Travel – Flight Reviews – Lifestyle
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2017 has been an incredible year of travel for me. Hope you enjoy this video montage of my travels this year and that it inspires you for the year ahead.
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Eko hotel art and craft market is an organised creative market located in Eko hotel and suites in the heart of Victoria Island. It can be found on Plot 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street. The market is very similar to that in Lekki “Lekki Arts & Craft Market”. It is certainly a smaller version of the Lekki market and its location on prime property also reflects on the prices of the pieces sold at the market. The market consists of organised stalls under one roof. Pieces range from bronze pieces to jewellery to masks (Expect to see less paintings for sale as compared to in Lekki Art Market).
This market is also home to Foreign exchange traders. Expect to find one of the best FX rates in Lagos here. Don’t forget to haggle as I have re-iterated in many of my Nigeria-related posts.
Animal skin bags for sale
A jewellery store which also double takes as a FX currency store
A view of a trader at his store
The market is home to many stunning sculptures and masks
TIPS FOR WINNING BIG AT EKO HOTEL ART & CRAFT MARKET (CRAFTS OR FX)
Olumo rock is a popular tourist destination located in the city of Abeokuta [meaning “under the rock”] in Ogun State (only an hours drive from the bustling city of Lagos). The city of Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the egba people who found refuge at the Olumo rock during inter-tribal wars in the 19th century. The rock acted as sanctuary to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance. The site was renovated in 2006 to include an elevator, a water fountain and a museum.
Below is my travel video to Olumo Rock {Click here to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel for more AMAZING ?? travel videos}, visual diary and tips on visiting Abeokuta and Olumo Rock.
WATCH MY TRAVEL VIDEO BELOW
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VISUAL DIARY
At the fountain in front of the Rock
The elevator and garden at the base of Olumo Rock
The Cultural and Musical Heritage Centre at Olumo Rock
The small centre which was not opened during my visit
A view from the second landing whilst climbing the rock
In front of the “Orisa Olumo Chamber”, a shrine at the site. (Spot the sacrificed birds on the door of the shrine)
About to explore the Hide-Out cave in the Rock
The lady behind me is known to be the 132 year old Iya Orisa who lived most of her life under the rock (2017)
Another shrine at Olumo Rock
A representation of the deities
Manoeuvring between the rocks
Getting a helping hand from my tour guide to climb the rock
The view from at the top of my climb
TRAVEL TIPS
TRAVEL REVIEW
Costs: N700 to visit. N2000 to visit using the elevator (bear in mind the elevator wasn’t working during my visit).
Where did I stay: Abeokuta has many accommodation options. I stayed at the Daktad Suites and Event Centre (a lovely hotel). Tip would be to book your hotel in advance on Jumia travel.
Accessibility: If walking up a small hill is an issue for you, I would avoid visiting Olumo rock as I cannot guarantee the elevator would work (unless you are happy to admire the rock from the base).
My verdict: I had a great time visiting the rock. It was an impressive site with very knowledgeable guides.
What did you think of my write-up? Hope you enjoyed it and it was useful? LET ME KNOW
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Before you think I am a bitter expat with too high expectations, I would like to clarify that I was born in Nigeria and have lived here for a considerable part of my life. Amongst my peers, I am always the first to defend my country. To say I love my country despite its many flaws is an understatement. I am #ProudlyNigerian. Nevertheless there are some things that even I cannot defend, things that I have tolerated and defended for so long that to defend them would be pure stupidity and more importantly impede the growth of my nation. One of those things is the state of our international airport in Lagos. I will not go into the issues but I will simple give you tips so that you can enjoy or at least not hate your experience so much that you refuse to fly into my beloved country again. Here they are “8 Hacks for surviving an airport in Nigeria”:
1. CHECK IN ONLINE (and PRINT out your CHECK-IN confirmation)
This is important especially if you are flying “cattle class”, sorry I meant Economy. And bear in mind that you may not see a baggage drop queue at the check-in desk. Simply approach an official with your confirmation and you will be able skip ahead of that unbelievable long-winded line.
2. DRESS LIKE YOU ARE GOING SOMEWHERE
The saying that says you should “dress as you want to be addressed” really applies here. People respect you more when you look decent so I suggest to avoid disrespect, dress like you’re someone important (aka rich or at least “not poor”). Sorry flip flops don’t cut it.
3. AVOID HEELS
If you’re unlucky enough to use an international credit card to book your flight, you will have the joy of being sent on a merry go round to do credit card verifications at the airlines office (Pray their systems are working). You want to conduct these activities in comfort AKA “NO heels” (simply to reduce your irritation).
4. IF ASKED YOUR OCCUPATION, RESPOND THAT YOU ARE A STUDENT (AKA You likely have little means of income)
This will reduce the likelihood that you will be begged for money. It can be a little irritating so just curb this by explaining you’re a student of UNILAG or which ever school you please (no rich schools).
5. HAVE MANNERS (a.k.a RESPECT YOUR ELDERS)
The truth is the airport can be a power-hungry environment and everyone from the check-in rep to the immigration rep may use his or her authority to put you down. Key ways to respect your elders are as follows:
6. GET A SHAPARONE
Who you know is everything in life and this applies at the Nigerian airport. Know the right person and you will likely seamlessly enjoy your hopefully short stint at the airport.
7. ENSURE YOU’VE BUILT UPPER BODY STRENGTH (or travel with a hulk)
Given all bags are manually checked at the check-in desk (I still don’t understand this), you will have to haul your bags on tables to be checked. Ensure to prepare for this so that you don’t feel irritated or question why the hell you have to do this.
8. BE MENTALLY PREPARED TO SHARE THE AIRPORT WITH OTHER SPECIES
The airport has been known to be homes to rats (don’t worry, they don’t bite and they are scared of you). Know that you are a superior being so when you see them, just ignore and continue with your day.
There may be many more hacks out there and perhaps you know them. Do SHARE in the comment section below so that your fellow travelers in and out of Nigeria can have a better experience.
Photo Credit: FAAN
