Thursday, December 17, 2009

2009 Holiday Card


Top Row - Left to Right
1) Sukur, Nigeria - A UNESCO World Heritage site
2) Top Mt. Muhavura, Uganda
3) Rhumsuki, Cameroon
Middle Row - Left to Right
1) New Years Eve 2008, Lagos Yacht Club
2) Oktoberfest, Lagos Yacht Club
3) Boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Bottom Row - Left to Right
1) Hiking up Mt. Muhavura, Uganda
2) Lake Mburo NP, Uganda
3) Lake Bunyonyi Overlook, Uganda

15 comments:

D. Soetan said...

I was searching for information when I came across your web page. I am from the U.S. and my husband is nigerian. We are thinking of moving to Lagos. Is Lagos a safe place to live?

nduka said...

Hi Lisa,
What a wonderful blog you have going on here... I bumped into it yesterday and I must confess that it has affected my productivity at work (sshhhh!!!!). I haven't been able to close your blog since I stumbled upon it, I have even had to start from the very beginning (2007)... We share a little in common, I relocated to Nigeria ('though my birth place), after about 12 years in New Jersey. Your block has opened up my eyes to a slew of activities available in Nigeria that I was unaware of. Myself and my wife will definitely be using some adventure tips from you and Bob. The yachting activities seem like so much FUN FUN FUN!!!..

Oh and we just like you, prefer to get some supplies from New Jersey whenever we can, because the prices are so ridiculous in Lagos.

Thanks a great deal for your postings, I have found a new online hangout spot hahahha.

Sarah said...

Hi Lisa

My husband is looking at a job opportunity in Lagos and I was wondering if you can give us some advice? We are hoping to start a family but are not sure whether this is a good idea in Lagos. What is the medical care like and is Lagos a kid friendly place? We can see from your blog you are having a great time, but would you consider having kids there? Your thoughts would be much appreciated! Sarah Weber

Lisa said...

Nduka - Thanks for you comment. It was great! I will try to keep up on my posting... I have a few events coming up and I will try my best to write about them.

Lisa

Lisa said...

D. Soetan - I think Lagos is a safe place to live... but I also live in a guarded apartment complex. I feel very comfortable walking around Lagos during the day and have never had any issues. I do know a few stories of people I know who were at the wrong place at the wrong time (car robberies, one resulting in armed threats (money given up) and two shootings (neither one fatal)... but I guess that can happen anywhere. Bob and I don't move around too much at night and if we do we have a driver and if we travel too far from Ikoyi island we have an armed guard. I do have friends who are single adn hit the party scene adn I have not heard any horror stories yet. Traffic is terrible and commuting can be a bear! When was the last time your husband was in Nigeria? I enjoy living in Lagos but my life is somewhat sheltered.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.
Lisa

Lisa said...

Sarah - I work for a large company with many expat families with small chilren (some infants). The biggest issue I would have with a child is putting them on the anti-malaria medication as I would be concerned it would impact their development. Our company requires it... but yours may not and if they don't I would just be very careful.

Most expats, but not all, leave Nigeria for the birth but do return soon after. I went on a Nigerisn Field Society trip and a couple had an 8mo old child and were taking him everywhere.

To continue on the health front... this is not the best place to be given the health care situation. Many Nigerian coworkers (and expats, of course) are flown out for kidney stone removal, a surgery I thought would be relatively straight forward (I am not a doctor). depending on the company your husband works for, he may have decent medical. I feel the company I work for has decent health care. I have been referred to a dermatologist for a rash on my face and had good results. I did go to a orthopedic surgeon for an issue with my foot and was not so impressed.

Hope this helps. If you want, I will ask some folks that I know that have had a child here and see if they are willing to provide you more info.
Regards,
Lisa

Unknown said...

Lisa,
Thank you for your information. I too am evaluating moving with my family for oilfield work, including two little girls, 2 and 3. I am reading the posts carefully, as I know nothing about Lagos. I do not know where to live, but will be asking my company many questions before coming!
David

Moscow Musings said...

Hi Lisa,
My name is Mary and I currently live in Moscow, Russia. We are considering a relocation to Lagos with my husband's company...a major oil company. I have lots of questions! But the two that are uppermost in my mind are: Do you know of anyone who has brought their dog, and are there vets? We have an 8 year old retriever. Also, are there any expat women's organizations. I will not be working while there, so will need something to fill my day! Also if you know of any other sites with helpful information, I would appreciate it! Thanks!

Lisa said...

You should look for a book called Easy Access Lagos when you arrive and you will find a list of veterinarians. Most folks I know use a German woman named Dr. Gretel Nwaokolo who can be reached at 479-2728 and meets by appointment only. She does house calls only and has imported European medication. She speaks German and English.

There is a vet in Lekki and a few on Victoria Island. So yes, there are vets and I have not heard of any problems for those who bring their animals. I know folks that have cats and folks that have dogs here. You can even buy dogs here though your choice is limited.

As far as women's organizations go... I am not sure of the specific details. Many of the spouses get together during the week to play cards, have quilting groups, bible study and reading groups, etc. I do know of an American Women's Club, they actually put together the book Lagos Easy Access referenced above.
Here is a blog I stumbled upon that may give you more info about activities and women's organizations. http://lookingforgoodinlagos.blogspot.com/

Hope this helps,
Lisa

Moscow Musings said...

Thanks SO much for you comments, Lisa. I appreciate your help. Mary

Lisa said...

Thanks for commenting on my blog. Unless your comments are in English and I can read them I will delete them. I translated a few of the Chinese posts but the content was not related to my blog. I hope I did not offend anyone. Lisa

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