It has been 9 weeks since we became "ex-pats" and I don't think we are any different at all. That is until we woke up this morning and Carl said, "Oh no it is Saturday- Beatrice doesn't come in on a Saturday and we will have to make our own bed and empty the dishwasher!!!!"
And the worst thing - I had already being thinking that.
For two people who said we didn't need a maid in the house to help us we have got used to her very very quickly.
Off to the gym today I can't remember the last time I took any real exercise we are driven everywhere.
Saturday 29 October 2011
Thursday 27 October 2011
Flight to Bonny Island
This week I flew down to Bonny Island in the Delta to visit another school we are in partnership with (during my half term might I add!!!) Bonny is a man made island created purely for the oil and gas industry and there is a small town outside the camp but you are not allowed outside the wire. Everyone lives within a clean, tidy, organised camp with wide safe road but nothing to do. It was a bit like Stepford, my deputy and myself were walking around and we saw no-one!!.
But getting there was ...interesting!!. You have to take a very small twin otter plane, about 20 seats and you have to wear head phones at all times because of the noise. They weigh your luggage at the airstrip, and then they weight you!! I sat with my legs nearly in with the pilot- nothing separates you from him. I was a bit nervous about going but found the views etc fantastic until we hit the bad the bad weather. ON the pilots weather dial you could see this mass of red approaching us and then it was like being on a roller coaster we were plummeting and rising and plummeting again and their was lightening all around the plane. We had to divert to Port Harcourt Military airport until the weather got better. Quite hairy!! And then on the way back, the airplane door opened in flight- but since the weather was once again bad we were only flying at 2000 feet and the co-pilot sat and held the door shut for the rest of the flight!!! OMG- can't wait until I fly to Port Harcourt on the 10th !!
Oh yes forgot to add no drinks on the flight!!!
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| view of the delta |
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| I was nearly flying it |
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| Tina and myself - strain showing |
Saturday 22 October 2011
An ex-pat lifestyle
As you drive around Lagos (drive in the loosest sense because actually you crawl around), the trees are changing, some are losing leaves but growing new ones at the same time, and some are bare of leaves but with bright red flowers at the end of the branches and the most exciting thing of all- mangoes are ripening on the trees, soon we will be able to pick mangoes in school (if the green parrotty things don't get them first) and in our compound. There are mango trees everywhere and people have said we will get fed up of them -not likely. I am also not fed up of fresh papaya and pawpaw for breakfast, ripe sweet pineapples or bananas either.
This has been such a hectic week, we have been out virtually every night and could do that for the next three or four weeks. Tuesday I went to the British Women's Group for coffee and cakes and to meet some other ex-pat ladies and Tuesday afternoon we had to deal with an issue at the Customs so Carl and myself went down to the offices and didn't get back until late so ate at home. Wednesday we had a friend up from Port Harcourt so we all went out to the Sheraton an amazing Indian restaurant- tatty surroundings but fantastic food and the BEST Asian supermarket anywhere. Thursday- opening night of a Art Exhibition held at Terra Culture, it was very challenging wandering around looking at great art with glasses of champagne and canapes in our hands! Friday, we went to the Jazz night at the Sheraton hotel. This is held each Friday on a high terrace overlooking all of Lekki (part of Victoria Island) Carl, myself and Geraldine (our next door neighbour) sat outside drinking frozen margaritas, listening to great music and chatting till very late. The temperature was perfect- low humidity but about 30c and the music was fantastic. We left just in time, because we had just got in and the heavens opened and we had another dramatic lightening storm.
Today, Saturday there are local elections so we are not allowed out on the streets. You are only allowed to travel to and from your registered voting station, and ex-pats can't go anywhere!, so we stayed in bed reading and listening to music until about 2;00pm - luxury and of course I am now on Half Term!!
Tonight we are going to the Lagos Yacht club for a traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest with the band, food and drink flown in from Germany- can't wait!!!
And then tomorrow - brunch at the GQ Club!!!(and pitchers of margaritas), and then I am flying down to Bonny Island for a few days.
When you have someone doing all the ironing and cleaning and preparing vegetables etc for you you have a LOT of time to enjoy yourselves in the evenings. I do not miss the ironing, washing or cleaning!!! (still a bit worried about Tumbo fly but trying to forget that as have clothes outside at the moment) We also have a driver so both of us can enjoy the entertainment and drinks when we go out.
Overall, even with all the challenges of shopping (bought 10 litres of milk this week ! yippee but couldn't buy beer boo hoo) I love living here.
As a teacher it is wonderful, the children are outstanding so none of my time is taken up with their social issues that spill over into school.
Wow as I am writing this, the sky has gone black and we are in the midst of another torrential storm, and the rainy season is supposed to be over.
I am determined to take a pile of photos for the blog this week, the sights around the city are indescribable unless you are here, women with 20kg bags of rice balanced on their heads in traditional dress striding down the streets, beggars on boards weaving between cars, goats running down the pavements on the side streets and sometimes on the main streets and chickens everywhere, to describe Lagos as vibrant is an understatement.
