Its a week to go before I officially leave London, and make Lagos my new home. I don't know whether to be excited or very scared. My mood fluctuates depending on the person I'm speaking to. Everyone - and I mean everyone, has a view on Nigeria. My best friend told me not to go. My Dad has flatly refused to come and visit, and a friend from school - a native Nigerian herself - just asked "Why??" and then laughed hysterically.
Why indeed? After years of living in London, my hubbie and I have been toying with the idea of moving abroad. I was dreaming of Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo...so when my husband shared a job description with the location of Lagos, I thought it was a joke. Ill be honest, Lagos doesn't fit on my list of top places to visit. I didn't even know which coast it was on (is it above the equator?). But here I am with a week to go, before I set off on my own African adventure!
So with no job, no house and no friends in Lagos Ive been doing some research. I have gleaned the following tips:
- Take a cheap, battered suitcase which wont get stolen at the airport
- Avon So Soft moisturizer doubles up as an effective mosquito repellent (is it the grease or the secret ingredient? Ill let you know...)
- I cant get a dog in Nigeria as they are considered a local culinary delicacy. Hence said pooch may never make it home.
- Always carry a decoy wallet for those occasions when the friendly police want to stop me for a chat
- If all else fails, the British women’s society does cross stitch and coffee mornings
If anyone else has any (helpful) advice...feel free to throw it in.
I'm looking forward to keeping you all updated!
