Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Suya: the next kebab?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/14/suya-the-next-kebab/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/14/suya-the-next-kebab/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/14/suya-the-next-kebab/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

suya, London
One of the great things about the world getting smaller and everyone getting all mixed up is that we can try fast food from all different cultures. Take suya, for example. I'd never heard of this Nigerian fast food until I lived in London.

My house was on the northern end of Old Kent Road. This area has a large population of African immigrants. I met people from Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia, and I'm sure many other countries are represented. The Nigerians were very visible with lots of restaurants selling suya. It's like shish kebab with beef, chicken, goat, or fish. The meat is rubbed with tankora powder. There are various recipes for tankora and generally include red pepper, powdered nuts, salt, ginger, paprika, and onion powder. Check out this tankora recipe if you want to try it at home.

As you can imagine, it's pretty thirst inducing. Luckily many suya restaurants serve palm wine, a smooth, tasty alcoholic drink that's not too strong. Many restaurants also have live music. West African music is very participatory, with the singer pointing to various members of the audience and staff and making up verses about them. I always got included but not knowing any West African languages I had no idea what the singers said. :-)

I'm thinking suya could replace kebab, which is currently the snack food of choice in London, especially at two o'clock in the morning after ten pints of lager. I've never liked kebab, which in most places is unhealthy and more than a little nasty, so suya would make the perfect replacement. It's filling, salty, and quick, all the things you need after a good pub crawl, and with live music and palm wine thrown in, it makes the perfect end (or start!) to a fun evening out.

This photo, courtesy secretlondon123, shows some of Presidential Suya's takeaway, with beef suya on the left and chicken suya on the right. Presidential Suya is one of my favorite West African restaurants in London.

Suya: the next kebab? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>African cookingAfrican cuisineAfrican foodAfricanCookingAfricanCuisineAfricanFoodfoodfood weekfoodweekLondonLondon diningLondon restaurantsLondon tourismLondon travelLondonDiningLondonRestaurantsLondonTourismLondonTravelOld Kent RoadOldKentRoadpalm winePalmWineSouth LondonSouthLondonsuyawineFri, 14 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

advance visaWe live in an increasingly borderless world and we have access to many countries that were closed (or non-existent) 20 years ago. As reported earlier this week, Americans are especially lucky with access to 169 countries visa free. Still, there are still many countries that Americans need advance visas to visit. Visa applications and processing services can cost several hundreds of dollars and take a lot of time and energy to obtain, so figure in that into your travel planning but don't let it discourage you from visiting.

Nearly all countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, Western Europe, and the Middle East will give you a visa free or for a fee on arrival. See below for our guide to countries you will need to apply for advance visas, along with fees, useful information and links to consular websites.

Continue reading 10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit

10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance visaadvance visasAdvanceVisaAdvanceVisasAfghanistanaustraliaAzerbaijanbelarusBhutanbrazilCentral AmericaCubaHong KongIndiairanMacauMiddle Eastnews:topic:travelNigeriaNorth KoreaParaguayrussiaSaudi ArabiaSurinameTurkeyVietnamvisavisa freeVisaFreevisasWestern EuropeWorldWed, 17 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top five immunizations for adventure travelers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/25/top-five-immunizations-for-adventure-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/25/top-five-immunizations-for-adventure-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/25/top-five-immunizations-for-adventure-travelers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

immunizationsSpending a lot of money to get poked with a needle may not be at the top of your pre-trip to-do list, but it should be. While some countries require proof of certain immunizations before they theoretically permit entry (details later in this post), there are a couple of vaccinations all travelers should get, barring any prohibitive allergies.

Getting vaccinated greatly reduces or virtually eliminates the odds of contracting certain serious illnesses or travel-related diseases, and helps prevent the spread of contagions. This is especially critical in developing countries, where there is generally little in the way of preventative or active health care, and lack of sanitation provides a fertile breeding ground for disease. As is true at home, infants, children, the elderly, and immuno-compromised are at greatest risk.

