...every time I mention having spent a year in Sierra Leone, I either meet blank stares from people who imagine a banana republic in Latin America, or horrified looks from those who have actually read about it. Synonyms for the name appear to be "eternal civil war, child soldiers, drugs, diamonds, mutilation, jungle, mercenaries, vodoo".  All true, at some points of the past decade, but they fail to explain why everyone who has been there wants to go back. Sierra Leone is the most beautiful and captivating country I have ever visited. Unequivocally. Jungles, white sand beaches, mountains, mangrove swamps, friendly people, amazing culture and history. All useless advertising for those who have never been there, superfluous for those who have. Hopefully I will get a chance to go back, one year is not enough. The war is over (for the moment at least), much of the isolated character may change, but SaLone is still SaLone

Sierra Leone  2000 - 2001

the Cotton Tree, Freetown's huge centerpiece

local barber shop. Hairstyles are a big thing,

Food distribution in Mile 91, the main concentration site of displaced persons during the fighting of 2000.  85,000 mouths to feed every month. Operations Coordinator Moses Ceesay, a small guy with a big heart and a lot of courage.

dawn in Moyamba

"River Number 2" on a crowded day. The river estuary meeting the sea throws up a perfect bodyboarding wave

Tidal flats at Shenge

minor Chief's house, Shenge

School built by the project, Rotifunk

part of the team, Freetown, Christmas 2000