With open arms: Photos 42 to 56

Known in the backpacker grapevine as “scam-land” and housing the world’s most corrupt government - Nigeria was not a country we looked forward to enter.

But the bad reputation is undeserved.
Never before had we met such openhearted hospitality throughout a whole country. And every day we were amazed by the country’s dramatic and beautiful nature. With huge rocks rising from the open savannah in the north and mountains draped in fleshy jungle in the south.

After some minor difficulties with the border police at Katsina we went by bush taxi down south to the relentless bustle in Kano - the biggest city in northern Nigeria with some three million people living in a hot conglomeration of car fumes and mud.
After a few days of paranoid behaviour (Due to Nigeria’s bad reputation, we got scared stiff by everyone aged twelve or older that approached us.), we travelled further south to the federal capital Abuja.
To us the most surreal sight in West Africa. It was made capital in 1993 and before the constructions started in 1981, it was nothing but dense tropical forest and small tribal villages.
Now, it’s an ultra modern city

Full Text Entry: With open arms

we are following you both with our hearts and wish our hearts were in our feet. the friendliest people in the world some would say, just found your email, i'll send you a line or two. keep it up, i'm not jealous (ok i am) M&B

One of the best travelblogs I've read in a long time, and I've been an avid travelblog reader for years. You're taking people to places that they would never be brave enough to go - including me.

Splended and splended journey. Ithink you fixed your camera, the sharpnes and brightnes is bake,good. Be careful white your hairy friend it might be your oant Stina! Give Aili my warm wishers, iam locking forward fore next one. See and hears

Yours is my favorite Africa blog, but I have declined to comment until Nigeria because I don't agree with your views on countries. I have passed through many of the same places as you on my trip and not had the problems or criticisms that you had on them. But I agree with you 100% on Nigeria. I am in Calabar now, soon to join you in Cameroon. Did you stay at the ECWA guest house in Kano? The building site looks like the view from my room.

Thanks for sharing

God you guys had a rollicking time in Nigeria no doubt.What an adventure

I cant believe all the amazing moments you captured... great job and keep it up!

for long i have been looking for this opportunity to show my gratitude on your intensive contribution toward this. am happy to see my kingdom and my people on page(sukur kingdom).i believe we remain welcoming.

we are following you both with our hearts and wish our hearts were in our feet. the friendliest people in the world some would say, just found your email, i'll send you a line or two. keep it up, i'm not jealous (ok i am) M&B

One of the best travelblogs I've read in a long time, and I've been an avid travelblog reader for years. You're taking people to places that they would never be brave enough to go - including me.

Splended and splended journey. Ithink you fixed your camera, the sharpnes and brightnes is bake,good. Be careful white your hairy friend it might be your oant Stina! Give Aili my warm wishers, iam locking forward fore next one. See and hears

Yours is my favorite Africa blog, but I have declined to comment until Nigeria because I don't agree with your views on countries. I have passed through many of the same places as you on my trip and not had the problems or criticisms that you had on them. But I agree with you 100% on Nigeria. I am in Calabar now, soon to join you in Cameroon. Did you stay at the ECWA guest house in Kano? The building site looks like the view from my room.

Thanks for sharing

God you guys had a rollicking time in Nigeria no doubt.What an adventure

I cant believe all the amazing moments you captured... great job and keep it up!

for long i have been looking for this opportunity to show my gratitude on your intensive contribution toward this. am happy to see my kingdom and my people on page(sukur kingdom).i believe we remain welcoming.