Tag Archives: Nigeria

5 things you must know if travelling to Lagos for the first time.

Going to any part of Nigeria can be bitter sweet. Although I was born in Nigeria, my family and I left for the UK when I was about 5 years old. So when I returned after approximately 15 years, I was crazy nervous, worried, excited, happy… all kinds of emotions.

I decided to put this blog together because of the young lady I met on my flight. She reminded me of me 10 years back. She was returning to Nigeria from the states because she just felt she needed to be home. This would be her first time ever traveling to Nigeria.

I really admired her courage and based on the conversations we had, I thought others would find this useful too.

Here are my 5 things you need to know of when travelling to lagos for the first time.

-Forget what you heard. LAGOS can be very enjoyable. Be sure to take advantage of the fresh local foods and ready made Nigeria fashion pieces . The nightlife in Lagos is just as good as anywhere else, from local joints to lounges, rooftop bars and clubs. There is truely something for everyone. You can actually decide that you never want to cook again and you will be just fine.

– Nigerians are know of over packing and carrying too much luggage. The airlines are aware of this and they can be super strict with luggage allowance; especially during peak periods. Make sure you weigh your luggage at home before getting to the airport. There is nothing worse than having to start re-packing at the airport.

– The truth is that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poor at here. As things are with the current govement people are Struggling. People really do appreciate anything you can get them from wherever you are coming from. However, in some cases giving people the cash can go an even longer way. Plus it reduces the chances that you will carry excess luggage.

– When you get to any airport in Nigeria you will see lots of workers wanting to help you out. This is great if you have the money to pay them. Nothing is Free in Nigeria. You even have to pay for the trolley which you use at the airport ( the worse part is that you dont get your money back once you return the trolley 211๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿคจ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‘๐Ÿ˜. Be sure to travel with a little cash which you can change at the airport. I always forget to do this and it can be a little stressful trying to manage my luggages without a trolley. I was so thrilled when I got of the Virgin Atlantic flight and they gave me a trolley voucher for free. Such life savers.

– Finally, nothing is what it seems in Nigeria. Get ready to haggle and put your hustlers hat on, in order not to be ripped off. The locals here will definately try to treat you like a ‘Johnny just come’. Be safe and Have fun.

This list could go on. But will end this post here. Feel free to add your views or any nuggets you have for other travels below.

Thanks for stopping by.

See you soon.

Travel Diaries – Cropped Kimono

Final night so I thought I would go out with a bang….. a cropped kimono top.

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I had planned to wear the above with that gorgeous bag but I could hardly fit anything into the bag so I decided to change it for my Louis !

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Until the next post โœŒ โœŒ โœŒ & โคย  โค โค

Top – Asos
Jeans – New look
Sandals – Miss Selfridge
Bag – Louis Vuitton

Connect with me @ijaykheavens

Travel Diaries – Hard Rock Cafe -Lagos

So just the other evening I had the pleasure of experiencing the brand new Hard Rock Cafe in Lagos.
Omg! Can I just say the ambience was amazing. People milling around, friendly staff and music in the background.
I almost felt as if I had been transported out of Lagos to a different city.ย 

I liked the fact that there was a good mix of people at this location ( lots of Expatriates). It was full but not too busy, so great for meeting people and networking ( if people on Lagos stop being so stush).

We sat upstairs and had a great view of the stage and the downstairs area.
Plenty of staff and we were seated relatively quickly.

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Unfortunately the service was a little slow but the cocktails made up for it. I ordered the electric blue and it was superb.
The pricing of then cocktails ranged from 2300 naira to 4500 naira.ย 
Personally, I thought it was a bit pricey for Nigeria but what do I know.๐Ÿ˜

I ordered the prawn fajitas. It’s arrived late and the guacamole was off. ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ

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We were captivated my the deserts as the staff served the neighbouring table so we ordered our bundle of calories.

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This picture does not do this desert any justice. It was HUGE.
Perfect for sharing.

To finish things off we had some onstage entertainment.

Overall, a lovely evening. Lovely vibes, interesting catchups and great company.
Would I got again…. YES

See you soon.โœŒโœŒโœŒ&โคโคโค

Travel Diaries- Stripped shirt dress๐Ÿ‘€๐Ÿ‘€

Hey guys… so the truth is that Lagos life is not for everyone.ย  I do miss the breeze and fresh air from Abiriba.
Lunch / hangout with the girls. Yes they looked but my holiday mood had been fully activated … plus I will be gone soon โœŒ.

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Shirt dress -New Look (Tall)
Sandals -Reiss
Hand bag -Halston Heritage

Till the next post . โœŒโœŒโœŒโœŒ&โคโคโคโค

Travel Diaries -Worst kept secret in Ikeja ๐Ÿ†– ‘B Natural spa’

Since I have been out in Nigeria the hammertan has made the whole environment dry and very dusty. No doubt this has taken its toll on my feet.

A friend recommend a spa called ‘B Natural’ at Isaac John street in Ikeja. Sincerely I had no expectations because I have been stung by some real cow boys out here ( I learnt to ‘shine my eyes ‘ ๐Ÿ‘€๐Ÿ‘€ the hard way) .
Anyway….. cut a long story short. I had a pedicure at this spa and they exceeded ALL expectations.ย 

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Back in the UK very few salons or spa locations include a leg massage when you book for a pedicure.

The treatment cost me just 4000 naira which is the equivalent of less than ยฃ15.
I am still in shock at the great service I received.
I was suprised to see that the pedicurist was a man. However, I soon put these thoughts to the back of my mind because he was full of muscles and very good with his hand. ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ’†๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜‰
*check video on my instagram *
The location was clean and cool. The staff were polite and complimentary. My feet look great and feel baby soft. Mehnnn !!! what more could I ask for.

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If you are ever in the location be sure to check out B Natural.

See you soon.

๐Ÿ’‹ ๐Ÿ’‹

Shoes for sandals -Travel Diaries

It’s taken over 12 hrs to get to my destination Abiriba in Nigeria.ย This is a small village in Abia State and am proud to say that this is where am from!
Home is differently where the heart is. Feels so good to be amongst old family and friends. I have met up with people who I have not seen for years and the catch up has been real to say the least.

Follow my travel diaries over the next few days. The Internet situation is real but bare with me as I try to keep a daily log of outfits and activities.

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I barely touched down in this town and they dragged me out already.

Topย  – New Look
Jeans – New Look (Tall)
Sandals – Dorothy perkins
Hand bag – Halston Heritage

See you soon
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