Vacation in Lagos - Ewaade's Perspective

[Ewaade_3A]

Good afternoon ?

I want to say a very special thank you to those who took their time to make a Post about our contributions, our country, or for me during the week;

• DeniGu
• Giu_Dib and TsekoV
• Paul Pavlinovich

I appreciate very much and to the myriad of Local Guides who cheered me on from around the world, I appreciate.

So, I decided to finally create a list to share with you all, that describes; what it will be like if you decide to vacation here in Lagos with me.

I think this is going to be my most intimate post yet on Connect ?.

The List - Lagos eye (Vacation in Lagos)

I will write the post in two parts;

• The Theory (where; I share tips and how I do what I do)
• The Practical (what I did and how I did it)

Instructions for this post (feel free to laugh, but also know I am serious, though, not dead serious);

• Don’t question but you are free to ask questions, (these two are different). Questioning: “Why did you go there?” Asking Questions: “How did you go there?”
• don’t judge,
• don’t jump into random conclusions
• don’t give unsolicited advice
• or make boring remarks like; “nice post, thanks for sharing with all of us ?”,
• don’t tease (Special note to Adam, Anil Singh ?, Stephen Lammens ? especially Adamski ? ?? )

Thank you. Now, that we know all of these, let’s get into this. Thanks in anticipation of your cooperation.

Take a seat at Table and let’s begin.

Introduction

When many people (especially Nigerians) think of Lagos, they think of endless stress, of how, they have to work hard all week and maybe even ‘work in their sleep’ ?. However, in this ‘city that never sleeps’, I want to show you how you can manage to ‘get away from all the hustle and bustle that Lagos seems to be known for’ and enjoy alone or with a loved one; a quiet, peaceful and memorable time.

• Get an Apartment House

There are apartments available for short lease in Lagos, as opposed to staying in a Hotel. There is a little flexibility here, as you have everything in a well furnished house!

What’s the advantage of this over the regular hotel?

1. Privacy - in a regular Hotel, you may run into someone you know or something else. Here, in a Gated Apartment, in a gated community, in a quiet neighborhood, no one even knows you are there and if someone is coming to see you, only you can give that permission, as the Security men do not even open the gate at all, all guests have a dedicated number they will give to you. Whoever comes and honks the horn ‘till everyone goes deaf, maybe’ ? will be left honking.
2. Flexibility - if you love to write, to sing, to create, to work on something (yea! so, some of us Lagosians are! even working while we claim to be resting ?). It offers you flexibility. Like; you call for clean up of your apartment when you feel like and the Apartments are fully serviced. You can decide to go out to eat or even make your own food and you can set up a workspace.
3. Comfort - I don’t even need to begin to express how comfortable this is. It’s literally a ‘Home away from Home’ without you figuring the regular things you will have to deal with at home.

• Plan your stay Around your interests

To enjoy your ‘get away’, plan around your interests, that thing or those things that make you ‘tick’! So, I will share with you my interests;

1. Arts - in any form! Especially when I can enjoy and savor it alone! Movie Theaters, Art Galleries, stage play/drama/recited word poetry/karaoke/private live performances/dance ?
   
2. Water - In any form! Natural or Artificial, but I really do love the beaches, and if I can find a pool where the beach is located. why not?!
   
