Something has got to give.

Five months back in Babylon..

So, my summer back turned into a relocation back to England. It wasn’t planned, it was more of a gut instinct that I acted on - (I have the privilege to act on).

Bear in mind, this is my first trip back to the UK since 2019 (three years!?). With the pandemic and cancelled weddings I had no reason to visit during that time. But after three rainy seasons in a row I made sure I would visit home (where is home? - a conversation for another day, before I digress) for Summer 2022, and what a revelation it has been!

Changes:

I can’t believe how different the UK is from the last time I was here. You see, when you live somewhere which is pretty much stagnant in every department, you forget how rapidly things are evolving elsewhere and how the world in general is developing.

Here are just a few of the new things I have noticed whilst being back in UK.

- Contactless payment is the new norm.

- Self service is also the new norm

- Electric Cars

- New building developments

- New Prime Ministers (lol)

These are just a few from the top of my head. To be very honest, I struggled to list the changes or developments I can say I’ve witnessed whilst living in Sierra Leone for the last 4 years.

My recent trip to New York was also an eye opener to how creatively starved I was. Although I was fueling creative projects such as Yasmix events & Y Square Pod - creators also need inspiration, otherwise we suffer from burnout/empty glass syndrome. My glass was definitely empty leaving Sierra Leone, I felt as though I was putting so much of my energy, effort and time into content and projects but it wasn’t resonating with the people as such. Perhaps that is due to the lack of infrastructure in tourism, patriotism and basic systems. The problems are many for a small country. This wasn’t supposed to be this long but I guess there is no short way of explaining my thoughts.

I had a great time living in Sierra Leone, it built my character and confidence alongside my entrepreneurial endeavours and so much more. Both businesses of mine, TELLS TRIPS and Studio Femi were born during my time in Sierra Leone, so it wasn’t all bad, however I felt that Sierra Leone and I were not progressing at the same pace, infact we were growing apart but I only noticed this from the outside looking in. I and my needs were all changing, but the infrastructure (or lack of shall I say) remains the same. Nothing can take from a lived experience, I will be back in Sierra Leone for holidays or work related projects, but has this (Yasmin in SL) chapter of my life ended? I believe so.

Thanks for supporting and following the journey. It’s not over yet, just a new chapter in a different location. #Newbeginnings