Liberian's hospitality fighting with Liberia's development
08 Sep 2024
A SOFT ARTICLE
BY ASTERIA NWAMAKA KINGSLEY
Liberia
Liberian Hospitality
The Underbelly of Development
The Weight of History
A Glimpse of Hope
Conclusion
A Land of Heartfelt Hospitality and Unfinished Business
Welcome to Liberia, a country where the smiles are as warm as the sun, and the hospitality is as inviting as a freshly cooked plate of jollof rice! But let’s be real for a moment while the Liberians are busy welcoming you with open arms, the state of the country can sometimes feel like a game of dodgeball where the dodging is less about avoiding balls and more about sidestepping potholes, litter, and the occasional stray goat.
Liberia is a land of contrasts 'a place where kindness meets chaos, and the people’s integrity shines brightly against a backdrop of underdevelopment. So, grab your sense of humour (and maybe a handkerchief for the dust), as we take a closer look at this intriguing nation.
Welcome to Liberia, a country where the smiles are as warm as the sun, and the hospitality is as inviting as a freshly cooked plate of jollof rice! But let’s be real for a moment while the Liberians are busy welcoming you with open arms, the state of the country can sometimes feel like a game of dodgeball where the dodging is less about avoiding balls and more about sidestepping potholes, litter, and the occasional stray goat.
Liberia is a land of contrasts 'a place where kindness meets chaos, and the people’s integrity shines brightly against a backdrop of underdevelopment. So, grab your sense of humour (and maybe a handkerchief for the dust), as we take a closer look at this intriguing nation.
Liberian Hospitality
A Warm Embrace
First, let’s talk about the people. Liberians are some of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet. Whether it’s a friendly smile from a stranger or an invitation to share a meal, the warmth of Liberian hospitality is undeniable. You could be wandering the streets of Monrovia, looking lost and confused, and before you know it, someone will appear out of nowhere, ready to guide you to your destination 'or at least to the nearest place selling fried plantains!
During my time in Liberia, I encountered a situation that could have turned into a mini-crisis. Picture this 'I’m standing there, mildly panicking, when a kind Liberian swoops in like a superhero. He didn’t just help me; he treated me like an old friend, as if we had shared countless cups of palm wine together. His integrity and willingness to help reminded me that, despite the challenges the country faces, the spirit of the Liberian people is unbreakable. (would have mentioned names to make him smile when he reads this, but I rather not).
First, let’s talk about the people. Liberians are some of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet. Whether it’s a friendly smile from a stranger or an invitation to share a meal, the warmth of Liberian hospitality is undeniable. You could be wandering the streets of Monrovia, looking lost and confused, and before you know it, someone will appear out of nowhere, ready to guide you to your destination 'or at least to the nearest place selling fried plantains!
During my time in Liberia, I encountered a situation that could have turned into a mini-crisis. Picture this 'I’m standing there, mildly panicking, when a kind Liberian swoops in like a superhero. He didn’t just help me; he treated me like an old friend, as if we had shared countless cups of palm wine together. His integrity and willingness to help reminded me that, despite the challenges the country faces, the spirit of the Liberian people is unbreakable. (would have mentioned names to make him smile when he reads this, but I rather not).
The Underbelly of Development
A Dirty Reality
Now, let’s shift gears and address the elephant in the room 'or rather, the piles of trash in the business districts. Liberia, while brimming with potential, often finds itself grappling with issues of infrastructure and cleanliness. You might be strolling through a market, admiring the vibrant fabrics and fresh produce, only to be confronted by a less-than-pleasant sight (or smell).
It’s as if the city has taken the concept of “urban jungle” a little too literally. The streets can be a bit chaotic, and the business areas sometimes resemble a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie 'minus the zombies, of course. But don’t let that deter you! The heart of Liberia beats strong, and the people are working hard to improve their communities, one clean-up at a time.
Now, let’s shift gears and address the elephant in the room 'or rather, the piles of trash in the business districts. Liberia, while brimming with potential, often finds itself grappling with issues of infrastructure and cleanliness. You might be strolling through a market, admiring the vibrant fabrics and fresh produce, only to be confronted by a less-than-pleasant sight (or smell).
