Right, although I mentioned that I am not really fit for being outdoors for a long time in this never ending heat and generally have a problem with crowds, I agreed to visit the Lagos Carnival today.
This is organised by the Brazilians, I'm told, who are the descendants of Nigerian slaves and have come back from Brazil to celebrate their freedom. Unfortunately they omitted to organise the traffic flow whilst organising the Carnival.
We set out with our driver hoping to get to one of the procession points but this turned out unachievable as it seemed that the entire city was trying to do the same. Yes, many roads were blocked off to allow for this procession and needless to say none of these roads were published (no less than 3 different websites were available for this event)nor was any provision made for any visitors wanting to spectate.
So, we abondoned the use of a vehicle and decided to walk instead.
We did get to the gathering point with me nearly fainting in the heat a few times and did get to see some action. There were no typical floats thought just brightly costumed groups of sweating participants seeming to have great fun in their hot gear with the odd truck pumping out deafening unintelligable music.
Eventually I decided it was more than enough for me and I grabbed an Okada (motorbike taxi), for which I will be scolded at work tomorrow if anyone finds out...
It was my first trip on the back of a motorbike and actually felt quite safe. He delivered me back at my compound in no time with my blistered feet.
Great fun was had by all and now for a nice cup of tea and a cucumber sandwich with my feet in a bucket of iceblocks please...oh-and the desert menu would be good
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