VACATION DAIRY…..2

Still in the vacation mood, I totally waited for daybreak and it’s finally here. Today was earmarked for first phase city acquaintance; we had to check out the city, their food, the people and all we need to know before the tour guides arrive.

First thing I noticed is the right hand drive of all the vehicles, this was rather strange as their drive was the opposite of what we have in Nigeria, it is so confusing I would need at least 1 month to fully grasp this. The streets are well laid out, road, drive ways, parking lots, lights are all properly defined. Food is not so bad, the regulars were still available. Burger and Fries, Rice and Salad, Pizzas, to clear my head from the jet lag and the smell from the guy sitting next to me (Wondering if he took the time to wash up before boarding this flight)
Brunch was ok and we immediately set out to see the city, first point of call was David Sheldrick wildlife trust’ orphans project. This project is aimed at catering for the orphaned elephants and rhinos, the project is being managed by David Sheldrick and his daughter who provide hope for baby elephants abandoned by their parents and left to the unfriendly jaws of the wild. This was amazing as the elephants totally listen to the guards and respond to the whistles that direct them on what to do. These elephants all have names and can be adopted, simply amazing now I am a proud co-owner of an elephant names Mijina.

The pictures were totally amazing that my camera sighed after the 89th snap. We left for the giraffe centre, where we came so close to National geographic as we touched the giraffes and fed them on their special delicacy. I have never been so happy and relaxed on a long time like I did today. A little off work and the stress associated with Lagos traffic, I am so close to mother earth.

We then proceeded to the national museum where we saw the antiques of ancient Nairobi and the story behind the antiques. Lunch was served after this and I must say the freshly grilled Tilipia fish made me unwind faster.
A cold bath would help me absorb the last part of nature.

Memoirs Day….. 2

VACATION DAIRY

4.15pm and the mood is already different, Ono is anxious as the cab man is not yet around, I am wearing a rather calm countenance even when the weather tells me that Lagos would soon be a lock down as the roads would experience traffic known to all. Then I called out the cab driver who was supposed to pick us by 4pm and he speaks out “”Oga abeg no vex I still dey island”… at this point I didn’t know what to say, do I shout out angry? Do I start making other plans? What is next? I just calmly asked him to send me another driver in other to fully accommodate the mood of my wife who is already furious and not ready to pay any extra for a “NO SHOW”.

5.20pm and the driver calls to inform me he is at the gate. I would struggle hard to forget the huge sigh from Ono when she heard the call. This is a fall out from our previous vacation where we missed our flight and not only did we pay $280 each, we had to wait in the airport for 14 hours to catch the next flight. This was her worse nightmare and she would rather get there 5 hours late than spend more money or time. We eventually headed out and through the “bumper to bumper” driving mode and the wet traffic. By 6.15pm we arrived the entrance of the Murtala Mohammed Airport. For starters I would wonder why there is huge traffic at the entrance, and while the airport lacks adequate parking facility and is in dire need of a total facelift, we have to be content with the available facility no matter how pathetic they are.

Like always the touts and urchins are on the front porch selling all you can imagine from their mobile supermarkets, from Padlocks to Yellow fever vaccination cards to boarding passes. We finally made it to the counter and immediately got our boarding pass. By 22.30 the plane taxied off to the runway and we bid Nigeria farewell minutes after. The flight was ok as we did a 12 minutes from Lagos to Cotonou, then we headed for Nairobi. I spent the evening reading and looking through the window.

Memoirs…..1

YOUR APPRAISAL

A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and pulled it over to the telephone. He climbed onto the carton so that he could reach the buttons on the phone and proceeded to punch in seven digits (phone numbers). The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation.
Boy: ‘Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?
Woman: (at the other end of the phone line): ‘I already have someone to cut my lawn.’
Boy: ‘Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now.’
Woman: I’m very satisfied with the person who is presently cutting my lawn.
Boy: (with more perseverance) : ‘Lady, I’ll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of Palm beach , Florida.’
Woman: No, thank you.
With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver. The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy.
Store Owner: ‘Son… I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job.’
Boy: ‘No thanks.’
Store Owner: But you were really pleading for one.
Boy: No Sir, I was just checking my performance at the Job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady I was talking to!’
This is called self-appraisal. If someone was to pitch for your current role, what will your employer say about you?