Jo-BURG-A Weekend in South Africa

Soweto! Soweto! Soweto!

As I walked the paved streets of Vilakazi, once walked by a champion of AFRICA!

The justice I should feel, and embrace seem arbitrary

I paced through a structure that once…

  Stimulated the passion for innovation

  Omitted the need for violence

  Woke up the unconscious

  Embraced the pain of injustice

  Transcend hate

  Oriented AFRICA!

At the end I feel no liberation, no justice, instead I am pondering what's next for AFRICA?

I wonder as BLACKS are we FREE? Will we ever be free? From my experiences and that of many I have come in touch with, the unfortunate answer is no. The successful black blue collard still has limited access to resources to expand. The successful black white collard still cannot walk in a boardroom without eyes protruding through him, awaiting the white face to sit and chair the meeting. Internally we value the opinion of others, rather than that of our own brothers, and sisters. Envious, they have something better to offer. If you believe blacks are free, I await to hear from you…

Places I visited in SA that was educational, fun, and interesting:

Freedom Hill

Apartheid Museum

Vilakazi Street

Market Theater

Cacoon

VIP

Shout out to the man behind the wheels. It's your fault all my pictures got deleted!

This guy has the most flexible joints!

 

This Too is Liberia…

Heading for the waves

In Liberia, after one hear the statement “this too is Liberia….” normally it is follow by negativity. This negativity takes place in all forms and relates to numerous situations. On the contrary this post is not a subject of negativity. “This too is Liberia”….……when young men and women can hold on to a sport that allows them to preserver in all aspects of the lives.  Surfing in Liberia????

Yes, and it is taking over the coast of Cape Mount and spreading to other coastal cities in Liberia. I longed to see the surfing at Nanas’ lodge, since I heard about it. Unfortunately, for me I always visited when the team was not performing. When, I arrived in the country tired, overworked, and was told there was surfing competition the next day, I knew I had to be there!

Surfing it up!

A competitor hitting the waves

With all the joggling it took to get there, we made it and it was great!! It was great to see young Liberians, girls and boys, stimulated by a sport so different from what they are not culturally accustom to, but yet so naturally part of who they are.  The competition consisted of three categories: senior, junior and women.

Regrettable, I did not see the entire competition as I had to drive back to Monrovia for work. However, the conversation I had with one of the 1^st self taught surfers led me to believe this was not just a sport for these surfers. It was a social and psychological escape from years of devastation they had endured. 

The confidence he exuded, from the manner in which he spoke, his leadership amongst his peers, were evidence that surfing has created a positive dimension in his life.

All in the days work 

These young surfers are utilizing surfing to create a sense of belonging and security. More should be done to support the surfers in RobertSport, but like most things in Liberia people shy away from the unknown, instead of exploring the unknown. Wake up LIBERIA and support your future leaders!!!!

Kushe Kushe Tenki 4 Kam!! (Creole) Welcome, Welcome, thanks for coming!



At the Liberia/ Sierra Leone broader

It was early in the morning when we arrived in Freetown and the city was asleep, the perfect time to sleep and rejuvenate for the day ahead. Given it was a weekend visit; I wanted to make sure I saw all I could before returning to Monrovia (though internally I knew that was not possible). Fortunate for us we did not have to pay for lodging, which is quite expensive.

After a well-prepared breakfast, we left for a tour around the city.  Most of the attractions are centralize thus; all you need are very strong legs and water.  We begun the tour at the government buildings; I did not find the structures appealing than again the British are not know for their architectural abilities. 

After which we found our way to the oldest tree in Sierra Leone. According to the story, the tree was there when the Portuguese arrived!! Implying the tree may well be over 500 years old.  

Next to the tree is the national museum, don’t expect the Smithsonian, but it is cozy and has a lot more artifacts compare to the museum in Liberia. The museum guides were knowledgeable, and interestingly majority of the myths and believes about culture and tribes were very similar to Liberia’s.

You don’t have to pay, but it is expected that you make a donation. The tour was carried out in two phases. The 1^st, focus on the traditional believes and the 2nd focus on past, and current history.   Be aware, one of the guides might tell you to hand over your donation, though it is clearly stated that all contributions should be placed in the donation box! I did not take that well, the museum received its donation, but he did not get the tip we had allocated for him. 

After the cultural tour, we walked to the bank, and we had problems getting Leones (money use in Sierra Leone), due to the fact we had dirty US dollars from Liberia. In Liberia, they don’t care how the money looks, as long as it is money, which is very bad. It is best to send a local to change your money, because if you have dirty money they will not change it in the banks, which I respect. Though at the time it was upsettingJ. We finally got some Leones, and headed out to the market. Things were fairly cheap, so it was fun shopping!!!

