post 24 hours...

So now being here for longer than 24 hours I already have a lay of the land down. On Monday, we went to the city center or "downtown" for lunch and to exchange money ,etc. It was not what I thought it would be. I was expecting some taller buildings and more businesses or offices, but it basically was just more condensed business and people. It did not remind me of a capital, as most think of, with tall buildings or public transportation. The main means is either walking or taxi- there are even bus or matatus- just plain strange. Lunch on the other hand was pretty good, I had jollof rice which is semi spicy with meat and corn in it. I also tried fufu just because it sounded fun and foudn out it has a large resemblance to ugali- an east african dish. Though don't cringe your face just yet for those of you who know it- this fufu was actually better: it managed some taste and was smoother! I thought immediately someone should bring this to East African they are missing out!

Then we went and had an official introductory meeting with Don Bosco at their office. Don Bosco itself was founded in 1992 to help with the displacement of children and then in 1997 is helped with the disarmament of 12,600 child soldiers. The mission is to help children/youth reintegrate into society acting as a temporary safe haven and then aiding in the process of reunification and reconciliation. It was much more organized meeting than I had expected, granted the day got away from us as the time's of activities was pushed back and back. All good though, I can't say I expected anything more. But anyway at this meeting, we meet 5 staff members, including those that will come out with us to the field assignments, which we also received today. My group, which consists of Jess, Danny, and Cecily will be going to Marigibi and commuting each day, then Cape Mount Country where we will be sleeping while working there and then finally Montserrado another commuting area from where we are currently.

We left after this briefing and enjoyed a nice dinner on the beach. Though the water and waves are beautiful, the beach itself was littered- almost reminiscent of what Staten Island South Beach once looked like. As we reached the resturant thoguh it become neater and Cecily commented on the surrealness of the situation. Who would have thought we would be enjoying a beachside dinner in Liberia on a conflict resolution trip. And this is where I started thinking, that people assume areas in which there has been conflict have no value left to them- let alone beauty. I think this assumption also carries over to the developing world where we are plagued with images of disease, poverty and uncleanliness- thought there are just as many wonderful locations to take comfort in. Just a thought.

Anyway tomorrow at 7:30 am we shall be driving to Nimba, 4 hours tomorrow to
Ghanta ( I think that is how you spell it) and then 3 hours the next day to Ghimba ( again unclear). Basically, refugees galore a.k.a friends for me!