Abidjan is sooooo different from Monrovia. It’s modern, clean, calm and everyone seems to travel in a vehicle. I see few pavements or people walking. le Plateaux, where I stay is dead - full of sky high buildings, admin. offices and quiet.

On my last day in Monrovia I've posted some photos which tell a special story;

I did a day trip today to Buchanan, a small town along the coast with an active sea port.

Having spent two days absorbed in admin. tasks mainly regarding getting a visa for Cote D'Ivoire, its good to get out and about in the city.

At the border, a friendly policeman stamped my passport with the exit stamp. Randomly, I had to show my yellow fever certificate and have my temperature taken at the health room, before walking through the gates of Sierra Leone, across the bridge over the river Morro to the gate leading into Liberia.

I had mixed feelings about leaving the paradise like haven of Lumthubul Gardens. It definitely is a beautiful relaxing place to stay and was the host to a group of NGOs who turned up this morning to enjoy the day and tuck into a hearty breakfast on the beach.

I moved on to Bureh beach to stay at Lumthubul Garden beach resort, travelling by motorbike along the coast road.

A visit to Sierra Leone has to include a visit to it's amazing beaches. These have been the draw of the tourist trade and host crowds of local families every weekend.

I was looking forward to moving out of Freetown, hopefully to somewhere more tranquil and serene. I was not disappointed.

New Year is a significant holiday period in Freetown spent with family and friends. Business and banks close down and most people send time at home, celebrating.