Liberia - 160 years old

This weekend Liberia celebrated its 16oth year of independance from the USA, with a firework display (paid for by the Chinese) held on the spot where the original freed American slaves landed in 1822. Ironically, precisely four years ago to the day the city of Monrovia echoed to sounds similar to fireworks, which were in fact the sounds of rebel forces bombarding the city night and day in an attempt to overthrow Charles Taylor. The population is still very nervous of any loud bangs, and the sale and use of firecrackers is still illegal here. Olly