Freetown.

We arrived in Sierra Leone a week ago today. We were met by a huge crowd on the dock of our Advance and Gateway teams, as well as a marching band. It was a beautiful sight; old friends waving at us, the music in the air, the mountains in the distance...it is wonderful to be back in West Africa, the land of fresh mangoes and pineapple :)




We took a walk out in the town yesterday. It was hot and crowded; we were pressed against the side of the road, squeezing between people on one side and vendors on the other as cars and trucks rolled down the narrow streets. At one point, we even had to crouch down and cross the street walking underneath a truck blocking the road!

Despite the sweltering heat and the immense crowds, it was amazing how comfortable I felt. No one hounded us; if we decided not to buy from one vendor, they didn't chase after us trying to change our minds. No one asked us for money. Children didn't cry at the sight of us - instead, they all shouted "Hello!" and many wanted to give us high fives or hold our hands; one even gave me a big hug! Everyone was incredibly friendly and we both have a feeling we're going to love Sierra Leone :)

Of course, Samuel's already found his football shirts, so he's on an all-new high! Unfortunately it's not the official shirt that he desperately wanted (see it here - definitely worth looking at! http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/na/national-teams-hummel-2010-11-sierra-leone-home-hummel-football-shirt.jpg), but it didn't stop him from making sure his nephews supported their new home team :)