"Strange Day..."

My friend Sharon and I had a rather strange cultural day on Saturday.  As usual, we set out to explore Freetown on foot.  By the end of the day we usually have walked at least 10-12 km.

As we meandered through the streets and crowds, we knew of a Chinese restaurant that Sharon had seen the other night...that was our initial destination.  While walking along the way, Sharon spied a Christian Book Store.  I said:  "Where?" looking up and down the streets and the street vendors.  She pointed across the street at an actual store.

 As we entered into the store, we were in shock.  It looked like a "real" western bookshop.  This was the beginning of our cultural shocking day....

Albert, the owner of the CLC bookshop, was so pleased that we came into his shop.  The prices were a fraction of the price, we see in the west.  I was impressed with the quality of the books he has and the variety.  Many of the top Christian authors were respresented in his shop.  Many of his books he said he buys on sale in the US and Europe. 

After purchasing a book and some guitar picks, we continued on down the street.  As we round the corner head to the restaurant, we notice how empty the streets are...which is EXTREMELY unusual for Freetown.  After about five minutes, we notice the police band marching down the street.  (no picture)...they were marching proud and playing traditional marching music.

After listening to the band, we round the corner to and spied the sign for the restaurant.

We are really unsure what the "Electrical Beer" means...but that did not deter us from  going to try the food.

We ordered sesame shrimp, spring rolls, hot and sour soup and chicken chow mein...and two cokes. (all for about $10 each) We were thoroughly impressed with the food and the speed of the food being delivered.  (Usually when we go to a restaurant it takes at least an hour for the food to be prepared.)

With full tummies, we then head down the street where Sharon spots another unique place.  When we entered, we thought we were going into an upscale boutique.  This young man had displayed a lot of the African gifts you can find in the market in an attractive manner.  He was very proud of his shop and his prices.  (They were about 50%-75%higher than the market prices.)

We wandered around his shop, talked with the gentleman, and then proceeded down the street....to the supermarket....

 Inside the supermarket, you can buy many of western items, but at twice the western price. 

Then we decided to head back to the ship.  As we are walking through the streets, I notice this man's shirt in front of us...."Mercy Ships Academy". 

Could this day have become any stranger?....