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Sierra Leone can easily be mistaken for one of the Caribbean islands. Its warm weather, gentle ocean breezes, vast sandy beaches lined with palm trees and friendly people make it a destination that invites you to return.
Sierra Leone became an important center of the transatlantic slave trade until 1787 when Freetown was founded as a home for formerly enslaved African Americans and peoples from the West Indies. Many of the people of Freetown and Sierra Leone have American roots.
When I was visiting, Sierra Leone was emerging from a long, bloody civil war that devastated the people and country. The effects of the war are very evident as you wander through both the city and the countryside. Many small rural villages are populated by widows of the war, and men are often the minority. Resettlement villages bringing both sides together have popped up throughout the country.
Another very obvious sign of the brutality of the war is the presence of thousands of men and boys who are missing limbs. It was common for the rebels to sever the limbs of opposition village inhabitants and leave them to suffer or die. During my visit here I was to see and meet scores of men with crutches provided to them by aid organizations.
Blood diamonds were and still are a major problem in Sierra Leone. Money from these diamonds continues to fund wars and illegal activities within the country and its neighbors. While there I was often approached by dealers willing to sell me these illegal diamonds for a great price.
A nation of great natural beauty and abundant resources the people sustain themselves in various ways. Fishing along the Atlantic and in the many lakes and wetlands that dot the country provides many species of fish that are staple during meals.
Driving through the muddy dirt roads leading to several remote villages, we passed these locals casting their fishing nets.
Friendly people, quick to smile, and take time to say hello are the norm in Sierra Leone. Often, as I walked the beach, they would simply stop what they were doing and say hello to me, taking time to make me feel comfortable, allowing me to take photos, and demonstrating, as in the case of this fisherman, how to repair his nets.
Traveling through the small villages I was able to experience the people on another level. Just as gracious and eager to share with me their village, food, culture, and experiences, I was to learn much about the people here.
This photo was taken in an area of Sierra Leone that was one of the major flashpoints during the civil war. It is now just emerging from the devastation.
Each village I visited welcomed me in its unique way. In one village, this woman dressed in an elaborate and colorful costume and performed a ritual tribal dance
Walking to a clear pool where the villagers of Crossing Village gather their water I came upon this young child along the path in front of his family hut. His startled face was only to last a few seconds as he soon bolted behind his older brother, looking over his shoulder at a sight he may have never seen before, a white man.
Life is difficult in this village where there is no running water or electricity. Children often do not attend school due to the need for them to take care of the crops, gather water, and take care of their younger siblings. This young girl was gathering water in a small pool of a stream while her siblings were bathing and washing clothes. She eventually took the large pail full of water and carried it on her head to her home. I later asked her if I could try this, and as expected, a disaster...and many laughs from the villagers.
I was very lucky to be invited to share a meal with the local village. Fresh chicken and rice served with fresh fruits made for a wonderful lunch. An extraordinary token of welcome from this poor community.
Fisherman returning from sea, Aberdeen
Fisherman on his boat, Aberdeen
Lighthouse in Aberdeen
Beautiful tropical beaches along the Atlantic.
Outside of the city center and along the vast coast you can find many places to enjoy the seaside.
Walking the streets of the colonial capital, Freetown I experienced the same warmth from the people as they regularly greeted me as I wandered their city.
Freetown, the country's capital, is a busy place. Shopping here was fast and furious with lots of bargaining, as is the case in most African towns.
As with many cities in Africa, Freetown needs many modern services. Electricity is not always available, and many services that we take for granted are lacking.
Freetown is still a bustling place that has much to see. I tried several local restaurants and enjoyed the fresh seafood caught from the ocean.
A short slideshow of my travels through Sierra Leone
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