Finally Free

It’s now been over 2 weeks since I arrived back in Sierra Leone and I have finally, FINALLY been released from quarantine. The past few days have been my first chance to just be a normal, fully functioning person here and it’s been so so great. But it’s also felt a little weird that I’m finally getting to explore and do all these things while the world is in such chaos. But, for now, things are pretty status quo in Slone. There is some concern about Coronavirus and people are talking about it, but there haven’t been any cases in the country. It is getting closer, though, so I’m feeling a lot of pressure to get as many of my interviews done as soon as possible in case things start getting closed or cancelled here too.

I’ve done a few interviews so far and have learned A LOT. It’s given me the chance to sit and talk with people I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. I think just the few conversations I’ve had have really helped me understand Slone and some of the different views on conservation and wildlife. They’ve also brought along some great connection and laughs. For instance, after I interviewed a woman today we were just kind of talking and she asked me how I was managing in the sun with my skin. I just laughed and said lots of sunscreen. Needless to say, I really can’t predict how each interview is going to go, so I’m just staying open and rolling with it.

It’s been nice to also get out and explore beyond Tacugama and to learn more about and bond with people working at the sanctuary in a more relaxed setting. I went out for drinks with some other volunteers and staff last night, then got to experience my first KK ride. KK’s are kind of like these 3 wheeled motorbikes/smart cars that have backseats, no doors, and no seatbelts. They’re definitely an experience, especially as someone who tends to have some anxiety around cars. But like I said, staying open and rolling with it (within reason; don’t worry, Mom).

Then today we went to the Big Market and the beach. The market was interesting and I bought some good stuff, but it was definitely overstimulating. It was hot, loud, and crowded and hard to know where to look at any given time. Over the course of the hour or so we spent there, I think I was grabbed by venders and wrapped in skirts they were trying to sell me at least 4 times. But seeing all the colors and patterns and the beautiful wood carvings was a pretty nice way to spend the morning and I definitely want to go again. My haggling skills have improved over the years, but they’re still not as good as I’d like them to be. So, I need more practice.

After my friends and I were laden down with purchases, we grabbed lunch and then went to the beach. I was just happy to be near the ocean; water for me is safe and associated with so many good memories, so even just being close to it has a really positive effect on me. We mostly sat in chairs on the sand talking and watching this incredible church group have the time of their lives. They played everything from musical chairs to tug-of-war. They also did a race with eggs on spoons, and this one woman ran like she and that egg were one. I’m serious; I’ve never seen anything like it. She flat out sprinted and didn’t even come close to dropping her egg. I’m still in awe just thinking about it. A few of them were even nice enough to let me interview them, which was a big help. Other highlights from the past few days include a mojito that I think was mostly just rum and sugar, absolutely ZERO ankle soreness even after all the activity the past few days, and finally seeing the famous Cotton Tree. Oh, and a KK driver stopping his car and ominously yelling “5 days” to me. I still have no idea what he was talking about or what’s happening on Thursday, but I’m definitely intrigued. Once again, internet is being a little unreliable so I’ll try to add some pictures later.