Abidjan

14 JANUARY 2023

It’s my last day in Monrovia so I take a walk down town to visit some known faces and take another look at the EJ Royce building from inside.

The ride to the airport takes a number of hours as it’s 60km out of the city. I’m joined in the taxi by Watson, an employee of the Firestone rubber plantation and he shares his thoughts about why it’s a good company to work for. Arrival at the airport reminds me again of the distinct differences between the lives of the people of Liberia. I’m in with the group who pay 600L dollar for a tea. This is what I paid for the taxi journey from Monrovia to the airport.

The flight is partly full. We are asked to all sit at the back to balance the weight. We land safely in Abidjan a couple of hours later.

Abidjan is sooooo different from Monrovia. It’s modern, clean, calm and everyone seems to travel in a vehicle. I see few pavements or people walking. le Plateaux, where I stay is dead - full of sky high buildings, admin. offices and quiet.

I’ve checked in to a renovated 1950’s hotel called the Grand. It overlooks the Ebrie Lagoon. It’s time to relax.