Nigeria is such a peculiar country. I have found that there are some small hacks that will help you manage the environment on a day to day basis. However, somehow somehow, I’ve not yet imbibed these things and every time I suffer the consequences I can only shake my head. But for those who are considering moving to Nigeria or just stopping by for a visit, here are some things that you should keep in mind when coming. At least, if I can’t seem to get it, let me help someone else. Here are the 10 lessons I haven’t learned yet.
Lesson #1 I haven’t learned yet… Always carry toilet tissue.
This should be a no brainer. Public toilets aren’t always available and more so whether public or private, there is usually never toilet paper in the restrooms. In fact, you might want to bring a whole toiletry kit with hand sanitizer, perfume, baby wipes, extra draws and a water bottle because water might not be available. Although I find it funny that when I used to visit Nigeria, I would always travel with baby wipes. I guess I’ve adapted because for the most part, I just don’t use the toilet outside of my house. I just avoid the situation all together.
Lesson #2 I haven’t learned yet… Cover your food and drinks.
This is something that we have to also be diligent about in North America… but that is when you go out to a nightclub, which I haven’t done since the 90’s but here, it is every drink everywhere. However, the reason is different. The reason you need to cover your food and drinks is to prevent a myriad of insects from crawling all over it.
Lesson #3 I haven’t learned yet… Never sit on a plastic chair without wiping out first.
This just doesn’t happen enough for me to get it. Usually when I go to sit on a plastic chair, it is already covered with a seat cover but on one occasion I was wearing white and sat down on a plain plastic chair… it was not a nice experience. But we’ll see what happens next time.
Lesson #4 I haven’t learned yet… Always negotiate the price upfront!!
THIS! Because Nigerians are tricky. They will do and say anything to get the business except give you a good customer service and experience and then emotionally blackmail you when it is time to pay.
Lesson #5 I haven’t learned yet… Carry an umbrella or hat
The reason why I’ve found this challenging is because truly, I like the sun. I love the way it feels on my face … but I also know how damaging it can be and I’ve yet to start wearing sunscreen (Add this to the list)
Lesson #6 I haven’t learned yet… Tell them no pepper when I order food.
I promise you, it’s always a surprise when I order an ordinary dish that is now peppered to the heavens. Like why, Nigeria, WHY?!?!
Lesson #7 I haven’t learned yet… English
Apparently, I don’t know English. But also, I refuse to learn.
Lesson #8 I haven’t learned yet… Don’t eat everything
The amount of suffering I’ve suffered because I haven’t learned this lesson is crazy. The response my body gives when I eat food from anywhere is so drastic and dramatic. I don’t want to be too graphic but I’ve experiences the worst you can imagine and more.
Lesson #9 I haven’t learned yet… Shower/wash face twice daily
This country, and even the area I live in particularly, is very dusty. All my skincare girlies can imagine how the dust is clogging my pores. Even at night when the windows are open, the dust mixes with the sweat and can create some serious acne. So truly, I should still wash my face in morning to help keep acne at bay.
Lesson #10 I haven’t learned yet… Apply mosquito repellent
This has to be a form of self harm because it’s not just the bites and the itching. The itching leads to scratching and the scratching lead to scars…we’ve not even talked about the possibility of Malaria. Enduring the effects of these mosquito bites is not funny but somehow I can never remember to put on mosquito repellant before leaving the house.
Sometimes I have to ask myself, “Am I Ok?” Because how do I seem to forget some of the basics of living in Nigeria. What does it cost to remember to pack my toilet tissue? Must I be covered in mosquito bites before I remember to wear repellant? How many times must I suffer the consequences before it is stuck in my head to do these things. This just goes to show how much we take for granted in other countries. My momma always said I was hard headed… LOL!!
But let me not make it seem like I’m a fool out here. I’ve really learned a lot about myself, which you can watch here. and about the power of my mind.
Is there anything else I need to add to the list? Let me know in the comments.
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