This has been such a hectic week, we have been out virtually every night and could do that for the next three or four weeks. Tuesday I went to the British Women's Group for coffee and cakes and to meet some other ex-pat ladies and Tuesday afternoon we had to deal with an issue at the Customs so Carl and myself went down to the offices and didn't get back until late so ate at home. Wednesday we had a friend up from Port Harcourt so we all went out to the Sheraton an amazing Indian restaurant- tatty surroundings but fantastic food and the BEST Asian supermarket anywhere. Thursday- opening night of a Art Exhibition held at Terra Culture, it was very challenging wandering around looking at great art with glasses of champagne and canapes in our hands! Friday, we went to the Jazz night at the Sheraton hotel. This is held each Friday on a high terrace overlooking all of Lekki (part of Victoria Island) Carl, myself and Geraldine (our next door neighbour) sat outside drinking frozen margaritas, listening to great music and chatting till very late. The temperature was perfect- low humidity but about 30c and the music was fantastic. We left just in time, because we had just got in and the heavens opened and we had another dramatic lightening storm.
Today, Saturday there are local elections so we are not allowed out on the streets. You are only allowed to travel to and from your registered voting station, and ex-pats can't go anywhere!, so we stayed in bed reading and listening to music until about 2;00pm - luxury and of course I am now on Half Term!!
Tonight we are going to the Lagos Yacht club for a traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest with the band, food and drink flown in from Germany- can't wait!!!
And then tomorrow - brunch at the GQ Club!!!(and pitchers of margaritas), and then I am flying down to Bonny Island for a few days.
When you have someone doing all the ironing and cleaning and preparing vegetables etc for you you have a LOT of time to enjoy yourselves in the evenings. I do not miss the ironing, washing or cleaning!!! (still a bit worried about Tumbo fly but trying to forget that as have clothes outside at the moment) We also have a driver so both of us can enjoy the entertainment and drinks when we go out.
Overall, even with all the challenges of shopping (bought 10 litres of milk this week ! yippee but couldn't buy beer boo hoo) I love living here.
As a teacher it is wonderful, the children are outstanding so none of my time is taken up with their social issues that spill over into school.
Wow as I am writing this, the sky has gone black and we are in the midst of another torrential storm, and the rainy season is supposed to be over.
I am determined to take a pile of photos for the blog this week, the sights around the city are indescribable unless you are here, women with 20kg bags of rice balanced on their heads in traditional dress striding down the streets, beggars on boards weaving between cars, goats running down the pavements on the side streets and sometimes on the main streets and chickens everywhere, to describe Lagos as vibrant is an understatement.
Monday 17 October 2011
It's Church,Jim,but not as we know it!
St, Saviours is,as you probably realize, 60 years old this year ,making it one of the oldest schools in Nigeria.
There have been celebrations since March, coming to a grand finale last weekend with the Gala ball and,this weekend,with a thanksgiving service at the school's church which is called, not surprisingly,St Saviours !!.
The turnout of Parents,staff and pupils was excellent and the whole thing took just over two and a half hours.
People in Nigeria are generally very much more openly religious than the UK.Almost every conversation has elements of blessings,praising God and genuine belief so it came as no surprise to us that the church service was very unlike the Anglican church services at home, although the Church is part of the Anglican Communion.
The church itself is beautiful and quite large having been built in 1999 to replace the 1913 colonial church and features a large gallery above the main floor where the 10 piece band (drums,guitars,trumpets,backing singers--the whole nine yards) is situated along with a sound system that would make Alice Cooper envious.
Those of you that have attended an Evangelical service in the UK would be very much at home and the expressions of faith and joy were genuine and heart felt.I do think, however,that the congregation of St Mary's in Monmouth would be shocked, to say the least.
In saying that,it is easy to see why religion is important in Nigeria. Going to Church,which most people do most Sundays,is enjoyable and entertaining and very inclusive of youngsters without the formality of the British form of worship. Joy abounds and everyone is so friendly that you can't do anything but have fun.
Perhaps there are lessons to be learned by the Clergy in the UK--it is a fact that the Evangelical Movement is the only branch of Christianity that is growing in the UK--go figure!
The other thing that is noticeable is the effort that the Ladies make when attending church--it is an experience to look around and see the fabulous outfits and glorious colours and styles that are worn--everyone makes a real effort to be well turned out.
Susan was called on to read a lesson which she did well, but the expression on her face when Dr.Ohen (the Chairman of the board of Governors and a smashing chap) told her that,at a point in the service,she would be required to lead the procession down the main aisle from the back of the church to give the contributions from the school/parents/etc to the church--not a problem,you think,--HA !! This was to be achieved,as they say in Little Britain,through the medium of Dance !!
There has only been one fleeting moment that I have been happy that I broke my leg and that was it!! I know that I would have been prancing around with her if I had not been excused duty on medical grounds, but at least I was able to see the total look or mortification when she led the dance down the long aisle..
Light refreshments,which,over here means a small meal or small chops ,were served in the Church Hall after the service and everyone departed happy and smiling with a great deal of noise and bonhomie.
As Scotty in Star Trek would have said--It's church ,Jim---
There have been celebrations since March, coming to a grand finale last weekend with the Gala ball and,this weekend,with a thanksgiving service at the school's church which is called, not surprisingly,St Saviours !!.
The turnout of Parents,staff and pupils was excellent and the whole thing took just over two and a half hours.
People in Nigeria are generally very much more openly religious than the UK.Almost every conversation has elements of blessings,praising God and genuine belief so it came as no surprise to us that the church service was very unlike the Anglican church services at home, although the Church is part of the Anglican Communion.
The church itself is beautiful and quite large having been built in 1999 to replace the 1913 colonial church and features a large gallery above the main floor where the 10 piece band (drums,guitars,trumpets,backing singers--the whole nine yards) is situated along with a sound system that would make Alice Cooper envious.
