Christmas in Sierra Leone is All I Know…

Ebola stole my Christmas and I want it back!

I want my Christmas back!

‘’Are you coming this year’’
‘’Of course’’
‘’When are you arriving?’’
‘’Oh the 15th of December, I can’t wait!’’
‘’Why did you leave it so late, make it a bit earlier, we have a party on the 11th and I would hate for you to miss it.’’
‘’Oh I wish I could but I can’t make earlier because of work. I’ll make up for lost time when I get there’’
‘’Okay just hurry up and get here’’


Jin jin!!

Oh the memories….

Look Ebola, i do not want any trouble. I just want to claim my Christmas back!


The above is normally the way conversation goes as soon as Christmas starts peeping. We plan long before we get there and without much ado we execute the moment my plane arrives at Lungi airport. The excitement starts building up and all my party bones that have been stiffened over the past months start to come alive.


I left Sierra Leone long ago but the truth is my heart never really left. It's like an unfinished love affair.


Sounds crazy right? Yea I know but I don’t expect everyone to understand. For you to understand you must be in my shoe, laced up like how I tie my laces and step just like I do.


However fret not, you’ll be in the know soon, maybe just maybe I’ll managed to capture an insight for you of what I mean when I say Christmas in sierra Leone is all I know.


With my people, when the Christmas season starts approaching we all get tuned into the same wavelength and frequency. Even though Sometimes we don’t talk all year through, other times, we send the odd text messages here and there but when December slams, we all know what time is it. It’s like the unspoken rule, December is just that time and you do not need to be reminded. We live for Christmas in Sierra Leone.


One our side of the pond, Some may have deposited or bought their ticket long in advance but for me the search for ticket begins because last minute.com is engraved in my DNA, even though this has done me no favours in the past (need to break that habit). Not forgetting the flimsy excuses we carefully and so craftily weave for our employers. Hey don’t judge me.  My aunt once said ‘’You got to do what you got to do’’ and I tell ya, she haven’t lied.

Shhh...

Ooh the things I’ll do and the things I’ll give for my Christmas in Sierra Leone.



In Sierra Leone however is where the real planning gets down. The list of parties, chilling, and beach outings all set up so by the time I get there…everything is sorted and I am spoilt for choice. At home I am spoilt for choice with all sorts of African food and snacks which I have so been deprived of over the past months and the pampering, I dare not go into it. Waking up to the ever smiling and happy faces of my cousins alone is enough reason for me to claim my Christmas back.


Ebola I want my Christmas back!


Freetown city is home. Freetown is where I come alive. Wind sweeping across my face and the smell of street food that is oh so familiar glazed with the whistling and screeching sound of car horns and the odd vulgar blasts from drivers and okadas, the city always welcomes me with open arms. What’s more welcoming than that.

The tantalizing smell of street food - Fry fry

The ever joyful Okada Drivers with that glorious potty mouth!

With series of sleepless nights and nonstop raving, when I say I’ll make up for lost time, believe me, I’m not kidding.  My Christmas holiday starts the day, the hour and the minute I arrive. No time to waste, I waited all year for this moment. All I need to do is drop my baggage home, ferociously squander my aunt’s freshly prepared cassava leaves with ample fresh fish on a bed of rice and I’m ready for the night.


Christmas in Sierra Leone is all i know!


Happy as a lark. Free as a bird. Without a care in this world. The motto for the holidays is fun. No matter how the night pan out, no matter what happens, we just make sure we’re having fun.

We party like its 99’

My friends all come from different countries and occupational backgrounds, we all come from different tribes and clans but When we meet it’s like we never left, it’s like we sprung from the same stem and frankly speaking we do. We have a full year’s catch up, reminisce, relish every passing minute and make some more sweet memories that will take us through the next 12 months.


When we meet we party like its 99’. We raise hell and roofs and paint the city red. We forget what sleep is and throw all rules through the window. We just party like there’s no tomorrow and we are damn good at it. We make sure we are in the know of every party and get together, every beach chilling and every street carnival. Sometimes we manage to double book ourselves just like the fable spider.


