One Year

It’s been a year… and sometimes I wonder where the time’s gone. At other times I dread the slow ticking of the clock and languid fluttering of calendar pages. A year ago, I left Calgary, drove across Canada to Toronto, boarded a plane and arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone. And now, I can’t resist a bit of reflection – on a year in Africa – on a year away from home.

What strikes me first are the significant changes I’ve gone through on a personal level. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks… and I’m certainly still learning. That’s good… I’ve learned to be more patient, more resilient, more assertive, more direct, more in control – while at the same time feeling out of control most of the time. I’ve learned to see the world in a slightly different way. I’m positive… about a lot of things. I’m sure of several things I wasn’t sure of before. And, I’m directing things I wasn’t directing before… Perhaps it’s confidence. Perhaps it’s maturity... although I think I still have a lot of growing up left to do.

A year ago, I came to Sierra Leone as a facilitator/journalist to work with local reporters and media development folks on human rights awareness issues. I’m still doing that – now as Country Director. I still consider myself a journalist although I’m a “non-practicing/teaching” journalist. My circle of friends has changed. My connections to the world have changed. My living arrangements have changed significantly. And, it’s true… change is sometimes a good thing.

My life is almost completely different than it was a year ago. I won’t bore you with the comparisons… but rather I’d like to reflect on things as they are now.

I sleep under a mosquito net… sweating into pillows of chewed foam salvaged from the insides of discarded car seats. It’s “recycling” to the max yet when it’s a necessity it’s called “making due or making a living”. Everything is well-used, used again and then recycled into something else. I covet power… especially when I can turn on a fan and sleep in the breeze of circling blades.

I still have my morning cup of coffee but it’s now Nescafe instant with powdered milk. I wake at 6:00 a.m. and sit outside on the verandah watching the sunrise through the coconut trees and palm leaves in my fenced, razor-wired and glass shard-topped courtyard. I shower in cold water, or sometimes rely on bucket-baths, which isn’t so bad when the temperature hits 90 degrees by 7:00 a.m. I use a strong anti-bacterial soap… because even minor infections here can be deadly, as I’ve recently learned.

My days are varied – sometimes I’m teaching at Fourah Bay College, formerly the “Athens of West Africa” and now a long, long way from being the “Athens of anything”. It’s disheartening but also incredibly rewarding… influencing the next generation of reporters and journalists before they develop the predominant bad habits of those “downtown” media folks. I use chalkboards and white boards while students sit in dilapidated desks and chairs without backs. And today… we had to close the windows because the rain came so hard – and loud. Gotta love “higher” education in Sierra Leone.

I climb the stairs and hill out of my Freetown “oasis” to catch an okada (motorcycle taxi) at the junction of Aberdeen Road and Kosy Williams Dr. where I can also get “diamonds” (little hard candies) or a dried fish and gravy sandwich from a woman named Boah. My regular bike-rider’s name is Mohamed and he’s a very young guy who shows up precisely in time to usher me through traffic to work on time or class on time. I’ve acquired a reputation here as the “white-okada-rider in the African dress” – no, not literally a dress… but I regularly wear African suits – long shirts down to my knees and matching pants.

I have to say, I’ve made progress on my attempts at institutionalizing punctuality. Most folks rely on “BMT” or “black man’s time” which can be either ten minutes or three hours late. It’s a very common term/condition around here and it’s frustrating to this punctually-compulsive Canadian. The problem is… I never know when I can be late… When I’m in charge – lecturing or leading a workshop – I’m on time – and my students know this… and make every attempt to be in class when I start. But, when I’m a participant, I have to gauge what the event is, who’s running it, who’ll be there, etc. For example… if it’s a local event – I can be an hour late. If it’s an event hosted by the BBC or the UN, I can be ten minutes to a half hour late.

I was invited to a wedding reception recently and the invitation said, “Reception, arrival of bride and groom – 7:30 p.m.” Well, not gauging time and not understanding the tradition, I was there at 7:30 – only to wait till 10:00 p.m., when I couldn’t stay awake any longer… and headed home. I trust the reception went on at some point… and hopefully people showed up. When I left there were only about 10% of the guests sitting at long, lonely tables – wondering if or when we could crack open the bottles of wine.