Those of you that have attended an Evangelical service in the UK would be very much at home and the expressions of faith and joy were genuine and heart felt.I do think, however,that the congregation of St Mary's in Monmouth would be shocked, to say the least.
In saying that,it is easy to see why religion is important in Nigeria. Going to Church,which most people do most Sundays,is enjoyable and entertaining and very inclusive of youngsters without the formality of the British form of worship. Joy abounds and everyone is so friendly that you can't do anything but have fun.
Perhaps there are lessons to be learned by the Clergy in the UK--it is a fact that the Evangelical Movement is the only branch of Christianity that is growing in the UK--go figure!
The other thing that is noticeable is the effort that the Ladies make when attending church--it is an experience to look around and see the fabulous outfits and glorious colours and styles that are worn--everyone makes a real effort to be well turned out.
Susan was called on to read a lesson which she did well, but the expression on her face when Dr.Ohen (the Chairman of the board of Governors and a smashing chap) told her that,at a point in the service,she would be required to lead the procession down the main aisle from the back of the church to give the contributions from the school/parents/etc to the church--not a problem,you think,--HA !! This was to be achieved,as they say in Little Britain,through the medium of Dance !!
There has only been one fleeting moment that I have been happy that I broke my leg and that was it!! I know that I would have been prancing around with her if I had not been excused duty on medical grounds, but at least I was able to see the total look or mortification when she led the dance down the long aisle..
Light refreshments,which,over here means a small meal or small chops ,were served in the Church Hall after the service and everyone departed happy and smiling with a great deal of noise and bonhomie.
As Scotty in Star Trek would have said--It's church ,Jim---
Saturday 15 October 2011
The "everyone is so friendly" bubble bursts
Today started badly with Sam Wharburton being sent off and us losing. However it got much better when Joseph, my tailor, came with my new embroidered blue silk dress for church tomorrow. It is better than I could have hoped really lovely. Joseph is a real character, so genuine and nice and helpful - but if he says 12:00 think 2:00pm!
We went out and congratulated Remy on France's win - he was very magnanimous, I know we would have crowed a bit more than him,we bought some bits and pieces and as the sky got darker and darker, and Carl's leg was hurting we decided to spend the afternoon veging out with a film.
We were driving back and I forgot we hadn't bought any oranges (Lagos oranges which are green are sold on every corner and 20 oranges cost N500 - £2.00) So Waheed stopped and he went to buy them because he would get them much cheaper than me. He left the engine running for the air con and unbeknownst to us, the door unlocked.
We were suddenly confronted by an armed Lasma (traffic warden) who pulled the door open and got into the car. He called over the tow truck he had been in and told us they were towing us away. He started to drive our car down the road, while asking us what we were going to do for him. It would cost us N25000 if we were taken to the police headquarters but he would help us out for N15,000!! Bastard! My brother, my sister I am helping you indeed!
After 10 very tense minutes with Waheed hammering on the door as we drove down the road, we paid him N6000 and got him and his tow truck pal out of the car. It was lucky Carl was in the car, he couldn't do anything, but if I had been on my own I don't know what would have happened, I'd have probably lost my jewellery as well.
Very frightening, very shocking, and suddenly you realise that there is no-one to turn to in an emergency situation, the police won't help- there is no fire service and an ambulance takes hours to get anywhere, you have to be prepared.
We weren't today- we let our guard down and suffered. We've been here 2 months today and this is the first time we have encountered anything less than friendliness and helpfulness from Nigerians, but it is a wake up call and I will never let Waheed leave the car unlocked again.
We went out and congratulated Remy on France's win - he was very magnanimous, I know we would have crowed a bit more than him,we bought some bits and pieces and as the sky got darker and darker, and Carl's leg was hurting we decided to spend the afternoon veging out with a film.
We were driving back and I forgot we hadn't bought any oranges (Lagos oranges which are green are sold on every corner and 20 oranges cost N500 - £2.00) So Waheed stopped and he went to buy them because he would get them much cheaper than me. He left the engine running for the air con and unbeknownst to us, the door unlocked.
We were suddenly confronted by an armed Lasma (traffic warden) who pulled the door open and got into the car. He called over the tow truck he had been in and told us they were towing us away. He started to drive our car down the road, while asking us what we were going to do for him. It would cost us N25000 if we were taken to the police headquarters but he would help us out for N15,000!! Bastard! My brother, my sister I am helping you indeed!
After 10 very tense minutes with Waheed hammering on the door as we drove down the road, we paid him N6000 and got him and his tow truck pal out of the car. It was lucky Carl was in the car, he couldn't do anything, but if I had been on my own I don't know what would have happened, I'd have probably lost my jewellery as well.
Very frightening, very shocking, and suddenly you realise that there is no-one to turn to in an emergency situation, the police won't help- there is no fire service and an ambulance takes hours to get anywhere, you have to be prepared.
We weren't today- we let our guard down and suffered. We've been here 2 months today and this is the first time we have encountered anything less than friendliness and helpfulness from Nigerians, but it is a wake up call and I will never let Waheed leave the car unlocked again.
Friday 14 October 2011
Social Life
We seem to have suddenly acquired the most amazing social life (OK it is a bit 50's) but went out again tonight as the guests of a hotel, tomorrow Opera and a meal guests of the Italian Consulate, Sunday huge thanksgiving service and meal, Tuesday British High Commission, Friday Jazz night, Saturday wine festival and Sunday next week down to Bonny Island. throw in a bit of whist and you have perfection!! I think I'll try to get a Risk club going here as well.
