AFRICA – Page 3 – #SASSYFUNKE

March 7, 2017September 21, 2018

A GUIDE TO VISITING MAKOKO – A SLUM IN THE CENTRE OF LAGOS?

For many years whilst driving through the “Third Mainland Bridge” in Lagos, I notice a community built on water. I always asked myself why people lived there and years later I ask why they chose never to leave. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this community whose name is “MAKOKO” and had my questions answered.

Makoko is a community with over 100,000 people (85% Christians and 15% muslim). This community is a fishing community with men responsible for catching fish whilst women are responsible for smoking and selling fish. The people are mainly from the Ijaw tribe (hence the reason I couldn’t understand the language spoken in Makoko) with some from the Yoruba and Igbo tribe. Makoko consists of 11 communities (6 of which are built on water). The community operates self sufficiently with limited interference from the government with chief being the judicial system. Below is a visual diary of my trip to Makoko (see also my SHORT video diary):

Approaching…

Commerce. Tomatoes anyone? Canoeing is the mode of transport.

Kids learn to swim from the age of 3

Mother and child

Certificate of chieftancy at the visit to the Chief’s house

A view from the primary school

The primary school in Makoko which educates 269 people a year

With the Chief’s youngest brother Noah Shamede who is also the Director of the school

Yours truly

How did I organise this trip: I am a member of the Nigerian Field Society, a national organisation made up of volunteers that organise trips across Nigeria. If you are interested in well organised trips, ensure to join the society.

How long was the trip: A 20-30min boat trip from Victoria Island to Makoko. Overall trip was 3 hours long.

What did I enjoy the most: The Q&A with Noah Shamede which gave interesting insights into the community. And seeing Makoko from inward instead from how I viewed it driving on the third mainland bridge.

Travel tips:

The heat can be intense so I suggest you take along drinks and snacks
Wear a hat to protect you from the heat
Wear comfortable shoes like trainers
Wear trousers (makes getting in and out of the boat easy)

Hope you enjoyed the write up on Makoko. Share your most memorable site to visit in Nigeria.

February 21, 2017April 7, 2017

A guide to visiting Ivory Coast || Culture, Food & Nightlife

This was one trip that wasn’t really planned. A friend of mine and I simply wanted to explore Africa and thought South Africa was too far for a 3-night trip from lagos. Given I had already been to South Africa, there was also an incentive on my part to explore new territory. Ivory Coast is a francophone country which meant I had a great opportunity to brush up on that French I spent summer 2014 in Lausanne, Switzerland (not to excluded my 6 months life in France in 2014 and 2015) learning. I wasn’t expecting all the beauty I saw so here it is:

About to board by flight from Lagos to Abidjan, Ivory Coast with Air Cote d’Ivoire. The ticket was so expensive for this less than 2 hr flight. Next time, I am walking!! lol perhaps a road trip 🙂 (I actually found out that there was a road direct to Ivory Coast from Lagos).

I stayed at the Novotel Abidjan in the business district. Loved these flying orchids in the lobby. Only complaint was the small rooms (the breakfast was great). When you live in Lagos, most places in the world seem smaller.

Visting the busiest market in Adjame, Abidjan. It is so funny how I was exploring this market but to go to the market in my home town Lagos, Nigeria is a mission lol

We literally took a walking tour of plateau (the business district in Abidjan) and came across these boutiques (not your everyday boutique).

Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral in Abidjan. Impressive but a small giant in comparison to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

Selfie ready for our 2 hour drive to Yamoussoukro (from Abidjan) to visit the BIGGEST CHURCH IN THE WORLD.

That backdrop – Moi at the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

That View

The interior of the church. The church was a gift from the 1st president of the Ivory Coast to the pope. When asked how much he paid for the church’s construction, he responded that one could not price a gift to God. The tour of this church was one of the most impressive tours I have had (So much thought and precision was put into its construction).

I also visited the “Felix Houphouet-Boigny Foundation”. Here, is the peace room. The goal of the foundation is to contribute to the research, preservation, maintenance and promotion of peace in Africa and the world, in the spirit of the Constitution of UNESCO and the United Nations Charter.

A great meal at Aboussouan, a lovely african restaurant with a lovely vibe. This place was full by the time we left on a sunday – definite testament to the quality of the food and service.

What I loved about Ivory Coast?: Hands down the Basilica in Yamoussoukro (Such beauty) and the thorough FREE tour guide given by (even though I gave a small tip) . The people – very friendly and did I mention the incredibly FUN nightlife (with of course music from Nigeria – Nigeria is truly taking over the world with its beats).

What I didn’t like?: Its a francophone country so no one had an interest in speaking english lol (honestly I loved that I was forced to practice french though). Also I didn’t like the flight ticket price. African airlines need to do better to encourage africans to explore Africa or else we will carry our cash outside the continent.

