It's Not Goodbye, It's See You Later

So I'm not one for goodbyes. I usually like to fly out under the radar, but in this camp there was no way that was going to happen. And honestly, I am so glad it didn't . It's just another reminder of the amazing people I have gotten to know and work during my time in Nigeria. 

Last weekend was the start of the "+ Kate's goodbye parties". Kelsie and I threw a knock out St. Patricks day/ Kelsie's birthday/ Ryan's birthday and oh yes the Kate's goodbye party. Talk about a fun night. I mean we might not be the most experienced hostesses, but provide people some green jello shots, lot's of alcohol and food and a theme to have fun with - yeah, you're set up for success. We had about 20 people all together and we went to Spice Route for some Indian/ Thai food that was to die for. A few bottles of wine and a family style sharing set up led to a night of constant laughs. Even after people kept stopping from another party for a drink, some hooka and fun. I could go on and on about how great it was- but I think you get the point.

Then this last week seemed to fly by. I learned that the job I thought I was going to have has changed and that I'm actually moving to Houston. I was initially shocked at first, and then I realized I should be feeling relieved. I know where I am going! I can start mentally preparing for my next adventure. And I have a really good feeling about this one. 

Next thing I knew it was Thursday and I was getting lunch with a guy I chatted with in the coffee room everyday. I admit, I was super hesitant at first since I wasn't sure the intentions, but I decided what the heck. Turned out incredible, he was a nice guy who was paying it forward after someone did the same for him in the US. I love when people genuinely surprise you in the best way- it's what make life interesting. That night I went to La Veranda to celebrate Troy's birthday, which somehow turned it to a "+ Kate's going away". Turns out I'm not the only person that doesn't want all the attention. It was a great night out and nice to get out of camp during the week one last time. 

Friday was my big work party. Karen was kind enough to host the party after work. It was nice for all my coworkers to come out and say goodbye and socialize. They gave me the sweetest card, a Chevron addidas jacket and pants sport suit, a Nigerian jacket and jewelry. Too kind. After that I ended up at my last pub night at Marions. It's like going from one culture to another within minutes, and I loved it. 

Saturday was the prep for Sunday- my actual going away brunch. We had every breakfast food/ drink you could imagine thanks to everyone on camp bringing a little something something. It's kind of amazing how many people came over to say goodbye. It was truly touching. People started coming in around 11 and it didn't even end till 5. 

What a week. As excited as I am about this next adventure, there is a lot about this community I'm going to miss. The good and bad, everyone is really here for one another and it's something I will never forget. 

So I think this will be my final post from Nigeria. I am blessed to have been given this opportunity and I have no regrets. I owe a major thank you to the support of everyone both at home and in Lekki, and knowing how small of a world it is I won't say goodbye but see you later. 

Love always- Kate

Two Week Countdown

Wow, my how time flies. I’m at my two week mark before I leave for Nigeria. It’s quite strange, it feels so close yet so far. Part of that is probably that I am going on my first real vacation since I started working and am so ancy to get going! A safari, Cape Town and a tour of the Ireland and UK isn’t a bad way to end one amazing adventure.  To think, I went from never leaving North America to being on both Africa and Europe. Yeah, I stand by my statement that 2014 is going to be my year. J

Nick and Kelsie just got back from their vacations yesterday, so it’s really nice to have my partners in crime back.  The last few weeks have been a dull without them, but I’ve managed. Well actually I managed to get terribly ill with some Nigerian bug twice after going out to dinner. Being sick is never fun, but being sick and alone with some weird Nigerian bug is awful. Oh well, I’m on the mend now. It’s funny I have felt a little off ever since moving here, but after being sick like that being off seems like nothing. Two more weeks should be a breeze.

Other than illness, the last few weeks have been very peaceful. It’s been nice to have a little R&R and realize what an adventure this has been. When we went out to Bottles on Wednesday one last time and as we were waiting on the street for our bus and someone said “think about it, we are in Nigeria.” It’s mind boggling to think- Nigeria. Africa. I’ve lived here. Who would have ever thought that me, some Naperville girl would end up here?

