November 22nd — Looking Back on the Evening
Good day. November 22nd. Last evening, the 21st, I realized I had actually forgotten to record what happened — not completely forgotten, just not on tape.
Lagoon Karaoke at the Calabash Hotel
There’s a hotel next door to where I’m staying called the Calabash Hotel, and behind it is an absolutely massive space on the lagoon. They use it for karaoke — and they take karaoke seriously. You pay $15 to get in, and American dollars are used far more than Liberian dollars here.
One U.S. dollar equals about 180–181 Liberian dollars, which means a lot of paperwork for the same value. Because of that, most prices are listed in U.S. dollars, which just makes life easier.
You pay the $15 entry fee, then order food and drinks. If you order less, the balance is gone. If you order more, you just pay the difference. It’s a pretty fair system. Prices weren’t outrageous, there were lots of food and drink options, and the energy was fantastic.
The karaoke stage showed all the lyrics, and performers stayed on stage the whole time. You could watch them sing while following the words. People were enthusiastic, confident, and clearly having fun. It was a great atmosphere.
Saturday Morning Encounters
The next morning, I still hadn’t decided what to do, but I ran into Bram again. He had more places to go for the Ministry of Energy and more people to meet — on a Saturday, no less. That struck me as a sign that people were genuinely motivated.
Visiting Lillaby Eco Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary
I ended up heading out on my own to Lillaby Eco Lodge, which sits next to a wildlife sanctuary. The eco lodge was established first, and around 2016 the sanctuary followed.
The sanctuary is home mostly to monkeys and duikers, along with other small animals. While the goal is always to release animals back into the wild, many of them will never be able to survive on their own, which creates a long-term responsibility for their care.
Inside the Sanctuary
A Belgian couple was running things at the time — she is the veterinarian, and he is the director. They had already been there for over a year. I was given a guided tour and learned about the different species of monkeys.
Most of the animals are native to Liberia, though one monkey came from Guinea. Since the sanctuary was established after 2016, the animals gained protected status, which changed how conservation is handled.
There were also small crocodiles. One of them was blind, meaning it could never survive in the wild and would remain at the sanctuary permanently.
Meeting the Conservation Team
I got to meet the people running the sanctuary and learned that the Belgian couple would be finishing their assignment by the end of the year. A wildlife veterinarian from Malawi is already in place to take over.
I also met a Belgian veterinary student doing a two-month practical placement before continuing her studies. We all ended up sitting together at the eco lodge, sharing food and conversation while they explained more about the work they do.
The Eco Lodge Experience
The eco lodge itself isn’t cheap, but it’s an incredible place to stay. It’s right on the beach and has multiple swimming pools. You might wonder why pools are needed with an ocean right there, but the sea can be dangerous.
Rocks have been placed along the beach to protect the shoreline, and the pools provide a safe alternative for swimming. I got to try the food, and the entire experience was excellent.
Challenges, Seasons, and Sustainability
One reason the Belgian couple is moving on is the challenge of dealing with government issues. They feel there’s room for improvement and better cooperation.
The lodge operates with a strong dry season of about six months and a very quiet wet season. The same group has established several eco lodges across Liberia. Some close for part of the year, but the Lillaby lodge stays open year-round.
Travel Plans Ahead
Later, back at my place, I spoke with the hotel owner, who holds both American and Liberian passports. He’s also working on establishing another hotel in Abidjan.
He assured me that aside from about 17 miles after the border, the journey is generally smooth. I was hoping to follow the coast more closely, but with visa delays, plans may need adjusting.
Closing Thoughts
All in all, it was a very educational and enjoyable experience. I’d recommend Lillaby Eco Lodge to anyone interested in ecological travel.
Anyway, thanks for being along. Catch you later.
