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Freetown, Sierra Leone. It’s always like going back home — it’s where I was born and I have family there. It’s amazing and you have everything: the beach, mountains, so much green and the sea, but it’s also a busy city. My most vivid memories from growing up in Sierra Leone are of the street parades that were a legacy of the country’s colonial past. I grew up in the Nineties so one of my early memories were these celebrations, and just being bombarded by so much visual imagination walking down the street. It was almost like Notting Hill Carnival, but on steroids. People just did the most amazing costumes, lanterns and floats.
April this year with a friend. I try to go as much as I can — usually about twice a year — but it’s difficult to get away from work sometimes. I am trying to find ways to work with the country in terms of education and creativity. It’s beautiful and it’s safe; we had a long history of war, but for the past 20 years it’s been quite stable.
My mum has a house in Goderich, so I usually stay there. It’s an area close to the beach, so I love it. I have been to The Lead Hotel before, and there are also a few more good hotels and Airbnbs — friends have stayed at the Toma Boutique Hotel, which also has a nice restaurant.
I would say the best times of year are April and December; around April is our independence, and December everyone comes back home to see their grandmas and friends and family, so there is a real sense of joy. Expect great food and festivities. We really know how to party in Sierra Leone, so whenever there is a celebration, we’re there.
