Life on the road in a developing country.

by Deborah kj Messan (Liberia)

I didn't expect to find Liberia

What a beautiful day, sun shine, wind blowing and birds chatting. Breakfast made with Scrabble eggs and slice bread with coffee have been served. It is a beautiful van, graydish brown in color. Sitted at the back with my binocular, giving me that perfect view, our journey have begin. Passing through busy streets and markets, passing through bumpy road with a lot of holes, then crossing a very huge river over a narrow bridge, follow by steeped hill then down again taking a turn after which the driver has to stop for cattles to cross on the other side of the road which took awhile. And going on through mountain range with few animals grazing and browsing was breathtaking. After a good distance we can to a town where fresh corns and fruits where sold by farmers and we brought some, after which we continue our journey. Going a little distance we saw a sign saying one hour remain to our destination which made me feel excited because I was just thinking about our destination because of all the things I have heard about it, I was thinking about the beautiful lake which I heard roar like the ocean and the fishes that jump out of the water to greet strangers and visitors and also the soft sand on the sea coast, most especially seeing myself sitting around the night fire and hearing beautiful and scary tales of long ago. We were on a bumpy road again Passing through low Grasses and tree, wind touching my face softly and the smell of sun flowers was mesmerizing. Passing through a village and crossing a small stream and then branching on the lift I saw the sign bearing the name of the place and my heart leap knowing that we have almost arrive, and going a bit further finally the driver stop and we have arrived at our destination. I got out of the van and I heard my breath because the sight was more than I expected it was a Paradise I was shock to see the biggest cotton tree I have ever seen and I was greeted with a cool glass of fruit juice, which tasted like banana mixed with pineapple. After which I was directed to my room which was made from bamboo, leaving my room and I was heading for the beach the wind from the ocean welcome me and looking at the shiny clean sand made me to lay down while the sun was hitting my back softly after a little while I jump into the ocean and swam and leaving, after taking a hot bath it was dinner time, and after that I heard the sound of drum and soft music it was the time for dancing and story telling. Sitting and listening i wish i never had to leave but as the wise saying goes every good thing must come to an end. We were on the road back home the next morning.