I had mixed feelings about leaving the paradise like haven of Lumthubul Gardens. It definitely is a beautiful relaxing place to stay and was the host to a group of NGOs who turned up this morning to enjoy the day and tuck into a hearty breakfast on the beach.

I moved on to Bureh beach to stay at Lumthubul Garden beach resort, travelling by motorbike along the coast road.

A visit to Sierra Leone has to include a visit to it's amazing beaches. These have been the draw of the tourist trade and host crowds of local families every weekend.

I was looking forward to moving out of Freetown, hopefully to somewhere more tranquil and serene. I was not disappointed.

New Year is a significant holiday period in Freetown spent with family and friends. Business and banks close down and most people send time at home, celebrating.

Whilst waiting for a motorbike driver to arrive to take me on the next bit of the journey, I sat amongst the villagers as they emerged after the party the night before.

The sounds during the night were incredible - never silent and very much alive. In the morning I watched a colony of tiny monkeys in the trees close by.

I found myself locked in to the guest house in the morning. As the only guest, the manager had obviously thought it best to lock me in and take the outdoor door key with him!