📍 LocationFreetown → Bo, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesNovember 16th started with take two of this recording because take one was drowned out by torrential rain, thunder, and lightning. My goal for the day was to leave Freetown—if the weather and circumstances allowed.Before heading out, I stopped by a supermarket that had been involved in a fraudulent charge on my card two days earlier. I felt it was important to let them know they were being targeted, and they planned to follow up with the car shop where I’d been when it happened.Next, I met up with Merrill and Maxwell, two Peace Corps volunteers I had gotten to know in Makeni. They were traveling into Freetown along with the rest of their cohort after spending three months in their assigned villages. It was great to see them again, and even better to treat them to some real coffee—a luxury they’d been missing. We swapped more stories, and I admired the meaningful work they’re doing.Then it was my turn to leave the city. I set my Garmin to guide me, but I’m not sure it considers elevation. It routed me up what turned out to be the steepest road I’ve ever attempted in a car. After heavy overnight rain, the streets were slick and clean, but this climb was another level entirely. I couldn’t see around the corners, the grade felt close to 20 degrees in places, and there was no room for two cars. I genuinely felt my body shaking as I drove. But I pressed on, reached the top—and only then did I see another car about to descend. Lucky timing.From there, the mission was to reach Bo, the second-largest city in Sierra Leone. The route was straightforward: pass Waterloo, continue inland, and eventually branch off south toward Bo. It was a beautiful drive—palm oil orchards, river trees, and rural landscapes. I picked up a man named Paul, who was heading home near Bo and shared insights about the agriculture and surroundings. Later I took another passenger who confidently guided me to what he thought was a hotel. It wasn’t—it was a club frequented largely by the Indian community.By this point, it was dark, and I absolutely hate driving at night here. You can’t see anything, and too many hazards appear without warning. Fortunately, the distance was short. I eventually found Doas Hotel, a well-known and respectable spot. They had a room, a swimming pool, and I arrived just in time for a refreshing rain shower, dinner, and even a nighttime swim.A long, wild, and memorable day. Tomorrow I hope to explore Bo a little more. Thanks for being along for the ride.⏱️ Key Moments00:00 — Take Two After the Storm I explain why my first attempt at recording was unusable due to heavy rain and thunder.01:20 — Reporting the Fraudulent Charge I revisit the supermarket to inform them they were targeted by a scam.03:10 — Meeting Peace Corps Volunteers I reconnect with Merrill and Maxwell and treat them to long-awaited real coffee.06:30 — Leaving Freetown I begin my journey out of town with Garmin’s questionable routing.08:00 — The Steepest Road of My Life I describe the terrifying climb up an impossibly steep, narrow road.11:40 — Heading Toward Bo I drive past Waterloo and into rural Sierra Leone, enjoying the scenery.13:00 — Conversations on the Road I give rides to locals, learning about palm oil orchards and regional trees.15:30 — The Not-Hotel Hotel I get guided to what turns out to be a club, not a hotel.16:50 — Night Driving Stress I push through the darkness, wary of unseen hazards.18:00 — Arrival at Doas Hotel I settle in, take a swim, eat, and unwind after a long day.

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