Visit Africa: A Month in Sierra Leone

DESTINY

A taste of Safari at Nairobi Airport

Amidst the pandemic, I have been flying around the globe unvaccinated. So my company, FreeBalance, sent me to Sierra Leone, West Africa, where we have project implementation, with the primary objective of getting vaccinated. The government provided free vaccination, using Astra Zeneca vaccines, to everyone including foreigners. This was the better and faster option for me than falling in line for vax schedules in the Philippines. My country was prioritizing the vulnerable and health workers, and I belonged to least priority group of citizens.

So, after leaving the Americas, I was off to another continent, Africa. And because of the covid situation, all shorter routes were closed, so I had the long and winding navigation path, from Sao Paolo Airport in Brazil, to Doha Airport in Qatar, then Nairobi Airport in Kenya, to Accra Airport in Ghana, until Freetown Airport in Sierra Leone. My whole body ached after the 40-hour trip, or more I think. But I cannot rest just yet. As I have been telling myself, "every trip is a different experience", indeed as I was yet to take the speed boat to reach the downtown, since the airport is located on the other side of the wide gulf.

I arrived at the Radissons Hotel at dinnertime on May 19, 2021. Then I self-quarantined until May 21st when I got the go signal for the jab. 

Radissons Blu Hotel

I tried to do the usual routine I do when in new place, new country, which is walking in the morning or late afternoon. It was a strange feeling for me around here to be surrounded with Leones, especially along Lumley Beach. This sandy beach is lined with restaurants and bars, so tourists frequent here, and so are the beggars which are mostly crippled or amputated men. I did not like to experience that sad feeling or pity every afternoon. And I did not also like the danger that I normally felt in the morning when drunk men were seen strolling after the night drinking spree was over. It felt to me like an everyday occurrence, so I stayed in the hotel most of the time.

River No. 2 White Sand Beach

WORK

For 3 weeks, I joined my colleagues to the office at the Accountant General. I did some Change Management works seriously, which were supposed to be just my cover story of coming to the country. I found working with government officers enjoyable. They were all very cooperative during my various consultations. I happened to be part of the Sierra Leone team at the time when users' training was conducted. It was my opportunity to learn deeply on the Budget Planning Module of FreeBalance GRP Solution.

Then I had clashed with the project manager. He was this micro-manager type that breath down everyone's neck day in day out. He even wanted to check on the content of my emails to client. Every day, I felt the tension because he meddled in everything I do. Even the idea of extending my trip there has become a big issue because I was not reporting to him but to our Vice President (who is actually my direct supervisor). Changes were discussed on the original objectives of my visit. I was then part of the training deliveries for the other modules.

At Lumley Beach

On June 6, the crisis at home had brought back the original itinerary. My mother experienced the side effects of Astra Zeneca vaccine and was hospitalized. She had blot clots all over, with difficulty of breathing, and seemingly at terminal stage. And she was to celebrate her 76th birthday the month after. So my return flight on June 12th was pushed through.

LEISURE

I never thought I could associate myself with Overseas Filipino Workers in Sierra Leone. That was June 4 (my older brother's birthday) when I accompanied my colleague to drop by the Liquor Shop to buy few bottle for the weekend drinking session, I met a Filipino saleslady, Lea Colmenares. She mentioned about the Philippine Independence Day celebration with all other Filipinos in the country. We exchanged contact numbers and the following day they picked me up from the hotel, hang out at the Consul's residence, and met all the kababayans.

With Hotel Manager, Mars Tolado

I was amazed how close-knit the Filipino community is in Sierra Leone. Several nights followed that I was with fellow Filipinos, either eating in restaurants managed by one of us or drinking in bars where some more fellows were serving. I was involved in the preparation for the June 12th celebration. And during that Independence Day, I joined the singing competition which of course I won, and led the community dancing. Filipinos everywhere are Fun! But I left early because I have to catch my flight that evening.

SIDETRIP

I was supposed to spend 2 days in Morocco on my way back to the Philippines. But the widespread of covid had prompted the airlines to change my itineraries; it was then a direct flight from Freetown, Sierra Leone to Doha, Qatar with short connection in Morocco Airport. Then my way home was further delayed because I was not included in the cap on the number of returning Filipinos from Doha to Manila, Philippines. I was advised to stay for 24 hours in the Doha Airport with free meals and accommodations, and an upgrade to First Class seat.

2020-2021: Six Months in Brazil

The original travel order was 28 days, and then it was extended twice to around 6 months in total. This was my longest official travel, both in the distance from home country and the travel period.

The Clock Tower at Praca de Relogio

Brazil is on the other side of the globe; an 11-hour time difference at that. I traveled with Biena, a colleague and friend, fellow Pinoy. We left the Philippines at midnight of November 18, 2020. After 38 hours, we landed at Belem's International Airport. The long haul was tiresome, with 2-hour layover at Doha Airport, and another 6 hours at Sao Paolo Airport where we had our immigration clearance.

Belem: Nov 22 - Dec 19

We reserved our stay at Mercure Belem Boulevard Hotel for 28 days. It was a relief to have arrived on Sunday morning because we earned enough recovery sleep before the official duty kicked off. 

View of every sunrise from my balcony

Although the first week was loaded with catch-up work, we still find time to get around and know Belem City in the northern part of Para State, northwest of Brazil. Our first dinner out was at Estacao das Docas. On our first weekend, we dropped by the city center to grab some photos of Portuguese heritage sites around Ver-O-Peso. 

During these times, covid19 was not a big deal. All business establishments only required face masks as mandatory. But the nightly bars and restaurants were open for business until 2 o'clock in the morning. Taking advantage of this relaxed security, I started doing morning strolls and reached plenty of sites: Ver-O-Rio, Praca do Brazil, Basilica de Nazare, Praca Batista, and Praca Sao Paolo.

Ver-O-Peso

Estacao das Docas

Ver-O-Rio

Ms Noemi, our DPM, and her husband, Alex, showed us to Isla do Combu and spent the whole afternoon enjoying the resort-type feel where locals enjoy swimming in the lake. On another weekend, they showed us the Utinga Nature Park which is a good venue for weekend workouts, from walking, running, biking and trekking.

River Resort

Utinga Public Park

Mangal das Garcas

On some weekends, Biena and I went to Mangal das Garcas, a local zoo, where one of our favorite restaurants is located, then went on to checkout the Portal de Amazonia -- another public venue for daily fitness.

Rio de Janeiro: Dec 11-13

Because we only have 28 days in Brazil, we should not miss the country's landmark. So we scheduled a sidetrip to Rio de Janeiro. Just an overnight, we flew out on Friday night. We spent 1 night at a Linx Hotel near the new airport. 

Amidst chaos with relentless crowd

That following morning, we headed straight to the Corcovado Tram station. This was the public access to the Holy Redeemer Statue. All our entry tickets were pre-booked while we're in Belem. We hopped on the red tram as scheduled, after some photoshoots for souvenir. There were still plenty of tourists, locals mostly. I cannot imagine how it would be like if there was no corona virus.

Overlooking the bay, Lagoa de Freitaa, and Ipanema

Anyway, we enjoyed our way up to the gargantuan statue on top of the Corcovado mountain. Taking pictures here and there, checking every souvenir shop along the stairs up to heaven. Then finding the best spot and a clean shot at the site. T'was really crazy! Still too many people on site, and it was already a controlled crowd based on maximum tickets sold each day.

At the foot of Redentor Statue, posing with the busts of the founders

After having lunch in the nearest restaurant, we headed back to Corcovado Tram Station and took the Uber to Astoria Hotel at the Copacabana Beach. And the location was really great! But we cannot enjoy our accommodations yet because we have reserved day ticket to the Sugarloaf Mountain. We enjoyed the cable car ride up two mountain peaks. The view from the top were marvelous! 

A pose before taking the cable car to reach the second peak

At the second peak overlooking Copacabana

Boarding gate 

Indeed a Sugarloaf

That night was for Copacabana fun. This world-known beach was not that perfect in our pictures, but the physical feel that I was there was beyond imagination, indescribable. We frolicked in the white powdery sand and grabbed our dinner at the restaurants in the beach. The site is huge, with 5 stations. I walked the whole stretch the following morning. It was Sunday and there I realized how Brazilians spend the day. Around lunchtime, the whole beach was filled with beach volleyball courts, striped beach umbrellas and benches were scattered with unique choreography, and almost naked people were lying on the sands everywhere.

View of Copacabana Beach from Astoria Hotel's rooftop

That one dinner at a restaurant located in Copacabana Beach

That peaceful morning site before hoards of people arrive

Before flying back to Belem that afternoon, we visited the Havaianas store and Ipanema Beach. There, upon seeing Ipanema, I have sworn to myself to come back to Rio.

Belem: Dec 19 - Feb 6

The management decided to extend our stay for another 49 days, to take advantage of our 90-day visa-free entry to Brazil. This meant that Biena and I have celebrated Christmas and New Year in Belem; on top of that, my 45th birthday celebration as well.

I personally got to know more about the place. I made long-distance morning walks. Sometimes, Biena joined me. We reached as far as the old city airport, the Utinga park, the Botanical Garden, the Praca Republica, the City Cathedral, the Amazon Portal, and plenty more. My fitness activity this time included running and rope jumping. 

At the City Cathedral

At Praca Batista

At Utinga Park

At Mangal das Garcas

We now frequented our favorite restaurants: in Mangal das Garcas, in Estacao das Docas, in Belem Shopping Center; the Companha Paulista which is a few blocks away from the office, and the Sansei Japanese Restaurant across the hotel.

Then on the day before Christmas, the whole Brazil Team went for covid swab testing because two of us has tested positive. They got it from frequent meetings with the government officers who tested positive. Thank God, Biena's and my results were negative. 

