Out on the Town!!

Today, I decided to venture out into the town. The need for caution has been expressed numerous times by those who have been orienting us to the ship and by those who have done so already. No jewelry, no visible signs of wealth, concealed cameras, etc. Pick-pocketers are very common. I went with Claire, Jess, and Markos who somewhat knew his way around. Once we swiped out of the ship we walked off the dock and then after a little ways was surrounded by so many people. Freetown is so densely populated and while walking, we were constantly surrounded by and pushed up against someone else. We walked about 45 minutes into the town heading towards the Cotton Tree, a national landmark, and towards a craft market. The sites and sounds and smells were all so intriguing. There were many people selling all kinds of materials, soaps, food, water, DVDs, Cd's, clothes, etc. Some were carrying things on their head. Some were holding their babies on their back. People and cars were just pushing their way through the streets. The sounds of music, people yelling out prices of their merchandise, and the horns on the cars and trucks honking were constant. I saw people holding live chickens and dead mice. Sewers with dirty water ran down the sides of the street. The colors of the clothing were all so vibrant.

We first went to observe the Cotton tree, which is a historic symbol in Sierra Leone that represents freedom. It is a large tree that gained its importance in 1792 when freed African American slaves settled in Freetown. When arriving in Freetown, they held a thanksgiving service at the tree thanking God for their freedom. It now remains in the oldest part of Freetown near the Supreme Court building and the National Museum.
After that we went to a craft market which had multiple various items at the different booths. The first group of booths sold dresses and bags and various colorful cloths. I'm hoping to at some point be able to buy a dress or have one made from some of the gorgeous fabrics. Then there were many booths with jewelry items, sand arts, wood carvings and other crafts. There was so much to look at and choose from. I told all the merchants that I was just looking today (which I was- I haven't had a chance to take out Leonies from the bank yet) and that at some point I would be back. Enough people from the ship go to and from the markets so I'm sure I will be going again. They seemed to be okay with that answer. I anticipate they will remember my face for next time and make sure I purchase from them. At times, the sellers can seem aggresive, but I realized its their way of being competative because most of the sellers in the market are selling the same if not similar items.
I will have to prepare myself for the adventure of walking through the town for the next time I go. The experience is very intimidating and overwhelming. You have to be alert and attentive, and not distracted by all that's around. I want to learn the route to walk to the market so that I can take in all of the surroundings and sights. Its a whole other world out here! The children are so happy and all wave and say hello when walking by. I'm excited to be a part of this culture and to work with some of the members of this country on a closer level once I start working.