Location

Monrovia, Liberia

Episode Notes

On this Thursday, November 20th, I found myself waiting for a call that never came—from the Ivory Coast embassy. I had expected some clarity on my visa situation, but instead I spent most of the day wandering around the hotel and taking in a few local sights.

What truly defined the day, though, was an unexpected connection at breakfast. I ended up sitting next to a Dutch guy named Bram—one of those chance travel encounters that turn into something far more interesting than you expect. We started talking, and before long I learned he works for PowerGen Renewable Energy, helping set up off-grid power systems across Africa. He’s been in Congo, Sierra Leone, and now Liberia, laying the groundwork for new renewable energy projects.

His stories about bringing electricity to remote communities, navigating government bureaucracy, and trying to get major projects funded were fascinating. We continued our conversation over dinner at a Chinese restaurant filled with private rooms and oversized portions. It felt surreal and very “Africa”—in the best way.

Bram lives in Kenya with his wife and daughter; his wife works for Afripads in Uganda, a company making essential female hygiene products. Hearing how they both contribute to meaningful work around the continent was inspiring—and a reminder of how many incredible people you meet when you’re simply open to conversation.

These are the moments that make travel so rewarding. Even on a day when nothing goes according to plan, you can stumble into stories that open your world.

See you tomorrow.

Key Moments

• 00:00 — Waiting for the embassy call: I share how I expected to hear from the Ivory Coast embassy but never did.
• 02:10 — Slow day at the hotel: I talk about passing time, wandering around, and keeping things low-key.
• 03:35 — Meeting Bram by chance at breakfast: I explain how I sat next to a Dutch guy without knowing who he was.
• 05:10 — Learning about his work in renewable energy: I describe how he helps build off-grid power systems in Congo, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
• 08:00 — Dinner at a Chinese restaurant full of private rooms: I recount our fascinating dinner and the oversized dishes.
• 10:20 — Challenges of energy development in Africa: I reflect on his stories about financing, government hurdles, and refusing corruption.
• 12:15 — His life in Kenya with his wife and daughter: I share how both he and his wife contribute to meaningful work across Africa.
• 14:00 — Why chance encounters on the road mean so much: I close with how these small moments make travel more meaningful.