Would I go back?: Well possibly but not any time soon. This does not take away from the fact that I enjoyed my trip.

Have you visited Ivory Coast before? If so, share what you loved and what you didn’t. And if you have any tips for travelling to Ivory Coast

February 7, 2017April 7, 2017

HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS IN ZANZIBAR

This trip to Zanzibar was not a well planned one, in that I only decided a week before to venture there. It was certainly a trip which I don’t regret. Zanzibar was quiet, peaceful, clean and warm. All that I needed for a moment of self reflection and stillness. Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. I spent 3 nights in Zanzibar and this is what I got up to, where I stayed and all that’s in-between bearing in mind I wasn’t planning on breaking my budget.

About to catch my flight from Dar es Salaam (after flying in from Nigeria via Ethiopian airlines the night before)

“I made it” This is how I got to Zanzibar. On a little propeller plane from Dar es Salaam (a major city in Tanzania). #NotForTheFaintHearted but I slept like a baby on the 35 min flight.

The streets of Zanzibar en-route to my hotel

I stayed at an all-inclusive. The beauty of an all-inclusive is that you control your budget as your hotel payment includes accommodation, meals and drinks.

The all-inclusive accommodation at the Neptune Pwani Resort in Zanzibar located right on the beach.

Loved the rustic feel to the hotel room and of course those all important mosquito nets

Balcony goals anyone?

At the coconut dispensary on the resort

Spa goals?

Above at the full moon party at the Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel in Zanzibar. The full moon party is in the Top 10 of full moon parties in the world. Food, good vibes, music from tanzanian artists, beach vibes. A worth while night for 2 hours before my bed called me 🙂

Exploring the streets of Stone town, Zanzibar with our driver turned tour guide (a cheap trick to save money by the way). Driver are well traveled people in a city.

A museum in stone town

Market stall in Stone Town

Views from the Zanzibar ferry port from Mercury’s restaurant (ordered a pretty decent pizza from here because I was nearly late for my ferry). Honestly the pizza was better than any pizza I’ve had in Nigeria but certainly not better than the ones I’ve had in Italy. Took the ferry back to Dar es Salaam and was impressed by the cleanliness and order of it all.

What I loved about Zanzibar: Quietness, beautiful beach, water sports, polite people/staff (It is incredible what value add customer service can be)

What I would have change: I wish I explored more i.e. take the “spice tour” (an apparent must in zanzibar) and visited more monuments

Perfect for: Retreats, Honeymoons, Girls getaway

Tips: Book your transport ferry in advance to avoid disappointment. Reserve all the unique restaurants for all nights once you arrive if you are not keen at eating at the buffet in case you stay at an all inclusive resort.

Would I go back: Yes!!!

Have you been to Zanzibar before? If so what did you enjoy the most and would recommend for anyone visiting Zanzibar?

February 4, 2017February 1, 2017

THE LAGOS CHRONICLES: 7 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT LAGOS TRAFFIC

If there is one thing the city of Lagos is popular for, it’s her mind-draining traffic. Even though experiencing traffic is quite annoying especially when you’re trying to get to work on time or you’re running late for that important client meeting, there are indeed some positives of being stuck in traffic (i.e. reasons why we love traffic). Here they are:

1) ENJOY FUNNY SCENES

There are so many comical activities surrounding traffic in lagos. It’s either the sound of bus conductors urging passengers to hold on to their change, or the arguments that go on between the local touts (popularly known as AGBEROS) over things that make no sense. Even road shows involving a lot of energetic dancing organized by companies to market their products are entertaining. Either way, you can be assured of getting free unadulterated humor and sometimes freebies (Who doesn’t love freebies?? even the rich do).

Image: nairaland

2) MEETING HOT GUYS

This is my personal favorite. Who doesn’t like to meet good looking and potential husband-material guys? Lagos traffic makes it really easy. Traffic in Lagos makes it possible to score a hot guy with a dope ride with little to no effort (a few stares and winks here and there will suffice). If you are lucky enough you’ll get a date right in traffic (that’s how good lagos traffic is). You dream man might just be a car way *wink*

3) ROADSIDE MUNCHIES

This might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it sure is mine! I love indulging in some of the locally made snacks that are both pocket friendly and really delicious. Snacks like BOLI (roasted plantain), GALA (sausage roll) and the signature traffic drink LA CASERA (every lagosian should be able to relate).

Image: iafrikan

4) TURN UP

Traffic in lagos can often last for hours (I mean a 20 min journey can end up being 3 hours) and while some people let themselves get frustrated by it, I simply switch up to gear “turn up”. I simply plug in the AUX and viola!! It’s a party. It’s usually much better when I have a few girlfriends with me then we pretty much in a club. It’s not odd to see drivers dancing while in traffic (it’s a norm in Lagos, they are REALLY having the time of their lives and not crazy).