As Carl said can't remember when we have had so much vintage champagne in a week.
And I have fresh milk!!!!
Ex Pat life seems good today.
However Carl went shopping for vegetables today and asked Beatrice to clean them for him (ie soak them in Milton) He bought some really nice spring onions, and for some reason she cut all the white onion bit off and threw it in the bin and all we were left with was green stalks!! WHY?
As Carl said can't remember when we have had so much vintage champagne in a week.
And I have fresh milk!!!!
Ex Pat life seems good today.
However Carl went shopping for vegetables today and asked Beatrice to clean them for him (ie soak them in Milton) He bought some really nice spring onions, and for some reason she cut all the white onion bit off and threw it in the bin and all we were left with was green stalks!! WHY?
Thursday 13 October 2011
Laundry Warning
Now that is two words you wouldn't normally put together!
However today I had a Laundry alert. The warning said do not hang out clothes to dry (I had, of course put out a pile of shirts etc on our improvised line - Carl made it as soon as we arrived and while it is a bit saggy and traverses the whole of our back balcony it works). We have a tumble dryer but it is so much nicer (so I thought) to put clothes out in the air to dry.
However today I learnt about the TUMBU fly. Never heard of it before.
Well this lovely, insignificant, tiny fly loves damp fabric, and it lands on your clothes (no doubt stretched on a saggy, improvised line- because who but Brits travel with washing line in their hand luggage) and it carefully and lovingly lays an egg (transparent and difficult to spot.)
This egg lives up to 14 days on fabric, but if that fabric is in contact with warm, soft, 37c skin, the egg hatches and the microscopic worm burrows into that soft skin. There it grows and forms a lovely red boil. After about 4 weeks the boil opens up and a mature Tumbu larva eats it way out .Have you been sick yet?
We have been drying our clothes outside since the day we came here- the tumble dryer seemed a waste except when the humidity is so high nothing dries.
On the bright side, if you rub Vaseline over any red inflamed area, if there is a Tumbu worm inside it will poke its little head out for air and you can grab it with tweezers and pull the bugger out!!
Now,not wishing to panic in any way, but I have a definite red lump (boil?) on my buttock and Carl is anxious to attack it with Vaseline and tweezers!!!- HELP
Where was this section in "The moving to Lagos" Manual?
Milk update - got 7 litres in my freezer!!
Luggage update- still waiting our container has now been sat in customs for 5 weeks - how much do we think is left?
However today I had a Laundry alert. The warning said do not hang out clothes to dry (I had, of course put out a pile of shirts etc on our improvised line - Carl made it as soon as we arrived and while it is a bit saggy and traverses the whole of our back balcony it works). We have a tumble dryer but it is so much nicer (so I thought) to put clothes out in the air to dry.
However today I learnt about the TUMBU fly. Never heard of it before.
Well this lovely, insignificant, tiny fly loves damp fabric, and it lands on your clothes (no doubt stretched on a saggy, improvised line- because who but Brits travel with washing line in their hand luggage) and it carefully and lovingly lays an egg (transparent and difficult to spot.)
This egg lives up to 14 days on fabric, but if that fabric is in contact with warm, soft, 37c skin, the egg hatches and the microscopic worm burrows into that soft skin. There it grows and forms a lovely red boil. After about 4 weeks the boil opens up and a mature Tumbu larva eats it way out .Have you been sick yet?
We have been drying our clothes outside since the day we came here- the tumble dryer seemed a waste except when the humidity is so high nothing dries.
On the bright side, if you rub Vaseline over any red inflamed area, if there is a Tumbu worm inside it will poke its little head out for air and you can grab it with tweezers and pull the bugger out!!
Now,not wishing to panic in any way, but I have a definite red lump (boil?) on my buttock and Carl is anxious to attack it with Vaseline and tweezers!!!- HELP
Where was this section in "The moving to Lagos" Manual?
Milk update - got 7 litres in my freezer!!
Luggage update- still waiting our container has now been sat in customs for 5 weeks - how much do we think is left?
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Ex Pat cringe
OK today we had a couple of real ex-pat cringe moments. The first does not reflect well on us. Yesterday Beatrice peeled and sliced half of a huge yam for us. I fried it and we ate it with barbeque ribs (pork not goat this time!) the yam was lovely, but here if you do not cover food immediately either with plastic or by putting it into tupperwares, it is crawling with little tiny black ants. We have tried to get rid of them, used every powder and spray, but they keep coming back and they are there in minutes of you leaving any food out. Sometimes the surface of food looks like it is a black moving mass there are so many ants. So the yam was crawling and I put it in the bin. However today, Beatrice asked Carl why we didn't like yam. he said we do it is lovely, but she then replied but you put it in the bin. He explained about the ants, she looked at him and said could she have the yam from the bin? and she took it and washed it and thanked us. - not a good feeling.
Then tonight. we plan to go to La Pointe for the fresh milk, only 3 miles away, but after 3 hours in the car (yes 3 hours and it can't all have been due to the fact that fresh milk was expected) we gave up! Apparently there was a fire just off Falomo Bridge and the traffic was gridlocked. If Peter is reading he now knows what I was like. We said to Waheed take us home, but he said the traffic was too bad so we should go and eat and then go home. We passed Shop and Park, and since we were out of dishwasher tablets and floor cleaner, I said I'd go in. By now it was dark (7:00pm) but Park and Shop is a big, safe, clean supermarket and I go in by myself (big deal ladies?) I'm only buying a few things but suddenly I feel my basket being taken. Waheed has come in, left Carl in the car and is insisting on carrying my basket. He then proceeds to walk behind me with the basket - not by my side but behind. and takes everything out of my hand says he will reach it and puts it in the basket. How uncomfortable! I felt like something from the 1920's in India - Memsahib !! and after this no bloody floor cleaner or dishwasher tablets!!!