I consulted with Dr. John Szumowski, Clinical Fellow of the University of Washington Medical Center's Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, for expert advice before compiling the following list. As he pointed out, it's tricky to generalize which immunizations are most important, since it depends upon where you're going, and what you're doing there.

That said, all of the immunizations on this list are a good idea if you travel frequently to developing nations, even if it's for business or budget travel. They are especially important to have if you eat street food or visit rural areas.

The top five, after the jump.

[Photo credit: Flickr user johnnyalive]

Continue reading Top five immunizations for adventure travelers

Top five immunizations for adventure travelers originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelbudget-travelCenters for Disease Control and PreventionCentersForDiseaseControlAndPreventionculinary-travelcultural travelCulturalTraveleco-travelfluflu shotFluShothealthhepatitis Ahepatitis Bhepatitis CHepatitisAHepatitisBHepatitisCinfectious diseasesInfectiousDiseasesinfluenzaJapanese EncephalitisJapaneseEncephalitisPoliopreventative medicinepreventative travel medicinePreventativeMedicinePreventativeTravelMedicinetravel hygienetravel illnesstravel immunizationstravel medicinetravel medicine clinicstravel medicine specialisttravel shotstravel wellnesstravel-related diseasesTravel-relatedDiseasesTravelHygieneTravelIllnessTravelImmunizationsTravelMedicineTravelMedicineClinicsTravelMedicineSpecialistTravelShotsTravelWellnesstropical diseasestropical medicineTropicalDiseasesTropicalMedicinetyphoidvaccinationsvaccineswellnessYellow FeverYellowFeverTue, 25 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The world according to Facebook]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/14/the-world-according-to-facebook/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/14/the-world-according-to-facebook/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/14/the-world-according-to-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Our lonely planet continues to become less and less lonely. Thanks to the advent of social networking sites like Facebook, users can connect far-flung parts of the world at the tap of a keyboard. This fascinating map (click to enlarge) created by Facebook intern Paul Butler charts the interactions between Facebook users from around the globe, and it shows the unbelievable extent to which Facebook now touches even the most remote parts of the world.

If you're wondering, the brightly illuminated part of Western Africa is mostly Nigeria, so look out for a friend request from a Prince Abakaliki asking you to wire money to a Swiss bank account. Ignore!

More here.

The world according to Facebook originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>419 scam419Scamconnectionfacebookfriend requestFriendRequestmapnigeriaprince nigeriaPrinceNigeriaTue, 14 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[El Al to Nigerian pilgrims: No way on our flights]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/10/18/el-al-to-nigerian-pilgrims-no-way-on-our-flights/http://www.gadling.com/2010/10/18/el-al-to-nigerian-pilgrims-no-way-on-our-flights/http://www.gadling.com/2010/10/18/el-al-to-nigerian-pilgrims-no-way-on-our-flights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

El Al, Israel's airline, has banned thousands of pilgrims from Nigeria from traveling to Israel. Security is the reason given. The Tourism Ministry, according to the Associated Press, says that this move will screw up the travel plans for 28,000 Nigerian Christians from Abuja in the next few months.

The Nigerian pilgrimage season starts in late October and continues through January, and a subsidiary of El Al was hoping to cover the route during this period. However, there have been concerns about airport security after a Nigerian man was accused of trying to blow up a plane bound for the United States using a bomb hidden under his clothes.

[photo by Deanster1983 via Flickr]

El Al to Nigerian pilgrims: No way on our flights originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airport securityAirportSecurityel alEl Al airlinesElAlElAlAirlinespilgrimagepilgrimsreligionsecurityMon, 18 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Body scanners used as porn by airport security]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/09/28/body-scanners-used-as-porn-by-airport-security/http://www.gadling.com/2010/09/28/body-scanners-used-as-porn-by-airport-security/http://www.gadling.com/2010/09/28/body-scanners-used-as-porn-by-airport-security/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It had to happen sooner or later.

The Nigerian newspaper This Day has reported that security officials at Lagos airport are getting their jollies by watching female passengers go through a full-body scanner.

