Posts

Lagos Cane Village

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Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria i have always heard of "The Cane Village", and envisioned it would be around a water bank overlooking the third mainland lagoon. lol.  Never in my wildest dreams did i think it was so easily accessible. Just right under the bridge at Mende, Maryland. The sight was beautiful, seeing talented craftsman who specialize in using diverse types of cane and wood, as they convert it into Baskets, furniture, wine carriers, Baby cots, flowers vases, and swings. The sight jugged my memory back to a Fine Arts project over 20 years ago in primary school, that required making out mats with colourful card boards by alternating the precut stripes. The mastery at the cane village is nothing like my Fine Art project, seeing their hands move with such expertise kept me thinking what sorcery that was. Definitely years and years of practice. It was an amazing sight, I was glad i made the trip. I learnt cane supplies came in bundles within the range of N900 to N1,400 pe

Burning Questions : Covid-19 Implications on Lives and Businesses

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Covid-19 has so far impacted many lives and businesses. Business owners now have to explore various options as regards their staff, salaries and the continuity of their business during and after this pandemic. Human lives are important, hence, to prevent the transmission of Covid-19, organisations have had to implement a temporary, partial or total lockdown depending on what sort of services they render. Either option taken will affect our economic, physical and mental wellbeing. For instance, if a business decides on taking the partial closure route, who goes and who stays? Sooyah Bistro by Banky W is an example of a business who took the partial closure approach by shutting down their Lagos mainland outlets and restricting operations to their Island outlets through the provision of temporary accommodation within close proximity for few employees who are to undergo various Covid-19 preventive measures to operate. Likewise, the travel and tourism industry have had to completely s

Big Decisions - Covid’s Impact on my Wedding

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Bridal Shower ✔️ Pre-wedding shoot ✔️ Vendors ✔️ Count down to the big day began... Conversations with T revolved around our lives in marriage. We were earnestly looking forward to being called Husband and Wife, but little did we know the universe had other plans. The news of Covid-19 in other countries was of global recognition and then it slowly crept into Lagos, Nigeria on the 27th February, 2020 which instigated a ban by the Lagos State Government less than a week to our wedding on gatherings and international flights (Well for the greater good). Okay-dokey. Various thoughts kept coming, “Hmmm Seyi, don’t panic, there’s always a way out, here is our chance to reduce the crowd contrary to our parents opinion. Also, I can get another makeup artist as mine innocently went on a trip”. After consulting with the church, our parents and the vendors, I proceeded to book another makeup artist and drafted a new guest list for our now ‘strictly by invitation wedding’.

Choosing a Tour Group and Operator

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I often get carried away and excited by listings of tour packages, especially when it appears to be a ''fair deal". Yeah, it happens to the best of us. You are not alone. Tour companies often come up with various mouth watering deals, and I have learnt overtime that it’s not just about looking for a great tour, but about getting one that’s ''right for me''. This involves engaging in active research because as a fun loving single in her late twenties, there’s a slim chance that I would enjoy the same tour as a couple in their 60’s. Although, I will have access to some nuggets of wisdom, but will I be achieving the purpose of my trip? Some decisions are just yours to make, and you can start by asking yourself these important questions: 1. What sort of group tour is being proposed?      In my teens, when a group tour is mentioned, what comes to mind is an excursion on a bus,   which was mostly educational tours. There are othe

Hidden Attraction "The Jaekel House"

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Creatives get in here! I found you an amazing spot. You have to think outside the box for this one! Its perfect for music videos, vintage, team bonding, fairy-tale, train themed shoots and events. Pump Trolley A.K.A  Olomo Kuya (Burdened parenting) I discovered this secret location whilst researching new locations for an upcoming event, and guess what? turns out it's a mini museum with a secret garden. Just perfect!     My new find "The Jaekel House" is a two storey restored colonial mansion turned mini Museum, which originally housed the General Manager of The Nigerian Railway Corporation, before it was later converted to a rest house for the railway senior staff. However, its now been managed by Legacy 1995; a Non-Governmental Organisation.    The classic colonial architecture is situated at Ebute Metta, and was built in 1898. It was named after a former superintendent of the Nigerian Railway

Love at First Sight

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All covered up in the UAE capital, where I saw one of the most talked about architectural work of art to behold.  An amazing sight with over 80 beautiful white marble domes on a roof-line, held aloft by 1000 pillars and punctuated by four 107m-high minarets.  The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a masterpiece of modern architectural design. T he grand Mosque houses the world’s largest 24 carat gold chandelier and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.  The ambience, pool and floral designs are just picture perfect.  Non muslims are accommodated. But with strict rules; Men must cover their knees, while women are expected to cover their arms, legs and hair.  Ladies who  aren’t up to standard are given abaya’s at no cost. However, you are required to return it after the tour. The grand mosque is the most serene place I have ever seen. The crowd control and security is top notch. Despite the large number of tourists, I was still stunned. It’s a

My E Yellow Card Experience

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Apparently, Nigeria seems to be going through the E this and E that phase now. lol.  Honestly, I don’t mean to sound pessimistic or sarcastic. I believe it is a good development, which shows we are getting more technologically inclined. However, the processes and manpower involved has a way of frustrating you.  I believe it’s common knowledge that nothing in Nigeria comes easy, especially if it involves processes. Your patience would be tested every step of the way. Although, there are usually easy peasy options from time to time. Craving one? You should condition your mind to partake in the corruption “you think” you are against by patronising louts in corporate clothing. They usually promise to ensure a less strenuous experience. But if you are like me; with your integrity still intact, I can tell you for a fact that : The E yellow card is another system created to frustrate you. I believe my account of the process will ease the stress.  I recently got the new E passp