Image: dailymail

5) SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDLY

Everyone is pretty much obsessed with social media platforms and I am no exception. Lagos traffic gives me the adequate amount of time to post a few tweets, like a picture or two on instagram and most especially make snapchat videos keeping friends posted on my exact whereabouts. The traffic allows me do all this without getting into trouble with the law as most traffic will bring you to a complete stop. Remember “Don’t text and drive”.

Image: cnn

6) LISTENING TO THE RADIO

Now I often don’t get enough time to listen to the radio or watch news on TV because of life’s hecticness. But the few hours spent in traffic gives me enough time to catch up with my favorite radio shows and believe me when I tell you radio stations in Lagos are absolutely dope.

Image: topgear

7) SHOPPING TIME

Food isn’t the only thing you can get in lagos traffic. If you’re familiar with traffic around areas like the main traffic light in Maryland, the Adeola Odeku area in Victoria island (Lagosians can relate). In these locations, you can bag yourself great knockoffs of your favorite designer shades (why go for a N30,000 pair of “Wayfarers” when you can get the knockoff “Ray Peng” for about N200). Although some people “you know who” are trying to take away our road markets, we know they serve a good function 😉

Image: theguardian

I have a real blast every time I’m stuck in traffic in this city that never sleeps. Do you enjoy traffic as much I as do? If so, how do you make your time in traffic more enjoyable? Share your ideas with me below!

February 1, 2017February 3, 2019

A GUIDE TO VISITING Badagry

February is Black History month and what better place to explore and share with you than my trip to Badagry. My trip to visit Badagry was a bit unplanned but nevertheless fulfilling because I had a chance not only to hear about history but to get a thorough walk-though of the slave trade in Nigeria. Badagry is notably known for the slave trade to foreigners. I had the pleasure of having knowledgble tour guides walk me through the four key sights in the area over the course of 2 to 3 hours: The first storey building in Nigeria, The Chief Mobee Royal Family Original Slave Relic Museum, Seriki Faremi Williams Slave Museum and the Badagary Slave Route.

The history of the slave trade told of how 40 slaves were sold in exchange for an umbrella to how slaves were kept in inhumane conditions some for months before they were sold and shipped away. I had a pleasure to see history in a way I have never done before and this was indeed due to the impressive tour guides.

Rather than bore you further with a history lesson, I will leave you with visuals of my trip. Please also see here for a short vlog of my trip.

THE FIRST STOREY BUILDING IN NIGERIA

Standing in front of the first storey building

Tour guide at the First Storey Building talking about the quality of the materials then went into the building of the house

Being shown the safe that was located in the first storey building along with currencies that were used then by the British

This well is the only drinkable well in Badagry (located in the compound of the first storey building)…of course, I had a taste and have to admit that it tasted pretty good.

SERIKI FAREMI WILLIAMS ABASS SLAVE MUSEUM

The entrance of the museum

Baracoons are enclosures in which black slaves were confined for a limited period

Our tour guide sharing history with us

Some of the instruments of torture

CHIEF MOBEE FAMILY SLAVES RELICS MUSEUM

Certainly not the biggest museum in the world but holds history nevertheless

The Museum

The original drinking bowl from which slaves drank from

Depictions of slave treatment

ORIGINAL SLAVE ROUTE (THE POINT OF NO RETURN)

Our transportation from badagry to the island of “the point of no return” (approx. a 10 min journey)

On the slave route on the island

The only official store on the island (where I purchased the cutest coconut bag)

Arriving at the point of no return (It took approx. a 25-30 min walk to get from where the bought disembarked to reach this point by the atlantic)

What I loved: The tour guides who were very thorough and the closeness of all the sites visited which made it easy to walk and see most things.

What I hated: Not much but bear in mind that the trip to Badagry can be a long one (65KM from the mainland Lagos) if you do not make way at the right time (i.e. traffic-prone times)

Would I go back: Certainly! Especially to showcase to others who haven’t been. It is certainly one of the best tour sites I have visited in Nigeria.

Costs:

– Boat from Badagry to the island of the point of no return was N5000 for three of us (considering no one else was on the boat with us. Apparently its normally N1000 each if it was busy. N5000 included a tour guide that guided us through out the whole island.

– Each site cost approximately N200 – N500

Travel Tips: (1) Make sure to bring drinks with you to keep hydrated (there were options for drinks but I believe limited)

(2) Costs for all tour sites are negotiable and as such, make sure to bargain according to what you believe you can afford

(3) If you have an issue with walking 25 mins, please avoid going to the point of no return. There were no other means of transporting for tourist on arrival on the island so either you walk or just wait. (My 60 year old aunt came with along with me and was sooo mad lol)

I hope you enjoyed the write-up. Let me know if you haven questions about my trip. As always, I hope that I have inspired you to visit this gem is history.