Then- At Grandpa's farm

Now- Fat Boy Friday in Nigeria

The places I've lived- 5 and counting

It’s amazing how life has worked out for me. It’s certainly had its ups and downs, but I’ve been truly blessed with a lot of amazing opportunities I never even thought possible. My adventure in Nigeria has been eye opening. I came in with the mindset that things aren’t good or bad, just different. I think it has served me well to see the bigger picture of life and work here. Now I in no way think I’m now sophisticated and cultured because I’ve lived in one other country. And no, this does not make me a world traveler. But it has been humbling to see how other people live and made me appreciate what I have.

I must admit, I’m ready for my next adventure but will certainly miss the friends I have made along the way. Speaking of my next adventure, as quick update I’ll be going into Total Remunerations for Mergers and Acquisitions. I am SO excited about the job, I just haven’t found out if it’s going to be in Houston or San Ramon again. So when I know I’ll let you guys know.

So here’s to two weeks of goodbyes- Kate

NOGIG 2014

I thought all my competitive sports were over after high school, but it turns out I was able to get a second chance this week. After two days of swim meets, we have finally finished the swim event for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG). 

Leaving at 7 am from Lekki, I experienced my first commute to the mainland and boy was it painful. I wouldn't say that it's any worse than other US cities, but after 5 months of a 10 minute walk to work it was definitely an adjustment. Upon arrival we were ready and raring to start the event- but this is Nigeria. While we were warming up was the first time the officials decided to put together the logistics of the races. With that being said we didn't start till almost 10, but it was quite nice to get to meet all the other competitors and enjoy the day. Once the races were about to start it was decided that women should only have to do one lap being the delicate creatures we are. There were plenty of breaks and stops along the meet to make sure anyone with back to back events were fully recuperated. I know you ex swimmers are currently cringing but swimming is not a common sport in Nigeria so this was sensible for the safety of the participants. 

Kelsie for the win! 

My 1st win

Team Chevron

Kelsie and I swept shop for the women's events.  I am happy to report that I won the women's breaststroke & butterfly and Kelsie won freestyle and backstroke. Our medley relay only placed 3rd, but overall we metaled in all our races. Our veteran female swimmer took  bronze in freestyle and our mens took home a gold and 2 silvers. Needless to say, we made team Chevron proud. 

 

Kelsie, Bob & I after the awards ceremony

Beyond spending a few beautiful days outside, I am always pleasantly surprised by the things I learn at these events. As expected, the competitors were 100% invested in the events but the good sportsmanship was overwhelming. Everyone was hugging and snapping photos of everyone despite their team. The support my work team, the Lekki camp residents and the Chevron team at the event was overwhelming. 

I must say, it's been a great few days. I'm proud to have represented my company well and meet a bunch of wonderful people. 

I'm at less than one month till I'm off on vacation and back in the US. I'll keep the stories coming until then:)

K-mac

Nick's Goodbye

My FPD amigo just finished his last full week in Nigeria. So last night we had a farewell party for him at the Bolen's house. Best of luck in Houston Nick! 

Makoko Stilt Village

After numerous attempts to see Makoko I was finally given the privilege to tour this community on Saturday. Unfamiliar with this village? Here's a little background: the Makoko Stilt Village has become a popular and controversial topic since the Nigerian government tried to destroy these slums in 2012 since they were an "eyesore" for the Lagos community. CNN, BBC and many other news sources picked up on this story and ever since the community has received a lot of publicity and no homes have been destroyed since. 

This community is seen right from the Mainland bridge in Lagos but is still so remote since it is only accessible by water. With over 100,000 residents, its a thriving community that seems happy in their ways but would be considered a slum for outsiders. So to bring better awareness the community allows the Nigerian Field Society one monthly visit- hence my visit. 

Our speedboat there

Our trip started with a a 15 minute speedboat ride to the village. Upon arrival we were greeted by the Chief's brother Noah who answered our questions. Some facts he gave us were that each man had a either 1-2 wives, about 10 kids and that fishing was the primary form of revenue for the community. 

After our chat we toured the village in the standard canoes that are pushed by bamboo poles. This is the way they get anywhere and the means to everything they do in this community: fish, sell goods etc. 

Women paddling the canoe  throughout the waterways

Inside Makoko Village 

You may notice in the pictures the water is brown. This is because the water is polluted with the communities trash and also accommodates all their sewage. Think a floating version of Slumdog Millionaire and you are on the right track. Which means you can infer the smell that the community had. Let's just say it's something I couldn't get use to. 

