Liberia Stories


The Fortress at Mamba Point

On the edge of southern Monrovia, where the earth graces the Atlantic ocean, a gradual sloping hill of palm and kola trees rises from the water's edge. Just beyond the horizon, as the sky meets the lush green canopy of the natural forest, rests a strikingly beautiful, grey cinder-block compound. A swirling expanse of razorwire sets perched on its top. T...


Random Observations

1. Did you know that Liberia has scorpions the size of a small dog? 2. In Liberia, apparently you graduate after passing each grade in school! It is an elaborate affair and whole town seems to come out and watch the procession. 3. In Liberia, Cassava and Gravy is the breakfast of champions--a dish not unlike mashed potatoes and gravy--with an unpl...


The Diplomatic Envoy

A loud buzzing sound, perpetrated by a small, black onyx cell phone, filled the spacious expanse of suite number four and the YMCA compound. "Hello," I answered. "Uhhh, yes, Jeff, this is Burt, is your, ahhhh, person still coming today," demanded Burt, I.L. Inc. "Hmmm, well, yes Burt, she will be arriving at 7:15 this evening," I retorted. "Ok," said Bu...


The Great Wall

Light faded from the western sky and the faintest glimmer of yellow speckled the clouds. Evening was fast approaching and I sat at the dining room table reading a copy of Harry Potter--a solid preparation for academic debate on constitutional democracy in societies marked by ethnic conflict. The slightest beginning of hunger began etching the hour. ...