   
3. Mass - My perfect day begins with the Mass! So, I am not vacationing in a place that does not have a place of worship nearby! I love especially a place, where ‘talk is less’ and you are permitted to ‘soak in the experience of being at Mass’. Weekday Mass of 15- 30 minutes in a civilized environment is perfect for me.
4. Shopping ? ? I received a Mail from Google some days ago that; "You are now one of the top 10% of Shopping Reviewers’ and I laughed. I made top 10% in a Corona year ?? okay. Fun Fact: While I worked at an Online Retailing Stores’ outlet as a Sales Consultant, I was the ‘best in Sales for Fashion’ in Nigeria and top 10 in every other category; Phones, Home Appliances, etc! So, I mean; “how am I vacationing without shopping?” and if it’s a 24 hours store, oh why not! Why not, not?!
5. An ‘evening place’ - somewhere for a quiet dinner, especially if it has a view of water; sea, lagoon, pool, beach! Water in any form, has very nice architecture, beautiful interior decor, inspiring wall quotes, inspiring wall frames or photos, great ambiance, live music and of course good food (good food for me for dinner, must be very light while being very sweet, it must come accompanied with things that will make it easy to digest) and a very hospitable and enabling environment. I am choosy when it comes to food, so, if the attitude of the person serving sucks, I will not enjoy the food. I grew up that way with Mum, pampering and giving lectures to ensure I eat. I am thankful for lockdown, at least, even I put on some good weight from eating! She still does till date.
   
6. ‘A place for a Quick Bite’ - Now, I am talking; Fast Food Restaurants, Ice cream joints, Shawarma spots, Yogurt Spots, Barbecue, Grills, and Fries Spot, A Bar, you get what I mean. You don’t want to spend all your time vacationing, cooking, right?
   
   
7. A Local Market - here, you can get supplies; to cook, extra large bag to carry your shopping bags ?, fresh fruits, etc.
8. A Gas Station (Petrol Station)- You need to fuel your car, right? If you are lucky enough to get someone to drive you, you can have a “Photo Drive” and add all of that important information to Maps
9. A Bank or an ATM spot - you need a place to be able to draw quick cash, regardless of whether you forgot your ATM at home or not, that offers; Cardless Withdrawal, that is completely accessible; Wheelchair accessible, screen reader features, amplified voicing, etc.

Now, let’s get into this!

If you want to vacation in Lagos, there are two areas I can choose for you;

1. Badagry - This is close to the Nigerian-Benin border. It is an antiquated town, and holds a lot of precolonial era history and civilization. You may choose this place if you are working with a very slim budget. Like this beach I visited in Badagry was unmapped, I just strolled in and had a great time!
2. Victoria-Island/ Lekki/ Ajah/ Ibeju Lekki Axis Particularly Lekki Phase 1 - I love Lekki Phase 1 very much! This gated community is beautiful and has everything! You could live, work, enjoy and get entertained without stepping out of Lekki Phase 1 for a month or more.

A One week Get Away in Lagos

Location - Victoria-Island/ Lekki/ Ajah/ Ibeju Lekki Axis Particularly Lekki Phase 1

• Get a Serviced Apartment - There are many of these houses in Lekki Phase 1, the downside is that; they are not advertised anywhere and these houses look like regular buildings where people stay. So, you need to go to Lekki Phase 1 a week in advance to your stay (for non-festive period) and up to a month in advance to your stay (for festive periods), ask around. I have used this one; Topaz boutique Hotels and Apartments
• Interests

1. Movie Theatre - IMAX Lekki I like how ‘private, intimate and cozy’, IMAX is. Unlike many of the other movie theaters located across Nigeria, this is not located in a huge shopping mall and it’s in a very quiet neighborhood. So, you just get to focus and immerse yourself in your movie experience and it’s unlikely you run into anyone or thing not interested in movies.
2. A Cultural Arts Centre for Stage Performances - I really do like Terra Kulture, because it has all of the Arts! What’s more you can enjoy it all in one place, in an African-themed or Afrocentric environment. You need to drive for at least 20-30 minutes (Lagos Traffic situation considered) to get there, try to get there on time to get your tickets before the show begins. Also, tickets can be purchased well in advance advance
   