Riding an okada is an interesting experience… we’re often on the “wrong” side of the road – the faded, sometimes non-existent lines are merely guidelines… Or we’re zipping between lanes of traffic – one coming towards me and the other travelling in the same direction – but usually at a standstill because the roads are so congested. I’ve taken to reading the fronts of the approaching poda-podas – minivans crammed to the rafters with people, chickens, fish, charcoal, etc. The poda drivers are very creative when it comes to painted slogans… and I have to smile as “John 3:16” or “Allah be Prazed” comes barrelling towards me. My thinking is I’ll never end up a hood ornament on a poda-poda with “God is the lit”, “Praze Allah”, “Shine the lite” painted on the front hood.

Okadas are the quickest, riskiest and most exposed form of transport around… but they are essential to the transportation community. Without them, the roads would be even more congested… and it would literally take me 1.5 hours in a taxi to get to the office where it takes me 20 minutes on the back of a bike. Of course the rains will dampen my okada-spirits significantly… and I’ll have to resort to a crowded, steamy, shitty little taxi when it’s pouring with rain.

It’s true what they say about “sweet Salone”… the people are incredibly friendly. I’ve been welcomed into people’s homes, lives, workplaces and families. It’s remarkable how willing most Sierra Leoneans are to share their lives. I’ve met some wonderful local folks… Elvis, for sure, our initial contact with everything Sierra Leonean – a very good man who knows everyone who’s anyone. Momoh, who works in the JHR office and continues to amaze me with his stamina for my frustration and wonderment at passing parades, the VP who’s motorcade zips by, the prisoners transported to the courts and back to Pademba Road prison, and other mundane things that happen in front of the jhr office. My landlords, Mala and Kishen, who welcomed three wayward journalists off the street a year ago, into their compound… although I’m still waiting (6 months now) for them to fix the mini-fridge. They are lovely people and upon Kishen’s return from a recent business trip, he surprised me with a gift set of “smelly stuff” – shower gel and a spray-thing of perfume. Guess I don’t smell too good lately… and he’s trying to help.

I arrived in Freetown with four others… trainers and journalists from Canada, the U.K. and from India. It was a pleasure getting to know these brilliant, talented, hard-working and enthusiastic folks. Yes, I became a bit of a “father-figure” to the group but it was all very good… Staying out late with Jordan, “the popular guy”. Commiserating with Chris-Bo over stomach issues and malaria. Talking photography and journalism with Allison. Trying to keep up to Sulak and her busy life. It was good… and although a couple of folks had to leave early, it was still a great experience. I’m thankful to the group for supporting and for being here.

People come and go in Sierra Leone – UN missions change, NGOs recruit and young people leave for greener pastures, contracts end, contracts begin, etc. etc. And, with this successive turnover of folks around here I’ve had a number of other roomies with whom I’ve become close friends. Lyla, Greg, Leah and Collin, Paul and Caroline, et al are wonderful people… whom I’m lucky to have gotten to know.

Yes, my life is almost totally different than it was a year ago…

·      I eat rice everyday – sometimes twice a day

·      Cassava leaf, potato leaf and groundnuts are my staples

·      Mango season is a celebration of juicy, ripe, delicious fruits

·      Nescafe I can live without… but can’t live without…

·      Fish – from giant barracuda to snapper to “minas”

·      Buying lunch from a bowl on the street from a dubious “chop shop”

·      Loud distorted music from “sets”

·      Star beer… locally brewed and dangerous after two

·      African peppers… enough to kill parasites, tingle the tongue and feel the next day

·      Powdered milk – where are the cows?

·      Buying provisions from Aminata and the Aberdeen market

·      Street stalls that sell everything from air fresheners to steering wheel covers

·      Beer and “burgers” (so-called) at Roy’s Beach Bar – close enough to the Atlantic to taste the salt water.

