Post-War Monrovia, Liberia

Liberia is the only place that I was a little nervous about visiting this trip because of the conflict that was so recent and so violent. You can see remnants of the war everywhere and the former child soldiers make up a good amount of the touts and beggars on the streets of Monrovia as they haven’t been able to readjust back into society. It’s a very sad thing. However, Monrovia for all its faults and sadness is actually a decent little city with many restaurants and bars often frequented by the tons of UN workers in the city. It’s not the kind of place you would want to move to or anything but it was interesting to see and dispell some misconceptions I had going into it.

I stayed at the favorite UN hotel called the Mamba Point Hotel right next to the US Embassy and across from the ugly beach. Ironically, in my whole life of travelling I had never actually visited a US Embassy and never had a reason to but they do not accept credit cards anywhere in Liberia; you cannot get cash advances anywhere; I don’t have a Western Union account; and there are no foreign exchange places anywhere and I didn’t have any dollars which is the preferred currency in Liberia. Thus, I went to the embassy because it was next door thinking perhaps they would have an ATM or could do a credit card advance or something for an American citizen. It seemed like a logical thought.

Not even close. First, it was almost impossible to get into the embassy as it was not during consular hours which were ridiculously between 2 and 5 as I was there at 9am and needed cash to get a flight to Abidjan that night or I would be stuck there until Friday and be very nonplussed about it. Basically, after talking my way in, I was able to see a really helpful American security guy who was also from New York and he pulled a string to get me in to see the consular people. They were very nice once I got in there but they couldn’t help me. They basically said to wake someone up in the States and have them wire to Western Union which I didn’t want to do. I explained to them that I needed to get that Brussels Air flight that night and they said that Brussels Air is the only vendor in the whole country that takes cards-I was relieved and got my ticket and was happy that at least I got into see the consular people, even through the beaurocratic stuff.

By the way, you know how in government offices they have pictures of the President and VP: well they did at the embassy and the Cheney picture was of him with this awful smirk looking so arrogant, it’s no wonder the rest of the world hates this administration so much if thats the image we are projecting even in pictures. Also, I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned so far in my blog but the Africans are as or even more excited about Obama taking office than Americans. It’s really refreshing to see them and the rest of the world so excited about the US again…its been a while and I am excited to watch the inauguration from Africa, I think it’ll be a unique experience and everyone here will be watching it.

I did finally get out Monrovia and am here in Abidjan, Cote D’ivoire or Ivory Coast and heading up to Mali late tonight. Hopefully Liberia can keep this fragile peace they have and put their country back together again as the people seem very upbeat about it. Check back soon for my Ivory Coast entry.

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Comments

  1. You’re ~#{[|`\^^@ crazy dude!

  2. lord of war in the house

    are you going to china anytime soon?

  3. It really is a testament to this new Era President-Elect Obama has brought to the world…a breath of fresh air, and so great to see people abroad understanding its importance.

  4. I agree as a British National, Obama has brought a sense of hope for the world, unlike any US President before him has and certainly more than any British PM in my lifetime.

  5. Yes, Obama has created a lot of hope here in Africa but anyone with half a cell will keenly understand that it all a cooking pot of ‘false hope’. I feel so sad for the expectants.

  6. I just got back from a 2 week visit (july 1st to july 15 2009)to Monrovia were i stayed in friends house in a area were no forners go. and i was treated very well the entire town was very nice to me. Had no problems. And Im a white american male. I cant wait for my next visit in 6months

  7. Liberians were extremely nice as I recall as well. Glad to hear you enjoyed it and I’d like to hear about your next trip.

  8. U are always a good writer.
    The way u write is awesome.

  9. Thanks Nick.

  10. George Browne Jr says

    Nice to hear something gud of our native Liberia.

  11. Emmanuel Payne says

    It is disheartening that you referred to the beach opposite Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia as “ugly beach”. This is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches lined with coconut trees along the Atlantic. Please come back and see what is happening here!

  12. You are Great…..

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