We then took off to the airport, and go figure the domestic side is so much nicer than international. The people on the trip were incredible, and made the trip a total riot. It was also extremely educational to hear the experiences of these individuals who have traveled the world and are so knowledgable about what's happening in Nigeria. We then landed at our hotel and saw 3 local dances- Hausa, Youraba and Ibu. People in Nigeria take great pride in which one they are, and each has an accompanying language (and many dialects of that). We also had a traditional dinner of fofo which is pounded yams dipped into a spinach and cray fish or bean "soup".
The next day we were up bright and early again to a whirlwind storm. After 10 minutes of the rain ceased, but in Nigeria any rain can completely kill the roads. So we had to revise our itinerary which worked out that we actually saw more. We started at the Old House Museum about the British influence, slavery and palm oil. Then we got a bus tour of the entire town with all the historic sites like the grave and statue of Mary Sieler. Mary was a missionary from Scotland who was set to have Nigerians stop killing their twins because they found them to be evil. As it turns out, Nigeria has the highest rate of twins in the world (mix of yams and genetics). It was after Mary's grave on the way to old slave market which is now referred to as Watt Market when the bus broke down. The noise it was making should have been a dead give away, but the hill we attempted to go took it's toll. So we pushed it out of the intersection and got it to start- which was such a blessing because buses aren't easy to come around in Calabar. We decided to walk up hills from then on to guarantee we would make it back to the hotel eventually.
We then made it the Botanical Gardens and wildlife preserves to see primates saved from poachers in the area. This also will save the gene line that may not make it with the destruction occurring to the rainforest because of the overpopulation and corruption. We then headed to the Slave Museum.
It was this trip that really hit home what African time really meant. Lunch was scheduled for noon and we didn't even arrive to the restaurant till 4. Upon arriving at the restaurant what was to be 20 minutes turned into 2 more hours which brings a new meaning to the term "dunch". A fish with a head on it was devoured immediately, and I'm not sure if it was just the hunger talking but I found it quite nice. This is only one example of having to go with the flow. Nothing ever turns out how you expect here, and as a result you have to be prepared for anything and everything. What we deem as disorganized they find standard. It's a very different way of operating that takes a bit of getting use to.
We finally made it back to the hotel around 7 and the deputy Governor invited us over for light refreshments Nick and our new friends Titi and Uchinia found the hotel bar which led to my first night out in Nigeria. Uchinina had friends come pick us up in the area, and it was the first time I was able to freely walk around without security with AK47s trailing me. I never felt unsafe with a big group of native Nigerians and the night club was epic. We ended up getting bottle serve in a private room, and we spent the night dancing. Let me tell you- Nigerians know how to move and have fun. It's all about letting lose and kicking back. The music was Nigerian, so I couldn't understand it but it was like listening to rompe by Daddy Yankee. Catchy, upbeat rap/ hip hop music in a different language that repeats the same words enough you can still sing along. Needless to say, I had a great time. And what is even better is Uchinina and Titi are right down the road from me in Lekki- now I just have to figure out this whole security thing...
Our flight was delayed on Sunday till 4, so most the day was spent relaxing and chatting with the group. By the end of it we felt as if I had known them for years. I now have friends with expresso makers, parties to attend and trips to tag along on. All and all, it was a great weekend that furthered my understanding of Nigeria.
Check out the pics on FB to see the adventure (you're welcome Jim).
Peace out till next time- Kate
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