Finding ways

Before I left, David Goldberg gave me a book called The Memory of Love by a Sierra Leone author, Aminatta Forna. I had really enjoyed the first book I read by her, Ancestor Stones, and was saving this one until I arrived. I’ve really just started the book but already identify with the British psychologist working at a hospital in Sierra Leone after the civil war. He notices the sounds of people living all around him and “how quiet affluence is…”

Quiet is certainly rare for most in a city like this, as well as privacy and space. And so commonplace in Chinle.

Also, where all the other healthcare workers are constantly busy, the psychologist at first has a lot of time on his hands. No one is really sure what to do with him. I’m sure things will pick up for me at work soon.

I received some valuable advice from some of the local staff today:

• How to get a good exchange rate – change it on the black market
• How to have fun despite limits on going out at night – make friends and go out with them
• How to stay safe when out walking during the day – talk to people but not too much

The best part is that they are willing to help with everything.

After work, I walked on the beach – it was quiet, spacious and beautiful. (There was plenty of time before the sun went down.)

And then I had a g&t by the pool.