A toast for Christmas 2020

B&B -- fave resto in Belem Shopping Mall

Cheers to New Year 2021

In January, the government imposed restrictions and curfews. Bars and restaurants were allowed to operate only until 10pm. 

Rio de Janeiro: Jan 8-10

The loveable and memorable Ipanema

Upon learning that our stay in Brazil will be extended, I immediately planned for my Birthday in Ipanema. Biena agreed to come with me. 

That Friday afternoon, we flew to Rio via Brasilia. We landed at the downtown airport and so we reached Ipanema before midnight. We stayed in a hostel, called Mango Tree, because hotels here were pricey. 

At the entryway to Mango Tree Hostel

The wide Freitas Lake with Holy Redeemer as the backdrop

Ipanema, it turned out, was tourists' favorite destination. I noticed a weekend filled with tourists. All our nights there, we experienced that pre-covid party feeling in every corner where bars and restaurants lined up. It was my first time to feel afraid of the virus, mind you. Nonetheless, Ipanema made my January 9, my 45th birthday, very memorable and special.

Around Freitas Lake

At Parque Lage

Enjoying Ipanema waters

At the Escadaria Selaron

At the Carioca Aqueduct

Other than the beautiful white beach (a little narrower and shorter than Copacabana), we ventured to more touristy spots: strolled half of the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, entered the Parque Lage, tried the Mirante Dona Marta but was closed that day, Carioca Aqueduct, and the Escadaria Selaron.

Marking 45 thru Tattoo

Belem: Feb 6 - May 15

The covid19 situation in Brazil has worsen. The country was considered high risk area for the virus. There was even a viral variant registered and named as Brazilian variant. 

Our company management planned to send us home then come back, after like 2 weeks. But travel to Brazil was stopped by most countries, including Philippines. Another plan was for us to reroute to any Caribbean country for a week or two, then fly back to Brazil. But again this option is risky because flights to Brazil from any corners of the world may be blocked. So we went for the last resort; we applied for a one-time (visa) extension — a maximum of 90 days. This would make our stay in the country 6 months in total, after which we have to exit and wait for another 6 months before coming back. It was approved and our passports got stamps.

At Portal da Amazonia

At Praca Onze de Julho

At Praca Onze de Julho

At Portal da Amazonia

At Praca Rocha

Two more colleagues joined us in Brazil, Genaro from Nicaragua who was working on the Transparency Portal interface, and Zaman from Pakistan who is our Solutions Director. Zaman joined our working fitness activities; not Genaro. While they were here, stricter restrictions and curfews were imposed. The operating hours for bars and restaurants were cut to 6pm. After they left Brazil, on March 16, the lockdown was ordered.

The morning walks outdoors were over. And Biena and I stayed inside the hotel during the 14-day lockdown period.

Salvador: Feb 19-21

All Carnival celebrations around Brazil were cancelled due to covid19. The weeklong festivities was supposed to cover the Valentines Day celebration. I imagined it to be wonderful and jubilant. But it was not the case this year.

But I cannot let this love month pass by without a flare. I learnt that Salvador City in Bahia State is one of the interesting places to visit in Brazil. And they have the best carnival, they said, if not cancelled. Curious, I booked a weekend flight alone; Biena stayed behind. It was a a blessing in disguise decision because Zaman was already here and my vacation leave and this trip has affected his project plans. How much more if we took the leave together. I took one-day Vacation Leave because I chose the morning flight instead of afternoon. It turned out better, because I had ample time unperturbed to finish all training stuffs.

It was not purely leisure. I actually called it a Working Weekend, but I wanted to do it somewhere other than Belem. Salvador is a change in scenery and it contributed to my motivation to complete my other project stuffs, assigned by top management.

I did everything I thought I should or could do because I was alone; there is no one I would consider, like taking the Metrorail from airport to the city center, staying in a hostel close to homeless communities, and walking almost all the time to get to tourist places.

At the Elevador Lacerda

Forte de Sao Marcelo and Mercado Modelo

At Pelourinho

At Dique Tororo

At Farol da Barra

At Forte da Barra

Along Praia da Farol da Barra

At the Airport

Salvador was a breath of fresh air for me. The preserved Portuguese heritage in Pelourinho, the view of Forte de Sao Marcelo and Mercado Modelo from atop the Elevador Lacerda, and the Bahian music during sundown were mesmerizing. The sunset viewing and the walk the morning after at Morro do Cristo and Farol da Barra were refreshing.

Although the city is a bit messy and has the dangerous feel from plenty of homeless people and beggars roaming around, Salvador has its own flavor and offers a unique experience. If one has a weekend to spare, I highly recommend staying at Barra area.

Iguazu: Apr 1-4

One renowned attraction in the south of Brazil is the Iguazu Falls, which it shared with Argentina. Before going back to the Philippines, we planned to spend our Holy Week in Iguazu. But before mid-March, the covid19 cases in Southern Brazil has escalated to unimaginable proportions. Now, all flights were cancelled. This will therefore be the missing item in my Brazil bucketlist.

Nevermind. It is better be safe than sorry... There is always the next time!