Things in Lagos took a turn for the worse last week, a national strike was called last Tuesday night. After the newly elected civilian government was elelected a few weeks ago they tried to sell of Nigeria's oil refining capacity, double VAT and increase fuel by around 15%. The unions, or what passes for unions here, decided to add to this a demand for a 15% pay rise. After 5 days the government backed down so everybody is back to work today. Although the bipedal mosquitoes did not strike, they were as much in evidence in the bars over the weekend.
And what a weekend it was. Without the worry of having to get up for work most of the ex-pats here were in party mode. The weather and the fact that most places were closed did not dampen anybodies spirit. I had a few busy nights in Pat's bar until the wee hours and then working from the hotel during the day. Problem with that is the only place to get internet access in the hotel is in the courtyard next to the pool, very distracting. After a couple of early finishes at Pat's just in case the strike was cancelled, Friday ended up a long one, not getting back to the hotel until around 3:30.
Saturday was going to be a couple of beers while watching the rugby SA vs NZ. But as those of you that know me may already have guessed this did not happen. Watched the rugby, which was a good game, A couple of mates and I went on to what we thought was a cuban bar but as with lots of things here it had been changes. Now a regular bar called Michaels. One of the guy's girlfriend felt sorry for us two without female company so called a couple of her friends. This led to a slightly embarassing time initially as bor both the girls and us as we did not feel comfortable having two girls dumped on us. After a while while the beers flowed things relaxed and we had a good time laughing, joking and generally being a little bit silly.
Met a fellow Millwall supporter there and after a few reminisces we treated the bar to a loud rendition of 'No-one like us' to a round of applause from the staff. If we had done that at home we would have probably been asked to leave. You gotta love this country....maybe. After leaving there and returning to Pat's we packed the two girls off home in taxis and I got left with my mates girlfriend as he had to be at work for early shift Sunday. Why me? was the feeling as she nearly started a ruccus in the bar by telling a white girl that she liked her outfit - her story, or by chatting up a white girl - white girl's story. Truth as usual somewhere in between. After assuring Pat I would keep her out of mischief I managed to get her off home shortly after.
Babysitting duties over and enough ju-ju juice under my belt I hit the dance floor. After a while a few of us decided to hit another club to play pool. We ended up at YNOT a well known local haunt. I had heard of this bar and looked it over on the first night in town. It did not look up to much then but I was assured that there was another part to the club. They were right as upstairs there was a large dancefloor which had working A/C. Plus a clapped out pool table in the corner. Spent the next few hours drinking and dancing. Home around 4am. Great weekend.
Sunday, a few beers at Pat's in the afternoon for a de-briefing session and an early night as the strike was over and back to work early this morning.
Still no news of when I will get my passport back from immigration, but at least they will be working on extending my visa again. I am expecting to leave this Thursday if possible.
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