Nigerian investigative reporters visited the airport during a slow period when security officials had time to spare. The journalists found some of them hanging around the scanner display. Since the scanner blurs the face in an attempt to give anonymity, the officers were hurrying over to the line to peek at the passengers before going back to the scanner to check out their favorites.

The scanner was installed after the failed attack by underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who was from Lagos, yet technicians have revealed a full-body scan wouldn't have caught him. An Israeli security expert who helped plan security at Israel's super-strict Ben Gurion Airport says body scanners don't work. Israeli airports don't use the device.

Many Nigerians feel it is against their religion to expose themselves to a stranger, while others fear the effects of radiation. The investigative journalists witnessed passengers objecting to go through the scanner until security turned off one of the metal detectors, giving them the choice of using the full-body scanner or waiting in a longer line.

Body scanners used as porn by airport security originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportairport securityairportsAirportSecuritybody scannerbody scannersbody scans at airportsBodyScannerBodyScannersBodyScansAtAirportsfull body imagingfull body scannerfull body scannersfull body scansFullBodyImagingFullBodyScannerFullBodyScannersFullBodyScansLagossecuritysecurity checksSecurityChecksTue, 28 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Five art exhibitions you must see this year]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/06/five-art-exhibitions-you-must-see-this-year/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/06/five-art-exhibitions-you-must-see-this-year/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/06/five-art-exhibitions-you-must-see-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Art lovers, take note, 2010 is shaping up to be a great year for exhibitions. Here are five of the best, but there are plenty more than these!

Tokyo
It's hard to beat Japanese art for sheer naturalistic beauty, and the Tokyo National Museum has an extensive collection of the best. See the work of one of the great Japanese masters in Hasegawa Tohaku: 400th Memorial Retrospective. This painter, who died in 1610, specialized in nature and Buddhist subjects, and you can see an example of his work in this post. The delicacy and ethereal quality of Japanese landscapes always gives me goosebumps. The exhibition runs from February 23 to March 22.

Madrid
Spain's famous Museo Nacional del Prado is hosting The Art of Power: Arms, Armour and Paintings from the Spanish Court. This is a collection of weapons and armor from Spain's Golden Age, along with paintings by important Spanish artists emphasizing Spain's military might at a time when the country ruled most of the New World. Many of the suits or armor were the personal property of important kings such as Philip II. The show will be on from March 8 to May 16.

London
From March 4-June 6 the British Museum will have Kingdom of Ife: Sculptures from West Africa. Ife was an important kingdom from the 12th to the 15th centuries in what is now Nigeria. Its artists specialized in creating human sculptures in brass, terracotta, and stone. I caught this when it was in Madrid last year and it was amazed at the level of artistic achievement in a civilization I'm ashamed to say I knew almost nothing about. The thing that most impressed me was how lifelike the sculptures were. I felt like I was staring into the faces of priests and kings who have been dead for five hundred years. My kid preferred the statue of the crocodile god.

Continue reading Five art exhibitions you must see this year

Five art exhibitions you must see this year originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmifeLondonMadridmomamoviesmuseummuseumsnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitypaintingParissculptureTim BurtonTimBurtonTokyoWed, 06 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oprah's 10 terrific reads for 2009 showcase diversity and travel]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/29/10-terrific-reads-for-2009-showcase-diversity-and-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/29/10-terrific-reads-for-2009-showcase-diversity-and-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/29/10-terrific-reads-for-2009-showcase-diversity-and-travel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Regardless of what one thinks of Oprah, it's hard to argue that the woman doesn't have her thumbprint on some mighty great stuff. Her "10 Terrific Reads for 2009," for example, is filled with suggestions that capture the flavor of travel, adventure and diversity. Many of them are about people from one country who have been brought to another by life's circumstances or their drive to explore.

If you read these 10 books, I'd say you'll have a thought-provoking and enlightening journey through certain parts of the world, particularly Africa. Before you head out on your next journey, pick up one of these and pass it on.

Here are the 10 books with the countries that provide the setting or settings. For a summary of each book, click each title.

