Ducor Palace Hotel...

Yesterday afternoon I was also able to fulfill one of the objectives I've had for a while now. To visit the ruined Ducor Palace Hotel. I always say I'll visit it. But I always end up putting it off. So it was about time I went to this towering reminder of the destruction of war.

So a small group of us headed out to Ducor Hotel. It is the large building perched on the hill overlooking the city and the Freeport of Monrovia. It was built in 1974, but during the Civil War this former 5-star hotel fell into disrepair and ruin. It is now nothing more than an empty shell, used for various aerials and the main radio antenna for UNMIL (United Nations Mission In Liberia) Radio. It is another startling tragedy of war, like the Hydro-Electric Plant mentioned in an earlier post.

But Ducor Hotel does still have amazing views of Monrovia and the Freeport – and, of course, my beautiful home. It was also great to gain some perspective on Monrovia – to see the city from the sky. It was a wonderful, sunny day. This warm weather added to the spectacular views. You could see miles and miles of Monrovia and the surrounding districts.

So ends another good weekend here in Liberia. One week closer to my departure from this beautiful place. Twelve weeks tomorrow until I leave. I'm going to make the most of this time I have left. As I have been reminded over and over again this past week:

“Don't wait for tomorrow when today's opportunities are a knocking at your door.”