TIA nr.1

Oh Nigeria..being the largest oil producer in Africa and all, I would have never thought that we would be caught amidst a fuel scarcity. But here we are, getting our power shut off a few hours a day to save the little diesel that is left in the generators (most households rely on generators to keep the power going because the electricity infrastructure is volatile) and having to restrict our movements with the car (which, in Lagos is practically the only way to get around places).

Luckily, it seems that fuel distribution is back on track again. Our generators were working again this morning, meaning I was able to shower and have a warm breakfast. (Yesterday, the generator was shut off from 9.00-11.00 and 15.00-17.00. This meant no TV, airco, running water, limited wifi...) Hopefully, the rest of the country will follow soon as well and everything will get back to normal (as normal as things can get in Lagos, I guess), meaning money again in the ATM's, domestic flights not being cancelled, banks opening during the afternoon, full service from mobile providers, people using the shortage as an excuse for everything and anything...

Oh well, #TIA, I guess? 

Pick-me-upper

When you're feeling a bit under the weather and the wonderful cook bakes you chocolate cake...

TomatoGalore

 



At the moment, I am slowly learning the cost of living in Lagos. Not only in terms of food and drinks but also boring everyday household items such as clothes hangers or towels. Rule of thumb is: everything you would find in the supermarkets or retail stores, expect European pricing as a base and most probably double or triple (or more!) the price if that thing is imported.

That is the thing here in Lagos (read:Nigeria)-whether it's tomatoes or knives and forks, nothing is really manufactured locally and needs to be imported from other countries and that's when it starts getting expensive. Another thing is, prices of the products, depending on supply and demand, fluctuate. (Hooray!)

Anyway, one hurdle at a time, I think. Though it can be a nuisance at times to buy products at a higher rate than you're used to, the cool thing about Lagos is, you can basically find all the products that you are used to at home. For those who know me too well and were wondering: YES! I have found foie gras. In two different stores even, but it might be reasonable that I only buy it when I get back to Europe. :) Also, asking the cook or other household staff to buy certain products at the local market (at more 'local' prices) helps as well. 

All is all, I will not go hungry here or be short of any necessities. But from time to time, I might post some pictures of very expensive vegetables. 

Happy To Be Here

I've decided that this should be the face I wake up to every morning; this wooden statue of a leopard that is lurking in the hallway downstairs. This way, I will be reminded every day just where I've ended up this time, namely, Lagos. Nigeria. Africa. This is the city, country, continent that's been buzzing in my mind the last few months; the one creating waves of panic, excitement, happiness and more panic. The place where I will share my stories and moments from and where hopefully, soon enough, I will call home.