First month

What I have learned about Sierra Leone this past month:

Hissing is a completely appropriate way to get someone's attention.
Don't be offended when people yell "White Girl!" or "Chinese!" when you pass.
There are two kinds of mangoes, the little green ones and the big ones from Guinea. The big ones are amazing.
"Pancakes" are little fried balls that taste like donuts.
Even dishes that sound vegetarian on the menu will invariably contain beef, chicken and fish, combined.
Capital Radio (104.9) is the best radio station ever.
Don't forget to wipe your mouth after eating "rice and sauce," or you will have orange palm oil all over your face.
Dunkin' Donuts coffee is cheaper than instant Nescafe.
The rainy season is winter, and people will be wearing wool hats and coats despite the fact that it is 75 degrees out.
The grocery stores have a lot of familiar products but they all taste a little funky, probably the result of long periods of transport and storage. Exception: Cadbury Royal Dark Chocolate bars.
If a shared taxi tries to charge you 5,000 Leones, it is ripping you off. An effective response is, "Ehhh?? I pay 900 every time," while threatening to get out of the moving taxi. 900 Leones= 25 cents.
Don't be creeped out when people walk up and say, "I love you. I want to be your friend." They are just being friendly.