Abeokuta Africa Day 7

What can i say about this day? I am really speechless. So i will let the photos tell the story. I left Lagos and headed west to a town named Abeokuta.

These are the photos of what i experienced and saw there:

Lagos Africa Day 6

Today not much to share other than a few photos of every day life. My day here was spent encouraging a couple of managers on my buddy's restaurant staff. Giving them incite on leadership and the benefits of training a strong team. They shared with me their traditions and family life. I never walk away unfulfilled chatting with these guys. I learned about the Edo Nation ; a tribe of several million people, who are descendants of a great African Heritage. I can not wait to my next visit so i can meet these people in there home area.

Here are some photos from today:

Lagos Africa Day 5

Transporting Coconut Pieces

Conversations in the shade

Carrots for sale

Merchants waiting for customers

Young man reading Bible

It is a Sunday afternoon in Lagos, Many of the people are at their morning worship service.







Many of the shops and business are closed. But the majority have and will begin the hustle and bustle of the day. See in Lagos, the city like NYC does not sleep.  There is always some sort of activity. Some kind of movement even if there seems to be no destination to go to.   

Traveling Rooster

e people are easy going and very lay back. There is movement but no rush, a different kind of hustle and bustle. Its Nigerian. 

Off to run errands

It was said to me that everything moves on African People Time, something like we have in the states called CPT. For some, you know this as "Colored People Time".   Nothing here seems to start or end on time. Many here factor in their daily routines the hours of waiting time.

Reading the Sunday Paper

Public Transportation

The first president of Nigeria

day i had the opportunity to go shopping at the market place.  I could not have lasted with my funds if i had gone on my own. My buddy was able to get all of my purchases at half their original quoted price and some less than that. See everything here is about the art of negotiation and who you are as an individual. A foreigner has very little chance of getting deals. But the locals know the language of good bargaining.

Goats finding shade

Herds of Goats

Motorcycle Taxi: Okada

Pony Ride

Beach Sitter

After shopping at the market place we visited the beach and then visited a wonderful couple, who are dear friends of my buddy. We had delicious foods, desserts, and wonderful conversation about Nigerian culture.  In Nigeria there is always a reason to gather together; It can be under a tree along the road or in someones home.  Nigerians love connecting with one another. Talking about the international news of the day or just what is happening locally.

Merchant

This trip is all about getting to know my buddy and the world he lives in. So many times he has traveled west and shared in my world. What a wonderful exchange in knowledge and friendship. Its so wonderful to experience his relationships here.  The people hold dear to their relationships. It has caused me to pause and review in my mind, How precious my family and friendships are to me. Love you all back at home.

Here are more photos of the day:

Transporting Food

Goat finds shade

Wealthy Citizens Residence 

Lagos Africa Day 4

A new day and with it brings new revelation of the Nigerian people in Lagos.  Today started the day with another wonderful meal. I am becoming spoiled with all these delicious meals prepared for me each day.

Today I shared the morning having breakfast with my buddy and his dear friend. We then ran local errands. Spent time with the restaurant staff.  Went to a remembrance family gathering. And attending a Nigerian wedding reception. I also experienced my first rain storm, and boy does the rain fall here.

Spent good time with staff. Great guys.

Lagos Africa Trip: Day 3

Passer by.

I have been in Nigeria two full days now. During this time I have met some incredible people. Some very successful business men and some hard working young men who are working to place themselves through school. I have been to some beautiful homes that are simply breath taking. Lots of space, beautiful interiors and exteriors. You do not see some of this on TV about Africa. Some people do very well here. However there are many that do not. Today was one of those unique opportunities where i had the chance to encourage people who have less than myself or pretty much anyone i know in the States.  But they are striving to make it happen for themselves.

This trip is turning out to be way more than i though it would be. I am talking about me leaving my comfort zone. The opportunity to share with these young men whom range from age 26 to 30 has been wonderful.  All of these gentlemen are attending college and work part time to pay for there education. Going to school before or after work is not as easy as it is in the US.  Transportation is not the best, Their home situation are all challenging on some level. They are challenged with not having the adequate tools to succeed. Yet for each one of them, they return to work day after day with a smile and willingness to learn. The unintended time i am spending with them is priceless. Who would have guessed i would be spending my vacation time like this.

Jerk Chicken for dinner yummy!

I am not sure why i am here in Lagos, but i know that everything and every path has pushed me here. But if today was a small revelation. I believe the best is yet to come.

My buddy's restaurant, these guys can cook and bake.