I had to hit the ground running after arriving in Freetown at 0630 on Thursday morning. The plane arrived at 0330, but the airport is a long way across the river from the city.
Thursday was spent getting a security briefing, phone, cash from the bank and initial meetings. Commerce and street trading are busy, but Ebola warning signs are everywhere and all the bars are closed. I did see a woman, who I presumed to be a local resident, wearing an “I love Ottawa” t-shirt!

Handshakes are out and chlorine handwashes and temperature checks are in.

I am spending most of my waking hours working, and that includes Saturday and Sunday. The situation is not very good in many areas and the impression that I get is that this is still an uphill battle. As I said in my first posting, there are numerous partners, but the great majority are collaborative and highly motivated to succeed. I am working with dedicated people.

I am staying at a hotel on the ocean with many other WHO staff. So far, the food has been good and I ate barracuda for the first time last night. On Saturday, the person whom I am replacing had a farewell party, which hopefully the police do not decide is a mass gathering. It also celebrated the Spanish National Day when Christopher Columbus landed in the “New World”. I almost declined the invitation!

I spent this morning with UK AID and a large group of British soldiers. This was a new experience!

I am off for a site visit to Port Loko tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving!