Went there several years ago to help build a medical centre, and would never go back. We went in the wet season and most of the roads were virtually impassable. I think we got through 3 or 4 truck/jeeps in the fortnight we were there.
When we were there we only saw about 2 or 3 tarmac roads, but saw loads of Mercs and BMWs which was slightly weird, but the contrast in wealth within the country was appalling.
The hassle we got was quite staggering and started the minute we got off the plane. It was anything from machetes being waved in peoples faces to ‘please set up a standing order to my account’. Get used to being called two-bob everywhere you go and kids begging the moment you get out of your transport. I have never been so glad to get on a plane as I was at the end of our trip there…and I hate flying!
Having said all that, it is one of the poorest countries in the world, has lost its main export and is very reliant on foreign aid; to the point where it seemed to have developed a dependancy culture, so things are never going to be ‘normal’. We saw a couple of inspring projects and met some very lovely and generous people.
I know people who go back year after year but, for me, and many of the young people we went with, it was one tough trip.