In Abuja for Carnival

Hard to believe-I think this is the first Friday I’ve had off since coming to Nigeria! Yesterday we finished field testing sample lessons at 9 school sites in three different local government areas.  The consultants left late in the afternoon, my colleague and I are on our way back to Bauchi to repeat the process there.

This was also my first opportunity to take an intra country flight.  The Virgin Nigeria flight from Sokoto to Abuja operated on time. (My colleague had complained that his previous experiences involved hours late departures, so I wasn't sure what to expect) At the termination of the flight it was announced that the company is in the process of transitioning to Nigerian Air. I know there have been some problems with the operation of airline companies, so I’m hoping this move means a more reliable flight system within the country.

I did not know about the Carnival celebration before coming to Abuja, but there are signs everywhere. I plan to be on site tomorrow (Sat) when the festivities start! This is the 6th Carnival celebration and apparently attracts participants from around the country

Eventually I’ll be able to post pictures again. Just a little technical problem right now.

Abuja is quite a contrast to the Nigerian cities I've visited so far.  When the decision was made to move the capitol from Lagos to the center of the country, a city with a well planned infrastructure and layout was built from the ground up! Not a pothole or unpaved road in sight! Wide expressways and avenues allow traffic to move rapidly from one are to the other, but of course like any urban area there are traffic jams especially on Friday afternoon!  After checking into our hotel, we criss-crossed the city, going to Adios (a grocery/department store) and a couple of shopping centers.

My biggest surprise-no motorbikes! They are banned in Abuja! In Kano, Sokoto and Bauchi, there seem to be more motorbikes than cars! I've frequently had to close my eyes when cars and motorbike appeared on the verge of colliding. 

I'm going to search out details on the Carnival venue. Later..