"An unforgettable experience!" Lagos by bisous333

Some may say that Lagos is a no go zone, others may say it's the most happening area. The truth is your experience of Lagos will be determined largely by, who you are, who you know and how much money and time you have.

Just as people don't all have the same taste in food, so to do they not have the same taste in holiday destinations. One thing you have to remember is that if you are looking for a typical western holiday destination, you will not find it here. However, if you are an experienced rough guide traveller, who can cope with the roughs and bumps in the road, welcome to Lagos!

You're experience will typical begin the moment you set off for Lagos from your depature airport. If you are flying out of London, especially during holiday season, expect quite long queues at check-in. Nigerians typically travel 'home' for christmas to enjoy the various delights of traditional christmas, which is very much a family affair.

Terminal 3 and Heathrow airport in London, UK, is home to some of the typical long haul flights such as to India, Pakistan etc and this phenomenon can be witnessed among these nationalities too.

As soon as my plabe usually touches down on the tarmac, I feel the rise in temperature. Mostly I have travelled to Nigeria during the UK summer holidays so the temperatures have been from 25 degrees and up. This actually lays host to the rainy season so it's often a lot cooler than December when it is hot and dry! It can be very difficult to breathe for the lack of air moving.

After being jostled through the system of passport control, those who are not used to this may find this experience harrowing, but I experienced much the same in Mumbai, India. If you are travelling on a non Nigerian passport, the queues are usually smaller which goes a little way in easing your wait. You will on exiting the arrivals lounge, see a huge number of welcomers coming to pick up friends and relatives. A good tip would be for yo to wear something conspicuous or perhaps have a bright coloured case, not only for your welcomer to find you easily but also for you to find your case in the first place at baggage retrieval. Allow at least 2 hrs from when your flight is scheduled to land before you expect to set off en route to your hotel or home of friend of relative.

(I hope to upload some pictures very soon)

• Pros:A warm culture explosion, food, people and music!
• Cons:Tourists can be easy targets for crime
• In a nutshell:Can be an enjoyable experience if you have a native guide!