Other evenings or days are spent by the seaside, just in case you haven’t heard, Sierra Leone is home of some of the finest and most beautiful beaches you will need to put on your bucket list. Blue sea and golden sand, other places, you’ll see white sand and most beautiful view. Yea our beaches got swag like that. Imagine spending time there with friends, music, food, games, good conversation and all the essentials in the red cup. Your day is made!

....friends, music, food, games, good conversation
& all the essentials in the cup. 

There are places waiting for me to explore and experience.


....I want my Christmas back!


It’s not always about the big night outs. Some nights you will catch us in one of our friends’ houses, eating in the kitchen from their mum’s pot some solid cassava leaves with our five fingers and when that is done we move to the ‘’krawo’’. Now that is where all goodness is at and that’s a whole new party right there washed down with several bottles of the great cousin Heineken.


And you truly and really haven’t experienced true friendship till you’ve scraped the bottom of a pot together with people who you party and have a good time with. I am grateful for people like these.


True and real Friendship…. We do not need a lot, just the right people at the right spot.
For all the simple pleasures and all those treasured nights….

I am claiming my Christmas back.



Other times we will start off the night at a nice chilled out spot and slowly and surely with the ever trusted help of Uncle Jackie and his nephew Mr Henny and the rest of the family we arrive! Soul, body and spirit. When I say we arrive, we arrive in full force and fully ready for whatever the night throws at us and where we end up sometimes I can’t even say because we do not have a set plan but when we are together, things happen, elements fall into place and life is just uber beautiful.

Christmas in Sierra Leone is all i know!

The sight of familiar places and faces, warm hugs and smiles, cheers and laughter are all the elements of Christmas for me. The nights that ends in jaw-aching laughter, the loud mornings from music blaring from the sitting room or from the CD sellers and okada (commercial motorcycles) drivers opposite my house, the afternoons spent buying all sorts of street food from smoke fish to jelly to oontoo…from the comfort of my veranda. The nights that end on the kankankan stand (Roasted meat) and the nights that are sealed with plates of fried rice and chicken…

The nights that are sealed with plates of fried rice and chicken…

The Sunday church service that is ever so blessed with carols and sermons, giving me a blast from my childhood. All dressed in the night’s gear, we do our little marathon to our local church on new year’s eve just before the clock strikes 12, thinking our little sins will be washed away for the new year…yea right!!

The Sunday Church Service...

Then the church bells and whistles and horns and chanting of ‘’Happy New Year’’ begins, sweeping little rays of happiness in the air. These are all the things that oozes Christmas for me. These are the times I live for and that is the Christmas I know.

 Give me back my Christmas! 

Christmas this year is going to be spent somewhere that is not home, somewhere that I can’t call my own, somewhere I’ll forever be a foreigner. This was not the dream. Christmas is going to be bitterly cold, possibly white and definitely not my Christmas that I am used to.

The turkey, the chicken, the holly, the lights, the white Christmas, the scarves and the gloves and the knee length boots was never my idea of Christmas. Neither was the dark, cold and gloomy weather a part of my description of Christmas.

The lights, the white Christmas, the scarves and the gloves...
not my idea of Christmas!

Ebola crippled my Christmas. I want my Christmas back!



For the longest of time, I have a description of Christmas in my head and in my mind but Ebola took that away from me.

 Ebola ripped me off my Christmas.

 Ebola stole my Christmas one-handedly.

 Ebola left me with no choice.

Sierra Leone - Sussex Beach!

When I say Christmas in Sierra Leone is all I know, please understand.

This is all i know...Lumley Beach!  -Sierra Leone

Because of the times we chose to make memories with the fun times we’ve had, the beautiful moments filled with laughter and endless joy I am able to write this article and walk down memory lane. Imagine if I didn’t have any memories to look back on, or moments of laughter to put a smile on my face or that pang of excitement to fuel my zeal for this walk….imagine.

