DanielW

Thank you, nolan222. Yes, took quite a bit of planning and organising, but was glad when it all worked out!

Thanks, Madone59. Yes, I had to look up on a map where Sierra Leone was exactly when I Jason and Jordan started making their plans. Such an interesting part of the world though, with all the colonial history and conflict.

Many thanks, SFO777. West Africa was not quite like my home country New Zealand, but I think the people were just as friendly.

Cheers, gmitchs. Yes, the worst of the Ebola outbreak seems to be well behind them now. Hopefully the occasional intrepid tourists like us will start to filter through now. The countries have a lot of potential.

Thanks again for letting me tag along! A really great adventure with lots of unique and interesting experiences. I bet you'll secretly miss trying to deal with dodgy border crossings and corrupt officials too.

Thank you, aa213bb. Yes, all three of us had complimentary skills, myself with the camera, Jason with his fluent French and Jordan for his organisation and planning.

Thanks, Tocsin. Yes, some of west Africa actually reminded me of Dili. The past colonial history and fresh memories of conflict. Both had friendly, welcoming people too.

Many thanks, SanDiego1K. Yes, if I had attempted this solo it would have likely been twice as much stress and half as much fun! A very interesting part of the world, with such rich and intriguing history. Not many tourists but I could see more of them coming given a bit more stability and development.

Thanks, mike&co. The Radisson Blu in Freetown was actually a very nice place, a decent beach closeby and only a quick ferry ride from the airport. I'm sure Mrs SFO777 might be tempted.

Thank you, LongingForORD. Yes, the kids are normally not so shy in front of the camera than the adults.

Many thanks, Tychian. Yes, great to see three different perspectives of this trip, and remind me of what I missed/forgot.

Thank you, chelsea2. I think a healthy dose of cynicism, weary experience and travel-exhaustion got us through the dodgy officials. It was abit of a game too, trying to get by without paying, when it would have been easier (and lazier) just to pay them and let them win.

Thanks, UAL250. Yes, a couple of years ago I would have never considered visiting these kind of places. I blame Jason and Jordan for enlightening me though!

I think if I was fluent in French I may have been tempted to be a bit more vocal though.

Yes, an interesting place to vacation. Some of the corruption would make business there very tough though.