The Unbelievably Welcoming Naija People!

Nigeria (or Naija, as it is nicknamed) is constantly in the news for the terrible violence in the Northern part of the country, but Lagos could not have been more friendly and welcoming. Of the 10 countries we have traveled to on this trip, Nigerians are definitely the friendliest people we have met.

"Welcome! How are you enjoying Nigeria?" women would ask Jan each day as she strolled through the outdoor markets or walked down the street. A family friend remarked that there's no reason for people to be lonely here because if you want to chat with someone all you have to do is say hi to the lady selling peppers at the market, for example, and you may be there an hour.

We spent most of our days meeting Yemi's extended family and old friends. It had been eight years since he had last visited, so everyone was excited to see him and meet Jan. Almost everyone we met was outgoing and expressive like Yemi is. It's like there were a bunch of "Yemi's" running around. Many Nigerians talk with their hands and speak passionately about their opinion, no matter how mundane the topic may be. This was especially entertaining to Jan when Yemi got into heated debates with his old college friends.

Yemi's old college friends at Lekki, Lagos

Nigerians' animation can be very infectious. There were many times when they would just break into singing and dancing. On Yemi's grandma's birthday we all joined in - including the 85-year-old celebrant!

Yemi's grandma at her 85th birthday

Other than meeting Yemi's extended family, Jan had been looking forward to a country where she would be considered exotic. She had waited four months to experience the kind of celebrity that Yemi had gotten in many of the places we visited on this trip - and boy did she get it in abundance. Once at a traditional market, a girl of about 25 years old approached her and touched her arm. She then gestured to Jan's hair and asked, "Your hair?" Jan said yes and held in a chuckle.

Yet another singing & dancing moment

Yemi's parents and extended family were nothing short of amazing hosts. Despite the unbearably thick heat, they made our stay comfortable.  Our only regret was that we didn't get to meet many more of them due to terrible traffic. The traffic was so bad that we generally spent as long in traffic as we did at our destination.

After meeting everyone, it was easy for Jan to see why Yemi became such an incredible man. It also explained to her why he moved to the US - anyone that knows Yemi well understands that he cannot survive without a blasting air conditioner year round...something that's not yet possible in Nigeria.

Yemi's best possible smile in the heat