   
3. Water - I have two in mind; you guessed correctly ? La Campagne Tropicana,steeped and dripping with African Hospitality, you will have a very memorable experience here! Swim, watch a movie, ride the waves, go horse-riding, sip on coconut water, go kayaking, eat traditional African foods, go quad biking, the list is limitless. Inagbe Grand Resorts and Leisure, what I really do like about this one is the fact that it is not accessible by road; one of the very few beaches in Lagos that are not. So, it gives you utmost privacy and optimum security, as every guest requests and has to be picked up from the Jetty to the resort. I love the relaxing Boat ride to the resort. Ensure, you call the Resort to be sure things are in order. Also know that; everything here is so expensive! If you can, bring your food and pay corkage fees. I will add one more; Lekki Leisure, If you want to get that classic feel of Lagos and that vibe, without going to a club or party, Lekki Leisure is that place. If you are intent on spoiling yourself. Rent a Tent when you get there, request for someone to serve you (at extra costs of course), eat fish, enjoy a cocktail, down some wine, go rough riding, there is a lot to do at Lekki Leisure!
4. Mass - Of course, that’s Divine Mercy for me! It’s 'an oyinbo’ Church in Nigeria, with ways and doings. I love how New members are welcomed here. “You are welcome to Divine Mercy, we’ve been waiting for you, we are so glad that you have come, as you worship with us, at Divine Mercy, God’s Blessings always remain with you” this sung, accompanied with fine acoustic guitar and drums, warm smiles, hugs from other Parishioners, if you are with Kids, they have a dedicated section for Kids on Sundays. I love the ‘Kneelers’ here, they understand that you come to Church to pray and not to serve punishment ?, wall mosaic and murals that instantly lifts your mood, subtle architecture and monuments, expansive parking space. Ensure you plan your drive-in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time for Mass to be able to obey all parking rules. I love Divine Mercy and I dare say; it is a place to be, to love, to experience. Apart from attending Mass here, the Divine Office (official prayer of the Catholic Church) is also recited here.
   
5. Shopping - I love Adiba Supermarket. For one it is open 24- hours. For other reasons; there are other businesses located on site; a Boutique, a Laundry, and Adiba itself; a General Merchandise supermarket. It is so convenient! Especially for one who loves the ‘night’ like me! I remember going to Adiba at 12 a.m. to get items to cook Pasta. No, I wasn’t going to eat the Pasta. Thank you ?. Every part of the Adiba Supermarket is Wheelchair Accessible, but there is no way to go up the Stairs to the clothing store or laundry ?. Clothes, shop, snacks, fruits, drinks, perfumes, wine, lingerie, bags, designer sun glasses, phone accessories, make up! Adiba has everything! Another place I will recommend you try out, especially if you love ‘Fashion-on-a-budget’ is; Rhemmy Gold Collections. Go get some nice clothes and stand out.
   
6. An Evening place - I really do love Sailors Lounge, and you would too, that is; if you are able to resist the urge to cry over the Long wait time, else, you may pass out before your food is brought ?. Sailors Lounge is almost that ‘perfect evening place’, the cool music, the very amiable Manager, the view of the Lagos lagoon and the Lekki Ikoyi bridge, the amazing cocktails and other drinks specially crafted and served by the Bar man, the ambience, it’s a place to see, love and experience. By the way, Adiba is right across the road from Sailors Lounge, so you could grab some cookies to fill your tummy temporarily. It is usually very busy and each order is ‘queued’ in the Kitchen as they are prepared fresh! There is a variety of meal options to choose from too, no matter your diet option or the country you are from in the world! yea, that good. I love the Architecture, it gives you the feel of dining on a ship. okay! The other place I would recommend is; Lagos Oriental Hotel; if you are able to get over the ‘disappointment’ of having to drive out of Lekki and that you may end up dining alone at any of the choice restaurants at the Hotel, then, this place is great! Try cuisine from the Chinese restaurant, after which, you can descend the stairs slowly, watch your head for the giant chandeliers, please, pass by the ‘Games/Pool room’, if you are Asthmatic, hold your breath, slowly make your way down the Staircase to the pool side, where you enjoy live music, view of the Lagos inland waterways and what not?! This particular spot has been featured severally in movies, so take a good photo. Say cheese. It’s the proof you went to Oriental.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. A place for a quick bite - The Place; any day, any time. The foreign food options are limited, so also are the dietary options, but no one walks in here and leaves hungry; Parfait, cake varieties, rice, continental dishes, the list is endless.The Place is the perfect Place to go for a quick bite. Also, I like the kind of people I see here. I like how The Place is constantly changing and adjusting their menu to reflect the times.
   
