Concord Times (Freetown)
Roland Bankole Marke
30 June 2008
The bombardment as disenchanting western media frenzy portrayal, caricaturing Sierra Leone in the mold of "Blood Diamond" can be discouraging for investors like tourists desiring an exploration to SL once the Athens of West Africa. Making them believe that too many news coming from this war-torn democracy, is all doom and gloom.
This enduring stereotype of Africans as backward, and repeatedly featuring the slums and ghettos like Kroo Bay, on western TV screens displaying hopeless, helpless and poverty stricken folk during the recent parliamentary and presidential elections in Sierra Leone, is consciously insulting as it is dehumanizing to Africans. Presently, SL is undergoing a period of renaissance after the demise from a prolonged civil war and the recent election of a new and dynamic President -Ernest Bai Koroma. Today, the vehicle of change is gradually moving forward as things are looking up.
Can anything good come out of Sierra Leone? Be my guest, come and experience the dynamo of change for yourself. Tourism is a gold mine in Sierra Leone, providing a sizeable chunk of revenue in the form of foreign exchange for the government as well as the local businesses. It is the lozenges that keep the engine of government running. The potential for the growth of Sierra Leone's tourist industry is promising as well as exciting.
This natural paradise is as exotic and inviting as its warm, resilient, friendly people, their culture and the numerous, potentially enchanting beaches in one of Africa's tourist haven that is still unknown to most westerners. The weather compliments an azure sky that romances the Atlantic sea breeze whispering through the rebounding palm and coconut trees.
Despite the humidity which can be uncomfortable for westerners, mostly during the dry season: probably due to global warming, one can cool down in the evening on the beaches. The climate is suitable for growing tropical crops and fruit trees, a necessary source of daily fiber in a healthy diet. Fruit trees usually bloom in most backyards or along the route leading to the beaches. Experience the warm, romantic seduction, plucking juicy mangoes and succulent oranges from the trees that stimulate one's taste buds.
Unlike other war-torn countries, Sierra Leone is incessantly striving to get back on its feet to walk upright unaided. Though its challenges are multifaceted and problematic, but the United Nations gave the country high grades for having emerged from a harrowing decade-long civil war and refusing to be called a failed state, instead charting out a path to recovery and rehabilitation. Debt relief for Sierra Leone has increased in volume and intensity from western countries and international agencies; progress appears ongoing. Religious tolerance flourishes in Sierra Leone.
There are many religious and indigenous beliefs, which folk practice without fear or prejudice. Because of its non-aligned policy its doors are permanently open to friendly nations desiring friendship. A conglomeration of nations are planting embassies here, with thriving cooperation between other cultures, harping Sierra Leone's tolerance and absence of religious tension. Israel and Iran have embassies here; to help promote their cultural identity, without choking racial harmony.
Sierra Leone is situated on the west coast of Africa, flanked by the Republic of Guinea on the north and Liberia on the east and northeast. The Atlantic Ocean borders the west and south, stretching about 300 miles along the coastline. It is endowed with a tropical climate, which is divided into two prime seasons -- the dry season that extends from November to April and it's the best time to plan a vacation or business trip. The rainy season is from May to October. December to February is the Harmattan period when the dry wind from the Sahara desert transports cool temperatures inland. If you can't take a little chill you might need a spring jacket during this season.
There is only one international airport in Sierra Leone --Lungi International Airport, which is separated from Freetown by the Sierra Leone River. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to ferry across the river to Kissy Dockyard to get into the city. The trip could be slow, or sometimes a ferry might break down from overuse or inadequate maintenance. Foreign investment on maritime vessels especially additional ferries is welcome and desirable, to accelerate the quality and brevity of tourism. Helicopter and hovercraft services are also available -- it takes about seven minutes to fly from the airport to the seaside resort.
Most tourists prefer to be taxied by hovercraft or helicopter service that takes them directly to the hotels along the beaches. Presently, there is one hovercraft in operation. Additional foreign investment is necessary to provide a stress-free vacation for potential tourists, who are charged in foreign currency. The government welcomes proposals from foreign corporations to offer bids for the acquisition of this service to ensure the efficient running of this vital, money generating industry.
The resurrection of peace to this nation has opened the door to many viable ventures in this fast growing economy. Considering a plan to build another international airport at Hastings, closer to the capital will ease the travel fatigue of tourists, who are bored during the long flight time of inactivity. They would prefer to land in the heart of Freetown to escape a prolonged traveling.
About a dozen seductive beaches are strategically planted along the coastline around Freetown and greater Freetown areas. These include: Lumley, Goderich, Lakka, Mammah, Number 2 River, Tokeh, Hamilton, Kent, Sussex, York, John Obey and Bureh Beaches. Don't expect to find three star hotels here. Most hotels are located in close proximity to the beaches, usually within walking distance.
Nature is alive and well here, jumping and dancing right in your face. You just cannot resist the charm or spiritual healing that the beaches have to offer. It is no secret that visitors to Sierra Leone consider the beaches indispensable. The beating waves and refreshing ozone coupled with the wonderful people are an unbeatable combination.
