Blog 14. Freetown- part 1

My first visit to the capital of Sierra Leone was a terrific one, but to be honest it was more like I was back in the UK for a few days. I was very fortunate to get a lift with Nick for the three-hour journey to Freetown and then when I arrived I stayed at the British High Commission.

Running water, constant electricity, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, Xbox and western food. Just what I needed.

Nick’s and his girlfriend Heather were fantastic hosts for the few days, cooking pancakes, Nachos and Lasagne whilst making me feel welcome in their home.

This was all really nice, but this was not really Freetown, whereas the HASH was.

Hash Freetown House Harriers are ‘the drinking club, with a running problem. A group with over 50 members made up of locals and ex-pats. Quite simply they go for a crazy run all around the HILLS of Freetown, dipping through people’s houses, dodging the sewer drains and chasing the kids up paths/steps.

If this is not mad enough for you, then read on. The route is decided before all of the runners meet up, then they nominate two ‘hares’ to lead the way without giving them directions or their destination. The hares must navigate the course following shredded pieces of paper which the race master has placed before the fun begins.

Sometimes, the race master will try to trick you and give you a few options of paper to follow, most leading to a dead-end. So you must choose wisely and listen out for the call of “on-on” before forcing yourself up the steep hills.

Bar the Great North Run, it was one of the best I have ever been involved in. Though it did not stop there, when we were all finished and back at the meeting point all of the runners formed a circle and the beers were dished out J

This wasn’t just a casual one or two, the bottles were flying out quick and certain people had to neck drinks either for penalties, or in my case as I was a HASH virgin!

A bit of chop was also provided, rice and chicken, good stuff. The people were all really friendly, just like the rest of the SaLoneans, I completed a bit of exercise and honestly cannot think of a better way of seeing Freetown. An incredible experience.