Abuja and VSO Leavers Forum

Thankfully I had flights booked to Abuja as due to the malaria there was no way I’d survive the 14+ hour journey by road with my health. The flight was lovely, only one hour in relative luxury! No bone shaking bumps, peeing by the side of the road, aching muscles and headache from dehydration!!

Abuja was all about the VSO leavers forum. When I had the invite I debated whether I wanted to go, as I miss Calabar when I’m gone! But I wanted to see my fellow VSO volunteers and see what the forum had to offer. I was actually so glad I went and recommend it to other volunteers. I had a great 2 days discussing our placements and our future paths. It really hit home that I have just 9 weeks left as a volunteer. I can’t believe I have to say goodbye to all my Nigerian friends and fellow volunteers. How am I going to say bye to my little Peace?

The leavers forum really helped me identify my long-term 5 year goals and has made me reflective as to how I can achieve these goals, and also helped me identify what I have given GPI and what I have gained from this experience.

It was also nice to have a lovely meal with VSO volunteers and staff – it was just a shame the malaria prevented me from enjoying the Abuja nightlife. I missed a great karaoke session apparently.

Had a wonderful bacon sandwich – my first taste of bacon for 10 months!! Also brought a beautiful painting at the crafts market, tested my negotiation skills and reduced the price from 30,000 to 13,000 Naira! This artist is amazing and has great style. Loved another painting also, but the oil was still wet. I hope to pick it up on my next trip to Abuja, it is great to have some things to take back as my Naija reminder.

I also embarrassed myself entirely by walking through silverbird shopping mall with my mouth literally hanging open – it was a proper mall with actual shops and escalators, it even had a mango and body shop!! I pity the poor people accompanying me on my first shopping trips when I get home – I’m going to be so embarrassing pointing out all the things that are completely “normal” in the UK!

Had fun in Abuja, its much closer to UK life, but I miss the ‘mbacarra’ shouts from the local children here in Calabar. Calabar has much more of a community feel to it, I stand out here but in a good way and to be honest I love the attention most of the time! I like the hustle and bustle of Calabar, the markets, the people carrying things on the head and hawking in every free space possible. Calabar has a soul that is obvious to see and experience, and if you have the right attitude you soon become part of it and are welcomed with open arms.