Sunday, December 28, 2014

My Vacay Experience




Hello Everyone,
I've been away from writing for almost a year now, but I had an experience that I had to share with you all, so here I am, back to what I love to do (despite my laziness, I admit, I am a lazy wanna-be writer) smiles.........

So a few months back, I finally decided to go on a much needed vacation; I mean I'd been working for almost 3 years, non-stop without going on vacation....( for my mind I be workaholic na, even though I know I didn't go on vac all this while cos I had exams............).

So after a lot of discussions and planning, I was allowed to go on leave (jumps up in the air, and opens teeth). I had planned to travel when I finally have my leave approved, but I didn't want to go alone, so I had another dilemma....... whom to go with? Fortunately, my FADD fitfam, sis and friend (Tayo Lekan-Agbaje) was going to Dubai, so I decided to tag along.



Being a first-time traveller, I decided to leave the handling to her, I already had my passport, so I just sent her d front page, and God bless her, she did all the booking; ticket, hotel, visa etc.
Did I mention that I had doubts about going? I almost didn't want to go, so I decided to do something; tell 3 people whose opinion I value a lot, and get their answers. If their answer is no, then I'll convince myself not to go. Fortunately for me, and unfortunately for my pocket, everyone of them felt I more than deserved the vacation........Dubai here I come baby *shining teeth*
Tayo and I had planned to leave on Monday, so we were to meet at the airport early enough, way before our flight time cos of all the checks to be done ( we travelled during the Ebola scare period), and cos of Monday traffic in Lagos, but this particular Monday, it was as if everything was in our favour, as there was practically no traffic, and we got to the airport on time.

At the airport was where my education began.........  I mean, I'm a graduate of OAU, and a Chartered Accountant, but I didn't know a lot about the ways and minds of people ( and for my mind before, I be human psychologist.......for my mind......)

I'd always heard and talked about how corrupt Nigerians are, how unscrupulous some people are, how our government officials just take all the money once they get into office, and so on........ What I'd never really talked about nor thought about was how corrupt and unscrupulous we are. You ask me, who are the 'we' I'm talking about? My answer is we, that is, you, me, the common amn on the street, the receptionist at the office, the office assistant, the immigration officers that will stamp your passport at the airport, the airline officials that will give you your boarding pass, the custom officials, those that will check-in your luggage, those that will scan and so many others I can't remember.

Let me start from the check-in counter; Did I tell you we flew by Emirates? Yes we did!!! When we got to the check-in counter ,Tayo said we should get an exit door seat( I hope I got the name right sha? I be JJC on top this matter ooooo), so Tee met with an Emirates officer, who took us to meet his colleagues. After a little discussion, we got the seat.............. at a price of 2k, I'm sure you've guessed already.

Next, we went through the immigration, where we were supposed to submit the Ebola forms we filled, and for them to check our passport. At this point, Tayo had already told me not to act like a JJC( that is, a first time traveller, but, as much as I tried, my passport still gave me away, as it had never been stamped, lol. Anyway, my JJC self couldn't even pull the "I'm a regular flier look" as I still had the this is my first time look, it got to the point where we ( Tayo and I) had to start explaining why I had never travelled, and to explain things better, Tayo told them that I worked for an oil and gas firm, that I had never travelled before, because I haven't felt like. I even had to show them my ID card, which led to the officials asking for money for BF, I sha had to part with 1k so I could collect my passport, and move to the next phase of stamping and extortion.

We were begged and hounded for money at every check point in the airport, that it got me wondering if the airport officials don't get paid their salaries, if the salary they are paid cannot sustain them, or if they are just used to begging and exhorting travellers.
After all the hassle we went through at the various checkpoints at the airport, it was a relief to finally board the plane for our flight. A few hours later, we arrived in Dubai, and oh my, was I impressed or what?



I was dumbfounded when I saw their structures, the efficiency of their airport staff and their immigration officers, their neatness in their white kaftans, that I naively thought I was in mini-heaven (ask me how I know what heaven looks like).
I was soon dispelled of this notion, as I realised that corruption is almost everywhere in the world. Let me explain what I mean; In Dubai, it is not an offence to inflate the price of a good to a tourist, I mean, you can sell an item that normally goes for 50AED to a naive tourist for 300AED, and nobody will query you or punish you for that.

As if that is not enough, if you realise that you've been duped, and you return to the shop where you were duped, everyone around you will automatically switch to Arabic, that is, they'll act like they don't understand English at all.............. Please don't act surprised!!!!!! I think that's what makes us human
.
Another way you can be duped in Dubai is to take a taxi( which is often the best bet if you don't know your way around), but you have to be sharp. The starting rate for any taxi is 3AED, so whenever you take a taxi, you have to be sure that it's meter is set at 3AED, otherwise, OYO is your case, lol........
You should also try to have an idea of the average price you'll pay to go to certain destinations, because if you don't know, you stand a chance of being duped( Ha Ha ha, I got you there, didn't I? ). Most taxi drivers will take the longest route to a place, so they can get paid more, well......... I told you it's legal to extort people in Dubai, so.......(shrugs).

