The average Nigerian gets involved in a whole lot of activities like partying, biking, gaming for the fun of it but travelling,to most Nigerians like me, is perceived as just a necessary evil.This is so, bothering on the discomfort that travellers could be subjected to
before they arrive at their final destination. For most of us, the purpose for which we want to travel, outweighs the travelling process.Therefore, what keeps the Nigerian man excited about embarking on a journey is his reason for embarking on that journey, which could be to reunite with loved ones, seal a contract or even attain one form of achievement or the other.
And why is it? Secondly, most Nigerian roads are full of potholes coupled with the annoying manner in which buses are stuffed, so much so, that one could only rely on the air that comes with a moving bus to breathe.
What are your travel habits like? Delve into the specifics...
The silence code
For me, I do not travel often except I have to. Nevertheless, I prefer long-distance travel, the reasons being that this kind affords me enough time to relax and reflect while on transit.This suggests that i do not engage in unnecessary chattering and this kind of presents me as weird in the midst of other passengers.Its in the Nigerian spirit to engage everyone in conversations.This sometimes generates murmurings and sidetalks amongst fellow passengers and soon, a conclusion is drawn on my behalf. They just assume that, "she too dey form".So when I travel,I'd rather have my headphone on and get busy over a thing or two. No disrespect, I just don't know how to linger over issues like the failed Nigerian administration, fuel price increment, the cold attitude of our leaders and the likes. I just get bored...
The 'no junk' rule.
At stopovers, virtually every passenger requires the driver to permit them time to buy edibles. I'm an exception.🙃I'd rather get to my destination first before I refresh myself. This too strikes a weird chord. Oftentimes, my seatmates have offered to buy me something to eat and my reaction? "No,thanks".When travelling I avoid any thing that can generate stomach upset.At least, I learnt this in a hard way.So each time I recall my last experience that kept me running off to ease myself because I chose to be undisciplined with my stomach, I'd rather pass. That day, my indiscipline humbled me on an embarassing manner. Never an experience I wish to go through again.
How much do you pack?
Usually, I dislike the idea of travelling with heavy luggage.Girls like me would disagree with me on this. Nevertheless, I'd prefer a simple carry-on bag and a single piece of luggage. It saves one so much stress, money and embarrassment and enables me move about freely. Like a wiseman said, "experience is the best teacher". Once, I embarked on a long distance journey with about three pieces of luggage. On arriving at the final bus stop, the driver asked everyone to identify their luggage so he could charge some nairas. I got into a feat of irritation when he mentioned how much my bill was, I stuttered, raged, and argued but ended up paying the luggage fee. Now, conveying the luggage to my destination is a story for another day.Most Nigerian drivers come prepared and are ready to keep their passengers untill their financial demands are met. It's the Nigerian spirit. After all, we all wear the same shoes.
Again, while I'm on transit, I like to have some legroom space.Having so many pieces of luggage won't permit me to move my legs freely while on a long journey.Therefore I make it a duty, to pack only light luggage irrespective of how long I'll be traveling for.
Notwithstanding, the narrative is different with our western counterparts who see travelling as a way to educate oneself, meet new friends, explore nature and have fun. And why not? After all, their system supports them a hundred percent.When such individuals visit Nigeria, they have to observe a temporary mind shift until they return.My own travel habits are shaped by the Nigerian travel agencies and their immovable and disfavouring rules which the middle-class must adhere to.