To fly to a country where the only news for 8 months has been about death from the Ebola virus means you have to think carefully before you go. Family and friends are concerned. In truth it is hard to know how to prepare. Reading the websites and understanding transmission is key and it will be odd heading to a “no touch” society. All our greeting protocols of shaking hands and the hug of a friend replaced by a nod and acceptance.
Not a great start, left phone/camera in the car and then had my torch taken off me for having the wring sort of battery – how can it be a danger to the plane!
6 Hours in Casablanca airport was considerably helped by finding a children’s lounge with such a comfy settee I could almost forget I was in an airport. Reality check seeing people sat waiting for a plane wearing medical gloves. I cover my hands in my Provodine – a hand scrub proven to kill the virus. So many people travelling to Freetown – looks a full plane.
Arrived in Freetown and the bus wasn’t working so walked to the terminal where we all washed our hands in chlorine. It seemed fairly optional. Then filled out health forms, completed passport control in the new area and had our temperature taken. All the suitcases had been wrapped in polythene which made identifying them a little harder.
Then into the sea coach for the 1 hour trip across to Freetown mainland. Bought a sim card – that then didn’t work and some water, that did! Across the water and there was Ian’s smiling face waiting to greet me. Found Sulay, the driver and piled in the lorry as the Land rover won’t work. Hopefully all the spare parts I am carrying can address that.
Breakfast and catch up then in to town to sort some papers and get bank details amended and pay in cash. Ian needed 3 photos and 2 copies of his passport to add him as a cheque signatory! Then to meetings about land possibilities at Freetown City Council and friends at Joule Africa. I had my temperature taken 6 times today ranging from 34 degrees to 36.5 degrees – some dodgy equipment I feel.
After days of travel in different time zones, I was just exhausted so went to bed at 4pm and woke at 2am. Looks like a long though exciting day ahead.
At times today my emotions have swung from, this is an impossible task to the hope and excitement that so much is possible. Acquiring land is the key and in that we need your prayers.