  • The Bolter, Frances Osborne--Kenya (Great Britain connection)
  • Dreaming in Hindi, Katherine Russel Rich--India (U.S. connection)
  • Little Bee, Chris Cleve--Great Britain (Nigeria connection)
  • Blame, Michelle Huneven--U.S. (This one doesn't have a cross-cultural component but is compared to Sand and Fog which is one of the best novels showing cross-cultural connections gone wrong that I've ever read.)
  • Losing Mum and Pup, Christopher Buckley--U.S. (Another without a cross-cultural component, but loss of parents is cross-cultural and Buckley's dad, William F. Buckley certainly had a lot of opinions about the world.)
  • Zeitoun, Dave Eggers--U.S. (Syrian connection) I met Dave Eggers. He's as wonderful in person as his writing reflects. Truly splendid. I'm buying this one.
  • Say You're One of Them, Uwem Akpan--Kenya and Rwanda. Akpan is a Nigerian writer.
  • Some Things that Meant the World to Me, Joshua Mohr--U.S. Part of this novel takes place in Home Depot in San Francisco. Doesn't the bring up an unusual mix of images?!
  • The Invisible Mountain, Carolina De Robertis--South America. The reading guide mentions Argentina.
  • Strength in What Remains:A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness, Tracy Kidder--Burundi and U.S.

Oprah's 10 terrific reads for 2009 showcase diversity and travel originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best booksBestBooksBlamebooksCarolina De RobertisCarolinaDeRobertisChris CleveChrisCleveChristopher BuckleyChristopherBuckleyDave EggersDaveEggersDreaming in HindiDreamingInHindiFrances OsborneFrancesOsborneJoshua MohrJoshuaMohrKatherine Russel RichKatherineRusselRichLittle BeeLittleBeeLosing Mum and PupLosingMumAndPupMichelle HunevenMichelleHunevenOprahSay Youre One of ThemSayYoureOneOfThemSome Things that Meant the World to MeSomeThingsThatMeantTheWorldToMeStrength in What RemainsStrengthInWhatRemainsThe BolterThe invisible MountainTheBolterTheInvisibleMountainTop 10 readsTop10ReadsTracy KidderTracyKidderUwem AkpanUwemAkpanzeitounSun, 29 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Six Flags considering new theme park location - in Nigeria]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/28/six-flags-considering-new-theme-park-location-in-nigeria/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/28/six-flags-considering-new-theme-park-location-in-nigeria/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/28/six-flags-considering-new-theme-park-location-in-nigeria/#commentsFiled under: ,

When I read that Six Flags was actively working on a new park to add to their current 21 park lineup, I initially did not pay attention. Then I saw the location of this new concept - Nigeria.

The 250 acre Nigerian Six Flags is going to be built in Calabar, a city on the southeastern border, about 1000 miles from the nations capital.

A couple of things come to mind - the first is that Six Flags is currently in bankruptcy protection, but I'm guessing that expansion is one of the ways they plan to recover. The second is the location - Nigeria is a troubled country, and even the oil companies of the world are having a hard time keeping their investments safe. How Six Flags plans to keep its park and staff safe is bound to be source of major headaches.

I'm also curious how the Nigerians got the attention of Six Flags. Perhaps they emailed them out of the blue and told them the story of their previous president who had left them $250 million in a secret bank account, that could only be accessed if someone built them a roller coaster? (I kid, I kid!).

If the park does indeed become a reality, it'll be the first theme park in Nigeria, and the first Six Flags park outside the US, Mexico and Canada. In the late nineties, Six Flags attempted to conquer the European market, but pulled out after a couple of years to focus on their home market.

Continue reading Six Flags considering new theme park location - in Nigeria

Six Flags considering new theme park location - in Nigeria originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nigeriasix flagssix flags inc.SixFlagsSixFlagsInc.Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top travel destination countries? Canada is number one and Nigeria is. . .? ]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/05/28/top-travel-destination-countries-canada-is-number-one-and-nige/http://www.gadling.com/2009/05/28/top-travel-destination-countries-canada-is-number-one-and-nige/http://www.gadling.com/2009/05/28/top-travel-destination-countries-canada-is-number-one-and-nige/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

When asked the to respond to the statement, "I would like to go to visit this country if money were no object," Canada ranked number one in a recent global survey conducted by Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brand Index.

