Arrival in Africa

We land in Lagos; and as soon as I leave the aircraft I can feel the heat even though I am in an air conditioned building. Immigration formalities are finished within 20 minutes or so and I am met by the company Protocol Officer and an AK47 carrying policeman. I have to wait some 60 minutes to hook up with my Norwegian friend who is arriving on the BA flight so I make for the cafeteria. It is obvious that the policeman has been told to stick close to me as he appears to be my shadow. Having been in and out of this airport for the last ten years or so I am still recognised by lots of the people working here. I think they find the presence of the armed policeman as amusing as myself, or more likely that I have been arrested.

Eventually my Norwegian colleague arrives and out we go to the car. It’s a Mercedes Benz with government number plates. No sooner are we outside than the police are clearing a path for us, stopping traffic to allow us to cross the road, beating any car that comes too close with the muzzle of a gun, swerving around vehicles etc……in fact everything that has pissed me off in the past when I have been the one to be held up when some local dickhead or whoever is around.

The car journey to the hotel takes around 40 minutes whereby the poor Norwegian guy is somewhat amazed as the car proceeds to travel the wrong way down dual carriageways, cross central reservations or whatever the driver feels will make our journey quicker.

Just have time to freshen up in the hotel and we are taken to the company Chairman’s house. This is of course a massive affair compared to UK standards with the obligatory swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants and servants. The sitting room to which we were first led had an area that could have contained my complete house! The TV set was the biggest that I have ever seen except when I have visited trade fairs when the manufacturers was showing off their latest wares. I think there were more leather seats than the average 'World of Leather' shop back home. These boys live well.

Dinner was slightly amusing because during the car trip from the airport the Norwegian guy was telling me all the things that his doctor had told him not to eat whilst in West Africa. Poor guy had them all at one sitting.

Getting to Lagos

Up very early, 0430hrs, quick bath, quick breakfast and onto the Hoppa bus by 0515. Down to Terminal Two, book in with Lufthansa and in no time I am sitting in Frankfurt Airport. I had to have the obligatory Bratwurst just to see if they tasted like they always did, then jumped onto the plane for Lagos.

Now what is it with me and planes to Lagos. Whatever airline I travel with, when I get to my designated seat I find someone sitting there who doesn’t want to move. So what the hell that he is called Chief or Otumba or whatever in his own country; this is a goddam commercial jet for hells sake. We are all equal. Too pissed off to argue, I go to the nearest kitchen area, take out my book and read. Eventually one of the hostesses comes and asks me why I am standing there, I explain, she laughs and says “let them settle down and we will find you a seat.”

Just before door closing time the Police come onto the plane escorting some West African types out of the country. I couldn’t help but notice that they were extremely well dressed. Whatever they were up to they could afford better attire than my recycled cleaned up blazer!

So here I was, sitting further forward in the aircraft than I should have been on this trip, winging my way to a new life in West Africa……….Wish me luck.

West Africa

The physical and cultural diversity of West Africa would be hard to better.
Perhaps this is why I ignored all advice to travel and work in this region. Having travelled extensively during my previous working life, West Africa has always remained dear to my heart. Despite its problems, and the sometimes frustrating occurrences that are the normal part of ones day to day life, it is also a rewarding place to work.

West Africa consists of 17 countries ranging from the giant sized Nigeria to the tiny Cape Verde Island and together these make up an area similar to that of the continental United States.
If only this were recognised as a tourist destination it would be labelled as one of the world’s best. The diverse people, their cultures, landscapes, unspoiled beaches, their slave trade history all combine to make this a fascinating place to visit.

This journal will be a record of my experiences, good and bad. I consider this as my personal electronic diary; anyone who wishes to share my experiences are more than welcome to drop by and view, comment, or ridicule my uttering’s.

Any advice would also be very welcome..........