Things it takes a while to get used to in Freetown
on Shona in Sierra Leone (Sierra Leone), 17/Jan/2011 07:35, 34 days ago
1) The shouts of“White Girl, White Girl” and “How are you?” and “What is your name?” that follow you around when walking anywhere.2) Greetings of“Hello Doctor” or “Hello Shona” from people you don’t recognise.3) Requiring a torch to go anywhere after dark (no street lights)– most VSOs have the little cheapo Nokia phone which, handily, comes with a built in torch.4) The lack of pavements– you often find a pothole or sewer where a pavement should be.5) Being an instant millionaire every month, even with the small VSO allowance. The largest note is Le10,000 so you get used to carrying around wads of cash (especially after taking money out of the bank).6) Talking of the bank– the annoyingly short banking hours of 8.30am-3.30pm Monday-Friday. And no bank card to withdraw from an ATM. No, we’re into queuing here (or, being recognised as “Doctor Shona” by one of the nice staff who then serves me long before anyone else….!)7) More money issues– paying for EVERYTHING in cash. No credit cards, debit cards or Tescos loyalty cards here.8) A tin of tomatoes costing over a pound. Even when there is a label saying“25p” on it….9) Being delighted when the electricity is on at home, and when there is running water.10) Drinking water out of plastic bags– you bite the corner off the bag and drink (its safe – honestly! And much cheaper than bottled water)11) The crazy public transport system and the mad crazy traffic in Freetown.12) White bread and laughing cow cheese being the staple lunch diet of most VSOs.