Disclaimer: I have NEVER been to Nigeria. This is my first time at my big age. Better late than never I suppose. I took Virgin Atlantic Airways. Pretty decent airline. You need a Nigerian visa (total cost is a little over $300 TUH), or a Nigerian passport. I applied for my passport, but it was not going to arrive on time, so I had to get a visa. No covid test is required if you are fully vaccinated. If not, you will need a covid test prior to arriving, and one 2 days after arrival.
Fun facts:
- The capital is Abuja. It used to be Lagos.
- The three main tribes are Yoruba, Igbo, and Hawsa.
- Over 50 languages being spoken.
- Nigeria is near the equator.
- Majority of the people are Christians. Second majority are Muslims.
I landed in Nigeria on a Sunday at 5am. My mom did not want to book a hotel prior for God knows the reason to that. I wasn’t too pressed on this vacation being luxury because like I mentioned before it’ my first time, and second I’m with my mom. She’s not into the things I want to do and her agenda was to see the home she just finished building and see her family and shop. My agenda was to try and have fun (I did have a list of things I wanted to do and see while in Lagos), and see where my dad is buried and where he grew up. So this trip for me is unplug/try and get some fun vacation.
Day one: Shopping. We went to Sabo market and Balogun Market. Both markets are busy, but I can tolerate Sabo market. It is less crowded. We exchanged our money here and did our NIN. NIN is like a social security number. It’s a new system they have started. In order to get a sim card, you need that number. In order to open a back account you need that number. The process for this takes about 30-45mins depending on how fast the machine is working. You’ll get your number in 3-5 days.
I was told if you can survive Balogun Market you can survive anywhere in Nigeria. I don’t know if that is true, but Balogun market is for tough people lol. Thieves are out there heavy trying to see what they can steal from you. So I didn’t record much because of this, an if I did it was very brief. From my experience, I would not stay at one merchant for too long. Other merchants get jealous and start giving attitude and cursing you out. I understand the frustration, everyone wants a sale, but there is a way to do “business.” Another thing I have also noticed, Nigerians have an issue with being recorded. This is another reason why I didn’t record much besides hiding my Dji/phone from thieves. People made rude comments about me recording and asking me why am I recording. I didn’t know it was an issue.
Sabo Market
Day 2: Another shopping day LOL.
This day we went to Lekki. This is where the vibes are!!! I knew in my spirit I was coming back here before I left to enjoy a little of Lagos. I had to exchange some clothes that I purchased from Belangelique store located at Ovonomo Mall, block 20 plot 23b, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1. I love their items. Yes, they ship to the US. After this my mom wanted to visit a tailor that was recommended. Day 2 is done and over.
Day 3: Flight to Asaba (Wednesday)
The flight from Lagos to Asaba is under 1 hour. Then about 30min drive (depending on traffic) to Ogwashi Uku. This is where my parents are from. It’s located in the delta region. For the next few days, I just enjoyed my family company, went to see where my dad and mom grew up, saw the house my mom completed, and caught up on some sleep! I was suppose to leave on Wednesday, but I couldn’t take the boringness of the village, so I changed my flight and left on Monday. That will be part two of my Nigeria trip.