It’s as if the city has taken the concept of “urban jungle” a little too literally. The streets can be a bit chaotic, and the business areas sometimes resemble a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie 'minus the zombies, of course. But don’t let that deter you! The heart of Liberia beats strong, and the people are working hard to improve their communities, one clean-up at a time.
The Weight of History
Moving Beyond the Past
Liberia’s history is a complex tapestry woven with threads of resilience and struggle. The scars of civil war still linger, and while the excuse of “the war” has become a familiar refrain, it’s time to shift the narrative. Yes, the past has shaped the present, but it’s not the only story worth telling.
Liberians are tired of being defined solely by their history. They are ready to embrace progress and innovation, and many are taking matters into their own hands. Entrepreneurs are emerging, and grassroots movements are sprouting up, fuelled by a desire to create a better future. It’s as if the people of Liberia have decided that while the past may have knocked them down, they are determined to get back up 'preferably with a broom in hand to sweep away the debris!
Liberia’s history is a complex tapestry woven with threads of resilience and struggle. The scars of civil war still linger, and while the excuse of “the war” has become a familiar refrain, it’s time to shift the narrative. Yes, the past has shaped the present, but it’s not the only story worth telling.
Liberians are tired of being defined solely by their history. They are ready to embrace progress and innovation, and many are taking matters into their own hands. Entrepreneurs are emerging, and grassroots movements are sprouting up, fuelled by a desire to create a better future. It’s as if the people of Liberia have decided that while the past may have knocked them down, they are determined to get back up 'preferably with a broom in hand to sweep away the debris!
A Glimpse of Hope
Integrity in Action
Amidst the challenges, there are shining examples of integrity and morality that stand out like diamonds in the rough. The kind Liberian I encountered was not an isolated case; there are many individuals who embody the spirit of community and care. These are the people who are committed to making a difference, whether it’s through small acts of kindness or larger initiatives aimed at improving their neighborhoods.
Amidst the challenges, there are shining examples of integrity and morality that stand out like diamonds in the rough. The kind Liberian I encountered was not an isolated case; there are many individuals who embody the spirit of community and care. These are the people who are committed to making a difference, whether it’s through small acts of kindness or larger initiatives aimed at improving their neighborhoods.
Imagine if every Liberian took it upon themselves to clean up their streets, mentor the youth, or start a community garden. The transformation could be astounding! And while it may sound like a lofty dream, the seeds of change are already being planted by those who believe in a brighter future.
Conclusion
A Journey Worth Taking
So, what’s the verdict on Liberia? It’s a country where hospitality reigns supreme, but the road to development is still a work in progress. The people are kind, caring, and full of integrity, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can shine brightly.
Liberia is a land of untapped potential, where the warmth of its people contrasts with the harsh realities of its infrastructure. But with every smile, every act of kindness, and every effort to improve their communities, the Liberians are proving that they are more than just a nation recovering from its past 'they are a people ready to embrace the future.
So, if you find yourself in Liberia, take a moment to appreciate the hospitality, embrace the chaos, and remember that beneath the surface, there’s a vibrant culture and a resilient spirit waiting to be discovered. And who knows? You might just leave with a heart full of warmth and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of imperfection.
So, what’s the verdict on Liberia? It’s a country where hospitality reigns supreme, but the road to development is still a work in progress. The people are kind, caring, and full of integrity, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can shine brightly.
Liberia is a land of untapped potential, where the warmth of its people contrasts with the harsh realities of its infrastructure. But with every smile, every act of kindness, and every effort to improve their communities, the Liberians are proving that they are more than just a nation recovering from its past 'they are a people ready to embrace the future.
So, if you find yourself in Liberia, take a moment to appreciate the hospitality, embrace the chaos, and remember that beneath the surface, there’s a vibrant culture and a resilient spirit waiting to be discovered. And who knows? You might just leave with a heart full of warmth and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of imperfection.