Just wanted to tell you about some really bizarre signs, (which I get sight of when travelling to and from work with my trusty driver), that I have seen here so far.
I will attempt to take photos soon but have been too embarassed so far-always lots of people around.
The one I see frequently goes
"DO NOT URINET HERE", they mean urinate of course-and
"THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE -BEWARE 419" this is a scam which is going around here unlike the 419's that we know...
A family member dies and someone hears about it and proceeds to try sell the property to an unsuspecting victim demanding a large cash deposit.
Another funny one which I misunderstood at first is
"DO NOT POST BILLS"-thought that meant bills for something in the mail?
No, it means that you are not allowed to mount any posters or paint any advertising on this wall.
Some choice one's on stalls and taxi's as well
"WEEP NOT CRUSADERS" and many more of a similar intention
Need to tell you something about the driving around here, so you understand how things work in the traffic-amazingly well-although its chaos but everyone is mindful of one another and not too many accidents happen. Although there isn't a single car or taxi or truck that doesn't have a ding on it.
Well, first you fold in your side mirrors on your vehicle so you can get past other cars and you tape them down lest you are tempted to look into your side mirror for oncoming rear traffic-Not neccessary! The motorbike taxis 'Okada' cut short their handle bars as to be able to squeeze past the cars. Ingenious!
Honestly, there is a lick of paint between you and everyone else-no rules rules!
As there is usually no speeding what for the constant 'go-slows' (traffic jams)
it's mostly minor 'touch' you annoyances in the traffic.
They make sure that everyone knows you're right there with copious hooting.And I see some really inspiring stuff as well-SA cut a slice of this!
There are hardly any beggars-the only ones' I've seen are the severely crippled who join the traffic sitting on skateboards-they come to no harm!
There is a saying here that if you have 2 hands and 2 feet you can find something to sustain your life. Nigerians do not tolerate begging or lazyness. And it's true-everyone is trying to trade something-whether it be selling plantain chips in the constant go-slows, or selling fake watches, toilet brushes, door mats, peanuts, movies or Cd's, among many other weird things you see in the traffic.
Think I told you about the mobile taylors who carry their machines on their heads, measure you up and deliver the garmet the next day. Which reminds me the Batik cloth and other fabrics are truly beautiful and I must bring some back home.(As well as unstrung fresh water pearls)
No, I'm not saying it's anywhere near okay here but I am impressed with the spirit these people go about their survival.
Our so called squatter camps in SA are pure luxury in comparison to the ramshackle stilted shacks built into the bay for miles and miles.
No clean water, no electricity, no easy food to come by.
Ghanaens bring in wooden logs towed by barges that are hardly seaworthy along the treacherous coast and actually LIVE on the floating logs while on the way.
Must finish now-post getting to ,long.
Keep reading and commenting-it's a lifeline for me!
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