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!