Both countries have struggled to achieve the dreams of their founders, having to contend with such forces as colonialism, tribalism, racism, bad management and corrupt despots such as Charles Taylor who led insurrections on both sides of the common border. Both countries are currently enjoying a period of peace which will hopefully continue despite all of the forces which could undermine it.
During Taylor's involvement in Sierra Leone the country became infamous for the child soldiers that supported the warlords fighting over the country's high quality diamonds. They provided the plot for the movie "Blood Diamond" starring Leonard DiCaprio.
Unfortunately I didn't have much time for sightseeing in Freetown which I'm told has vibrant markets, fantastic beaches and great potential for ecotourism. The city is built on several steep hills which affords excellent views of the harbor and the Atlantic.
View over Freetown from Country Lodge Hotel |
While driving between the hotel and the embassy I also saw some of the very interested old colonial houses left behind by the British. The following article contains several pictures which provide a fascinating glimpse of colonial Sierra Leone.
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/05/03/freetowns-colourful-wooden-houses-a-symbol-of-sierra-leones-past/
Here is a photo I took myself to highlight one of the incredible support structures that hold up some of these houses.
Freetown - old colonial home on support pillars |
Here is also a Tourist Board video which highlights some of the country's tourist destinations with catchy local music playing in the background. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDrtnhbS0IQ
The remaining links are worth glancing through for information on Sierra Leone's history, geography and culture.
The remaining links are worth glancing through for information on Sierra Leone's history, geography and culture.
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