·      Watching Premier League “football” at Alex’s Sports bar – or at a shack in my neighbourhood

·      Malaria – and learning to become a mosquito hunter

·      Mould on everything during the rainy season

·      Police who openly and actively take bribes at almost every street corner

·      International phone calls that won’t go through or can’t come in

·      Struggling with hand-washing laundry

·      Politics in everything… if it’s not political – it’s not news and not life

·      Generators that don’t work… and inferior products dumped into Africa

·      “Jonx” or second-hand goods from the west – thank you Value Village and Sally Ann

·      Heat rash – sweating – carrying a towel at all times – fans…

·      Tan lines

·      No sweets – no twix bars or snickers bars

·      In your face religion

·      Horrible journalism

·      Paperwork

·      The UN – UNDP – UNPBF – UNIFEM – UNICEF, et al

·      Beaches and oceans…

Life is different… and the biggest adjustment of all – unreliable power and SLOOOWWW internet connections.

I’ve written blogs, reports, financial statements, letters, grant proposals, protest letters, journal entries and even the odd recommendation letter. It’s been an “interesting” year… and there’s more to come.

Never too old to learn a new trick or two… and I’ve learned a lot this past year. Thanks for coming along with me…

S/

Independence Day - April 27, 2010

Sierra Leone celebrated it's 49th anniversary of independence from "our colonial masters", the British, on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. A national holiday... and a day of celebration, rumination and anticipation. The word on the streets - and from the President himself - "Wait. Things are getting better."

I spent the day at the National Stadium photographing events for the Ministry of Tourism - in preparation for the big 50th anniversary planned for 2011. Here, President Ernest Bai Koroma, inspects troops on the field of the stadium.

Later that day, the stadium cleared in preparations for a live concert featuring Akon, a Senegalese hip-hop performer now living large in the U.S. Of course, it rained... and after sitting for hours, soaking wet in the stands, I went home... but did get to the concert the following afternoon.

Akon was followed by several local performers who danced, lip-synced and gyrated around the stage to the delight of thousands... An event like this is rare - and so is the opportunity to celebrate something positive in Sierra Leone. It was good to see...

Still hopeful... and still working hard.
Yours,
Stephen

Maclean’s Missives

Sometimes word from “home” is so nice… E-mail letters are what keep me going here in Freetown. News, gossip, family updates, weather reports, etc. are welcome reminders of who’s who, what’s up and where’s where.

Imagine my surprise when a magazine-seller approached me in Crown Bakery, one of the most “western” retreats in the city, and held aloft a copy of Maclean’s magazine – the March 29th issue, no less. And, according to the cover, this one was a “Spring Double Issue”. Mr. Magazine-seller knows I’m Canadian and knows how I love to devour magazines. A “double-whammy” for him and a sure sale. Not even the depiction of a plaintive, bleeding Christ figure detoured me. And neither did the bare-all Martha Stewart book review highlighted at the top of the cover. Both things, I might add, that would usually turn my stomach.

I regularly buy “Focus on Africa” and “Africa Report” both published by U.K. companies. I sometimes buy “Newsweek” – usually two-three weeks out of date. And, I occasionally stumble across old issues of the “Economist” – a real treat. The local magazines, “Newday” and “SierraEye” are so bad… I end up regretting the small purchase price. I buy them to support the industry and quickly pass them along to word-hungry security guards or Class Six Secondary School students who are desperate for reading materials.

This issue of Maclean’s was only a week out of date… and bore the subscriber’s address as Leaside Park Dr., Toronto. I didn’t ask who or how or when… but quickly scratched together the 10,000Le he wanted and stashed the magazine into my briefcase… careful not to fold the cover, tear a page or wrinkle the binding.

I was going to savour this one… I was going to devour it’s contents over time… usually late at night, reading by the light of my headlamp, sitting under my mosquito netting, sweating and salivating over my deliciously Canadian magazine sweet-treat.

A week or so after my purchase, the magazine is wrinkled, folded, dog-eared, thumbed and fingered… and barely hanging together.

I think I read every word… even the ads, something I wouldn’t normally do. I read with compassion the story of Bernice Packford, who thinks she’s had enough of this life. I caught the controversy over the women’s and men’s Olympic coverage on the letters to the editor/mailbag pages. To Loblaws, Sobey’s, IGA, Foodland, etc. – isn’t it obvious that the price of a plastic grocery bag should be $1.00 – universally applied? That’s the only way to “encourage” environmentalism – via the pocketbook.

Is it really “good news” that Margaret Atwood sang? And, why should we care what she does with Olivia Newton-John? It certainly is “bad news” that Pringles was pulled off the shelves for suspected salmonella contamination. Interestingly, we can buy Pringles here – usually stale-dated, and I’m pretty sure those “maybe contaminated” tubes of tubers will wind up on store shelves here in West Africa.

I was shocked by Linda Frum’s article on the trouble at “Rights and Democracy”, “Canada’s publicly funded human rights organization”. What did she say? Eleven million dollars? Good gawd. I work with a human rights/media development organization and I’ve never seen the kind of money she talks about… Millions? Tens of thousands? Hundreds of thousands? Yeah right… Here I sit in Freetown, which would surely qualify as a “most deserving region of the world” and I’ve yet to see the kind of money Frum mentions for conferences, discretionary funds, managerial laptops or administration. Let me guess… of the eleven million dollar budget, less than 10% actually goes to those regions deemed deserving.

And, Paul Wells piece on “Harper’s Right Turn” incensed me and not just because I’m a left-leaning, slightly socialist journalist. How far right can we get? It’s a scary thought… Thanks Paul. But, it was good to see our “sacred” postal system illustrated by the likes of Andrew Tolson… who photographically captures the essence of how dire the system has become - unprofessional, lackadaisical, unresponsive and a behemoth/albatross around our necks. Time to do something about this place… the postal system, which I love so much, needs a massive upgrade in attitude and attention, in my mind.

Here I sit in post-conflict Sierra Leone… and imagine my surprise when I read about the (alleged) Liberian warlord living free and safe in Canada. Hmmm, on the diamonds from Sierra Leone perhaps? It’s a well-known fact here that the Liberian/Sierra Leonean war, through the 90s and into the millennium, was about diamonds, drugs, power and greed. And, we’re still seeing the effects. I attended the opening of the Charles Taylor trial at the Hague, via video conference at the Special Court of Sierra Leone. And, from what I learned, Taylor still controls a great deal of the wealth and power in Liberia. That’s a scary thought… but so is the notion that Canada has become a “haven” for a well-known killer and warlord. Where is Bill Horace now? Who’s investigating this further? It’s the tip of the iceberg… or, as they say here, the green snake in the grass. Time to look (carefully) deeper, in my mind.

Gay Republicans, bankrupt Greece, banning bluefin tuna, sandwiches, fashion runways, Activa yogurt and meatless Mondays were all great reads… from newsmakers to women in metal… some things I cared about deeply and others… well, no.

The Back Pages… I had to wonder who or why any reviewer much less a wily consumer would ever wade through almost 400 pages of bitchy, bare-all gossip about Martha Stewart. Why bother? Because she’s “famous”? I think the book industry can do without such blather, thank you very much. Kudos to Anne Kingston for getting through the book… and warning us all to stay the heck away. And, speaking of the book industry… way to go Penguin! Good effort but more work is required. Perhaps Penguin should read the piece about “curl maintenance”. It might help with the cover designs. Sigh.

Magazines, news, reports, etc. wouldn’t be complete without quandaries from Quebec. Mark Steyn has it covered… Intolerance? Yes. Taking it too far. Yes. Taking Quebec for who they are… Priceless!

The End – I think the only page my son, Isaac, reads… a remarkably moving story of a remarkably boring guy. Gotta love those.

Thank you, Maclean’s, however and whenever you arrived in Freetown… it was a blessing.

Your humble, boring, mag-material hungry servant,
Stephen

The government… is aquiver

Corruption… I’ve written about it before and am revisiting the topic because it’s been all over the news here in Sierra Leone – again. This time, however, the “barking dog has teeth”, as they say, and arrests, convictions and charges are in the air – and courts.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is an independent body set up to investigate and charge folks suspected of corruption, which, as you know, is rampant here in Sierra Leone – from police officers on the street right up through the highest levels of government. (I wish they’d do something about police corruption – bribery – but that seems to be just a fact of life here) One of the posters created by the ACC pictures a set of handcuffs with the slogan “one size fits all, even the big fishes”. And, interestingly, the ACC logo is a fierce looking eagle (or “ack”, a vicious bird of prey) that stares down its beak at any and all who dare glance in its direction.


