Another Trip to Lagos

On the weekend I travelled again to Lagos this time for a friend's introduction day. My friend Tope is getting married later this year. So this formality is where his parents and those of the bride-to-be meet.

After a slow (or should I say late) start, we got down to business. The families had an amusing "argument" or negotiation at the door of the house before our party was allowed in. Once inside a programme that consisted of many prayers, a few hymns, speeches, money-dropping, thanks and introductions took place. In the end I was almost official photographer, with Tope telling me to take pictures of this and that etc.

I guess the whole thing is not as elaborate or long (or costly) as the actual engagement and wedding to come later, but there were some touching moments and I think my friend is happy he finally has a wedding date (Oct 1st, Nigerian Independence Day).


Also this weekend I got invited by the Australian High Commission to an ANZAC Day function. I thought since I happened to be travelling to Lagos this weekend I'll go. They had a memorial service and then a reception at a very exclusive club (I think for the first time to get into a venue I had my name on a list and a pat down). It wasn't all that crash hot as I arrived a little late to the service, later to the reception because of some bad Lagos traffic, and the crowd was a little older than me. But I guess I did speak to the first bunch of Australians since coming to Nigeria. I'm sure if the crowd was younger and the event longer I would have made full use of the food and drinks on offer!

Incidentally I had my 3-month anniversary of being here on the weekend.