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January 21, 2017February 3, 2019

CHECKING IN: LA CAMPAGNE TROPICANA BEACH RESORT (DAY TRIP REVIEW)

With the value of the Naira diminishing every day, it is the case that many Nigerians are re-thinking their annual Dubai and US holidays. The truth is that many Nigerians do not feel they have gone on holiday until they have checked-in their luggage at Murtala Muhammed airport and jumped on an international flight.

There are many gems in this country of ours as alternatives and it takes just a little research to unearth them. One of these gems for me was at the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort based in the Ibeju Lekki. I went to this resort for a day and below is my visual diary and review of my trip at the end. Here also is a video I made of my trip. Enjoy!

The cute corner in the reception room at the resort

The bus that drove my cousin (pictured) and I from the reception area to the beach and back (about a 10min walk so certainly walkable).

The gorgeous beach beds that can be rented for the day or night

Activities were vast at the resort (above was pool volleyball)

A snippet of the really long CLEAN pool with pool bars

An island in the pool

Beach vibes

“Yoru’bar” – One of the many bars at the resort (The name playing on the yoruba tribe name)

One of the accommodation areas. LabaLaba village hosts huts like the ones below which were gorgeous but if you are looking for luxury, I would say to upgrade to the other accomodations.

In front of “Laba 5” (one of the cheaper yet decent accommodation options)

Review of the resort:

Accommodation: I didn’t sleep overnight as I went on a day trip but I did request a tour of the “Laba” and “Obieze” rooms. They were certainly impressive and I was tempted to stay the night.

Activities: So many options from kayaking to basketball to volleyball to many other games.

Cleaniness: I was impressed by how clean the beach and common areas were. There were an abundant of staff on ground everywhere I turned which created the impression that there was always someone around to help.

Food: I had no experience of the food served as our group came prepared with our own bbq spread.

Security: I felt quite secure just because there were “serious” security guards on entrance into the resort.

What I didn’t like: Nothing much to say to be honest as I had not set my expectations high but I was blown away.

Would I go back: Yes! Yes! Yes!

Perfect for: Honeymoon, girls retreat, company retreats. I would also recommend people to stay overnight as I felt that was the best way to get the most of the resort.

Hope you enjoyed the write-up. Do let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below.

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November 15, 2016April 7, 2017

THE SEYCHELLES BUCKET LIST

Truth is the Seychelles is one of those destinations where honeymooners ventures on holiday and don’t really do much except stay on their resort, eat and sleep all day. I went to the Seychelles as part of a family holiday and as always, I made sure I kept myself busy (Why would I travel so far to SLEEEP?? No, not me. I can sleep peacefully in Lagos; thats actually debatable). Here are my favourite highlights from my trip to inspire you to visit the Seychelles:

1. VANTAGE POINT FROM VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES

There were many vantage points in the Seychelles but this was one of my favorites.

2. VISIT TO THE TEA FACTORY

Located in Mahe, this tea factory established in 1962 is responsible for growing and manufacturing tea in the seychelles. You can discover here how Seychelles’ tea is made. From the tea factory, one can also enjoy panoramic views of the western slopes of Mahé.

3. CATAMARAN FOR THE DAY

This is no doubt a perfect way to not only relax and get some watersports into your day but its also a perfect way to visit other the many island in the Seychelles.

4. VISIT TO TORTOISE ISLAND

We visited the Praslin island which was home to many many giant tortoises. I particularly enjoy feeding these creatures.

5. VISIT TO THE HINDU TEMPLE

Interesting is that Hinduism is the second largets religion in the Seychelles. The Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple is the first and the only Hindu temple in Seychelles. I didn’t visit inside the temple but the exterior of the temple was no doubt stunning.

6. MANGROVE WALK IN PRASLIN ISLAND

Such a great way to see nature at its finest. An unspoilt island with many beautiful plants and animals.

7. VIEW FROM THE RECEPTION OF FOUR SEASONS

8. THE VIEW OF OUR VILLA AT THE FOUR SEASONS (SPOT THE OTHER VILLAS)

9. BATHROOM TO DIE FOR ANYONE? FOUR SEASONS

10. VISIT TO THE MISSON RUINS OF VENN’S TOWN, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

11. SUNSET AT THE FOUR SEASONS

12. THE VIEWS LANDING IN THE SEYCHELLES

To say the Seychelles is stunning is an understatement and one truly has to see it with one’s own eyes to believe it.

Hope I was able to inspire you to visit The Seychelles. If you have any questions re: tips or what to do in the Seychelles, please feel free to ask.