Awesome Kailahun

I recently downloaded The Book of Awesome on to my e-reader. The internet connection is so slow here that my patience is usually exhausted by the time I’ve loaded the e-book store and searched for a title. Since downloading a book is at least a 45 minute commitment, I don’t usual bother to read descriptions. Instead I put blind trust in recommendations from friends and family.
So I was surprised that The Book of Awesome is not a novel but a serious of descriptions of common place, but AWESOME, events: such as the smell of freshly cut grass. It’s a wonderful idea, and I opened it on a day when I really needed to be reminded of the small but precious details of life. But I felt most of it didn’t apply to my life in Kailahun – so far away from things like snowflakes, lawn mowers and grocery line ups. Then I realized that I should make a list of Awesome Kailahun. The list reminds me of what is great about this place and gives you (my friend/family/reader) a little insight into my life. Here it is.....
Impromptu Dance Parties
Sierra Leoneans like to shake it whether they be toddlers or seniors, and impromptu dance parties are a wonderful part of life here. Sometimes they happen with the kids on our front porch when the a driver decides to crank the car stereo, sometimes they happen in the office when we catch the accountant listening to lively Ghanaian beats, sometimes dancing just bursts out of nowhere. No matter what – Sierra Leoneans can dance AWESOME!
When Gmail loads on the first try
As I mentioned, the internet connection is crazy slow and for some reason Gmail is especially stubborn. So I usually have to refresh the page at least three times. This can be frustrating when I can see an email with a subject line like “PhD Application” and have to wait 10 minutes before it loads properly and I find out if I’m accepted or not (I was!). However, every now and then Gmail just loads, I don’t have to wait, I don’t have to pound my computer keys, it’s just there - AWESOME!
Jolof Rice
There are three ‘restaurants’ in Kailahun. Each serves one dish per day. Most days this dish is cassava leaf and rice. For variety it is sometimes potatoes leaf and rice. Every now and then it is Jolof Rice (rice cooked with tomatoes and spice) and soup (usually with chicken or fish), and the complete absence of slimy green mush is AWESOME!
Holding Hands
Sometimes when I walk to or from work, or through town, one of the little kids from the neighbourhood runs up and grabs my hand. We walk down the road holding hands until he or she skips off back home. Nothing is said, nothing is accomplished, but it sure feels AWESOME.
Mastering Mende
So far I have learned only the basic greetings in Mende (the local language). I’m trying to learn more and every now and then someone calls out to me and I reply in Mende, and they don’t burst out laughing, but respond as if I’ve said something that makes sense, and I feel so proud of myself - AWESOME.
Motorbike in the Mud
I always thought those guys who say motorbikes are awesome were just trying to be macho. Now I know better. I love riding the motorbike down the mud roads, walled by jungle trees, rain falling, sun beating, whatever the day is like – it is AWESOME!
Cold
It is hot here. Even now, during the rainy season when all my colleagues tell me it is ‘cold’, it is still hot (at least 28 degrees). However, there are pockets of cold – the refrigerator at the office when the generator is turned on; drinks at one of the restaurants when they turn on their generators; heavy rain drops at the end of especially hot days. In the heat, these things feel AWESOME!
Papaya and Pineapple
You know that 4 pm fade? You’ve worked all day and still have a couple of hours to go but really need a shot of energy. Well sometimes, right around this time, someone in the office busts out a pineapple or papaya. It’s cut up and distributed one plate per office. We all pause what we are doing and let the sweet fruit run down our throats and chins. It’s AWESOME!
Emails
When Gmail finally loads and I see an email from family or friends it is AWESOME. It can be juicy gossip, detailed description, silly jokes.... it doesn’t matter. I just love getting news from ‘home’. It brightens my day.
And the list could go on and one......