Monrovia Nurseries

Nurseries that sell decorative plants must be a good sign of a city experiencing peace.

There are two lovely ones in Sinkor, Monrovia, off Tubman Boulevard.

Garden Park is on the left driving out of town, just a little past the Airfield Shortcut and the concrete arch over Tubman Boulevard. They also sell some artwork and hope one day to grow into a little 'lifestyle centre' with restaurant, playground etc. For now a beautiful quirky spot.

Porch at the Garden Park.
























Gallery

























The Sinner Dream




























Coop-Ben's is a block or so before Lucky Pharmacy (opposite JFK Hospital).

Besides potted plants, Ben has a whole lot of gorgeous trees and flowering tropical creatures planted. You can pick a specimen and he'll dig it up for you.

Ben Montgommery is a lovely guy & will hopefully be taking us on Sunday to visit the village from where the beautiful flowers in Liz's bouquet were sourced. He also supplies hotels, restaurants & events.

Rainforest bouquet

Ben and my wonderful neighbour and co-explorer, Liz

Music Store on Benson

There are many music stores in Monrovia. This one was on Benson Street at the time of the photo; the background gives a glimpse down the street. At any time, a popular track will be playing through the megaphone.



























It's also the store from which I bought the CD Belleh (right in the centre), from which excerpts are posted here and here.

Women in Blue

We were at Golden Beach on Friday evening, and caught the end of an event where the all-female Indian peacekeeping force were providing security.

Private Pramila and a friend thought pale Sam & Tumi on a Liberian beach a charming curiousity (Pramila has left an 11-year old son at home while on this mission), so we took lots of photos.

The soldiers are part of the first ever all-female UN peacekeeping force, and one certainly feels safe in the presence of these strong, friendly, no-nonsense, sub-machine gun-wielding women. Here is a BBC article about their deployment in Liberia; it points out the significance of their presence in a country with a terrible history of rape and also sexual exploitation by male UN 'peacekeepers'. It's hoped that their presence will inspire Liberian women to join the police, while contributing to a more empowered image of women in general. Which it certainly does.

Private Pramila with friend & Sam

Sam, a soldier & me

Keeping things safe in central Monrovia: