Abuja Here We Come!

Last night, we flew from Lagos, by way of Ikenne, to Abuja, the ‘new’ capitol of Nigeria. It is not only very obvious from the roads, buildings, services available that we are not only in a ‘new’ part of Nigeria but it feels like we are in a totally different country – a country that appears to have more resources and more resources spread around.

Or maybe it is just the neighborhoods we are being exposed to.

Today we went to a huge and beautiful vegetable & fruit market. I’m on the fruitless search for mangos, not wanting to believe it is not mango season yet: and yet another reminder of how privileged we are in the u.s. as every season is mango season.

Emmanuel has headed my request for local food and takes us to a wonderful restaurant with delicious, healthy food from various parts and peoples of Nigeria. Each item on the menu identifies what part and people of Nigeria the dish comes from as well as how it is prepared. By far the best food we’ve had – except for the Jollof rice we had from the street vendor in Saguma (the large city about 6 miles before reaching Ikenne)

I can't wait to experience more good, delicious Nigerian food!

Abuja is now the capital of Nigeria. Although the process of relocating the capital from Lagos started in the middle 70's, the transition wasn't completed until 1991, when Abuja became the official capital.

The buildings here are among the most unique and as beautiful as a building can get. I will try to post some pics tomorrow.

Our dear family, friend and generous host Emmanuel is driving us around to see some of his favorite neighborhoods in Abuja, which is a huge city. There are over 4 million people in this city spread out over miles and miles of land – 2,824 square miles to be exact – whereas Jacksonville Florida, the u.s. city with the largest acreage of 840 square miles.

Although the internet/wifi is readily available, it is slower than molasses running uphill in January and again is another reminder of how privileged we are in the u.s.