Note these 2 things about me:
1. I get easily (and quickly) excited. It’s usually about the smaller things… gestures, gifts, little wins….
2. I can sleep through just about anything (I think it’s a gift), but the night before I headed to Abeokuta, my excitement kept me up! Yeah, I was surprised too
I’ve lived in Lagos for the better part of my adult life and never once considered experiencing Nigeria’s own tourist attractions. So my friends and I decided that instead of sitting on a flight to the ends of the earth, we’d do what we could about experiencing the local terrain.
Abeokuta was the first adventure (only took an hour and a bit to get there) and even though only 3/5 of us made it, we had fun! Our first stop was the Obasanjo Library. Although the staff tried to kill my spirit (we weren’t allowed to take pictures unless we were using their photographer 🙄), I learnt a lot about who is arguably the best President we’ve ever had.
The Olumo Rock (Under the Rock) was definitely my highlight. We got a bit of the history in word and song (I love varied expressions) and it pushed us physically (some of us anyway… I climbed the stairs. Wasn’t about to risk my pride climbing mountains). Let’s not get into the peace that comes with sitting on Ori Oke (top of the mountain). It’s very easy to have a one on one with God there.
Before we get into the pictures, here is a list of simple tips/things to pack when going on such trips in no particular order:
- Wear light, comfortable clothing and trainers. Sandals or slippers are a NO from me
- Stay hydrated with water and pack light snacks
- Take your camera. Don’t be too fussed about how you look, it really doesn’t matter. You will re live certain moments through your pictures
- Go in a group. I went with TVP Adventures and they made it so much fun… so easy. We played games on the bus, they had a photographer, they provided drinks and snacks, face towels, etc.
- Don’t forget your power bank
- Sunglasses and SPF are a MUST because the sun is intense
- Put on your FitBit/Apple Watch/ whatever step/fitness tracking device you have. You’ll amaze yourself. I’d hit 10k steps before I even got to Olumo Rock!
- Ladies, don’t bother with makeup. Trust me on this one
- Pack baby wipes and a face towel
- Go with an open mind. Don’t take yourself too seriously
See Nigeria through my shades….
TVP group
Obasanjo’s Library
I was the President for all of 30 seconds
On our way up the Olumo Rock
Quick break for a story
Polaroids!
Play the song
Any ideas of where my next adventure should be?
xXx
Ps: I lost a friend of mine recently. She was my age. How does that happen??
Bonita Valli 