Speaking of “big fishes”, Afsata Kabba, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources has just been relieved of her duties and charged with 17 counts of corruption… (“soliciting and accepting advantage” – nice terms for severely corrupt behaviour) It’s reported that she accepted thousands of dollars in bribes from the “fish mafia” operating off the coast of Sierra Leone. This after being “sacked and moved” from her position as Minister of Energy and Power, in early 2009, under suspicious circumstances – some say corrupt practices in that ministry as well. She ran the Fisheries Ministry for just under a year and now faces jail time, fines, etc. if she’s convicted. The war in the media continues over this matter – some supportive (paid off) publishers say she’s a “marine-heroine” and some say she’s a dastardly, evil, “fishy-mastermind”.

In November 2009, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Sheiku Tejan Koroma, was relieved of his duties under suspicion of “accepting influence”, “abuse of office” and mismanagement of funds in his ministry. The Anti-Corruption Commission found several instances of suspicious misbehaviour and charged the (no-longer honourable) Minister with corruption… leading to a recent conviction in court and a sentence of five years imprisonment or payment of fines totalling approximately one hundred and fifty million Leones (about $40,000USD).

Apparently the former Minister visited the courts late last week and paid the fine – probably out of the mismanaged or ill-gotten monies while he was Minister… thereby avoiding a jail term in the Pademba Road prison – arguably one of the worst jails in the world. No doubt, if convicted, the former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources will opt for the same route… again, paying the fines out of ill-gotten monies, I’m sure.

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) the government department responsible for tax collection, customs, etc. has also been shaken up. Last week, five “high up” men were suspended – some say “arrested” – for mismanagement and corrupt activities surrounding import containers and tax collection.

And, “the Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has informed the Office of the President that since October this year, the ACC has been investigating specific reports of allegations made against, Mr. Allieu Sesay, the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). The allegations include inter alia misappropriation of public funds, misappropriation of donor funds, abuse of office, abuse of position, corrupt acquisition of wealth, fraudulent or wilful or negligent failure to comply with procurement laws or procedures and conflict of interest.”

The ACC is cracking down… and the head of the ACC, Abdul Tejan-Cole, is bent on challenging, investigating and prosecuting those “big fishes” who continue to abuse their positions of authority and responsibility. Who’s next is anyone’s guess… but I’m hoping the “barking dog continues to bite” in the fight against corruption. Nothing is more frustrating… or disheartening to the people of Sierra Leone.

Perhaps there’s hope…
Stephen

Malaria

Here’s what I know of malaria – it makes me feel like “shyte”. And, I’ve got it again – damn the mosquitoes. I’ve started my round of malaria meds and will be back on my feet again in a week or so… and will update all when symptoms calm down.

From the World Health Organization website – accessed on a day when I’m barely able to lift a finger to keyboard… but must take advantage of power and internet connectivity.

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells.

Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting, and usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.

Key interventions to control malaria include: prompt and effective treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies; use of insecticidal nets by people at risk; and indoor residual spraying with insecticide to control the vector mosquitoes.

From the World Malaria Report – 2009.

• Half of the world's population is at risk of malaria.
• An estimated 243 million malaria cases occurred in 2008.
• An estimated 863 000 malaria deaths occurred in 2008; 767 000 of those (89%) occurred in Africa.

From the Malaria Foundation International.

• Malaria is estimated to cause 300- 500 million clinical cases and over one million deaths each year.
• Every 30 seconds, a child somewhere dies of malaria. In any given year, nearly ten percent of the global population will suffer a case of malaria.
• Most survive after an illness of 10-20 days.
• Children are especially vulnerable to malaria. In Africa, where 80% of malaria cases are treated at home, the disease kills one child in twenty before the age of five.
• Pregnant women are also at high risk. They have an increase risk of disease and death, as well as adverse impacts for their developing babies- including low birth weight, growth retardation, still births and death.
• In African countries, up to 60% of hospital admissions may be for malaria; that's 6 out of 10 admissions!

