Monday, March 4, 2013

Feb 9 - Danane

Photos:http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151305126361961.438855.562066960&type=1&l=50b8e0611d

This morning we headed into the "amber zone". Apparently we are really near the border with Liberia. Once again we passed numerous police checks and also several UN compounds with guards and tanks camflouged and on alert at each corner. Our truck drew big waves from the look outs! The country side is really beautiful here, with cone shaped hills and rich African vegetation. However, we are amazed at the amount of burning and destruction of the jungle. Roads are not bad, mainly paved. Just as we headed into Danane we passed through a police check but were quickly "whistled" down. A lot of red tape, attempts to extract money, a visit to the police station with one of the police accompanying us in the truck from the check point to the police station. While Dave was in the police station, a Russin guy working with the UN came to chat with us and warned us to make sure we stayed somewhere safe, and to stay in a secured area after 7 at night. He told us that the Ivorians are fine but the Liberians are "crazy". So, needless to say, we cooked dinner in the hotel (Hotel Grace) tonight, and didn't venture out after dark!!

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