A group called the National Council for Democracy has taken control of the government in Guinea after its president died. This country has historically been a politically unstable place. Some TravelPod bloggers found out first hand.
Sweet2thlh volunteered with Voluntary Service Overseas in The Gambia last year, and she had to contend with the political turmoil during a short visit to Guinea.
Sweet2thlh and her traveling companion avoiding exhaust fumes
Two days after my visit to Guinea, the country has exploded into anarchy and mass public protests. This is a coincidence. As things stand now, nobody will be visiting Guinea for a while, which is a shame because it is one of the most beautiful countries I have had the pleasure of visiting. Landscapes dominated by jagged mountain ranges, acres of tropical rainforests and spectacular waterfalls, vibrant music and drumming traditions, friendly and welcoming people. And best of all no tourists.
-from “Guinea – Part 1“, Conakry, Guinea
Kylejesw spent two years in Guinea with the Peace Corps, teaching people about basic healthcare and working on supplying clinics with vaccinations.
Kylejesw drawing a mural in Guinea.
We as Peace Corps volunteers undergo and interesting metamorphosis during our service. You arrive as a baby; you have to be careful about what you eat and drink. You’re learning and absorbing everything around you and though it’s not necessary (G-15 didn’t have it) its nice to have someone more experienced to hold your hand. Then after your first year, where I am, you’re middle-aged. You know what the world of Guinea is all about. You’re probably a little jaded but for the babies you put on a bright face because they’ll learn soon enough on their own. You are the parent of the babies, doing training and sharing your hard earned wisdom. Then comes the second year. When the December 2009 group arrives I will have three months left in country. At that stage you are an elderly person. Getting ready to leave you’ll be worried about leaving a legacy of your own, something that means your time in Guinea was worth while. You won’t be as involved with the babies. You will pass on your wisdom if asked but it won’t be forthcoming; it just doesn’t matter anymore. The torch will be passed on. At least thats what I imagine it being like.
-from “The babies are here“, Forecariah, Guinea
Jeanchristophes who we have seen in another blog post from Niger, had an interesting experience bribing the army…
Jeanchristophes and Thomas "the hairy Swede" driving in Guinea
Ten minutes later another army checkpoint loomed up ahead and we followed the same procedure. I then realized that the Africans in the taxi were all passing bribes along with their ID cards to the soldiers. I asked one why? He said if you are African and want to travel you pay.
I was thinking about this system of bribes when we arrived at the third army checkpoint. This time the soldier wanted to see all my papers and then with my papers in his hand told me to pay 5000 Guinean francs. Being completely anti-bribes I told him no and Thomas ‘the hairy Swede’ I was travelling with was even more against the idea. This began a 20 minute debate involving myself and the driver trying to convince the soldier why we shouldn’t be paying bribes.
-from “Conakry“, Conakry, Guinea
Tags: Conakry, Forecariah, Gambia, Guinea, Peace Corps, Voluntary Service Overseas