8. A Local Market - Itedo Market. There are very few markets (local) that you can go in to without worrying if your car is safe in Nigeria. I like where this market is located. Even though there is no dedicated parking, you can park by the road side with no worries. I like the Global Perfect Gardens located right in front of this market, which makes it look so beautiful on the outside. If you are coming to this market, please wear water proof slippers, the roads within the market are very bad. If you can get over that, then, you can buy anything here and even get dispatch service.
9. A Petrol Station (what you call a Gas Station) - They are dotted all along the stretch of the roads here. My favorite is Forte Oil,which is now Ardova Plc (Ap). Fun Fact; It was AP (African Petroleum) before it was bought over by Forte Oil, just recently it was bought over by yet another Ap. I like this Filling Station because of the views. For me; while I am waiting, I am looking around me and wondering how people live and if they still notice all these things around them. I like that you can grab a quick bite at Tantalizers in here. I like the bread and cake but for the food, I can’t say much. I like that you can also get quick help with your car or even get a Mechanic to look up things for you, should something go wrong.
10. A Bank or an ATM spot - These are also dotted along the roads in these area. My favorite to use is Guaranty Trust Bank, Lekki Phase 1 (GTB) because it has all the features that enables a smooth, glitch-free transaction. I also like the aesthetics.

Finally, our week long vacation is over, you can drive straight from here to the Airport or outside of Lagos to explore Nigeria.

Will you come with me?

[Anil6969]

wow @Ewaade_3A

I am happy to comment first

got lost in your story seems like watching movie in flash back,

thanks for so impressive writing blend with amaging pic.

This all remind me of Goa ,here also better than hotel this concept is here in goa with full privacy along with full freedom they call it long rental ,lots of russian friends are staying like this here.

regards

[Ewaade_3A]

Wow! I can’t wait to experience Goa. I have heard so much about it. Thanks for your kind words, Anil. They are soothing. @Anil6969

[Silvi]

Hi @Ewaade_3A First at all “nice post, thanks for sharing with all of us” hahaa just kidding

I like your passion showing us your place and what do you love more to do there. I loved the first photo, certainly I would like to spend some days there, a pool only for me, right?

I like the idea to rent an apartment but not in a new place, in that case and traveling alone I need the security of a good hotel, and I’m not going to cook on my vacation, sorry lady haha

This is a question that I make a lot when I discovered some place, is it safe for a woman (or 2) traveling alone? I like to explore the cities, take a bus or a metro, go to shopping or big supermarket to find nonsense things haha

So, tell me…

Greetings.

Silvy.

PS: some of your pics are lying, you know right?

[KamalHossenR]

Dear @Ewaade_3A

I had to drink two glasses of water to read your whole post, at the end of reading the post I thought I had read an essay of a city.

Thank you so much for giving us such a beautiful post describing the details about Lagos.

I can definitely say that you had a hard time completing this post. I want to know how long you have been writing this post?

Stay safe

[Ewaade_3A]

Nice question, Silvy, thank you for asking from all of us.

1. The first photo is from La Campagne. YES. Each Chalet has a dedicated pool, so, there are so many pools here. It is also a Resort and is one of the safest places to be in Lagos, as every Guest has a dedicated Security Guard
2. .Ahahha. The Apartments are very secure too. The good thing is, no one knows you are there. The Hotel is a very great option too. I get bored so easily, even though I enjoy staying alone, I want to be able to explore many activities, so I have never been able to stay in a Hotel for more than 3 days. Will you still choose a Hotel over a well secure Resort?
3. It is very safe for a woman, very safe for traveling alone. I rarely travel with anyone. Lagos is one of the safest places in Nigeria.
4. You will be able to explore this city alone, there are so many international and multinational companies in Lagos and many expatriates here that you will almost not feel out of place. BUS and Metro is a ‘No No’ if you don’t live here. So, you use Uber only or the Hotel can make private arrangement for you to get chauffeured around Lagos.

