Going to "The Island"

Often after dinner, we watch the sun set over the islands off the coast of Conakry.
Since we were given a three day weekend, we took a trip to Broom Island (or Ile Broume in French)

A local boat company on the same dock where the Africa Mercy is stationed provides transportation for Mercy Ship Crew on weekends to the middle island.  The boat holds about 25 people and takes about 40 minutes to get there.
The price was also arranged which makes it very affordable and eliminates the need to negotiate price or find your own transportation there.

Going to the Island is one way to get off the ship and out of the city. There are some hotels there  (African hotels) as well as beaches on both sides of the island.  One side had waves, the other was very calm.

We had two boats today.  Some people planned to stay overnight on the Island.
The ride was very smooth in these very solid wooden boats. 

Once we got to the island, we were let off close to the shore.  It was during high tide and 

we only had a couple feet of water to wade through.  We chose a path and found our way across the island to the beach with waves.

We found some shade and claimed our spot.  Since this beach was in front of a hotel, we bought a couple of cokes which gave us the legitimate right to be there.  The water was warm and the waves were good.  Many of the families moved to the other side of the island where there were no waves or undertow.  That was a much better beach for little children.

After lunch we decided we would explore a little. We heard there was a town on the island, but didn't know what was there (or where it was)

One of the better paths to the village

A friendly goat

 Along the trail we saw some goats, chickens, lizards and some butterflies.   We did not experience any mosquitoes, but we had DEET with us for preventive purposes.We found a path that led to the village Elijah.  Above is a path showing the vegetation.  Being this close to the equator, shade is very welcome.

The tree on the left was unusual.  I'd seen this type of fruit before, but still do not know what it is.

It may look like a tropical paradise, but it is really hot and humid.










One of the first building we saw when we got to the village was the school.

The building also advertised a library as part of the school.

As we walked into the village, we were greeted by three small enthusiastic children.  The oldest one (3-4 year old girl) came running to us with outstretched arms.  The children are very friendly.  They must have known were were not African by our pale skin.  Since our French is limited, we could say hello and goodbye and smile and return hugs.


We got back and found a shady spot where the boat was anchored and waited for a while.  While there, some traveling musicians came by to perform a personal concert.
My tip was less than the cost of two cokes.  Not knowing the customs, I hope it was OK. for the 3-4 songs they sang to us.

One of the songs sung in English (mostly) for our benefit was "Welcome to Africa" which also welcomed us to the Island of Broom.  I asked about their instruments.  The man on the right was playing castanets.  I asked a couple of times about the other two instruments.  The one second from the left is some sort of Kobe.  They called it something else.  It is a lute type instrument with 8-10 nylon strings.  The neck of the instrument is attached to a calabash with some type of skin around it.  Standing next to the Kobe player was the chief singer and dancer.  Behind them was a percussionist  who also had a unique instrument.  I cannot remember what it was called.

Note the arm muscles of the drummer in the back.  These Africans carry heavy loads and really work hard.  They are in really good shape without the benefits of a gym.  We watched a group of men carrying food and beverages from a boat up to a restaurant. They pick up enormous loads and walk casually taking them up the hill.  People are very friendly and they love their music.

We returned to port during low tide.  So to get off boat, we first stepped onto a larger tug boat, then climbed up a ladder about 10 ft.  Since there were small children and a baby on the boat, the Africans just picked up the kids and passed them up the ladder to the helping hands on the dock level. 

Chuck