Where was the U.S. in the mix of 50? Number 10. Harump!

Steve Stephens, the travel editor for the Columbus Dispatch offered up these tidbits last Sunday and provided the ranking for the other top five choices plus provided some reasons for the results.

From 2nd to 5th in that order:

  • Italy
  • Australia
  • Switzerland
  • France

What's your guess for number 50? No, it's not Nigeria.

Continue reading Top travel destination countries? Canada is number one and Nigeria is. . .?

Top travel destination countries? Canada is number one and Nigeria is. . .? originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 May 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brand Index.Anholt-gfkRoperNationBrandIndex.CanadaEstoniaLithuaniaNigeriaSteve StephensSteveStephenstourismtourist destinations.TouristDestinations.travel choicestravel picksTravelChoicesTravelPicksUNESCO World Heritage sitesUnescoWorldHeritageSitesUnited States travelUnitedStatesTravelThu, 28 May 2009 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (12.14.08)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/14/photo-of-the-day-12-14-08/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/14/photo-of-the-day-12-14-08/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/14/photo-of-the-day-12-14-08/#commentsFiled under: ,



There's something inherently beautiful in the daily rituals of life. A man slowly walking down a quiet street. A farmer planting a rice paddy. Merchants selling their goods at the market. Perhaps that's what caught my eye in this photo of two hawkers in Nigeria from Lola Akinmade. It has a certain "reportage" slice-of-life style to it, as if the viewer was privy to an intimate moment we might not have seen otherwise. There's nothing particularly memorable about the scene, but somehow it still catches your eye, and that's why I think it works.

Have any travel photos you'd like to share with the world? Why not add them to our Gadling pool on Flickr? We might just pick yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (12.14.08) originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hawkerreportagewalkingSun, 14 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncovering the history of African pop music]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/26/uncovering-the-history-of-african-pop-music/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/26/uncovering-the-history-of-african-pop-music/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/26/uncovering-the-history-of-african-pop-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We love music here at Gadling, and we're always on the lookout for great new sounds to accompany our travels. Earlier this summer, Aaron posted an interesting feature on Asian music, a frequently overlooked source for some hidden pop gems. But for anyone who's hungry for some fresh sounds, there's no greater treasure trove of amazing pop music than the continent of Africa.

When one thinks of Africa, it's unfortunate that the first associations that come to mind are often famine, civil strife and abject poverty. However, the many regions of Africa are home to rich musical traditions. In addition to their homegrown musical styles, 20th Century African musicians played a pivotal role in the development of Western pop, creating a rich cross-pollination with musical styles ranging from the Blues to Psychedelic Rock to Funk. From the Proto-Blues Gnawa music of Northern Africa, to Funk and Disco-laden rock of 1970's Nigeria, to the jazzy Mbalax of Senegal, African pop offers us an unmatched depth and breadth of choices for even the most casual listener.

Over the last few years, I've stumbled upon some hidden gems that have ignited an obsessive search into the annals of African pop. I've unearthed a few of my favorites here - it's by no means a comprehensive listing, but any music fan will surely want to give these albums a listen. Click below for Gadling's top African pop music picks and make sure to leave us some of your own favorites in the comments.

Continue reading Uncovering the history of African pop music

Uncovering the history of African pop music originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>african musicAfricanMusicali farka toureAliFarkaToureamado mariamAmadoMariamamadou mariamAmadouMariambamakoblueschrissy zebby temboChrissyZebbyTembofnifunklagosnigeria 70Nigeria70psychedelic rockPsychedelicRockWed, 26 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying through Lagos, Nigeria? Don't be the first one off the plane.]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/08/flying-through-lagos-nigeria-dont-be-the-first-one-off-the-pl/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/08/flying-through-lagos-nigeria-dont-be-the-first-one-off-the-pl/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/08/flying-through-lagos-nigeria-dont-be-the-first-one-off-the-pl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

That's the advice Gadling pal Chris Blattman recently linked to, in a hilarious story of forged boarding passes, overcrowded planes, and stranded passengers in Lagos, Nigeria.

