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The Nigerian Field Society |
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Kuje - Abuja May 11th - 13th, 2007
Dear NFS members, this is just to share with you another genuine and pleasant NFS trip. The participants were Annemarie and Robert Paynter, Esther Böckelmann and her children Louis and Franziska, the Fillacier family composed by Silicia, Jean Hugh and their daughters Zoë and Nikita and the Stern Maradan family led by Muriel and Patrick with their kids Yannick and Leanne. We all were under the gentle guidance of Matthias Wolandt. After reading the trip’s description some must have been wondering what Matthias really meant when he wrote « It’s basic but neat and cozy. There are mosquito nets at the windows. For your shower you’ll use a bucket. »
On Friday we meet at 2:30pm at the airport but (no wonder) we waited an additional 3 hours at the airport to finally depart for Abuja sometime around 6:30 pm. In Abuja we then met Roland Klaus, from Julius Berger, who waited for us for long hours but he didn’t complain much because like he said « I just ran out of newspapers 10 minutes ago. » We then got around 9pm to HOPE EDEN Farm where we had a warm welcome dinner served by Shiekar and Annegret. The kids could even experience how to bake their own « Stockbrot ». The next morning we started as planned by visiting the Guara Falls where we eventually had a great refreshing swim. On our way to the falls we passed Zuma Rock and were given some « geological » explanations on the origins and formation of the inselbergs. Roland then invited the group for lunch at the Horse & Country Club in Abuja. From there we continued by visiting the city of Abuja. Roland shared with us detailed information and plans on the development and construction of the city and FCT. Although the development of the city is going on, with phase I almost completed, phase II progressing well and phase III already started, not everything is developed according to the original masterplan. We even had the chance to visit one of the new wings of the Congress were the Senators and Parliament Representatives will have their offices. Before leaving to the farm we queued up for an ice cream in one of Abuja‘s best Super Market. Back at Hope Eden we enjoyed another tasty dinner.
On Sunday morning after a cup of coffee or tea, we started by visiting the farm. Shiekar explained the challenges and difficulties of farming in Nigeria. But they are still expanding and growing as the new chicken house, which is still under construction proved us. By the way all the buildings are constructed by themselves as they produced their own bricks. And they even have plans to build a school and a clinic. We also got to know how yam his planted and harvested and other of the vegetables they are producing. After a great breakfast for all of us we left the farm to Bamaishi village, 5km away from the farm, were we started our walk across the hilly countryside. Despite the burning sun and the high temperature we enjoyed the surroundings and the landscape. Once at the farm we gathered for a last lunch and then relaxed and got ready for departure. For sure it was a great trip and weekend for all of us, particularly for the kids who enjoyed the animals, specially the puppies and also the « bucket-showers ». We take this opportunity to thank our hosts Annegret and Shiekar for welcoming us. Also thanks to Roland and Julius Berger for providing transportation. Roland’s city tour and information was much appreciated. And finally a big thanks to Matthias for organizing and coordinating the whole trip. Thank you all and see you soon.
Muriel, Patrick, Yannick and Leanne STERN MARADAN
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Lagos Branch
