Discovering Lagos

For the first few days, we have a more detailed blog but we will start now regularly updating our Nigerian Chapter

Saturday we went to Lekki Market and planned to buy a balcony lounge. But first we were surprised by the doorbell with 2 man from the internet provider to do the agreed improvements. It turned out they did not have the required materials, but they would get it and be back in 20 minutes. They came back about 1 ½ hour later. We are still working on how to handle the clock in Nigeria. Slowly we start to get this under control. If you agree a timing with somebody and they do not show up the best solution is to call them and inform them that they were not on time and that they can come back later when you are back from your plans.

So finally we were of to Lekki Market. Lekki Market is famous in Lagos and you can buy here all local art crafts in any size and format. We bought a table cloth which was supposed to be material for a dress but it looks very good on our table. And we practiced negotiating on prices. And we are still lousy in it. But we will for sure improve fast. We also saw a beautiful table but price was off limits so we backed out of that. One other thing about Lekki Market is that it is suited for shorter people than Rob. Next to the art-part there is also a very nice vegetable part of the market. Afterwards we went to a shopping mall to get groceries and on our way in the car we met the following events:

- The Governor of Lagos was driving in the opposite direction and was accompanied by his security team. In total we ran in at least 25 cars and in 1 of them was the governor. A lot of dark black cars with dark windows as well as many sirens, motors etc. It looked impressive. It was a bit unfortunate for the average road users since the road was blocked before he passed by so there was a slight traffic jam behind him.

- We saw a guy on roller skates. Nothing spectacular in itself except that he was holding on to a car, which was doing at least 50 km/hours on a semi highway full of bumps and potholes.

- We had to cross a tollgate with the car. There were about 8 to 10 tollgates and approx. 20 car lanes next to each other, which had to pass through. The last 50 meters took us for sure 45 minutes.

- For our American and Canadian friends we had a very nice ColdStone Ice-cream at the shopping mall.

The lounge sofa we did not find and we are looking for it since. We hope to find one in the coming days. We are looking forward to be sitting on our balcony with a view on the lagoon, looking at the sunset in the evening. Saturday we also started our fitness plan. The idea is to go every day to the gym or go swimming to get into shape again. So far we have succeeded. Sunday we had a relaxed day at the compound. We went swimming and did some activities in the gym.

Monday I discussed in the office a solution for the drivers. We agreed where they can stay at night when needed and we believe this could be a good (Nigerian) solution. Ali is driving me this week and he took another route to the office. We came across some accommodations where people live and seeing those I had to wonder why we have the live that we have. Why did we achieve what we have and other people are focusing on surviving. I try to take pictures while driving. This was one of many 'houses' next to the main road.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we had cultural training from Azeez, a very nice coach from Lagos. We learned a lot and the training was very useful. Vivienne decided she want to learn Pidjin English and I am think about Yoruba (some basics). We also had during these 2 days a constant stream of people that needed to do something in our house. The highlight of the day was the maintenance guy. When we want to hang something in the house, we call maintenance and they send in somebody to do it for you. So we wanted to hang 3 huge plastic picture frames on the wall. However, they needed to be hanged a) horizontal and b) at the same distance between each other. So we assumed he had a level (waterpas) to manage this. No, he had not. Second option was a measuring tape and this he also did not have. We ended up with using a pocketbook and used that to make sure that all 3 were level. Then he needed to drill some holes in the wall to do this. Normally you would put the power plug of the drill in the socket and then you can drill. Unfortunately, he also did not have a power plug, but he had an electricity wire connected to the drill and the blue and brown wire in stuck directly in the socket. Safety first! I was shocked when I realized. We will buy him a power plug if we can find any

Every day we go to the gym and work on getting better into shape. It is very nice to do this together. During the last 2 days of culture training, we had lunch at home and every night Glory has cooked for us and she is an amazing good cook.