Some Serious Hustle and Bustle

I came back to Freetown to get a few errands done only to find out that one of my errand days was a public holiday for Eid! So, that being the case, I braved the streets of the city yesterday cramming in as much as I could. I wish it was realistic to videotape the hustle and bustle of the city streets but a camera would just get knocked out of my hands and I wouldn’t be able to walk properly. To get downtown, I have to take a taxi to a junction, get out and then find another taxi to a closer stop near the central part of town. It is extremely difficult to find taxis from this end of town due to the congestion and locals tell me the only way to do it is to leave very early….well, I was too late at 10am that’s for sure! Noon until evening is rush hour! And beyond any rush hour I have ever experienced anywhere!

I usually have someone come with me but am feeling more confident about getting around the city and decided it would be easier to head out on my own schedule. I was pleased with myself that I made it to the Eastern Police point without any big hassles. This is where you get out and walk…no more space for cars! The street is jam packed with sellers who barely have enough room to set out their bowl of goods or set up a small table. The air is extremely polluted and it can be quite difficult to breathe at times. The sounds of the downtown market space include sellers shouting out what is for sale and the prices at top volume. The blaring horns fill the background and brave cart pushers use a whistle to push their load through the crowd. I watch the locals weave through the crowds ducking under baskets, jumping over potholes and dodging the odd vehicle that somehow miraculously makes it’s way through the chaos. They manage to do this so gracefully. Unlike the locals, I awkwardly try to strain my way through the masses with the odd wheelbarrow hitting me from behind . It is truly overwhelming but once you are in the middle, there is just no way but straight through! The crowd reminds me of how I feel leaving concerts or sporting events at home except people are going about business and it doesn’t stop for kilometers. People are friendly, greeting me along the way, offering me their best price and even helping me with directions amongst the hissing, bumping and yelling. What made yesterday even more interesting were all the goats on leads. Those preparing for Eid were taking home the goats they purchased ready for a big celebration.

I certainly was thrilled to get back to my end of town last night to find my thesis supervisor and some other friends at the Relaxation station. We enjoyed a couple of Star beers and all sang along to a Bob Marley tribute playing on the television. Thank God for the Relaxation Station!