Nanas' Lodge

Fishermen preparing to go fishing.

It was a hot sticky day…...Come to think of it pretty much every day in Liberia is hot and sticky. However, the day I went to Nanas’ Lodge the ground seem to exhale heat from the beaming sun reflecting on it. I discovered Nanas' Lodge through word of mouth, and with little to do in Monrovia, I knew I had go for a visit. Described as a place where one can go to experience endless adventures (surfing, boat riding, sailing, camping, etc) How dare I come to Liberia and not experience some adventures.

The good portion of the road.

Nanas' Lodge is located about two hours outside of Monrovia in Robertsport, Capemount.  I was fortunate to have a car, which made the journey less hectic. Too bad driving there was not as smooth. When I went to Nanas’ Lodge the road was not paved at the time, and construction was still being done. Driving there felt like an uncomfortable roller coaster.  From previous trips outside Monrovia I knew not to eat certain food while traveling outside of the city to avoid stomach sickness ( I advised you do the same).

On the way we discovered a little town by the road, with a beautiful Palava hut to sit and relax. The individuals taking care of the place do not charge strangers to sit and use the place.  It is about 20 minutes before you get to Nanas' Lodge.  We packed a picnic basket so it was the ideal spot to stretch out and have a little lunch. It is a nice area on the beach, and if you are lucky you might get to see birds of different kinds flying by wanting to share your food.

After picnic...sleepy time.

One of the caretakers( she insisted we take  picture of her)

Two hours away from Monrovia, we arrived at Nanas’ Lodge, and I was taking away by the beautiful blue sea shinning from the sun beaming on it, endless clean sand to dip your feet into, and most of all a place to SAIL!! I have to say, people exaggerated the services at Nanas' Lodge. I was able to go boat riding only after an hour of the caretakers tying to find a Sailor, surfing was not possible as there was no guide, (plus it was not as popular anymore), sailing (no equipments), and camping was possible (cheaper if you have your own equipments).

We ended the day after few boat tumblings, several accidental drowning (the tides are high, if you are not a good swimmer do not go too far into the sea), and the best part of all, ALL YOU CAN EAT NATURAL ALMOUNDS for free!!!!!!!!!!

Recovering from boat tumbling #1.

Huge rocks at the end of the beach to sunbath or just enjoy the scenery .

End of the day...Look behind you will see the ALMOND trees!!!

It is feasible and cheaper to spend a day at Nanas’ Lodge if you leave Monrovia early in the morning, and depart by 7pm. However, you don’t want to drive too late as you could put yourself at risk of arm robbery, or due to bad roads if something happen help is harder to find.  If you chose to spend the weekend be prepare to spend at least $100 per night for a cabin. I advice if you intend to go, call them ahead of time, so they can arrange to have all the equipments and staff needed for activities you wish to do. Unfortunately, this is the reality for most Liberian business....

Does Liberia need President Sirleaf?

A campaigner showcase his support for unity Party
(Monkey represent President Sirleaf and Baboon represent other contenders)

The excitement was building in me from the day I stepped my feet on the uneven pavement of Robert International Airport. In a couple of weeks, I will be at the polling station casting my vote. For the first time in my life my right to vote was not infringed upon, but it was more than that.

My future is intertwined with the next six years, and whoever heads the Republic of Liberia, will pave the future for at least 3million Liberians.  With about 19 presidential candidates, Liberians pick for the next president is mind-numbing.  Like most presidential race in Africa, most political parties are not established based on the interests of the people, but a means of survival for selected few.  I knew from the beginning I didn’t have the strength, or the will to research all candidates. Therefore, I chose to research the two top contenders from the previous election.

Madame Sirleaf of Unity Party (UP) won the last election, after defeating George Weah of Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), she promised the Liberia people she will not run again, yet she was contending again.  Is power too sweet in her mouth? Why should I trust her?

Mr. Weah was defeated and criticized worldwide regarding his political incompetence, Weah returned to college obtained a degree, but decided to become Vice President to William Tubman.  Famous for football and nothing else, I wonder. Can these two bring development to Liberia?  What have they done in the past for Liberians?

Like most Liberians, I was caught between the two major parties, and I decided I rather go with the devil I know than the one I do not know.  Madame Sirleaf has proven herself in the last six years.  We first have to give her credit for maintaining peace in Liberia (she recently won the noble prize for peace), and encouraging freedom of speech.  Second, we have to acknowledge the concrete development taking place around Liberia. Areas neglected by many past presidents, have become accessible to rest of Liberia through the establishment of roads. Third, her initiatives to ensure laws are in place to create a better democratic system for all to participate. Most importantly, her acknowledgment of marginalized groups, women, and youth by supporting initiatives targeting the two groups.

“Change is slow and tedious, but transition is ferocious”- MGW

President Sirleaf supporters at Samule K. Doe staduim

Supporters dance with joy while exiting the stadium

President Sirleaf has started a plan we need her to complete, currently, there is no other contender who has the same vision as her. Therefore, electing another candidate we risk retracting her efforts, and most all our FUTURE.

As my fellow Liberians and I marched October 9th the last day of campaigning towards the Samuel K. Doe stadium to show our support for our one and only “Iron Lady” I knew with certainty I pick the devil I know as there was no other option. 

Supporters marched towards the stadium 

After voting I begun to wonder, are Liberians always going to settle because there is no other choice?  Am I wrong to think there is no other choice than Madame Sirleaf? If I am where are they, and what are they doing?  If they do not exist, how do Liberians start preparing for the period after 2017? A third term is not feasible in Liberia !

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One of the many problems we are facing in Liberia

Due to slow Internet connection in Liberia I am unable to continue posting. However, I will post after my journey. This is the most important aspect and I am disappointed that I can not share.......