I think I would have found it very difficult and then I would have realised something bitter and painful.


 I would have realised that Ebola have won.


While you’re here, soak up every ounce of beautiful, joy and laughter while you can. Bask in every ray of sunshine and happiness. Dance in the rain and enjoy the small moment. No matter how little and simple things and situation may seem, find time to be grateful because one day, what we took for granted, What was looked upon as nothing will become a daily prayer request.

Without memories like this...Ebola would have won! 

Soak up every ounce of beautiful!

Refuse to leave this world unhappy and unfulfilled. Refuse to drown in fear, pain and illness OR any financial constraints. Refuse to be labelled and defined by your scars. Live so well that death will know you have no interest in dying!

2015 we’re coming!

Ebola you have to find a new home. We’ve had it with you. We are claiming our Christmas back.


We are claiming our lives back, our families and our country back. We will fight you with every ounce of strength left in us. Some of us, Sierra Leone was all we had but you ruthlessly took it away from us….and left us crying.

Ebola you ripped us off our festive season, birthdays and anniversaries, businesses and livelihood. Why? You snatched our whole lives right in front of our eyes.



I want my Christmas back. 



Ebola I am claiming my Christmas back. Sierra Leoneans and all our neighbouring countries that have been deprived of the festive season and so many other things, lets hang on to the good times. Let’s remember what it once used to be. Let’s allow those memory to propel us into a better 2015.

Let’s allow these memories to propel us into a better 2015.

 ~Sierra Leone, Lumley Beach

Let’s pray hard and never lose hope. Let’s change our attitude and act like Ebola is real and out to kill. Let’s not be foolish but conscious, conscious enough to know that with God all things are possible but God helps those who helps themselves.

Africa shall rise again. West Africa shall thrive again. Our lives and losses shall be restored in thousand folds because Our God is not dead.

Let’s just use this time to thank God for our lives and praise Him for what he is yet to do. In all situation be grateful.

Christmas in Sierra Leone is all I know and now I am claiming my Christmas back!












We are done feeling sorry for ourselves, 
we are done crying.
It's time to wipe our tears 
and take action!

Plausible action to claim and restore our Christmas back!

Merry christmas & 

a Prosperous New Year

Till then



Xoxo

I once met a stranger... A stranger in the night!

Music blaring from cars and neighbouring clubs, girls doing their Naomi Campbell and guys on their Tyson Beckford flex, it was all proving a bit too much for this old raver and this is coming from a senior party animal. No, no you don’t understand, what I meant was, I graduated and actually got masters in partying…Partying is my thing, but there was just something about the night that just didn't add up.

I felt alone and misplaced in a club full of people, alcohol and blasting music. This has never happened to me. Entered the club with the zeal to dance the night away in my high uncomfortable heels (as I normally do) but the energy all died in space of minutes. Probably it was too packed. Or maybe the music was not hitting the right spot. Or who knows, maybe this chick is just getting old and over the club scene. I didn't know what it was but I will need to find out but for now…I met a stranger in the night.

Stranger In The Night

On that my self-consumed night out with my cousins and friends, after a few rounds in the club I decided to go out and get some fresh air. Club, music, good vibes backed by alcohol, common let’s be real….I will always answer present in such environment. But this night was different!

As I walked past my cousins dancing the night away, I stealthily slipped away. There was this long queue of ravers just waiting to enter the club. With my clutch in my arms and almost battery-dead phone I pulled my very tight and short skirt up a bit with a quick jump which enabled me to seat on this very rough high wall. Sitting there, it all felt OK, it felt right. Just sitting there watching couples cuddling up, men hunting and ladies parading the walk. It was all fun to watch.