I’ll survive because I’m a fortunate “pink” and can afford the medication, get to a pharmacy, take a day or two off work and get someone to bring me bread and water. For many of my neighbours, children, workers and non-workers in Sierra Leone, their options are far fewer. It’s scary out here…

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S/

The Beatles come to Sierra Leone

When did Ed Sullivan announce the Beatles arrival to North America? When did the British invasion of pop music and the Beatles start? All I know is that the broadcast – often reported as “the most important musical event in history” – was recorded in black and white – and four lads from Liverpool took the stage in black suits and ties.

Okay… if you remember, you’re probably a little older than I am now… February 9, 1964, to many, is as memorable as the day Kennedy was shot in Dallas. “Where were you when???” Sunday, February 9, 1964 was the day the Beatles made their first appearance on North American television. And, needless to say the day was memorable and monumental for many people.

Why am I writing about this… early February 2010??? Well, this February, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, I introduced the Beatles to a country that seems to have missed the British musical invasion – perhaps a backlash against the British colonial influence through the 1800s and 1900s. I’m no Ed Sullivan and it wasn’t on national television… but I can claim my place in Sierra Leone’s musical history.

I was invited to attend a graduation ceremony for a neighbour who completed her studies from the Camp Vocational Centre for Women in Food and Nutrition. A two year certificate program that carries significant weight around here. In fact, any certificate from any educational institute is important here… I won’t get into the state of education – yet – but needless to say it’s rather atrocious. This event was important – to understate the obvious.

At the party following the graduation, held at the Bentina Restaurant and Bar in Aberdeen across from the beach, the music was loud, the celebrants beamed, family and friends proudly presented gifts to the graduates… and people danced, ate and drank in merriment. Anticipating a rather painful musical experience, I prepared a CD – a “plate” – of music from Canada, which included Mae Moore, Brian Adams, the Tragically Hip, the Bare Naked Ladies, Leonard Cohen, etc. It also contained several songs from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.

I should back up a bit… and explain what I mean by “painful musical experience”. Here in Sierra Leone, they love their music LOUD, often to the point of distortion. They love “digital” music created on synthesizers with heavy disco beats – repetitive drumbeats and electronic sound effects. It’s not quite disco and not quite rap. It’s not quite hip-hop and not quite pop. But, it’s incredibly popular. People love music here… and kids, young people and adults often sing, dance and gyrate unabashedly in the streets – to music videos blaring from market stalls and shops on the street.

I have to say, I’m not exactly a fan of the music here… (“cultural music aside, of course), hence my preparation of “good” music for the party. I presented the disk to the DJ – DJ Power Aziz – and asked if he’d have a listen and at some point play a selection. He dutifully listened to a few pieces and announced that while he liked some of the music, he couldn’t play anything because “no one else would like the music”.

Later that evening, after everyone had eaten and taken to the dance floor, I requested a song – “All You Need Is Love” – by the Beatles. I figured it was about as “Africa-friendly” as possible – understandable lyrics, a decent beat, memorable melody, etc. The DJ relented, after a small donation to the musical sound set, and the dance floor quickly emptied. I couldn’t believe it… so I grabbed a young girl, Yanda, the 10-year-old daughter of another neighbour, and we happily spun, twirled and “shook our money-makers” to the Beatles.

Interestingly, after Yanda and my dance (following significant ridicule for being the white guy who can’t dance) and the resumption of the (loud, distorted) heavy electronic drumbeats, I asked folks if they’d ever heard of the Beatles… NOT ONE PERSON had ever heard anything like that song or knew anything about the Beatles. And so I tried to explain – the biggest selling musical group ever – the most popular musicians ever – the biggest money-makers… all of which fell on deaf ears as did the song, “All You Need Is Love”.

My curiosity was peaked… and I asked two journalism classes at Fourah Bay College – students between 21 and 35 years – if they’d ever heard of the Beatles. One had – because they regularly listen to a BBC affiliate radio station here who sometimes play “oldies”. Thus another assignment was born – find and review a Beatles song for a local newspaper. It’ll be interesting to read their responses…

So, forty-six years after the Beatles hit the television airwaves in North America, they’ve now landed in Sierra Leone – to a warm, sunny and humid reception, hopefully. I may not be Ed Sullivan but perhaps I’ve introduced “the long and winding road”, along “Abbey Road”, “day tripping”, in a “yellow submarine”, “with a little help from my friends” and “all my loving”, hoping “we can work it out”.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Stephen