at the top of his lungs in Arabic about God only knows what! The [View Full Entry]

By ashleylaurin
October 17th 2007

Kabala. Africa » Sierra Leone

Without losing anyone’s attention, I promise to include only the MOST interesting! It’s worth reading, I promise…. Kabala is in the North and is the main area in Sierra Leone that CAUSE is working in. They are working in 3 schools, helping to provide uniforms, food, school supplies and covering various school fees. THE TRIP We arrived in Kabala after 10 hours, eventhough I was told it would be 5...in the hot sun and bumpy roads. It was truly beautiful though. The landscape is unreal and I kept having to reminding myself that I was driving in rural Sierra Leone a [View Full Entry]

By ashleylaurin
October 16th 2007

Kabala... Africa » Sierra Leone

Kabala

A proper journal entry will follow....amazing experience...for now, enjoy the photos! Blessings... [View Full Entry]

Candace, the other intern and Fina, our Admin lady

By ashleylaurin
September 30th 2007

The Beach... Africa » Sierra Leone » Freetown

Ok...what a night! Couldn't sleep...again with the dogs, the unbelievable down pour of rain and the random turning on of all the house lights at 4am! AWESOME! Went to church this morning...it was incredible...everyone in the church (30ish people) welcomed us and offered a warm hand shake. Of course the music was incredible and all they had was a half working guitar. I cannot tell you how hot it was...I have NEVER been so hot in my entire life! My t-shirt became a wet suit after 20mins. :) I look gorgeous in Africa...not really. It's obvious that I belong in a [View Full Entry]

By ashleylaurin
September 29th 2007

First Full Day.... Africa » Sierra Leone » Freetown

The Sierra Leone Girls

Woke up to fresh coffee sitting outside my room and a sunrise over the lush greenery of the hills outside the city. I slept like a baby...a bit sweaty but other then the howling dogs and constant buzz of generators and streetcars...quiet as can be! Actually, I'm already making good use of a few key supplies: sleeping pills, bug nets, extra sheet to cover the bed, bug spray, my hand held fan, anti-malaria pills, my Eddie Bauer lamp (that my WONDERFUL mother found), and of course EAR PLUGS= sweet dreams in Freetown! :) You won't believe all that we did/saw today! [View Full Entry]

By ashleylaurin
September 28th 2007

I have arrived! Africa » Sierra Leone » Freetown

Hello All! I'm going to keep this short because I have zero energy, but I did want to say that I'm here safe and sound! The journey here went so smoothly and I feel so blessed. When we flew over the coast line of Freetown, I could hardly breath....it is so surreal to be here! There was someone to help us navigate through the crazy airport and organise tickets for the helicopter as well! We flew over the city from the airport in an old Russian helicopter with a very Russian looking/sounding man with 16 others. The city was almost completely [View Full Entry]

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