BUT serendipitous we found the most amazing Indian restaurant to eat in it was truly superb. Another Lagos day!
Then tonight. we plan to go to La Pointe for the fresh milk, only 3 miles away, but after 3 hours in the car (yes 3 hours and it can't all have been due to the fact that fresh milk was expected) we gave up! Apparently there was a fire just off Falomo Bridge and the traffic was gridlocked. If Peter is reading he now knows what I was like. We said to Waheed take us home, but he said the traffic was too bad so we should go and eat and then go home. We passed Shop and Park, and since we were out of dishwasher tablets and floor cleaner, I said I'd go in. By now it was dark (7:00pm) but Park and Shop is a big, safe, clean supermarket and I go in by myself (big deal ladies?) I'm only buying a few things but suddenly I feel my basket being taken. Waheed has come in, left Carl in the car and is insisting on carrying my basket. He then proceeds to walk behind me with the basket - not by my side but behind. and takes everything out of my hand says he will reach it and puts it in the basket. How uncomfortable! I felt like something from the 1920's in India - Memsahib !! and after this no bloody floor cleaner or dishwasher tablets!!!
BUT serendipitous we found the most amazing Indian restaurant to eat in it was truly superb. Another Lagos day!
Tuesday 11 October 2011
The Gala Dinner Weekend
Well- he chickened out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He wouldn't wear the hilarious outfit and thank goodness he didn't because he would have been so out of place - funny yes but out of place. He said, "I look too much like a pair of curtains and I can't pull myself together!" Nice to be reassured that his sense of humour isn't any better.
The weekend started really well - we had a fantastic dinner with Carl's old friend from Zimbabwe - drank too much champagne and ate loads of brai.
Early Saturday morning we were awakened at 3:00 am by what I thought was an explosion , the loudest clap of thunder I have ever heard all windows were shaking. The storm raged all around us until 7:00 am - I stood on the balcony watching sheet lightening that you could read a book by. Our balcony is covered but the force of the rain completely flooded it and my poor lettuces were bashed flat. The hardy Welsh mint stood the test! (I'm growing it for Mohitos not lamb / goat). A huge part of Ikoyi was under water by the morning.
We then watched the Welsh match live- fantastic we are in the semi final. I have tried (unsuccessfully) all week not to crow over my many South African parents but the parody of the slogan "go bokker go" -Go home bokker- just seems to slip out.
Then Saturday morning I was interviewed on the Richard and Judy of Nigeria- and it has been repeated so everyone (all our security guards, stewards and drivers) have seen it at least once and I can't face the comments about my very late Saturday night MNET interview and segue where after describing my school ( and after many champagnes) I had to say, " and this is Susan Eriksson and you are watching MNET 53 live" This little bit is on all the time in between the non-stop music channels - why, oh why?
My dress turned out perfect. Very pink and sparkly- very glam and just right. The party was wonderful. The entertainment especially Two Face (find him on i-tunes great music) was fantastic. We raised a huge amount of money for the school and in the raffle, the first prize, a top of the range Nissan car worth about £40,000 and out of the reach of most ordinary Nigerians, was won by my school administrator Friday. It couldn't have gone to a more deserving man and all the parents joined in celebrating with him.
The weekend started really well - we had a fantastic dinner with Carl's old friend from Zimbabwe - drank too much champagne and ate loads of brai.
Early Saturday morning we were awakened at 3:00 am by what I thought was an explosion , the loudest clap of thunder I have ever heard all windows were shaking. The storm raged all around us until 7:00 am - I stood on the balcony watching sheet lightening that you could read a book by. Our balcony is covered but the force of the rain completely flooded it and my poor lettuces were bashed flat. The hardy Welsh mint stood the test! (I'm growing it for Mohitos not lamb / goat). A huge part of Ikoyi was under water by the morning.
We then watched the Welsh match live- fantastic we are in the semi final. I have tried (unsuccessfully) all week not to crow over my many South African parents but the parody of the slogan "go bokker go" -Go home bokker- just seems to slip out.
Then Saturday morning I was interviewed on the Richard and Judy of Nigeria- and it has been repeated so everyone (all our security guards, stewards and drivers) have seen it at least once and I can't face the comments about my very late Saturday night MNET interview and segue where after describing my school ( and after many champagnes) I had to say, " and this is Susan Eriksson and you are watching MNET 53 live" This little bit is on all the time in between the non-stop music channels - why, oh why?
My dress turned out perfect. Very pink and sparkly- very glam and just right. The party was wonderful. The entertainment especially Two Face (find him on i-tunes great music) was fantastic. We raised a huge amount of money for the school and in the raffle, the first prize, a top of the range Nissan car worth about £40,000 and out of the reach of most ordinary Nigerians, was won by my school administrator Friday. It couldn't have gone to a more deserving man and all the parents joined in celebrating with him.