In the community the kids were running around in any garments they had handed down if any at all. Privacy is a privilege  and one most don't receive  On our tour we even walked through the birthing center interrupting some women's most intimate moments. But that's life in the village, so this didn't bother them. 

Greetings from children in the community 

Kid traveling by bucket

The tour ended with a visit to the famous floating school, which is 3 levels and a kick off to the community starting to educate their children. Although not big enough to accommodate all the kids, they split it so the other children go to school on the Mainland. The donations we as NSF made all went directly towards education, showing how much of a priority it is for this community.

The floating school

All and all it was a wonderful and humbling experience. The people in this community make due with the little they have and they smile and laugh with a sincere happiness that most cannot fathom for the lifestyle they live. These people want further development of their community on their own terms and aspire to do so without the government knocking everything down and changing their way of life.

So the takeaway- be happy with what you have. Life really is what you make of it.

Ali, Kelsie, Daniel and I at Makoko

Cheers- Kate

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day from Nigeria! I hope you had a night full of good food, beverages and laughs with your loved one. I started mine off at work with small chops. It's comparable to when American's bring donuts in for a breakfast treat except fried. 

After work I spent my evening on my standard (yet always a blast) fatboy run. Six miles, suya and a few beers may not add up to romantic, but it certainly was entertaining. And go figure the beach was packed! Everyone in red shirts and pants and they even had the mini ferris wheel going. Now I should clarify that we sit next to this ferris wheel every week and had no idea it's purpose until this week, so that should give you an indication of what is looks like. But the truly amazing part is that they had one guy using his body to make the entire thing turn! I guess when you don't have electricity your options are limited.

Michelle B in his Valentines outfit

 

The Ferris Wheel in action

No big plans for this weekend except for a trip to the market to shop and Lagoon restaurant for hooka afterwards. Just need to keep getting out and about and experiencing everything before I leave, which is right around the corner! I must admit, I'm counting down till vacation. :)

Keep on' keepin' on- Kate

Motherless Babies Home

This week was a little different than most weeks I've had. I'm over the hump of being annoyed with things not working. Guess it's safe to say that my newly found patience has kicked back in. My dad always said you get two bad weeks a year- well I might have used part of that one. 

Kelsie, Nick and I joined the expat wives on their Thursday morning trip to the Motherless Babies Home in Lekki Phase I. For a few hours we held and fed babies, played games with toddlers and sang all the songs a two year old would love. It was a nice outing. The image I had of the home was gruesome  so to my surprise the facilities weren't as bad as anticipated. Many of the children were still in school so there were probably on 20 something children there rather than the usual 60. I must admit, I was scared to death as I held a tiny baby with a wheeze. When I pointed it out I was ignored saying he would be fine. This is when the women explained they don't really baby their kids, and the kids just get tough. After watching the Nigerian nanny's on camp this came as no surprise. 

The cutest thing was the little girls and their baby dolls. The women here always have babies on their back held by cloth. So all the little girls wanted to do the same with their dolls. It's amazing what you learn early on and how little kids mimic it. 

All and all, I'm glad I went- it's definitely a must when coming to Nigeria to get the full picture (especially for those who don't make it out often).

Thursday ended with a long overdue massage. For only 5,000 naira ( 1,000= $6ish) I received a one hour massage from Ester who is just as good as anyone in the US. Better yet, it was in the connivence of my own home.  

Otherwise, same ol' week. It was my week off insanity and boy did my body feel the effects. Lots of aches and pains (beyond sore to nearly pulled muscles) so a break was definitely needed. I'm going to try advocare this next month with a bunch of folks here so I'll let you know how that goes. 

Friday was the standard Fat Boy and old school, and today was a nice morning of errands where I got groceries, fabric to get clothes made and a coffee/cinnamon roll. Check out the pic- doesn't even look like Nigeria eh? And the fun will continue since we are going out to dinner tonight at Lagoon. 

Oh- I have also been informed that my next assignment will be Total Remunerations in either San Ramon again or Houston. So more info to come! 