It was just after 1 am, the night scene was just warming up and the spirit of soberness was leaving planet earth. Not long after, I encountered a fight just few yards from where I was sitting. The night was getting interesting. I loved every moment, as I absorbed everything in, including the weather which was an utter mess. There was a shade where I was seating so I was covered, not fully but I didn't mind the odd drizzling of the rain drops on my skin. It was cold. This was in the deadly month of October when we were slowly approaching dear winter. Brrrr

As the night proceeds into the early hours, phone battery finally died and I lost all touch with my cousins who were in the club (Presumably still having a swell time). Normally I fully rely on my phone to keep boredom away, especially in my present situation. However with a dead phone that was impossible. I couldn't check my Facebook, Instagram for any new updates, or my Twitter. Truthfully, I wasn't bothered. I had my action-packed environment to keep me going, and it was doing one helluva job!

On this cold showery night as I inhaled the fresh air and getting lost in my environment, a rather sharp hello brought me back to reality. Blinking like a moron, I looked up in shock and there was this fine dark gentleman of about an average height smiling mysteriously at me.

Hand held against my heart I was ready to blast a few words to correct this mistake as I thought it was a drunken person trying to disturb my peace. In an environment like that surrounded by people who have had one too many drinks and gradually losing their minds in the process, one has to be careful and alert.

Surprisingly the smile on this man’s face calmed my ruffled soul. His face was wreathed in smiles, a smile that gave nothing away but hid a lot, almost like a rogue. I returned his smile sheepishly and thought to myself I like a bit of misery. Let’s explore!

Stranger: Can I seat next to you

ME: It’s a bit wet but… (Without finishing my sentence)

Stranger: I'm not complaining and that’s not a problem. I'll be fine (He sat down next to me)

Stranger: Are you OK? What is a beautiful woman like you doing outside a club all by herself?

In my head I was about to end this corny conversation here and then. Too many guys of such calibre filters the street and ain’t nobody got time for that!!

ME: (Smiling) Flattery will get you anywhere and everywhere but I’m fine thanks and I’m just out taking fresh air

Stranger: OK, as long as you’re fine

Following that he introduced himself and was seemingly in a similar situation as me. Out for a friend’s birthday but club night was kinda proving to be a bit too much, he was out and heading home before he saw this  ‘’damsel in distress’’ – (He thought!)

My perspective of this supposedly corny guy changed as we got talking. There was something strange going on. I felt comfortable with him, I felt I could tell him my life secrets and I am sure he felt the same way as we started sharing personal experiences and happenings close to our hearts. This was slowly turning into an Oprah show but I guess neither one of us minded. 

This was genuine. It felt right. This was therapy.

Discussions were flying from all aspects of life, from past relationships to work and hobbies. From present endeavours to future plans. I honestly think no area was left untouched. From our chat, it was evident that we had a lot in common.

I found myself telling him things about my past relationship that I haven’t been able to tell no one, things I kept to myself and never thought I’ll let out. (Don’t ask how he made me) He had this trust-me personality and wasn't demanding anything from me. We spoke freely and openly. He made no derogatory comments or gestures. He complimented my intelligence and admired my drive and passion for the things I spoke so keenly about. He was a true gentleman.

The night was getting colder and colder and he must have caught me letting off a little shiver when he offered me his jacket which I declined first (being the lady I am even though I was freezing my ass off) and later cosily wrapped myself in his warm furry jacket. Aaahhh heaven!!

Looking at him, he had this sparkly smile on his face throughout our conversation but I could see the hurt in his eyes when he spoke about his last relationship. I just wanted to give him a big hug and say it was going to be alright but I thought no… Sometimes our healing process comes from the acceptance that we are hurting and being to talk about it.

...And Revisit Your Hurt

Out in the cold; cuddly wrapped up in his jacket while he was sitting right next to me in his white shirt (without jacket). I didn't want the night to end. I was enjoying the conversation. This was quality. He was actually listening. He wasn't judging. He understood.

Well spoken, respectful, thoughtful and humorous – What a rare combo! He was a free spirit too. I didn't feel the need to impress him and his conversational skill was blowing me away. (You don’t meet many people like that) He made the night about me! Now who’ll want to hurt a thing like that?

