Monday, March 8, 2010

I got...lost!

I had to travel to Benin Republic. My dearest brother just got admission into a university there. Benin republic is a small country beside Nigeria. That’s all I can tell you. I, my mum and my aunt went to the place. I was intrigued by a lot. The language difference which is French and the long French bread, the music and the notes and coins (money). I and my family used to live in Togo, the country after Benin Republic with loads of similarities. I especially love their music! It is called ‘Makossa’.

I am embarrassed to say that I got lost in the city of Cotonou. My mum and aunt got on motor bikes and left me behind believing I was behind them. The driver of the motor bike I was on was rather sluggish. He was busy trying to impress me with some words in English and hit on me. You can imagine! So we didn’t know which way my mum and aunt went. I didn’t know any where. They just told the motorbike driver to follow them. So I was lost. I didn’t have any of their money which was CFA francs. My purse was stuffed with Naira and it was useless. My mobile phone wasn’t working there either. My outgoing calls were barred so I couldn’t call my mum or my aunt. It was one of the most terrifying moments of my entire life. I told the driver to take me back to the university. So I began to wait for a miracle.

The driver I must confess was a good person. I quickly forgot his earlier ‘eff ups’ when he gave me some money to call my aunt using their pay phone. I got through to my aunt and told her where I was. It took my mum who was pretty freaked out herself about 45 minutes to get to the school. I was torn between hugging her and crying happily and going completely ballistic. I had stood under the sun, which was hotter than what I am used to, for 45 minutes. I was warned by the driver to stand under some shade but I was pissed and embarrassed. I was looking hot in my off shoulder top and jeans trousers but I was freaking lost!

I should have listened to him though because now, I am rocking sunburns on my neck and shoulders and I got a shade darker.

Anyway, I bought a lot of French bread and ate them with salad to console myself. A grown woman doesn’t get lost in a country where she doesn’t understand the language with no money in her pocket and a useless mobile phone all the time.

Be good people



Lily Johnson.

15 comments:

  1. You're a daring young lady - you've got more going for you than know. I would have been scared to death.

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  2. Kim Kasch:Thanks Kim. I was scared. Really scared.

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  3. Not sure if I have been lost in that kind of context before. I bet I'd be scared to. God saved your good self. lol

    How come you'v been to so many places around Nigeria? All my years in Nigeria, I didn't go anywhere. lol. Wil have to explore when I come visiting soon.

    -LDP

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  4. now that is why I never wanna go to other countries, I hate not being in control... and I hate being loss...haha... it must have been a terrifying experience.

    Thanks for your kind thought on my last post, have a super day.
    Colin.

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  5. First, I'd say I'm so excited to see a Nigeria blogger, Female at that.

    You've got a real nice blog.

    I'm thinking of going to Ghana. I'd appreciate tips and exchange rates between naira and cedi.

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  6. *hugs* I'm so glad you're ok!

    I got lost once in Mexico but I had money and speak the language. (not to mention, most people there speak at least a little bit of English) I can't imagine being lost without either of those!

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  7. In this day of electronics, we rely on them so much, it's terrifying when we suddenly can't use them!

    I am glad you are safe now!

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  8. Oh, I'm so glad that you are all right, Lily, and that you were able to get back to your family! :)

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  9. LDP: Yeah. Believe me you dont wanna find yourself in such a situation. Thanks

    sexylegsandbody: Its crazy not being in control. I almost lost it. Thanks so much for your comments.

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  10. Chineze: Thanks for stopping by. The last time i went to Ghana was a decade ago so i dont know much about the Cedi Naira exchange.

    Krista: Thanks dear. I am glad too.

    CountessLaurie: Thanks for the comment. You are so right

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  11. CafeFashionista: Thanks for the comment. I am so glad i am back with them.

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  12. I dread getting lost. Finally getting a GPS has changed my life - maybe you can carry around one of those hand held ones :D

    Glad it all worked out in the end; a baguette sure helps ease the stress...

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  13. You kept your head and headed back to the school. If I every get lost with anyone, I want it to be with you.

    I'm so glad your safe.

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  14. carma; Thanks for the comment. i should get one of those GPS stuff.

    Jerry: Oh! Thanks Jerry you are so sweet.

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  15. Oh wow, you are a strong and resourceful woman - I would have promptly burst into tears!

    PS: you are such an engaging writer - I should be sleeping but I'm here reading all your back posts! Welldone!

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