Me at Lucy's Wedding. The sun does shine in England!

Me at Lucy's Wedding. The sun does shine in England!
Me still in England!

Wednesday 20 October 2010

More training and taxis!

Yes more training. Food is becoming a challenge! At breakfast I tried yam slices-okay if you accept they taste of nothing even when I added some marmalade! Fortunately there is fruit-pineapple and melons. Then it was another hair-raising drive to the VSO office which involved a very near miss when a car in front decided to suddenly open the passenger door! Everywhere there is hooting-and it's not to say hi!. At 12 we had to go in a taxi again which Shreela (one of the facilitators) haggled the price for 300 nairas. The next taxi driver wouldn't agree the same price so Lea, who was in the next group, was later while they waited for a more reasonable price. We actually drove to the local hospital which I thought I might become a patient in after yet another mad drive only this time in the front seat where I could see some very dodgy looking controls and got out with dirt all down my top off the very dusty seat belt! Not sure why we went to the hospital but the doctor there was very welcoming. Back to the VSO office for more training-finally getting the hang of going in a taxi-I just close my eyes! Really like the other volunteers I have met. Jane has reasssured me a lot about our house in Ilorin and my job. Lea and I have got a room with an ensuite! We then learnt we are going to Akanga in Nassawara to stay with a volunteer called Lucy for 4 days to learn about the basics of living here.
Having only had rice for Lunch (despite ordering fried rice it came with a piece of chicken on top ) we went with two otther volunteers to an Indian restaurant where, at last there was a choice of veggie food. And yes it involved more taxis!
After so much excitement I just wanted to go to bed. I discovered to my great joy that my shower now had lovely hot water. Sunday (the hotel receptionis) even found me a clean towel! The shower plus a big chunk of chocolate has revived my spirits a lot. Jeffrey (the hotel porter) is sitting on the stairs again tonight and told Lea he sleeps there as it would cost him too much to go home.
There are some amazing buildings in Abuja and if I can get the courage to open my eyes I will try to take some pictures tomorrow. I am just praying our trip to Akanga doesn't involve an okada (motorbike)!

2 comments:

  1. Really glad you have arrived safely, and in one piece. Hope the food is'nt toooo bad and that your bed doesn't have too many lumps!!
    We are all very proud of what you are doing.
    Love and hugs to you both,

    Gaynor XX

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks bed is fine but not so keen on Graham the gecko who has come to live in the bucket shower room!

    ReplyDelete