Held hostage in Nigeria (by a volcano in Iceland)

Like many travelers this week, we have been stranded in a far away place by an erupting vulcano in Iceland. All the flights to Europe from Nigeria have been canceled. Along with my colleagues we have sought shelter in a hotel near the airport in Lagos.

I wouldn't say that we are desperate. We have had a problem of cash. You see, Nigeria is very much a cash oriented country. You can't pay with your credit card ANYWHERE. Not even in the fancy hotels. Thankfully, our agent here has been able to lend us some cash.

We have sought solace on the beach with our coconut cocktails. The latest news is that we will be on the Thursday flight. We might be able to catch a flight sooner to France or Spain and take a train or bus to the Netherlands. It's simply a waiting game. More details once there is more to tell.

To see a tragic photodocumentary of our time. Download the powerpoint presentation here.

Recruitment presentations

On Wednesday we had our second round of presentations. We met with 15 students that had come to the Federal Palace Hotel. While some of the students were interested in the Environmental Science and Information Technology programs, several students also asked about our International Business studies department. In general it was a very busy day. In the photo above you see my colleagues Ans and Ndibuisi preparing the reception area with pamphlets on all our different courses.

Yesterday, we finally had a day off. Of course this was the only day that was completely overcast. Oh well, we just went to the market and bought a few small trinkets (masks, drums, etc.).

Today we had a round of meetings with the University of Lagos. We met with the department head of the International Relations department on getting to a memorandum of understanding between our respective universities. Afterwards, we talked to the head of Information Technology department and toured the campus. In the picture on the right, you see Ans, Innocent, Indibuisi, the head of the international department and myself after our talks.

Bar Beach Barbeque

After scouting for locations on Sunday we had some time to relax. Our friend and guide Ndibuisi informed us of a nice place on the Lagos Beach called Bar Beach. There we could relax and have barbeque fish.

The Bar Beach was really busy and a lot different than Scheveningen Beach in the Hague. I understand why many westerners are put off by it but it really was nice, the people were friendly and everyone was really relaxed. There were lots of tourists from out of town, since it was Easter. There were horses that you could ride or have your picture taken with (pictured above).

By far the best part for me was the food! We ordered two barbeque fish and it truly was delicious. It was basically two snappers grilled on a barbeque with a really nice spicy glaze. You can see my colleague Ans in the picture on the right "kissing" one of the fishes.

You eat it with your fingers, like all Nigerian food, but they give you two bowls of water. One with soap and one without soap. The only problem though of course is that the water is tap water. Nigerian tap water isn't known for its cleanliness. So only clean your hands when you are done.

Touchdown in Lagos, Nigeria

Our group has touched down in Nigeria. It is a city that has to be seen to be believed. There are many challenges and opportunities here for an environmental scientist.

We are here on a campagne to recruit students to come and study at Avans University of Applied Science. We don't want to change Nigeria. We want to change a few Nigerians that will come back and change Nigeria. I hope that we will be successful.

We've rented a reception room at a local Hotel called The Federal Palace. We will be giving presentations on Saturday the 10th and Wednesday the 14th. Presentations will be given at 10.00 and 13.00 on both days. If you are in the area, come and join!

We've made a radio jingle and put it on a popular radio station called Cool FM. If you'ld like to hear it, download it here.

In the picture on the right is the African voice of Avans Univerity of Applied Sciences. She's the one everyone is pointing too.