http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/ashleylaurin/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from ashleylaurin en-us Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:23:10 +0000 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:23:10 +0000 Oh Salonehellip.You have no idea how weird it feels to know that Friday I will be getting on a plane and possibly never coming back here. Irsquove never left a place thinking I might not return. Sierra Leone has been the most interesting most frustrating place I have ever been. So how do I feel leaving Strange and slightly confused. It feels like a long dream and I am sure when I find http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-253641.html 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 goodbye Especially the peopleI 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 http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-238134.html Honestlyhellip.where does the time go Get ready peoplehellipitrsquos a long onehellipI have been back from holidays for over a week now and I am truly shocked at how fast things are going After a wonderful holiday travelling around Morocco and Spain for three weeks I know I knowhellip.I canrsquot believe it myself I am now home safe broke unlike before 61514 and in F http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech-Tensift-El-Haouz/Marrakech/blog-236790.html 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 p http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/blog-227034.html 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 http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-221320.html 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 ou http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-219921.html 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 730am 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 http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-217455.html What a weekhellip.Sunday of last week I spent the day with my new friends and their boatjet ski on a private Island 30mins from Freetown. Itrsquos called Tokai beach and as the pictures attempt to show it is one of the most beautiful places on earth Irsquom sure of it The day was like a dream fresh coconut from the palm trees BBQ on the beach Malibu and fresh pineapple juice beaut http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/blog-214736.html So we are very lucky to have a mini fridge in Freetown for our drinks....it broke yesterday....but DON'T worry...they sent for an electrican. He arrived this morning and after an hour he requested some tape....then 5 mins later...fixed. And he explains...Ok so the fridge broke but now fixed. And so we ask what was wrong with it He responds the cord is bad but I put tape and now it w http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/blog-212504.html Without losing anyonersquos attention I promise to include only the MOST interesting Itrsquos worth reading I promisehellip.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 TRIPWe arrived in Kabala after 10 hours eventhough I was to http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/blog-212040.html A proper journal entry will follow....amazing experience...for now enjoy the photos Blessings... http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/blog-211806.html 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 i http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-207074.html 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 ant http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-206751.html Hello AllI'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 http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-206483.html As of the 27th of September I have a feeling that this travel blog might be my new hobby late at night in my new home for the next 6 months...Freetown...how amazing is that Please visit....I might get lonely.....then again....maybe not http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-202217.html