Dying- Nigerian bacteria are strong
I have a cold. Not any cold but a Lagoatian cold. Think the worst case of man flu anyone (Carl) has ever complained about and I have that. Tonight was parents' consultations in school and I sat with the Year 6 teacher (I 'll tell you why in a minute) and I sneezed and coughed and sniffed, and Nigerian parents being incredibly polite and friendly all went to say goodbye to me by shaking my hand BUT you could see the horror in their eyes- I have to shake the headteacher's hand - the hand that she has used to hold many, many tissues and she has been sneezing and coughing into!!! In the end I just said don't touch me I am contagious and it broke the ice and everyone laughed - except me I coughed.
One of the girls that was involved in the fire has left Nigeria! she never settled back and was unhappy so has gone- hence me explaining to parents that they now have a new Y6 teacher- the competition for school places in Nigeria and the top UK schools is very fierce so disruption in this year is not good, but luckily we have a truly outstanding teacher in school who has stepped up to the role. I am keen to further develop music and drama in school, so today I created a performing arts faculty I already have some talented and dedicated staff but am advertising to strengthen music even further - a full orchestra and choir to enter competitions.
To give you an idea about the scope of the school, a parent in school asked if she could invite her uncle - an author to talk to Y6 during book week (in November here) I said yes and he is duly coming. Today I mentioned his name to someone and they nearly collapsed- he is only a Nobel Laureate!! he won the prize for literature!
When we lived in Monmouth- Sleepy Hollow- we often heard gun shots and never commented. We'd think it was either the Garrison or someone stalking / pigeon shooting. But here tonight Carl heard 5 shots and it was somehow unnerving. Luckily the shots didn't continue but even so, when you live in a compound where you drive through a gated chicane with armed guards (AK47s) who work around the clock, and where you have armed guards outside your school security perimeter you stop noticing the guns, but gunfire is something else and this is the first time we have heard it.
Heigh ho, life goes on. Tomorrow there may be fresh milk in La Pointe- I'll be there straight after school! You may have thought queuing was a thing of the cold war Moscow past but milk in Lagos excites a feeding frenzy.
One of the girls that was involved in the fire has left Nigeria! she never settled back and was unhappy so has gone- hence me explaining to parents that they now have a new Y6 teacher- the competition for school places in Nigeria and the top UK schools is very fierce so disruption in this year is not good, but luckily we have a truly outstanding teacher in school who has stepped up to the role. I am keen to further develop music and drama in school, so today I created a performing arts faculty I already have some talented and dedicated staff but am advertising to strengthen music even further - a full orchestra and choir to enter competitions.
To give you an idea about the scope of the school, a parent in school asked if she could invite her uncle - an author to talk to Y6 during book week (in November here) I said yes and he is duly coming. Today I mentioned his name to someone and they nearly collapsed- he is only a Nobel Laureate!! he won the prize for literature!
When we lived in Monmouth- Sleepy Hollow- we often heard gun shots and never commented. We'd think it was either the Garrison or someone stalking / pigeon shooting. But here tonight Carl heard 5 shots and it was somehow unnerving. Luckily the shots didn't continue but even so, when you live in a compound where you drive through a gated chicane with armed guards (AK47s) who work around the clock, and where you have armed guards outside your school security perimeter you stop noticing the guns, but gunfire is something else and this is the first time we have heard it.
Heigh ho, life goes on. Tomorrow there may be fresh milk in La Pointe- I'll be there straight after school! You may have thought queuing was a thing of the cold war Moscow past but milk in Lagos excites a feeding frenzy.
Sunday 9 October 2011
Very quick update
The gala dinner was amazing and I will write in depth about it later if you are fortunate enough(!) to get Africa's premier channel MNET you would have seen me many many times as I was interviewed and had to do bits for them all night.- oh and the pink dress was VERY BRIGHT (puce even) on air. I am so shattered I wasn't going to blog tonight, but you know how I say things are different in Nigeria, not better not worse but different/ well it is a lie!!!". Tonight I dropped onto the stone kitchen floor a whole bottle of soy sauce- it went everywhere. So I get one of the four mops that we now have (each one we've bought, Beatrice, our steward/maid/woman of many parts has not liked) and I duly went to clean it up. The mops are total rubbish!!! different yes but certainly worse. I now know how to make money in Nigeria- import Vileda mops. When we go home at Christmas I am going to buy a ruck of them!
I can't believe I have just spent 10 minutes of my life talking about mops but I now know that Beatrice wasn't fussy- the mops are rubbish but they are the best you can buy.
Stop press - fresh milk has been discontinued in shop rite! is was only a promotion!! life as we know it might end, but I head a rumour that La Pointe imports milk on a Wednesday. Do you see what my life is deteriorating into - talking about mops and milk. The joy of an ex-pat lifestyle!!!!
I can't believe I have just spent 10 minutes of my life talking about mops but I now know that Beatrice wasn't fussy- the mops are rubbish but they are the best you can buy.
Stop press - fresh milk has been discontinued in shop rite! is was only a promotion!! life as we know it might end, but I head a rumour that La Pointe imports milk on a Wednesday. Do you see what my life is deteriorating into - talking about mops and milk. The joy of an ex-pat lifestyle!!!!
Saturday 8 October 2011
the tailor comes
Well, Joseph turned up finally and my dress is lovely pink and gold very fitted understated - wonderful. But he was then very apologetic, Carl's outfit , he couldn't get the dark material with a subtle hint of gold that Carl had chosen. And here I have to be so careful because I am on my way to the TV studio, and everytime I look at the fabric I dissolve into totally helpless laughter. It is bright and looks like a 1070's curtain pattern and he has to wear it because his dinner suit is still in transit. the storm woke us last night and all I could hear ovr the roar of thunder was I don't want to wear that.
