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?
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