Free time

On Saturday I wasn't sure what to do. This was my first free weekend, as last Saturday I worked, and I had no plans. During the week it has been easy to throw myself into work, and I have managed to make a lot of progress, but when it comes to free time I am still at a bit of a loss. Firstly, I haven’t been able to get into any routines yet, apart from a little bit of jogging. Secondly, staying in a hotel makes me feel like I am on some kind of strange holiday. And thirdly, it feels like there is no point exploring my immediate surroundings in great detail because it is the other side of town from where I will be living. So, I decided to go window shopping for my eventual new house.

After work last Saturday, my Ghanaian colleague (who knows Abuja relatively well) took me to a big supermarket. They sell a wide range of things, from the usual groceries to toys, shoes, household equipment, and some great fabrics much to my delight. I discovered that it was near to my hotel, and I was keen for a walk, so I set off on foot. It was easy to get to, and I wiled away an hour or so checking the prices of things that I might need for the new place. You know, exciting stuff like crockery and plastic storage tubs!

Once that thrill had come to an end I slowly walked back to the hotel and chilled out for a while. My brother in law had mentioned going out to his end of year party, but I started to get cold feet and thought up some reasons not to go. Thankfully I had a word with myself and reminded myself that staying in my hotel room every evening was not a good way to make friends and get to know Abuja! I am so glad I went out. It was a wee bit awkward at first – not really knowing anyone, and not having my brother in law as a crutch. He had been involved in the organisation so had a lot of greeting to do etc. But after a couple of beers everyone got a lot more talkative, and I ended up having a really good night (so good I was out until 5am – which took care of needing anything to do on Sunday!).

I ate some great food, and danced a lot. And I must have been more relaxed than my first night out as no one felt the need to teach me how to dance this time!