The Bong Mine

We took a day trip on Saturday to a place called the Bong Mine. Apparently there was a thriving iron-ore mine years ago before the civil war. After WWII the Germans came and worked this huge mine to make steel to rebuild after the war. But in 1990 the Liberian Rebels decided that the town of Bong was to be their headquarters and took over. Our driver was telling us that the rebels took to civilians that lived there and forced them to fight for them. Those that didn't were lined up at the edge of a very deep valley and shot. The bodies dumped into the valley, making it a mass grave. He, miraculously, was spared but had to see some of his loved ones killed. Tragic. And to think this happened only 18 years ago.
Well, the trip itself to the mine was an adventure! We loaded up two range rovers and drove to the local train yard where the vehicles were driven up onto flat bed train cars. So we were able to climb on top of the cars and ride along! Look mom, no seat belt! The ride took ruffly 2-3 hours. And what a great opportunity to see some of the country and the people. It was great!