Breaking news - Mangrove swamp discovered in kent coast!

So having such poor internet earlier on I have realised that I hadnt talked about my FIRST ever mangrove swamp.  Not a very big one by world standards - and very much at risk of logging for firewood here.

The journey out of Freetown was an adventure in itself as we came via the mountain road - definitely needing a 4x4 as very rough.  Views down into the valley still lush green with rice growing, lots of small stalls all the way along the road.

The road improved as we met the new road construction project - going to be a very wide road - now flat but just a dirt road as yet - incredibly dusty.

Once we arrived in Kent I met the other delegates on the bird ID course and then we set off in a minbus (somewhat rickety) to Tissana and the mangroves.

My first view was magical I have to admit - a beautiful place.

We then waded out across the mud to do the bird survey - I kept my shoes on as I was afraid of cutting my feet .... My shoes will not recover!

But it was very hot and for the first time ever I poured water over my head - not a good look but essential!

The bird watching was great too - lots of birds, many familiar species - just in a different place!  And some new ones.

A great day!

Motorbikes and crocodiles...

So busy work day today with 4 school nature clubs visited ... great to see a range of young people interested in caring for their school and the wider environment.

I think I had one principal worried when I commented that I wanted to see everything... I think she thought I was some sort of inspector!  I have found in all the school that I am welcomed and treated with great respect - usually involves being offered a chair to sit on - perhaps I look older than I think!  and a visit to the Principal is also essential!  I met a very impressive nature club president at one school - she will go far!

So to the crocodile - nothing to do with the nature club but apparently a gift to the school - and now kept in a tank in the science lab - a bit different from the class pet gerbils I remember!  But there is a problem - they are growing so the challenge for the club is to build a pond for it - they have no funds of course!  The science lab reminded me of my school days actually - although less equipped than ours back in the 70s let alone now!

So to motorbikes... we travel to the schools around then city by the taxis  (breaking all rules and sharing a back seat of a standard saloon car with 5 others today although in defence, 3 were children .... although all school age!).  Unlike taxis in England they are more like buses and have set routes  so as we got out at a junction, Abraham asked me if I had even ridden a motorbike?  These are the 3rd main form of transport after poda poda, and taxis.  Now I have - once when I was 18 so it is a while!  Game for (almost ) anything, I got on the back and we set off - no helmets for the driver or me !  It was a short journey and not too bumpy so I didnt disgrace myself!

Fortunately there was a taxi back.....

Talking of roads....

I frequently complain, back in England about the state of the roads - actually if I'm honest, I complain about lots of things, and I'm reviewing some of those views!

I'm not saying we have it all rosy - not at all,  but I realize that we take SOOOOO much for granted and I'll try not too when I get back .... or at least be more grateful for what we do have.

Lets start with roads - some of the main roads are made up  and are as good as ours.  BUT and its a big but - they go downhill rapidly (literally - its a hilly city) - so they seem to either be made up or they're not.  Last week when I had a trip to Kent, we went on a new dirt road that was being made - it was flat, wide and I assume it will be surfaced - but dusty?  Wow it was so dusty that we had to shut the windows and put lights on, the visibility was so poor.  Along the side of the road, cars were literally covered in the red dust.  No problem?  Maybe not but there were lots of people living and working just along the side - an extra challenge to laundry indeed!

Closer to where I am in the hotel, its an unmade road - dusty, but not busy so not too much of a problem..... bear in mind mine is a good hotel .

 The road I walk to the office - 10 minutes round the corner is another scale again - and I can only imagine (and I don't like to really)  how horrendous it is in the wet season..... with the open drain channels along the sides (which its quite ok to pee in by the way) - its not that surprising that there was a nasty cholera outbreak here in 2012.

So next time I am complaining about British roads? Maybe I'll think again (at least for a few days on my return anyway) and be thankful.





 

Rules of the road ...

Well I have only had a few journeys in taxis but they are interesting!
I havent exactly got to grips with the rules ....but here goes for my attempts so far...
1. A working speedo is definitly optional - not been in a vehicle with a working one yet!

2. An intact windscreen is not necessary - vertical cracks across the middle are acceptable.

3. Making full use of the horn is absolutely essential - at all times.

4. Using a mobile phone is fine - they are mobile why wouldnt you?

5.  Sorting out change for a fare whilst driving along without slowing down is recommended!


You get the idea!

Having said that it all happens with the best possible humour and politeness just like everything is - I am constantly surprised that people apologise if I walk into them - I dont think that would happen in UK!

Don't mention electricity...

It seems my first few days of seemingly uninterrupted power have ended! I am now well used to the fact that it comes and goes with great regularity!  And of course that affects the internet ... so this is the first time I've been able to post anything since I left the UK!

No power affects the water supply too - as I discovered this morning just after I'd put shampoo on my hair!

I still reckon its a good lesson though - not taking things for granted and also having a list of other jobs to do without the internet!  So far I have been able to charge my laptop in between times!

I've been able to explore some of the local area and try some local food - heat is the order of the day here too! Plus mega large portions!  I had some packed up as a doggy bag on sunday - "pepper chicken skewer" was in fact half a chicken.....   People are very friendly and welcoming - and always respond to a smile or a wave, despite initially looking  very serious!  Children just stare then smile!

Tomorrow I am off to a school to visit one of the nature clubs and chat to the teachers / coordinators - looking forward to that!

Better post this while the power seems good!

and so to work.....

So yesterday was taken up with meeting some of the people I'll be working with - starting with the main government building and the office of the president!  A real mix of formality yet very different to I imagine walking into Whitehall!

Then to CSSL meeting those I'll be working, more closely with.  Today has been a public holiday (announced only yesterday and most people seemed unaware of it!)

Spent much of the day working through papers etc that I'd brought with me - all useful background so I feel more focussed on whats to do - which is a lot!

Tomorow off to Kent further along the coast (I think!) to take part in a bird watching course  - will be great to take part although I wont recognise much I'm sure!

Better stop - just had 2  powercuts in the last 10mins!!

Happy Landings...

Well the flight took off as planned .... well 2 hours late because of having to deice the plane - that was interesting to watch in itself!  I'd heard that Lungi airport could be "interesting" but I have to say all went fine - although still glad I was with others who knew the system!

Much has improved and although VERY different to Heathrow, the whole experience was far easier and pleasant and quicker than a european airline I could mention!  The Salonians are so friendly and welcoming. 

The ferry "terminal" featured chickens on the beach and a very bouncy pier to get on board - but all fine - including life jackets for us all - 20 mins later in Freetown. 

The heat and humidity will take some getting used to - but my hotel room has aircon that works!  The roads are something else!  Some of the main roads are tarmaced - most aren't - basically very bumpy, stony and all pothole -  regularly washed out in the wet season!

Dinner last night on the beach - almost literally watching the sun go down (very quickly here) - into the ocean.  Very beautiful!  Tiredness and heat caught up with me though and I was sick and unable to eat my grilled barracuda!  Shame!  All good this morning after a LONGGGG sleep!

there's snow business like snow business.....

Well 12 hours straight snow today and I'm a tad worried the flight will be cancelled!  Still 24 hours to go though - and little snow forecast for tomorrow here...

Otherwise now getting very excited!

getting ready

Almost time to go .... now dilemma 1 bag in the hold or 2 smaller ones?  Lucky to have the option I guess!  Trying not to forget everything (or anything!)

Hope tomorrow's snow doesn't affect the journey ... more news later!