The countryside here is dotted with large palm trees that lightly cover endless rolling green hills. Whilst the flora is different species, you could easily mistake the region for Borneo, Nicaragua, or any other tropical climate. Vegetation crowds the roadway closely, and small animals are very much evident.
Our entry into Kenema was made in grand style after a pleasant chat with the police commandant checking papers on the outskirts of the city. After a few minutes of pleasantries and posing for photos on the bikes, he decided that we warranted a police escort all the way to our planned hotel, so we raced through the streets unimpeded and in fine style.
Kenema is a diamond rush city that has sprung up from the rich alluvial soil found in this region. Diamonds are easily found here, and this has attracted the inevitable mix of big and small players, along with the service industries that accompany any boom town. It has a distinctly Wild West feel about the place along with a reputation for blood diamonds finding their way into the world market.