The story goes like this, via the blog Siphoning off a Few Thoughts: "[A man] got on a flight in Lagos to find it completely full...plus one. One person was standing in the aisle with no seat. The flight attendants went through and checked that everyone had a boarding pass, which they did. (Apparently someone had a forged pass; welcome to Lagos.) The staff then made an announcement that everyone was going to de-plane and that they were going to check everyone's boarding pass carefully.

"As soon as the first person stepped off the plane, the staff slammed and locked the airplane door, despite the person's cries and banging on the door. Problem solved."

Ha! I love that when it doesn't happen to me.

Flying through Lagos, Nigeria? Don't be the first one off the plane. originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Donating blood: Your travel history says yes or no]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/02/17/donating-blood-your-travel-history-says-yes-or-no/http://www.gadling.com/2008/02/17/donating-blood-your-travel-history-says-yes-or-no/http://www.gadling.com/2008/02/17/donating-blood-your-travel-history-says-yes-or-no/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When I went to the library yesterday morning I wasn't planning on donating blood, but there was a sweet older American Red Cross volunteer with lovely white hair that looks like spun sugar. She was so happy thinking that I had come to sign up when I walked towards her. I was actually on my way to meet with my writing group, but I didn't want to disappoint her and promised I'd donate before I left. "Oh, you came back," she said after I re-appeared to sign up on her sign-up sheet when my meeting was over.

Call me co-dependent, but there I was in the blood donation room running through the list of questions about my whereabouts to see if I could give blood or not. Sadly, I haven't donated blood since I was in the Peace Corps. First, I couldn't. After living in a country with malaria you're supposed to wait for a few years. Now the wait is three years. Back when I was in the Peace Corps, I think it was longer. I kept trotting back to Africa each time my donation window appeared. With Mali, Senegal and The Gambia in my distant past, those weren't a concern yesterday. Nigeria was a red flag.

Anyone who has lived in Nigeria since 1977 can't donate blood. I have traveled there, but since it was only for 6 weeks I was given the all clear. (The other countries that have similar restrictions are: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Niger.) There is a form of HIV called Type O in these countries that blood screening can't detect, thus the restriction.

Also on the list of concern are European countries. If you've been in European countries of a cumulative time of 5 months since January 1, 1980, you also can't donate blood. There are more restrictions if you've lived or traveled in the United Kingdom. The restrictions are due to Mad Cow disease.

Looking at all the restrictions, it doesn't take much for world travelers to get bumped off acceptable donor status. As more people travel, I wonder how much this will have an impact on blood supply? I'm glad I was able to add my pint since Asia, where I've lived and traveled the most, has an all clear. (See eligibility guidelines to see if you can donate.)

Donating blood: Your travel history says yes or no originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Red CrossAmericanRedCrossdonating bloodDonatingBloodmad cow diseaseMadCowDiseasemaleriaSun, 17 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Golf Love: In Afghanistan and More]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/15/golf-love-in-afghanistan-and-more/http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/15/golf-love-in-afghanistan-and-more/http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/15/golf-love-in-afghanistan-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Thai writer Pira Sudham wrote a short story once about a farmer who lost his rice farm to a golf course developer because he didn't understand the terms of the contract. I can't remember which book the story is in, but for anyone interested in understanding the lives of Thai farmers, Pira Sudham is an excellent place to start. Monsoon Country is the novel that marked his literary success. After reading Sudham's story, one of my students at the time, a 10th grader at the Singapore American School, said that he would never look at golf courses in the same way. When a guy I once worked with said that he loves golf courses in Asia because they have the best views, I almost choked and kept myself from shouting out, "Haven't you ever read Pira Sudham?"