After which we headed to Fourah Bay College, founded by Church Missionary Society in 1827, for the purpose of training Africans as schoolmasters, catechists and clergymen. It is one of the oldest universities in Africa, and it was known for producing leaders from all around Africa. Since the war, the university have not been able to revert to its pre-war status. However, classes are back in session and students are going about business as usual. The view from the campus overlooking Freetown is beautiful. I could only imagine what it was like to be a student during its peak years.

View from the top of the college

After getting a bit of rest, we visited the Aderdeen Strip ( a must see), lined with nightclubs, beaches bars, restaurants, etc. The beach is clean, with vast things to do and places to eat.  After acquiring a few pieces of art, I wanted a smoothie so we stopped at a pastry shop call Town bakery (their smoothies were not good). Don’t go there!!



The next day we arrived at Aqua Country Club after previous arrangements were made for a boat rental and guide to Bunce Island. Bunce Island was the largest British slave castle on the Rice Coast of West Africa. Founded around 1670, it exported tens of thousands of African captives to the west.  Unlike, Goree or Cape Coast, it is still under development, but once it is restored it will be one of Sierra Leone top tourist attractions.  

Once we arrived at the dock the tour guide and the boat was made available. We used a company, but it was arranged through the owner, therefore I am not quite familiar with the process. However, we paid 200 United States Dollars to charter the boat and get the tour. The ride to the Island was beautiful, it is an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. 

I luv these guys...





Welcome to BUNCE

After 45 minutes of sailing we arrived on the Island. If you been to Goree or Cape coast, do not go with high expectations. As mentioned before the Island is under renovation, and it is not exactly a priority given the post-war country has other critical issues to address. Once on the Island it is exclusive yours, and lucky us we had a knowledgeable tour guide.  It took us about an hour and half to complete the tour. On our way back we were so tired, but had gain added knowledge. One of my favorite things was the carving name tree, and the rocks I found. It was good we drove to Sierra Leone, bringing those rocks on the plane would have been interesting.







The Name Tree

We had time to roam around the city after Bunce Island. Freetown is a city in the shape of a hill. So the further up the hill you get the closer to the peak you get. The closer to the peak you own property the wealthier you are. We drove as close to the peak as we could, and had to get out of the car and walked as it was too steep. We were close to the peak, but we did not make it to the top (I had lazy bums with me). I am sure next I will make it to the peak!

I almost made it to the top

It just happened the weekend we arrived there was an international arts festival taking place, which  they have frequently, so lookout for it. It is a great way to find unique items from all over africa.



What a day.........

Thanks to my buddy who resides in Freetown, and knows his way around, I was able to club hop and it was an experience to remember. The first club we entered, before I could sit down my iPhone got stolen and I was piss off!! Liberians always say Sierra Leoneans are thieves, it is bad to generalize, but after my experience, I am not sure we should stop generalizing. They don’t just have sticky fingers!! They have quick fingers too!! 

I don’t let bad moments ruin my plans, so we went to the few other clubs. My favorites were Office and Old School. The music and the crowd were good, and we ended the night with me getting in the car at 6am and driving back to Monrovia. It was a good trip; I wish I had stayed longer.

Sierra Leone seems to be recovering from the war faster than Liberia based on my observations. The infrastructures have improved greatly, as well as job and education attainment. Two different countries, different context, but our shared borders and experience of war will keep us forever bond.   However, why is Sierra Leona progressing faster than Liberia? What can we learn from their speedy recovery?

To view more pictures click here

Robbed in Kenya

Neighborhood I got robbed in

I wanted my 2013 to start of with something memorable, and interesting. Be careful what you wish for as my new year eve was unforgettable. Robbed in Nairobi by four gunmen. No, I did not try to find out if the gun was real. Stripped of almost everything I own, only to be rescued by corrupt Kenyan police officers that extorted more from me than the arm robbers.  Apart from that, it was a good trip, infuse with delicious passion fruits, memorable artwork, bad cheesecake, smiling sympathizers, fantastic friend/host and her family…I will definitely return.

To my Taxi-Jackers...

I do not hate you for what you have done to me, but I hope one day your leaders, and mine can realize how their lack of sensitivity for those at the bottom effect us daily. President Mwai Kibaki term is over though he is love by many, he must go. I hope whoever wins the next election realize the plight of the Youth. Do not think I feel your actions were justify, but I understand the direct decisions made by those in position of power that led to the unjust environment you have to survive in. Once again I do not commend your actions, as there are millions just like you, who have consciously chosen not to take the path you have. However……

Thanks for answering my questions as you squeeze me between two hours of stench I will never forget.

Thanks for sparing my life as it is why I can say these words today.

Thanks for sparing me the pain of going through bureaucratic procedures of renewing my identity.

Thanks for increasing my adrenaline to explore our continent!

Thanks for understanding the importance of my wildflower.

Most of All I repeat….….GOD bless YOU, I forgive you.

1st time on the mutatu(bus)

Ooops!... you will never be able to use that IPAD 2 cuz it will be deactivated…:)

Stolen Camera, Ipad = No Pictures.