August 7th 2007
Thinking about the difference of wages versus the prices of things here. Why are some things expensive and other things not. It doesn't add up. How can minimum wage be only 7500N a month (1000N = 7.50$US), and some working almost everyday, early morning till evening dark. When is the time for family? How do they buy food? With the wage so low and food so high? I can't see it.

It explains part of the problem behind the corruption in the cities. Low wages in part explains the experience the inappropriate selling, overcharging, keeping your change, making a phony buck here and there, phony surcharges on items, robbery, riots, etc. There are some who will start a riot and make unrest, for the sake of looting. And how isnt the government supporting this unrest, when it does not make changes to the minimum wage, etc. It is a multi-faceted problem.

In Jos, I see many places with "this land is not for sale" written on the walls of the compound, or walls of houses etc. I ask my friends why do people write that on their house? Do they get hassled about selling their place? No its to avoid 419 they say. 419 means fraud. A phony real estate agent will sell the property to someone while they are away, and the people come home to someone else in their house - this happens alot apparently. There are many houses with warnings written outside about "419" and "this house is not for sale"...

Walking Across the Streets in Jos
Walking across the streets in Jos is like playing the real version of the old arcade game, Frogger, and I'm the frog. In Canada, if you step out a little, the cars may even stop for you, and they will definitely slow down if you are on the road, here, no way. Don't even try. And just when you think its safe to cross a bike might come zipping past you. Much patience is needed, and a whole lot of courage.

Rainy Season
I have come to Nigeria in the rainy season, which runs from the end of June to September abouts. You will notice the GREEN in my pictures. It would not be this way had I come in the dry season. Rainy season also means water, water for a bath now and then. I may have experienced it otherwise had I come in the dry season. My friends here say the trees will lose their leaves in the dry season, the vegetation will wilt and go yellow, yet it will be colder in temperature, and there will not be as much choice in the foods available in the markets. They say each season has its beauty, the wet and the dry season. They find it strange how we experience four seasons, while they have only one or the other.

Cat Fish & Chickens
I have noticed how several people raise catfish and chickens in their homes; for the purpose of eating, but also for an additional income. How would you feel about turning that second bedroom of yours into a chicken coop?