However, there is one golf course in Asia that I just read about in a New York Times article by Kirk Semple, that I so want to succeed. In Kabul, Afghanistan, one man started the Kabul Golf Course three years ago in anticipation of its success. The golf course business has not gone as well as he had hoped for, but he refuses to hang up his clubs for good. The course is a symbol to him that things will get better in his country. The description of the currently grassless golf course reminded me of a golf course I went to in Jos, Nigeria with a banker that I stayed with as part of a Rotary Club exchange program. Instead of the greens, it had the browns. I don't think my friend who likes golf courses would have liked the view from that one all that much. Personally, I was happy to see that water wasn't being wasted turning the brown to green. In Afghanistan though, a little green wouldn't hurt.

Golf Love: In Afghanistan and More originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golf coursesGolfCoursesJos, NigeriaJos,NigeriaPira SudhamPiraSudhampolitics and tourismPoliticsAndTourismThe New York TimesTheNewYorkTimesMon, 15 Oct 2007 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA["Man Bites Dog": Dining on Dog Meat in Nigeria]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/03/07/man-bites-dog-dining-on-dog-meat-in-nigeria/http://www.gadling.com/2007/03/07/man-bites-dog-dining-on-dog-meat-in-nigeria/http://www.gadling.com/2007/03/07/man-bites-dog-dining-on-dog-meat-in-nigeria/#commentsFiled under: , ,

dining on dog meatAccording to Nigerian "chef" Bassey Umoh, eating dog meat can improve your sex life. Other common beliefs concerning canine cuisine include:

  • It offers special protection against withcraft.
  • It prevents poison from killing a person.
  • It can cure malaria.

As a result of so much (mis-)information circling throughout Abuja, dogs are now becoming scarce in the capital city. In fact, many of Abuja's dog owners complain that their dogs have gone missing, suspicious that they're winding up in local dishes, like big dog pepper soup pot, which sells for roughly 80¢/plate.

Personally, I'd never dream of eating dog, as I would only be able to imagine the face of my own dear, sweet pup staring back at me. Further, I assume most Western travelers would have a reaction much like mine. For some Nigerians, however, eating dog meat is a question of culture. According to one man, "I hear they eat frogs in certain parts of the world. But I tell you, no matter how you cook or dress a frog, I can never eat it." Well...okay.

According to this bizarre but informative piece on the BBC, dog meat is so ingrained in Abuja's culture, that a substantial amount of slang slang has developed to support it, including the disarmingly amusing:

Continue reading "Man Bites Dog": Dining on Dog Meat in Nigeria

"Man Bites Dog": Dining on Dog Meat in Nigeria originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abujadognigeriaWed, 07 Mar 2007 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega, as in the Biggest Ever, African Adventure Trip]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/02/28/mega-as-in-the-biggest-ever-african-adventure-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2007/02/28/mega-as-in-the-biggest-ever-african-adventure-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2007/02/28/mega-as-in-the-biggest-ever-african-adventure-trip/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Suppose you have time-lots of it. Let's say you have 44 weeks. Perhaps you'd like to go overland from Morocco to South Africa by way of Egypt. Here's a travel adventure that will take you through 10 game parks, various cultural and historical landmarks, and enough thrills like rafting and tandem sky diving that you'll have stories to tell for years. Countries not typical as tourist hot spots are included in the mix. Angola, for example, has only allowed tourists in since 2004.

In Angola you'll see Portuguese influenced architecture and gorgeous beaches besides the 3rd largest statue of Jesus in the world. The other countries in this multi-stop, pack-in-variety approach are: Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DRCongo Zaire, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

The highlights of this tour calledTrans Africa. Europe--CapeTown-Nairobi-Istanbul read like a cross between an outdoor wilderness experience, a cultural bonanza and a journey through an African history book. Read the itinerary and you might find yourself chomping to take this trip on. I sure am. R&R opportunities and the chance to luxuriate are built in. Africa Travel Center also offers shorter version African adventures where only parts of this trip are included.

* photo taken in Benguela, Angola by zokete.