Happy Saturday and enjoy your weekend :)- Kate

2 Month Countdown

Just 2 more months left in Nigeria! It's crazy how quickly time flies over here, although this last week seemed to drag on. The office was abandoned since the Nigerians were on strike ( they call them prayer sessions since strikes are illegal). So this meant all employees sat outside the main building singing hymns and chanting about a vacation allowance change that was recently enforced. We expats on the other hand still attempted to work, but anything that required any collaboration was clearly delayed. I was suppose to be in a training which turned into quite the production. Ever time the prayer meeting took a break our facilitator thought we could squeeze in some of the class. This meant me running over to the building across the way only to realize that the prayer meeting was about to start up again. And since I'm in the main building I found myself pushing through the prayer meeting more times than I'd care to count. Oh well, as we say here- TIA (this is Africa). 

Kelsie and I have also been having an alarm problem here. Security has been calling and stopping by non stop claiming our alarm went off. This got old pretty fast considering it would be at all times of the day and night. We finally got that issue resolved which was a total win for us. 

My breaking point was the fabric fiasco Saturday. I wanted to get some nice fabrics to get some skirts made (after 4 months of no shopping whatsoever I was itching for a little change). So I asked around and found the hot spot called Daviva. Turns out the day I show up is the day they take inventory. I waited for over an hour for them to finish up since they told me they would open "soon". So much for that - so I left empty handed and drown my sorrows with an ice cream cone. 

Now I don't want to come off as everything is totally negative because that would be misleading. I ended up going out to dinner twice this week and went to a Kazak dinner party with all sorts of amazing food and vodka. What I will say is that when nothing seems to ever work right it's the littlest thing that will set people off here. Thank god for the wonderful social aspect because that is keeping me sane. 

The true stressor is that I am not quite sure where my next assignment is yet. I should be hearing soon- so hopefully that will be my next post. :)

As for today, I think it will be a much needed day of relaxation. Hope your Sunday is just a serene. 

Cheers- Kate 

Bike Tour Across The Lagos Bridge

18 miles down by 10:00 on a Saturday- not to shabby. Since today is environmental day, Lagos closes down the streets for a quick clean which means no cars are allowed on the road. Well, most cars aren't anyway. So the Nigerian Field Society decided to take this opportunity to bike across the Lagos bridge which gives a very cool view of different parts of VI and the beginning of the mainland. So at 5:30 sharp we headed out to meet at Shells camp to begin our adventure.

At 7:00 am right when the sun was starting to rise we headed out to check out all the sights in Lagos. The pictures summarize it better than I can. 

One picture that I didn't take was the first dead body I've seen here. I must admit it was pretty shocking, it was if the person was road kill- but I'm guessing his death didn't have to do with a car. Here if there is a dead body on the road you just leave it alone. Nobody report it or tries to clean it up because the police will a) pin it on you or b) make you pay the funeral costs. It a reminder of the harsh realities of Nigeria. 


K-mac

Things That Go Bump In The Night

I am about 4 months into my assignment in Nigeria and out of all my exploring I never made it across the street to the Lekki Conservation Center. Truthfully this camp always has so much going on weekend that by Sunday I am either a) booked or b) beat. So when Bob invited me to tag along with him and a few colleagues on a night tour I couldn’t pass the opportunity up.  

So Tuesday night we set out our adventure at 7 pm at night. Covered from head to toe in clothes and sweat, skin burning from the overdose of insect repellent location and flashlight in hand we looked like we were about to head into the jungle.  Oh wait, we were.

It was dusk when we started to wander around. The first sighting was the peacocks since they were front and center waiting for someone to feed them. We then heard some monkeys wrestling in the trees. In our futile attempt to follow them, we found ourselves immersed in the woods.

The path was a rickety but stable wooden bridge that brought us all around the forest. The wetlands under us were amazing.  Darkness made the forest eerie, yet peaceful.  With just our flashlight we could catch glimpses of eyes and that’s when we broke out the heavy duty lights for a better look and some great photos.  It’s amazing what your other 4 senses can do when you take away sight. Although I admit, I loved using them to end up seeing the wildlife. Throughout our journey we spotted 5 crocodiles, saw some monkeys in the trees, a bunch of millipedes and spiders, and a frog to name a few.  But as you know, a picture is worth a thousand words

Peacocks were swarming us for food

One of the many spiders we encountered

Walking through the jungle at night

Awesome bat photo

Tortuous 

Millipede 

One of five crocodiles 

Group photos

Cheers-Kate

Best of Luck Andy

With a night out at Bottles, a Fat boy run, pub night and Beer Club bbq this week has certainly flown by. Why all the events you ask? Well, I guess you can call this last week the week of Andy. Andy is moving to Iraq as of today, and so we spent our time completing the bucket list of things to do while in Lagos. And Andy is just the first of the turnover coming up for the Lekki camp. Around this time of year many people are moved to different locations throughout the world, so we sadly bid them farewell as they move onto their next role. So it's the start of many goodbyes. Fortunately, it's a small world and even smaller expat community so our paths will cross again. 

