Gurara Falls

It has been a while since I posted any news but life over the last month has consisted of going to work, going to dinner, going home, going to work, going to dinner, going home, going to work… On, Saturday, however, the embassy organized a trip to Gurara Falls which is about 1 ½ hours west of Abuja.

It was a very nice drive, the highlight of which was Zuma Rock, a spectacular monolith standing in isolation. The approach to the rock is beautiful as the road heads straight for it and then wends its way around and past it.

The falls were very pretty and we picnicked beside them for a couple of hours before returning to Abuja. I met and tried to talk to three young cow herders who came by driving their herd but they didn’t speak English. I did get a nice photo though. We passed some large local markets that I plan to return to soon. It was a very pleasant day and it was nice to get out of the city. I took some nice photos, so have a look.

Comments

[Risky]

I live in Canada but have had to work in Nigeria. I find it a fascinating country and am totally in awe. What gets to me most is the ability of the people to move on from one misshap or the other without making too much fuss. They are also willing to help any foreigners, Lagos I find to be the exception.(Just like some parts of New York or London people are out to get you at any cost). Lagos appears to be another part of Nigeria altogether. Leave Lagos and you see the real Nigeria. Live decent, moderate night life etc., mix with the locals, be and see the possitive and you'll enjoy Nigeria.
Risky

[Chris]

Yo Jack,

Glad to hear you are still alive in the armpit of Africa. Your blogs make fine reading, and remind me how different things are for your current countrymen. I am already wondering how you will manage to ever shake the dust of Africa from your feet though. It's an insidious love that is growing in you, and you will forever be connected to the sights, sounds and people you are seeing/meeting. I am makign myself jealous over here! Anyway, presume you are up for visitors? I just got married, as you know, and with your permission, I will check with Suzie that Nigeria is an acceptable honeymoon destination for her.

BTW, sounds rather strained as a link, but interesting anyway...those Saharan winds you mention do quite a lot to curtail hurricane formation in the North Atlantic. The drier, sand filled air prevents the moist conditions needed for the cyclones to get started, so whilst your cleaner may complain, the Southern US says bring more sand.

Possibler poker game this friday....we'll raise a glass to you.

[RONW]

We're still doing that work ogre thing too. Nice pictures....adds another dimension to your posts.

[Riley]

Hey Jack! Good to see you are getting around. Fun story about your college connection.
Can you swim in the area under the falls?

Life back here continues amid the serious disturbance that the hurricane brought. Nothing like a natural disaster to get the blood flowing. This one was and is truly monumental. I don't think I can begin to wrap my head around the level of devastation and total displacement of people and animals, and the level of destruction that has occured. I mean, I can see it on TV, but true scope of this is way beyond what the eye can see. I have friends who live there, one of whom was visiting here when it happened, so I know he is ok. But I have others with whom I am out of touch. I have no idea where they are and how they are doing.

Time will tell.

Have a good weekend.

riley