Nigeria Trip a sucess

[zeborah007 0]

Hi everyone,

Well the trip to Nigeria was a sucess ! We both had a wonderful time meeting for the first moment for the rest of our lives !

I have to say I wasnt nervious until I landed in Lagos and seen all the dusty planes that I read about in my travel book. But I was overwhelmed by the wonderful and pleasant people I met going to Lagos. 2 fantasic ladies from Nigeria blessed my trip and walked me through customes and baggage claim.....I was soooooooo greatful and yes we will remain in contact.One of them lives very close to my home in the USA,the other lives very close to Kelvin in Lagos...very small world once you open your eyes to it.

While there we applied for his visitors visa in Abuja.....yes its a longer travel for him but chances seem better.His interview date in Nov 13,2006 8am. We are very prepared and he is very confident.

I think I experienced everything I could and even extended my stay because I adjusted well and didnt want to come home !.............His family continued to ask if I was American because I adjusted like a true Nigeria ! Very Funny !!!

I returned with many items and garms and a heart full of love for Nigeria.............They say you either hate it or love it ........well going back is already planned for Jan 2006 if the visa is denied. We'll have another big family party and celebrate at Lagos Country Club where we were so welcomed and invited by a Top Officer of the club.(family friend)

So to all of you..............again thank you for your support and you can view our photo of horseback ridding on bar Beach on VI !!!!!!!!!!!

Blessings sent to everyone,

Deborah & Kelvin

[onuche 0]

Well as a Nigerian married to an American myself am happy you have seen the REAL Nigerian people and not what you read in the papers,agreed we got some bad eggs but plssssssssssssss, what country doesnt?

Its good when people like you who have experienced it first hand act as our representatives to paint the real pictures of Nigeria and Nigerians.Thank you and welcome home.

Onuche

[masterpiece 2]

Congratulations! Over the course of my stay in U.S, members of my immediate family have shown other Americans the real Nigeria and their lives, according to them, were transformed forever after the trip. Perhaps it was the sudden realization of the great world outside the borders of this large nation; Perhaps it was the ability to overcome their worst fears and prevail or perchance it was the confidence that grew out of surviving outside their comfort zones and the list could be endless...

The important thing is you have been there and you are now acutely aware that Nigeria, at least the bit you saw {hopefully a microcosm of the nation itself} is like so many other nations- a place where the good, bad and ugly all reside. Many a website would paint Nigeria as a place filled with only the bad. We know better. We have always known better (with a popln close to 130million, we can estimate the percentage of the bad and ugly). Now you have been able to catch a glimpse of Nigeria. With your new found knowledge, i can only hope that you would not hesitate to educate some more, dare i say it...., ignorant brethren of ours who, worse still, share the colour of our skin yet are quick to latch onto statements about a nation whose citizens they may never have met, dined with, studied with, worked with or for, simply because they "heard that.....".

Kudos to you for conquering whatever inhibitions and fears you may have had prior to your trip. The gains are yours.....all yours.....to savour.

[sercontigo 1]

Perhaps it was the sudden realization of the great world outside the borders of this large nation; Perhaps it was the ability to overcome their worst fears and prevail or perchance it was the confidence that grew out of surviving outside their comfort zones and the list could be endless...

Now you have been able to catch a glimpse of Nigeria. With your new found knowledge, i can only hope that you would not hesitate to educate some more, dare i say it...., ignorant brethren of ours who, worse still, share the colour of our skin yet are quick to latch onto statements about a nation whose citizens they may never have met, dined with, studied with, worked with or for, simply because they "heard that.....".

Masterpiece, these are profound and true words. I wonder what you do for a living. Hopefully you are a physician, nurse, counselor something involving humanity and people...some job that allows you to share ideas with others...You are very pleasant.

[zeborah007 0]

Thanks Everyone,

I can say education of people no matter what their skin tone is,usually is a huge task. I am one that realizes that you are only scared of what you don't know and ignorant of what you won't learn.

If everyone would only open their minds,they would find their hearts full of joy. BUTTTTT as we all know that doesn't always happen in the real world.

I can assure Nigerians I will correct some peoples minds about Nigeria,some have already changed since I return unharmed and feeling at peace with all life has to offer and flashing photos of our good times.

Some are even jealious because I was not afraid to travel alone..........crazy maybe but not afraid LOL.

I can only recomend to those jealious ones to buy a ticket and discover AFRICA............any part just do it !

No there werent Lions and Tigers in Lagos,but you can do all your holiday shopping from the front seat of your car !........

If anyone one has suggestions what else to see in Asaba/Lagos/Festac/Warri areas I would be interested for our next trip planning.

Deborah & Kelvin

[Optimystic 0]

Thanks Everyone,

I can say education of people no matter what their skin tone is,usually is a huge task. I am one that realizes that you are only scared of what you don't know and ignorant of what you won't learn.

If everyone would only open their minds,they would find their hearts full of joy. BUTTTTT as we all know that doesn't always happen in the real world.

I can assure Nigerians I will correct some peoples minds about Nigeria,some have already changed since I return unharmed and feeling at peace with all life has to offer and flashing photos of our good times.

Some are even jealious because I was not afraid to travel alone..........crazy maybe but not afraid LOL.

I can only recomend to those jealious ones to buy a ticket and discover AFRICA............any part just do it !

No there werent Lions and Tigers in Lagos,but you can do all your holiday shopping from the front seat of your car !........

If anyone one has suggestions what else to see in Asaba/Lagos/Festac/Warri areas I would be interested for our next trip planning.

Deborah & Kelvin

"No there werent Lions and Tigers in Lagos,but you can do all your holiday shopping from the front seat of your car !........"

LOL! True... You gotta love the hawkers that peddle their wares I can attest to all that you have mentioned. Like you, I made my first trek alone over three years ago, stayed for three months (and everyone thought I was insane hummmm... On second thought maybe they were just 'player hating'). When friends, and aquaintances saw the hours of video footage, and photos which displayed me having the time of my life, I think they all had a rethink.

I'm glad you had an enjoyable stay! It's in the Nigerian culture to be hospitable. As a visitor, you can't help but feel a bit embarrassed because practically everyone you come in contact with will always treat you like royalty.

You have gathered precious memories that you will add to your book of life. Now thats.......Priceless!

[zeborah007 0]

Ok Optimystic,

SOOOOOOO that is what they call the ppl on the streets selling.Being org from Brooklyn NY,I was just saying street venders.LOOOL

I am glad you enjoyed the photo of us,Its my fav....besides some personal ones,BUT we can leave those personal (I am sure everyone understands)

Kelvin got his ticket today for Abuja and leaves saturday to get rest and prepare.He had a very long journey to Abraka for his final exiting college exam,so now it is time to rest and prepare for the Interview on Monday. He's never flown either so this should be quite a story when he lands LOL. Its only a hour flight but that fine for beginners............

First I make him ride a horse and now fly for the first time ! He sure is learning quick !!!

But enjoying everything at the sametime.

Wish us luck on Monday,yes its only a visitors visa appointment,but we have to start somewhere with his virgin passport !

Deborah