Lagos

Lagos is affectionately described in my guide book as "every traveller's worst nightmare" so I was wondering what it could have done to deserve such a reputation. Ok, I was with AIESECers and probably shielded a little from the average traveller's experience but I didn't find it THAT bad.

Sure its kind of hot and humid - always. The traffic is the worst I have ever experienced - I'm quite sure each driving hour here takes about 4 off your total lifespan. This of course equates to years considering how long some people stay in traffic. Indeed the economy of Lagos seems to be centred around the roads. For instance one can buy anything on the road. In a two minute stretch I noted guys selling - phone cards, sausage rolls, dart boards, boxer shorts, hair cutting sets, drinking glasses, drinks, artworks, sunglasses, oranges and books.

The Nigerian road sellers are perfectly adapted to the classic image you may have seen of goods carried on heads. Both guys and girls of all ages seem to have this skill. The best I saw way one bloke carrying a dozen or so cement bags on this wooden board.

Nigeria has a big reputation for violence. I didn't see much of it on the streets, the only exception being the arguements whenever someone appears to have been hit by a car/motorcyle/bus.

Anyways more later,

Nick