Bunce Island

November 2


Image 1 - Richard and Stephanie in the ruins of the Bunce Island slave fort


Image 2 - Leaving Bunce Island


Today we were off to Bunce Island. We rented a hand-made wooden canoe with a motor hanging off the back and travelled with 5 sailors to the Island from Freetown. We went against the tide, so it took longer then we thought. Thankfully, we had bought some umbrella’s for the sun (They had a Barrak Obama picture stamped on two sides of it… he’s a very popular thing to have on T-shirts, hats, etc. here!)

The Island has ruins of a slave fortress where slaves were kept before being shipped out to America. We saw the fireplace where the slaves were branded and the cave where they were kept for 3 days with no food or water to “weed out” the weak ones- the ones who died.

We saw a cemetery where various slave masters and/or captains of ships were buried. It was interesting noting the feelings and comments made at that cemetery- none of them compassionate towards those buried there. It certainly made you want to live a life where people won’t despise your gravestone when you’re gone.

On the way home, I saw the house Richard grew up in along with a number of neighbour’s who were very excited to see him and his family. Now, at the end of the day, I am exhausted… the short nights, heat, rough travel, and effort needed to meet new people took all my energy out of me. Good-night!

S.W.