Psychs in Guinea, West Africa.

Greeting Active Brits readers.. Its Psychs ere reporting from West Africa.

Well its more adventure work than adventure travel but either way, its one hell of an experience.. I'm currently writing this email from the depths of darkest Africa in a place called Simandou in the Republic of Guinea. I've been here working now for the last 6 weeks in the centre of a remote mountain area in the far SE of the country (hence the other blogs not being maintained). The place is excellent and the locals absolutely top notch friendly. Its the first time i've ever been to the 'developing world', i cant speak a word of french, but i'll definately come back again one day when my need for a 'cultural experience' is surpassed by my current need for 'adventure sports'... Lets just say its been one hell of an eye opener.

Before i left, my friends said 'Africa will either make you or break you' and all i can say is that its provided me with an extra incentive to get out there live, travel and spread a little joy.. Before leaving i had aprehensions about safety, corruption etc, and yes, going through the airport and in Conakry itself is hellishly daunting to begin with, but what you get is a reward far greater than you could ever imagine and far too difficult to put into words.. When you are out in the country areas it all changes, its a totally surreal contrast to inner city living. What i've been totally amazed by is the local populations strive to exist and take care of those who are close to them. Its made me realise that what we miss in the UK, or in western developed countries as a whole, a total lack of humanity and community spirit which seems to be of a higher priority here than any kind of wealth or status. The whole place has given me a one hell of a positive wake up call and my confidence has increased 10 fold.