Mega, as in the Biggest Ever, African Adventure Trip originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelAfrican Travel centerAfricanTravelCenterlong tripsLongTripsWed, 28 Feb 2007 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Word for the Travel Wise (01/04/07)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/01/04/word-for-the-travel-wise-01-04-07/http://www.gadling.com/2007/01/04/word-for-the-travel-wise-01-04-07/http://www.gadling.com/2007/01/04/word-for-the-travel-wise-01-04-07/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nigeria FlagDon't ask me why I picked this word today. I just did. Maybe someone out there will want to woo a pretty Nigerian woman with a broken English and Yoruba poem or just shout it out loud as the only word they know. However, the last reason really should not be the case as I've provided a good handful of words to get you started if traveling in the country and looking to speak some of the native tongues.

Today's word is a Yoruba word used in Nigeria:

yemoja - goddess of the river

English is the official language of Nigeria, which means any traveler should be able to converse and navigate their way from Lagos to Jigawa with ease. (Unless you don't speak English.) The country's three main languages include: Yoruba, Ibo (Igbo), and Hausa. Each of the three main languages are named after the people they belong to and carry several dialects within themselves. Motherland Nigeria has an incredible intro to the three languages, Nigerian slang and even a few examples of common Pidgin English spoken. Some audio samples are available as well.

Past Nigerian / Yoruba / Igbo words: ikun, feran, kedu, odabo, gabdun, jo, joko, ewa

Word for the Travel Wise (01/04/07) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foreign languageForeignLanguagelanguagenigerian languagesNigerianLanguagesyorubaThu, 04 Jan 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Word for the Travel Wise (12/23/06)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2006/12/23/word-for-the-travel-wise-12-23-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/12/23/word-for-the-travel-wise-12-23-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/12/23/word-for-the-travel-wise-12-23-06/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nigeria FlagAs the last few days of Christmas creep up on me and everyone else celebrating I'll be getting in as much quality time with the family as possible and to do so I'll have to be short here, but not so short where I can't provide you with your nightly dose of foreign language. So without further delay...

Today's word is a Yoruba word used in Nigeria:

ewa - beauty

English is the official language of Nigeria, which means any traveler should be able to converse and navigate their way from Lagos to Jigawa with ease. (Unless you don't speak English.) The country's three main languages include: Yoruba, Ibo (Igbo), and Hausa. Each of the three main languages are named after the people they belong to and carry several dialects within themselves. Motherland Nigeria has an incredible intro to the three languages, Nigerian slang and even a few examples of common Pidgin English spoken. Some audio samples are available as well.

Past Nigerian / Yoruba / Igbo words: ikun, feran, kedu, odabo, gabdun, jo, joko

Word for the Travel Wise (12/23/06) originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foreign languageForeignLanguagelanguageyorubaSat, 23 Dec 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[George Packer on Lagos]]>http://www.gadling.com/2006/11/30/george-packer-on-lagos/http://www.gadling.com/2006/11/30/george-packer-on-lagos/http://www.gadling.com/2006/11/30/george-packer-on-lagos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Once again I feel I have to screech to the heavens and beg for an answer why the best magazine in the world has such a lousy Web presence. As Mike Meyere s might say: this one is crraaap! Don't David Remnick and Company get the Internet? Or are they playing some kind of teasing game with us, playfully holding back so we drool and gnash out teeth and finally PAY to get some kind of decent New Yorker Web site. Or worst of all, are they like Larry King? Oblivious to the internet and its possibilities to help them spread the word...nay, their obligation to do so...and by "Word, I mean that literally, since no one on the planet is better with the word than the New Yorker.

Well, whatever their reason (another possibility: being part of mega-magazine behemoth Conde Nast, for whom the online world is a cannibal in sheep's clothing?), whatever the reason, I am sad because I read an article by George Packer in last week's issue (or was it the one before? Holiday season, ya know. Hard to keep up) and it can't be found online. George Packer writes on Lagos, the sprawling, hellish, bizarre, nauseating, but ultimately charming-in-its-own-sick-way MEGAcity in Nigeria. The article is one of the looong typical New Yorker pieces, but ultimately a delight to read. It's far to complicated to go into much here, so try to get your hands on it. And if you happen to drum up the courage to go, well, by all means tell us about it.

George Packer on Lagos originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 30 Nov 2006 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 30 Nov 2006 08:25:00 EST