But it does bring up the point that this place, despite it's frustrating flaws, will be tough to leave. The community is beyond anything I have experienced since I started work, and it's nothing that can easily be found in the states when you move to a new location. So while people are always ready to leave here there is still a sadness of the great friends that are left behind in the process. 

So cheers to Andy for a great time in Lagos, and best of luck on your new assignment.

K-mac

Expat Wife Prayer

Found this humorous prayer hanging up in a residents house here in Nigeria. Should give you some insight to the life of an expat wife:

Heavenly Father, look down on us your humble obedient expat wives who are doomed to travel this earth following our loved ones through their working lives to lands unknown. We beseech you, oh Lord, to see that our plane is not hijacked or doesn't crash, our luggage is not lost or pillaged and our overweight baggage goes unnoticed.

Give us this day divine guidance in our selection of houses, maids and drivers. We pray that the telephone works, the roof does not leak, the power cuts are few and the rats and cockroaches even fewer.

Lord, please lead us to good, inexpensive restaurants where wine is included in the meal and the food does not cause dysentery. Have mercy upon us Lord if it be the latter, make us fleet of foot, to make the loo in time, and strong of knee in case we have to squat. Also give us the wisdom to tip correctly in currencies we do not understand.

Make the natives love us Lord for who we are and not for what we can contribute to their worldly goods. Grant us the strength to smile at our maids, even though our most treasured dress resembles a rag or they take bleach to clean our well-admired Persian rug.

Give us divine patience when we explain for the hundredth time the way we want things done and Lord if we ever lose our patience and thump them, have mercy on us for our flesh is weak.

Dear God, protect us from so-called "bargains" we don't need and can't afford. Lead us not into temptation for we know not what we do.

Almighty Father, keep our husbands from looking at foreign women and comparing them to us. Save them from making fools of themselves in nightclubs. Above all, please do not forgive their trespasses for they know exactly what they do.

And when our expat years are over Lord, grant us the favor of finding someone who will look at our photographs and listen to our stories, so our lives as expat wives will not have been in vain.

Amen

Back in Action

Happy 2014 everyone! What a whirlwind this year has been already. I made my way back from my few weeks home Sunday, January 5th and it's been non stop ever since. 

By the time I was back in my house Sunday night it was time for bed. Jet lag soon ensued and Kelsie and I found myself up and doing the Insanity videos at 5 am in the morning. What could have been a one day fluke is now part of our daily routine. I'm hoping to see results in a couple weeks, so we'll see. 

Monday night ended up being an impromptu dinner party with Andy, Nick and Kelsie as an informal catch up session. Next thing you know we have another one to make Kelsie's famous galumpkis on Wednesday. Thursday we managed to make it off camp for Thai food and a small celebration for Andy's final days on camp before he heads off to his next assignment in Iraq. By Friday we were beat, but we still made it to the Fatboy run and watched the Hobbit afterwards.

There was no rest for the weary, Saturday we were up bright and early for a trip to the grocery store. Andy had a big going away party at the Managing Director's house, so we promised to make bruschetta. Once we got back and cooked up a storm, we played a little tennis and headed off to the party. Kelsie and I called it an earlish night, because Sunday a group of 15 of us had plans for the beach.

The beach lived up to all expectations. We brought everything humanly possible for a good time, and a lot of food, booze, cards and throwing around a football was a perfect way to pass the day. Swimming is limited because rip tides are awful here, so it's better to avoid. 

The day ended with the car catching on fire on the way back, and us being stranded on the side of the road getting a ride back in the police car. What can I say, that's a pretty standard Sunday in Nigeria- nothing ever goes exactly as planned ;)

By the next Monday I was dragging from all the activities. I mustered up just enough energy to go to the camp's music quiz night. Thankfully we had today off (Muslim holiday- The Prophet Muhammed's birthday). So a lazy day of reading, lounging by the pool and doing nothing has finally given me the break I needed to rejuvenate and fully adjust to being back in Lagos. 

Lata Sk8a- Kate