OMG I am crying typing this here is a preview of the material I'll add the official photo later.
Thursday 6 October 2011
Thursday 6th October
Tensions are high in school over the Anniversary Gala Dinner (1000 guests and all the top artistes etc) and the meetings last for hours!. Tonight (whilst at the hospital with Carl - see later) I had a phone call from Nigerian TV, apparently on Saturday between 10:00am and 12:00 I am appearing on a top Nigerian chat show talking about the school and the anniversary. Of course no-one had told me!!!! I also found out by chance that I am giving the closing vote of thanks and probably the prayers. Still after this weekend we will be able to breathe and I might even get to do the day job ie see children!
So to the hospital. The boot arrived today - only 5 days late but heigh ho that is early by Nigerian postal service standards. They had had the boot for 3 days at the post office but hadn't told us. So now, ladies, I have a pump up pneumatic husband (every girls dream) I pump him up, and I can keep the pressure high as long as I want and then I can release the air and he deflates. Oh bliss. (unfortunately the only pneumatic part is his lower leg but we are working on that)
What else- well the traffic today was the worst ever it took me 1 hour to travel 3 miles but I noticed something that so far I hadn't spotted, the Lagos jail is in Freedom Park! Arbeit macht frei?
I also went to a Nigerian Secondary School prize giving- so much energy, so many huge hats, so bizarre and so, so, so long! But a huge welcome for me, special guest seats and amazingly talented, polite, helpful young people. when you see students like that you start to feel confident for the future of Nigeria- long may their idealism and fervour continue.
As I write this I am panicking Joseph my tailor has not arrived with my ball gown (2 days to go) I phoned him and he said he had had an accident on his ocada (motorbike) and was at the hospital- please God don't let my dress have been on the bike with him. (uncharitable thought I know but he said he wasn't badly injured and I am worried - what will I do if it isn't here?)
So to the hospital. The boot arrived today - only 5 days late but heigh ho that is early by Nigerian postal service standards. They had had the boot for 3 days at the post office but hadn't told us. So now, ladies, I have a pump up pneumatic husband (every girls dream) I pump him up, and I can keep the pressure high as long as I want and then I can release the air and he deflates. Oh bliss. (unfortunately the only pneumatic part is his lower leg but we are working on that)
What else- well the traffic today was the worst ever it took me 1 hour to travel 3 miles but I noticed something that so far I hadn't spotted, the Lagos jail is in Freedom Park! Arbeit macht frei?
I also went to a Nigerian Secondary School prize giving- so much energy, so many huge hats, so bizarre and so, so, so long! But a huge welcome for me, special guest seats and amazingly talented, polite, helpful young people. when you see students like that you start to feel confident for the future of Nigeria- long may their idealism and fervour continue.
As I write this I am panicking Joseph my tailor has not arrived with my ball gown (2 days to go) I phoned him and he said he had had an accident on his ocada (motorbike) and was at the hospital- please God don't let my dress have been on the bike with him. (uncharitable thought I know but he said he wasn't badly injured and I am worried - what will I do if it isn't here?)
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Nigeria weekend
Friday night we went to the GQ club- a bit colonial, but with an American twist. We paid for everything in dollars and drank margaritas and ate Tex Mex. It was a bit surreal but good fun and met some really nice folks- and I won the raffle - so nothing else really matters!!!
For those of you who know me well, I have been described as a little bit competitive!. I have started walking with an American friend Clay, he has a great circuit of 3.5 miles and it is all level and very pretty to walk. He said after the first time we had walked, that we had shaved 30 seconds a mile off his best time. That was it it was like a red rag to a bull because the next night I had to set us a better target, make sure that we were warmed up and walking before we started the timer and really push on!
Perhaps not the enjoyable walking Clay had foreseen but it was the timer that did it.!!! I know it is a not so nice side to my character but I am only competing against myself really!
As we walked, there were flashes of red and I finally realised that they were bright red land crabs about the size of your hand diving into their burrows- if only we hadn't been walking against the timer I would have stopped to look at them...
On Saturday it rained, and rained and rained and rained- and then it decided to send some thunder and lightening. But on Sunday- the day of the huge "School Invasion Concert" on my school field dawned amazingly hot and sunny. The concert had all the big names of the Nigerian music scene and it was a fabulous day. All the kids and parents enjoyed themselves, there was no trouble, no bad language and lots of fun, only one tragedy, the school rabbit has disappeared. I charitably hope that someone left the door to her run open, but Carl thinks one of the many many people who were attached to bands, security, lighting etc had her!
Monday was a holiday, but unfortunately we couldn't go anywhere because of old peg leg! it is becoming a real pain. I know if it was me I would have gone completely barmy by now but Carl is very stoic and puts up with the inconvenience much better than I ever could. The thought of being trapped in the apartment for weeks sends a shiver down my spine. I was once trapped in a traffic jam with our best friend Peter for three hours, he still shudders when he remembers how bored and pesky I got! I managed to strike up a conversation with a lorry driver stuck in the lane next to us and went to see his microwave and cab areas, 3 hours with nothing to do or read nearly finished me and Pete will never travel with me without an anti-boredom kit again.. I don't do patience and boredom.- Lucky I am in Nigeria because that is not something you experience here!. School is an amazing place , but quiet and peaceful? I don't think so.
Seriously though, we are compiling a list of all the places we will go- we had to cancel the camping to Omo to see the elephants, but there will be plenty of time to see the country when his leg finally heals. If it was up to all the Nigerian people we have met, and the amount of prayers that have been said for Carl, he would be running a marathon next week, but as we all know, we can't foresee what is in store for us.