However, all good things must come to an end. As he called for his taxi he asked how I’m going to get home. I told him I’m covered. He sat there for a while not saying anything and finally he said  ‘’We chatted like long lost friends, this is the best and longest conversation I've had in a long time and I think we were both out to meet each other and share past hurts, pain and laughter.’’ I laughed and nodded in agreement and replied ''absolutely!''

Not long after, there was a vibration from his trousers pocket which shook both of us from la la land, and that was his taxi. He insisted on walking me back to the club as he didn't want to leave me out again, all by myself. Walking me back to the night club, he said I am not going to ask you for your number, but I will give you mine. If you feel like we need to talk more, please do not hesitate to give me a call. 

He quickly added ‘’I am a good cook too, maybe we can do a lunch’’

I smiled, returned his jacket and bid him farewell, which was followed by a warm hug from my Stranger in the Night. As I walked down the stairs in the club, he stood there with this smile on his face and watched me disappeared one step at a time.

That was the last time I ever saw my Stranger in the Night.

Morning after… I had to ask myself if that actually happened. It all felt like the strangest and weirdest dream. It didn't feel real.

Was I tempted to call him? Yes.

 Did I call him? No.

Why? I thought he has played his part in my life and so have i. I wasn't attracted to him in any physical way, neither did I have any filthy dreams of him but I would have absolutely loved to stay in contact. He was a brilliant human. It was his honesty that created a solid platform for our conversation.

Now how often do these things happen to people?!

Every now and again we come across different people fighting different wars that we have no idea about. I’m happy I wasn't quick to judge him or shove his hello back in his face. I was happy I was able to give a listening ear to a total stranger and vice versa. I was extremely happy that I finally found some sort of peace within myself. I wasn't in the best place those times and God knew I needed to talk to someone. That two hours or more chat was a needed therapy. Funny because I always think I don’t need anyone, little did I know!

Give Everyone a Fighting Chance!

When I woke up in the morning it gave me something to think about. How very ironic for me to be out trying to party and drink the night away. Trying to dance away a dose of my hurt with some good music and drown my pain in some vodka. Obviously I thought I was OK, till I took a step back and revisited my past. To walk away from a bad situation we, need to revisit our inner monsters, acknowledge they are there and make peace with it.

Apparently drinking pain and hurt away is easier than going through the healing process. Acting like superman and superwoman is easier than making peace with our pasts. We are going about it all wrong.

They say time heals. No, time do not heal. Here’s an example, if you don’t do anything active to heal a wound, covering it up and saying to yourself that with time it’ll go away, you might be setting yourself up for a disaster. The next time you open up that wound it would have gone from bad to worse because no care was taken and it has started to decay. When something decays you know it’ll affect other areas that were not affected before, causing more damage. You certainly do not need that!  

Time does not heal. Healing process is an active process. Trust in the Lord...He heals and can make all things whole.

...God Heals!

Another thing that came to me that morning is this. Give everyone a chance. Even if you think they’re fools. Give everyone a fighting chance and be open. We live in a simple world with complex people, but you don’t have to be complex. Embrace something that is totally foreign to you and get out of your comfort zone. This doesn't mean you’re gullible but rather strong and brave enough to challenge yourself.

To my stranger in the night, I say thank you. Thank you and yes I still remember that night. Will I do this all over again….Yes, without an iota of doubt!

One day I hope he goes on the internet and finds this story. I hope it put a bright smile on your face like the one you left me with. One day…I hope!

Adiós mi amigo, Adiós.

J

“You may think that hiding your pain from sight is somehow going to make it disappear. I can tell you from experience that it isn't. It is just like the time as a kid when you really didn't want to eat your greens. If you hid them underneath a piece of furniture, sooner or later your mum would discover them because all she had to do was follow the smell. Just like the broccoli, hidden issues begin to smell if they are not brought out into the open air. There is no escape.” 

~ Corallie Buchanan

Till then...

Xoxo