You will find a lot of ‘nonsense things’ here in Lagos , like I told @OSAMA_1 the only thing you can find in Lagos is snow. amd even that is manufactured for photo ops in December @SilvyC

[Ewaade_3A]

Only two glasses of water?

Go back and read ‘instructions’ for this post again, Kamal

@KamalHossenR

[sophie_fusion]

Amusing @Ewaade_3A

Is there an option to like the post hundred times??? Top reviews of shopping, Best in sales for fashion… you should also be nominated best script writer too and more…
read this morning, i was literally on virtual trip with you, thank you for taking me around. I already feel kinda refreshed

All the points, lists and places you put everything so well, also love the dining comfortable table… Indeed the most intimate post i read from a long time.
Ahh… the food … uumm … m starving now… going to grab my breakfast before i get late for church too. I have more to add … Will come back and share more about it

Dude get a free tour

@Cammeliajac89 & @Naina09

[RHoqueBD]

**Awesome dear @Ewaade_3A **

Nice and very long recap.

Reaz

Bangladesh

[Ewaade_3A]

Just unlike and like again

We will begin rolling out the carpet for your visit soon

@sophie_fusion

[jagatji]

What a fantastic post @Ewaade_3A

You have got a great writing skill. You have described so very well about where to stay, eat, Art galleries , where to attend the mass, go for shopping, have a quick bite, the mouth watering pictures of the eats, at the sailors lounge, vacationing.and the list is endless.

I could completely visualize the entire Lagos and wonder what a great city it is…

Thanks for taking us for a Free tour of Lagos.

Only a person with a real love for her city and also who wants the visitors to feel comfortable when they come, can write like this taking care of the minute details.

Regards

@jagatji

[Ewaade_3A]

Aw aw.

The last Paragraph left me in my feelings. True, I love my Lagos, as I told @ChanneLing some days ago. I am this happy when I am in Lagos.

For Lagos is big, bright and beautiful. @jagatji We are are very vibrant community

[PaulPavlinovich]

Looks like a great way to spend a holiday @Ewaade_3A

[jagatji]

@Ewaade_3A

Wonderful…Your photos radiate joy and happiness…nice

@jagatji

[Ewaade_3A]

Yeahhhhh.

I was wondering what Paul will say when I got the notification, because I know my way of vacating is too ‘girly’ for you. Like I have said, I will only go out into the wild; camping and hiking, when I see you. @PaulPavlinovich

[Ewaade_3A]

Always, thank you so much, @jagatji

[KalyanPal]

All pictures in your post is very nice and nicely captured. Yet, the first picture is the best. Varieties of food pictures make me hungry

Thank you for posting @Ewaade_3A .

Beat Regards,

Kalyan

[Ewaade_3A]

ahahah, my fine Champ! Who am I not to make you hungry? I have to. @KalyanPal

Thank you for the compliments, coming from you, is like having a bowl of honey. Thanks, Kalyan. How is Kolkata this evening?

[sophie_fusion]

@Ewaade_3A

Such well explained from the beginning till the end can be written by you only.
i really did enjoy this post. The collective amount of efforts you put so flawlessly. New Conputer… new post
Regarding the apartment renting, is there any specific app or how so we contact the locals… or through airbnb we can make the booking?

[MAHBUB_HYDER]

Hi @Ewaade_3A

Looks like spent a great holidays ! nice and well written story and stunning photos, all makes you articl very lively and attractive as well.

have a great day my friend

Here is my recent post for you!