Africa Contingent Update

Early Adventures in Africa

by Jeff

Well, I've had some great times so far...I've arrived in Africa, located a home, our church, a bank account (they charge for EVERYTHING here, including if you make a deposit - I don't think I will complain about Citi again!), a car, a laundry AND done some actual work for my new job...not too bad for a short time on the ground.  Oh yeah, and remind me to tell you about the Angolan visa process sometime.

Then, since things were getting a little routine, I decided to go to Nigeria.  I started off in Lagos on Sunday and part of Monday, packed up and went to Port Harcourt on the Niger Delta for 2 days of meetings, and back to Lagos for a day.  Then I caught the red eye home (which is now Joburg, South Africa).

Nigeria is really cool.  It has a sense of energy and optimism that is unbelievable.  But it is a little more difficult to travel in.  I've got some pictures to share.

     I flew from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Arik Air, which is a bit like Southwest, complete with a free full-body frisk as you head up the steps to the plane.  

This is the Port Harcourt INTERNATIONAL Airport

Arrival & baggage claim

     Ok, so I've never waited in a baggage claim TENT but it was very cool!  There is amazing growth in Port Harcourt.  I was speaking with a Nigerian about the massive shifts in the economy over the last decade that are driving some of the changes from an agrarian lifestyle to a fully industrialized one.  It's interesting to observe.  People are very friendly and like to talk and exchange pleasantries as well.  I really enjoyed my visit.

     Another very interesting item for me was the security.  My company likes to keep folks safe, and so I had police escort and lots of guards.  I felt a bit disconcerted, but also, what guy doesn't occasionally dream of having a full security detail?

    

     Finally, I just wanted to let you know that Nigeria won their semi-final match against Mali today:

 4 to 1!  (Shout out for Brian J.) and are in the Africa Cup Finals.