If you know your way around though, you can take the Metro to reduce your chances of being duped. Remember, I said that you have to know your way around, because if you don't, you'll probably get lost, like we almost did........ laughing sooo hard now that I remember the event, but it wasn't funny then. We had this big box (Tayo always insists that we carry a box, so we can dump all our purchases into it to avoid losing anything). On this day though, the box was more of a burden, than a saviour *grins widely*
Let's get back to the matter......

This trip made me realise that corruption exists everywhere in the world, only that the degree of corruption varies across each country/ continent.
In all, it was a very enjoyable trip,( if you don't look at all the little hitches), it was also a kind of fit trip, as we worked out everyday (what do you expect, when you travel with a FADD like Tayo?).......
I really enjoyed myself, and look forward to more trip/ eye openers like this.

It's time for me to put my pen down, till another time.

Hugs and Kisses,

Till the next time.
Lade


Sunday, March 2, 2014

Zanzibar-Ideal vacation place

Thinking of taking a break? Do you want to go some place where you can rest, relax without interruption? A place with an atmosphere so serene that it's almost unbelievable, and also gives you an opportunity to mediatate, and come back from the experience absolutely refreshed and energized. Behold, Ideal vacation place- No 1....................................................ZANZIBAR!!!!!!!!! Zanzibar is an Island located in the Indian Ocean about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast. Its local name is Unguja, and it is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide. It occupies a total area of approximately 650 square miles. Zanzibar is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs. There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. Civets - and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopard! Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving. Zanzibar is an island state within the United Republic of Tanzania, and has its own semi-autonomous government made up of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives. Zanzibar's most famous event is the Zanzibar International Film Festival, also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries. Every July, this event showcases the best of the Swahili Coast arts scene, including Zanzibar's favourite music, Taarab. The most attractive things about Zanzibar are its Paradise beaches and its beach resorts; Zanzibar's brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and take a break from some busy sightseeing. The beaches in Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over the years. There are more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean. At the northern tip of the island is Nungwi, approached by a road lined by banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees. This is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar island, so it is a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work. On the west coast of Zanzibar, Mangapwani beach is worth a visit, and to the east are the beaches of Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Bwejuu and Jambiani, all with stretches of beautiful white sands. Zanzibar also boasts several small offshore islands which are ideal for a day-trip. Prison (or Changu) island is the most popular with tourists because it is only a short trip from Stone Town. Originally, it was used by Arabs to detain recalcitrant slaves, and then a jail was built by the British, but it was never actually used. Visitors to Zanzibar will notice a large population of ancient Aldabra tortoises. Other islets near to Stone Town are Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe. Other important tourist centres in Zanzibar include: Stone Town This tour takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! A trip to the site of Sultan Barghash's harem at Marahubi should also be included and rounds off an insight into Zanzibar's huge history and vibrant culture. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. Spice Plantations The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and a good tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. Visitors will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils. Jozani Forest The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is located in the central east region of Zanzibar island and is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey (pictured opposite), which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character, and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve's perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkey's, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night - perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?! Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative. North Coast Tours to the unspoilt north coast always end up at Ras Nungwi, a sleepy fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar island. It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action.This area of Zanzibar has some fantastic beaches and nearby coral reefs which are ideal for diving and snorkelling. The local villagers have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals are nursed back to health before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Kizimkazi Mosque & Dolphin Tour Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins which can be a very rewarding experience. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons. Prison Island Once the site of a gaol for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing. It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. So if you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and think you need to get away for a while.... Pack up, take a short trip to Zanzibar, and come back home feeling refreshed, energized and with a new take on things. Much Love, Lade Adebayo.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

It's a New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!! Hurray, 2013 has come and gone. 2013 was an awesome year for me, I hope it was for you too? I achieved so many thing I set out to in 2013, and I didn't for some things. One of the things I planned on doing in 2013 was to write, write and write. I promised to keep updating my blog, and to always write, but different things kept me from writing(excuses and lots of procrastination being part of it). It's 2014 though and I decided to kick myself hard, to awaken my latent writing spirit, so here I am.......... though it took me 11 days to decide on what I want to write about on my blog. I'm a dreamer and a doer, and I love to visit places (in my dreams.......), so I've decided to write about the places I've dreamt of visiting, and will hopefully visit one day. So, sit back, relax, let me take you around the world, educate you and hopefully entertain you also...................... Lots of Love, Lade Adebayo