Tourism
Door: Thessa
Blijf op de hoogte en volg Thessa
03 Januari 2007 | Nigeria, Abuja
Of all things associated with Nigeria tourism would probably come last. This is not because Nigerians don’t want tourists or because there’s nothing to see, but it’s because of all the other things Nigeria is normally associated with: political unrest, corruption, kidnappings and whatnot. As a result, there is no tourist sector, no facilities that deserve that name, but if you’re not fussed about things like that and if you like adventures, you will have a great time here.
In Nigeria you are still considered a guest rather than a money machine with a white skin, and people will treat you as a guest: inviting you, taking care of you, accommodating you. People here love to have their photo taken and they don’t ask for money. I’ve also been traced down by this guy where I bought water, only because he charged me 10 naira (6 eurocents) too much and he wanted to return it to me… Or people guide you to a beautiful place and instead of asking for money they will pay for your transport because they’re proud of the place they want to show you. And despite common belief, there’s a lot to be seen in this country. Getting there can be more of a problem because it’s impossible to do “excursions” and there’s not even a “normal” route to the most beautiful game reserve of the country.
Still, traveling around is easy enough: you just tell people where you want to go to and they’ll help you. Quite necessary as there are no road signs and most of the time you have no idea where you are. There is a public transport system though: a sort of hitchhiking for a small amount of money. You just wait along the road and there’s bound to be a car heading where you’re also heading. Then there’s also motor parks where you get connections to the bigger towns. Despite the apparent chaos in those parks, I leave my luggage next to the car when I go buy something to drink –I can’t think of any other country where I would feel that my luggage is so safe. Once inside the car you will find that you share the car with way too many people, but everyone just shifts until everyone’s fairly comfortable, then you say a prayer for safe arrival, and you set off. And it may take some time to get somewhere, but here it’s Africa Time anyway.
Last weekend I set off to Kagoro in Kaduna state to the yearly Afan festival. Kagoro is set at the foot of beautiful hills and has the longest ruling monarch of the world (over 60 yrs of reign). Typical for Nigeria, it was possible to see this man from up close and his nephew would even buy me batteries so I could make a photo (although Nigerian batteries last for about 2 photos…). The night we were visited by the dancing groups who were at the festival, at day we climbed the mountain and went to see some waterfalls, the neighbours brought us food and we tried to manage in a house without running water. We had a fantastic start of the new year around a campfire and drank palm wine in the village. Here in Nigeria you can still visit the country and the people rather than having your view blocked by hordes of tourists. It may not be the most beautiful country in the world, but I dare say it’s one of the more authentic ones. Super!
Anyway, the new year has started, which means also a new start of a workshop programme, a microfinance programme and all the other things I came to do here. Can’t wait for it all to start again!
Dear people, I hope you’re having a great start of the new year and I wish you all the best. I look forward to your stories!
In Nigeria you are still considered a guest rather than a money machine with a white skin, and people will treat you as a guest: inviting you, taking care of you, accommodating you. People here love to have their photo taken and they don’t ask for money. I’ve also been traced down by this guy where I bought water, only because he charged me 10 naira (6 eurocents) too much and he wanted to return it to me… Or people guide you to a beautiful place and instead of asking for money they will pay for your transport because they’re proud of the place they want to show you. And despite common belief, there’s a lot to be seen in this country. Getting there can be more of a problem because it’s impossible to do “excursions” and there’s not even a “normal” route to the most beautiful game reserve of the country.
Still, traveling around is easy enough: you just tell people where you want to go to and they’ll help you. Quite necessary as there are no road signs and most of the time you have no idea where you are. There is a public transport system though: a sort of hitchhiking for a small amount of money. You just wait along the road and there’s bound to be a car heading where you’re also heading. Then there’s also motor parks where you get connections to the bigger towns. Despite the apparent chaos in those parks, I leave my luggage next to the car when I go buy something to drink –I can’t think of any other country where I would feel that my luggage is so safe. Once inside the car you will find that you share the car with way too many people, but everyone just shifts until everyone’s fairly comfortable, then you say a prayer for safe arrival, and you set off. And it may take some time to get somewhere, but here it’s Africa Time anyway.
Last weekend I set off to Kagoro in Kaduna state to the yearly Afan festival. Kagoro is set at the foot of beautiful hills and has the longest ruling monarch of the world (over 60 yrs of reign). Typical for Nigeria, it was possible to see this man from up close and his nephew would even buy me batteries so I could make a photo (although Nigerian batteries last for about 2 photos…). The night we were visited by the dancing groups who were at the festival, at day we climbed the mountain and went to see some waterfalls, the neighbours brought us food and we tried to manage in a house without running water. We had a fantastic start of the new year around a campfire and drank palm wine in the village. Here in Nigeria you can still visit the country and the people rather than having your view blocked by hordes of tourists. It may not be the most beautiful country in the world, but I dare say it’s one of the more authentic ones. Super!
Anyway, the new year has started, which means also a new start of a workshop programme, a microfinance programme and all the other things I came to do here. Can’t wait for it all to start again!
Dear people, I hope you’re having a great start of the new year and I wish you all the best. I look forward to your stories!
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Je kunt nu ook Smileys gebruiken. Via de toolbar, toetsenbord of door eerst : te typen en dan een woord bijvoorbeeld :smiley
