10 February Highlights from Freetown, Sierra Leone
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| Fambul Makit 2019 |
Here are a few highlights of what I got up to this month in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Enjoy the post!
1.
Travel
L’afrique Takeover
At the beginning of the month I had the
opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone to Travel L’afrique’s Instagram audience
as I took over their Instagram account for the first two days of the month. It
sparked a lot of great conversations about Sierra Leone and put the West
African country on the map. Travel L'afrique are a platform that encourages potential tourists and visitor to go and explore the continent of Africa through visuals. Thanks again Travel L’afrique! Check out their
website and Instagram page.
2. Blogging Salone
Earlier this month Sierra Leonean blogger and
host of the Vickie Remoe show Vickie Remoe hosted a free blogging master class
for local and inspiring content creators at The Africanus Hotel. The three-hour
course was insightful and a great opportunity to meet with like-minded people.
I loved the emphasis on Sierra Leonean citizens taking control of their own
narrative and to manifest #localcontent. Check out her show and blog, SwitSalone.
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| Blogging Salone - Photo by Vickie Remoe |
3. Fambul Makit
Fambul Makit by Emily Fanday presented a meet and eat school carnival at Vine School, Congo Cross. The event was like any carnival meets market event with multiple vendors, face painting and activities for children, I was not there for very long but it seemed to be a nice way to spend the Saturday.
4. The V Monologues
Without a doubt this was the best event I
attended this month. Femme Collective of Sierra Leone organised the first V
monologues in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The event was a fundraiser for Rainbo Initiative with the ticket proceeds going to their cause as The Rainbo Initiative are one of the few organisations that offer free medical and psychosocial services to survivors of gender based violence in Sierra Leone. The V monologues
inspired by Eva Ensler episodic play, has started an incredible dialogue and created many renditions of the
Vagina Monologues around the world. This was the first one of it's kind to be hosted in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The production of poetry and spoken word by various female
Sierra Leonean poets and performers explored the relationship, the highs and
the lows with our female parts. The night was very entertaining, with raffles
and vagina cupcakes, just in case we forgot the theme of the night. It really
was like no other. I am looking forward to what Femme Collective has planned
next!
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The V Monologues 13/02/2019 - photo from Twitter
5.
Pivital
Salone
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I was invited to take part in a panel for
Pivital Salone alongside four phenomenal women doing amazing work in Freetown.
Pivital Salone launched on 15th February at the British Council in
Sierra Leone. With the platform already being established in the UK. The
founders were persistent on launching the movement in Salone also. The aim of
Pivital Salone is to encourage young girls to consider STEM career choices.
Also to bridge the gap between students and professionals, creating a platform where
school girls can access the information they need to make the right and next step.
6. Trying Foodbly
I tried Foodbly for the first time this month. I ordered the Milano Chicken which came with rice and vegetables. It was delicious, a solid eight out of ten from me. However, I must try the local dishes from Foodbly first to give it an honest approval. Foodbly offer daily menus and healthy snacks at reasonable prices, alongside homemade juices such as ginger beer and bissap. Keep up to date with their offers and appetising food images here.
7.
Tok U
Tok
Tok U Tok Is a monthly event that takes place at Two Guys Restaurant in Freetown is curated by Marco Koroma. The Thursday night event
allows anybody and everybody to showcase their talent at the open mic event
accompanied by live music. Most people who participate usually perform a spoken
word/poetry piece or perform a song.
It’s the perfect social setting if you want to get out but not
necessarily reach Lumely.
8. Climb Salone
Climb Salone is leisure activity offering
indoor climbing. They are located in Hill Station within the compound of the
German Embassy, it’s easy to find as the logo is painted on the gate, (its
huge, you can’t miss it!). I went recently for the first time with my
@ysquarepod co-host, Yasmine and we had such a blast. It’s fair to say the bespoke
made wall obstacles are not as easy as they appear. Climb Salone provide
climbing shoes then you are good to go once you have paid your day pass fee or
monthly membership fee. Climb Salone is exactly the kind of activities we need
in the city! They also have climbing walls for kids and do private bookings.
For more information about Climb Salone, click here.
9. Ethiopian
Cuisine
The last weekend of February Yidu and co prepared an authentic buffet of Ethiopian food at Toma Boutique Hotel. This was my first time
trying the Ethiopian Cuisine and it did not disappoint! That being said, I'm not a fussy eater. The buffet included a
variation of stews. The event cost 160,000 Le per person
excluding drinks.
10.
Young in Freetown – The Table
Last but not least, Abu and I
were asked to join the Young In Freetown discussion series The Table, as we
discussed our likes and dislikes, aspirations and time spent in Sierra Leone
with Elaine of Young in Freetown. This was recorded at the end of January but the clip aired early this week. Here is the video clip below! Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed February's highlights from Freetown, Sierra Leone. Do you want to know what events to discover next month in the city? Check out Yasmine of minabilkis.com blog, she has a post that will keep you busy this March! Take a look at 7 things to do in Freetown in March.
For more and the latest blog posts keep it touch!
YASMIN TELLS