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November 18 2025 - Visa Runs & Rooftop Rambles: A Day in Monrovia
đź“Ť Location
Monrovia, Liberia — November 18
đź“ť Episode Notes
Today I’m recording from Monrovia, Liberia — mostly because of some visa hurdles I needed to sort out. West Africa keeps me on my toes with ever-shifting rules, embassy quirks, and unexpected detours.
I started the morning heading to the Ghanaian embassy, armed with the usual mix of online forms, unclear requirements, and “sign up first” warnings. Instead, I was told I either needed a visa on arrival — usually only at airports — or that I should try my luck in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, because this office only processes visas for Ghanaian residents living in Liberia. Not ideal, but at least it was an answer.
From there, I made my way to the Ivory Coast embassy. This time I got an application, a checklist, and a requirement for a hotel reservation in Abidjan. Since I expect it’ll take me four or five days to get there, I booked a room and decided not to rush back.
Instead, I spent the rest of the day wandering the older parts of Monrovia. I stumbled onto a spot called The Family Porch — a casual rooftop hangout for food, drinks, and people-watching. I loved the energy: rooftops layered on rooftops, music drifting through alleys, people everywhere, and plenty to take in. I grabbed some food on the way, including my favorite—fried bananas. Always a win.
Thanks for being here with me on this journey. More tomorrow.
⏱️ Key Moments
- 00:12 — Why I'm in Monrovia: Visa issues force a detour to Liberia’s capital.
- 01:04 — Ghana Embassy Confusion: Online sign-ups, unclear rules, and a surprising “visa on arrival” suggestion.
- 02:00 — Being Redirected: Told I can only apply in Abidjan or at the airport.
- 02:45 — Ivory Coast Embassy Stop: Finally get an application and a full list of requirements.
- 03:30 — Booking My Stay in Abidjan: A hotel reservation becomes the key to moving forward.
- 04:10 — Exploring Old Monrovia: Wandering the city instead of heading back immediately.
- 05:00 — Discovering The Family Porch: Rooftop vibes, views, people, and a cold drink.
- 05:45 — Fried Bananas for the Win: The day ends with a favorite snack.
- 06:10 — Signing Off: More updates to come tomorrow.
View all episodes
By Andre van der Mostđź“Ť Location
Monrovia, Liberia — November 18
đź“ť Episode Notes
Today I’m recording from Monrovia, Liberia — mostly because of some visa hurdles I needed to sort out. West Africa keeps me on my toes with ever-shifting rules, embassy quirks, and unexpected detours.
I started the morning heading to the Ghanaian embassy, armed with the usual mix of online forms, unclear requirements, and “sign up first” warnings. Instead, I was told I either needed a visa on arrival — usually only at airports — or that I should try my luck in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, because this office only processes visas for Ghanaian residents living in Liberia. Not ideal, but at least it was an answer.
From there, I made my way to the Ivory Coast embassy. This time I got an application, a checklist, and a requirement for a hotel reservation in Abidjan. Since I expect it’ll take me four or five days to get there, I booked a room and decided not to rush back.
Instead, I spent the rest of the day wandering the older parts of Monrovia. I stumbled onto a spot called The Family Porch — a casual rooftop hangout for food, drinks, and people-watching. I loved the energy: rooftops layered on rooftops, music drifting through alleys, people everywhere, and plenty to take in. I grabbed some food on the way, including my favorite—fried bananas. Always a win.
Thanks for being here with me on this journey. More tomorrow.
⏱️ Key Moments
- 00:12 — Why I'm in Monrovia: Visa issues force a detour to Liberia’s capital.
- 01:04 — Ghana Embassy Confusion: Online sign-ups, unclear rules, and a surprising “visa on arrival” suggestion.
- 02:00 — Being Redirected: Told I can only apply in Abidjan or at the airport.
- 02:45 — Ivory Coast Embassy Stop: Finally get an application and a full list of requirements.
- 03:30 — Booking My Stay in Abidjan: A hotel reservation becomes the key to moving forward.
- 04:10 — Exploring Old Monrovia: Wandering the city instead of heading back immediately.
- 05:00 — Discovering The Family Porch: Rooftop vibes, views, people, and a cold drink.
- 05:45 — Fried Bananas for the Win: The day ends with a favorite snack.
- 06:10 — Signing Off: More updates to come tomorrow.