For those of you who know me well, I have been described as a little bit competitive!. I have started walking with an American friend Clay, he has a great circuit of 3.5 miles and it is all level and very pretty to walk. He said after the first time we had walked, that we had shaved 30 seconds a mile off his best time. That was it it was like a red rag to a bull because the next night I had to set us a better target, make sure that we were warmed up and walking before we started the timer and really push on!
Perhaps not the enjoyable walking Clay had foreseen but it was the timer that did it.!!! I know it is a not so nice side to my character but I am only competing against myself really!
As we walked, there were flashes of red and I finally realised that they were bright red land crabs about the size of your hand diving into their burrows- if only we hadn't been walking against the timer I would have stopped to look at them...
On Saturday it rained, and rained and rained and rained- and then it decided to send some thunder and lightening. But on Sunday- the day of the huge "School Invasion Concert" on my school field dawned amazingly hot and sunny. The concert had all the big names of the Nigerian music scene and it was a fabulous day. All the kids and parents enjoyed themselves, there was no trouble, no bad language and lots of fun, only one tragedy, the school rabbit has disappeared. I charitably hope that someone left the door to her run open, but Carl thinks one of the many many people who were attached to bands, security, lighting etc had her!
Monday was a holiday, but unfortunately we couldn't go anywhere because of old peg leg! it is becoming a real pain. I know if it was me I would have gone completely barmy by now but Carl is very stoic and puts up with the inconvenience much better than I ever could. The thought of being trapped in the apartment for weeks sends a shiver down my spine. I was once trapped in a traffic jam with our best friend Peter for three hours, he still shudders when he remembers how bored and pesky I got! I managed to strike up a conversation with a lorry driver stuck in the lane next to us and went to see his microwave and cab areas, 3 hours with nothing to do or read nearly finished me and Pete will never travel with me without an anti-boredom kit again.. I don't do patience and boredom.- Lucky I am in Nigeria because that is not something you experience here!. School is an amazing place , but quiet and peaceful? I don't think so.
Seriously though, we are compiling a list of all the places we will go- we had to cancel the camping to Omo to see the elephants, but there will be plenty of time to see the country when his leg finally heals. If it was up to all the Nigerian people we have met, and the amount of prayers that have been said for Carl, he would be running a marathon next week, but as we all know, we can't foresee what is in store for us.
Saturday 1 October 2011
Nigeria Day
It was amazing!!! the singing and dancing of the children was really special. Carl came and enjoyed it (as much as he has ever enjoyed any school do- but I took his crutches so he was trapped). The food was truly special. So much and such a variety from Biltong to pounded yam from sugar doughnuts to snails in some sort of green sauce which I have to say was truly the nastiest thing I have ever tasted! BUT I tried it (and discreetly spat it straight out) The beef stew and the rice were to die for. But I was amazed at the kids they didn't go for the doughnuts and cakes they went for the Jollof rice (very spicy) beef, chicken and other meaty looking things floating in red spicy sauce.
We also had a professional dance group with drums and dancers who put on a show that you would have been very willing to pay a lot of money to see anywhere. The only down side was I was in my full Nigerian costume and got quite badly sunburnt on my back.
It was a fabulous day and yes I did cry when the children sang and as always I was touched by the welcome and comments parents made. Later that afternoon, Carl and myself were talking to some parents and Governing Body members and we suddenly realised that we feel at home here.
Unfortunately I can't put any photos of the day on because my camera lead is in the sea freight and I can't download them yet!!!
There are so many negatives that you can focus on about living in Nigeria, the violence is awful three horrendous robbing incidents to staff in a week, but the positives are so many. If you wanted to you could be down all the time, OK shopping is a challenge but I don't waste any food now- not like at home, if a tomato looks like it is going a bit soft, it is cooked and frozen ready to make something So this week there has been no milk- but next week I'll buy 6 litres and freeze it!. Smoked haddock is N11,000 a kilo (£45.00 a kilo!!!!!) but beer is less than 50p a litre. You can't get caster sugar so I use raw cane sugar and my mint and lettuces are growing well.
Tomorrow is the school concert, 300 children 8 food marquees, a marquee that hold 2500 and 2 massive Video Screens, we all have security passes, backstage passes and secure parking-the bank is sending a full armoured van to collect the money and we have innumerable guards to keep the concert goers safe- I'll let you know what it is like.
We also had a professional dance group with drums and dancers who put on a show that you would have been very willing to pay a lot of money to see anywhere. The only down side was I was in my full Nigerian costume and got quite badly sunburnt on my back.
It was a fabulous day and yes I did cry when the children sang and as always I was touched by the welcome and comments parents made. Later that afternoon, Carl and myself were talking to some parents and Governing Body members and we suddenly realised that we feel at home here.
There are so many negatives that you can focus on about living in Nigeria, the violence is awful three horrendous robbing incidents to staff in a week, but the positives are so many. If you wanted to you could be down all the time, OK shopping is a challenge but I don't waste any food now- not like at home, if a tomato looks like it is going a bit soft, it is cooked and frozen ready to make something So this week there has been no milk- but next week I'll buy 6 litres and freeze it!. Smoked haddock is N11,000 a kilo (£45.00 a kilo!!!!!) but beer is less than 50p a litre. You can't get caster sugar so I use raw cane sugar and my mint and lettuces are growing well.
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| It rained this morning, this is what I drove through |
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