📍 Location

Monrovia, Liberia — Embassy of Ivory Coast & Royal Grand Hotel

📝 Episode Notes

In today’s episode, I walk you through an unexpected twist in my Liberia journey. I headed back to the Ivory Coast Embassy to figure out why I never received the call I was promised — and ended up learning more about embassy protocol, long pants etiquette, and the joys of finding good coffee in Monrovia.

From navigating Liberian country codes on an American phone, to negotiating with a security guard who had suddenly discovered a dress code, to finding out my visa would take another three to five days, the day wasn’t what I expected. But I made the best of it: a cappuccino break at the Royal Grand Hotel, a chance encounter with an NGO worker, and a conversation with my hotel’s owner that opened up possibilities for the journey ahead.

I may be stuck somewhere I wasn’t planning to stay, but I’m rolling with it — and sharing the ride with you.

🗝️ Key Moments

00:42 — Trying to get into the embassy & confusion over calling a Liberian number

02:10 — Security guard refuses me entry because I’m wearing shorts

03:00 — Changing into long pants out of respect and finally getting inside 04:25 — Learning my call was made… just to the wrong number

05:05 — Paying the $120 visa fee without another bank run

06:02 — The disappointing news: the 3–5 day wait starts today

07:18 — Processing the delay and deciding not to burn bridges

08:00 — Escaping to the Royal Grand Hotel for a much-needed cappuccino

09:15 — Meeting a Mercy Corps worker and reflecting on NGO presence in Liberia

10:10 — Re-booking a smaller room at my hotel and chatting with the owner

11:05 — Ending the day accepting the delay and making the best of where I am