Bintumani Hotel is inclined on a vantage gradient overlooking the ocean. It's the largest and most modern hotel in Freetown, it offers Internet services in every room along with satellite television -- popular channels like CNN or ESPN are readily available. Services are priced in U.S. dollars.
Internet cafes are also located along the beaches, where one can easily contact friends or family online when not in the hotel. Foreign exchange transactions can be transacted on-site. One can cool down from the alluring sunshine in the hotel's swimming pool or just walk from one's room to the gorgeous, free beach.
Other hotels include Sierra Light House, Cape Sierra, Kumbima and Barmoi. There is a bargain to suit every budget. Booking a hotel room can be done online. Prices range from $80.00 to $130.00 per day. The hotels serve a variety of cuisines in their cafeteria or restaurant.
Tourists hardly experience a short supply of entertainment at a hotel. A resident band provides local and western music two or three times a week, including seasonal festivals. Taking a panoramic view from one's hotel balcony is as romantic as it is refreshing. Viewing the waves roar or inhaling the soothing sea breeze is satisfying and mind-enhancing. There is no better way to spend a stress-free vacation away from the hustle and bustle that is chronically prevalent in Western lifestyles.
A maiden trip to the beach personifies the feasting on a delicacy that one wish would last forever. There are several beach huts for rent that can accommodate a group of people and protect their belongings. The sparkling white sand is really therapeutic to play on.
Going to the beach has become a ritual for Sierra Leoneans and visitors alike. Some religious groups go to the beach early in the morning to tap its serenity or practice meditation. Baptism, fasting and prayers are conducted on the beach early in the morning or late at night. There's a belief that divine providence inhabits the beach, listening to and answering the genuine requests of supplicants for direction or provision.
Fishing provides a lot of fun both as a recreation and a commercial activity. There are no restrictions except that the use of explosives is forbidden. Fishing trade provides a source of livelihood for some people. A fisherman toils with his chain-crafted net, mending and checking it daily to stay on top of his trade. He owns a canoe that he ferries deep into the ocean to cast his wide net. He's more intuitive than he is cerebral in choosing the ideal spot where to cast his net. At the opportune time he shouts for helpers to help him pull the net.
The story of Jesus and the Fishermen soon crosses one's mind. The chain could be heavy to pull and would need many strong men and women to complete the activity.
When the catch arrives there is a smile on everyone's face. Fishmongers are ready to collect and haggle for the catch. Kingfisher birds too claim their own share. There is enough for the parties. Fish is part of the daily diet in Sierra Leone and provides the cheapest source of protein.
Bystanders enjoy the fun to make new friends. Peddlers are actively peddling their wares. Women and children carry fruit trays or snacks on their heads. Children too long for the opportunity to meet potential friends, trying to form a bond with them -- some look forward to adoption or sponsorship to go abroad, where they believe their destiny would change. The children are genuine, open and ready to tell their life stories. The value and thirst for education is very important to them. English is the formal language, though Krio is the lingua franca, a hybrid of broken English. It's quick to pick up if only one listens carefully.
Tourists are treated with warmth and courtesy. One would never hear people say that a visitor has an accent. This derogatory use of the word is common in the west when referring to an alien or immigrant. In a fast-paced society patience is in short supply. Here, life is apparently laid back and folks enjoy the luxury of time. There is enough to learn and enjoy, invariably a firsthand education is humanizing as it helps visitors to appreciate other people and their culture.
This refreshing experience is simply life changing. Movies and books only tell a minute slice of a broader and more complex picture. Tourists usually expect to bond with the crime scene that the famous movie "Blood Diamond" featured -- a purely commercial fiction that was not filmed in Sierra Leone, though it created enormous global awareness. Sierra Leone and the numerous war victims could certainly have benefited from the cash flow invested elsewhere to stage the movie. Taking a trip to Sierra Leone will dismantle the aged stereotype about Africans, especially Sierra Leoneans and the appreciation of their wonderful, rich culture. Eventually, the distinction between fact and fiction would be celebrated and appreciated.
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When tourists arrive at Lungi Airport they are abused by hustlers who want to extract fees for unnecessary "help" with paperwork and baggage handling. These people apparently pay the airport managers, who allow them to operate unmolested in a supposedly secure area, where only on-duty airport officials and authorized baggage handlers should be working. So a tourist's first impression of Sierra Leone is created for him or her by thieves and corrupt minor officials.
I know this young journalist is trying his best but PLEASE get someone to edit the English. The opening sentence is unintelligible and the article is full of errors. I commend the journalist for his sentiments and share them since there are many good things about Sierra Leone but he needs to work on his English to be able to convey his arguments more effectively.
Mr.author Alain i think u can just ask that young journalist whether u can be his editor if you feel disturb about the article.The essence of language is to understand what the opposite side is saying and not how best you can say it.And Mr.journalist pravo to you ,but your government needs to work to show people the finess of S/Leone rather than just writing big articles.