A journey of a thousand miles begins with a simgle step. So they said but if I had known how this journey would have played out, I would have simply avoided it entirely.
So it being almost a year since I came home from school due to different activities clashing thereby keeping me in school preventing me from going home. So when the opportunity came for me to travel, I didn't think twice before leaving.
We left the house 20 mins to 11. Having been the last 2 to complete the 14 seater bus, we didn't spend much time at the bus stop before moving. The driver was really fast covering 2 states (Osun and Oyo) in a space of 3 hours or less. If everything workout accordingly without much pit stops, based on google map prediction, we would get to Lagos by 5pm.
We started to meet-up with little hold up as we entered Ogun State and it became worst when we got to Redemption Camp (RCCG). At this point, the vehicle was at a stand still and moves every 3 mins or so. Being uncomfortable, I decided to go stretch my legs leaving my friend inside to watch our belongings. When I saw there was no way the vehicle could leave us without us noticing, I decided to go drag her out. We talked, took few snaps and made short videos as I realized that 30 mins passed and this vehicle hasn't made a big move yet that was when we decide to pack up and get to the peak of the traffic and.
Yeah we decided to trek from Redemption camp to Lagos. Why? because Google map said it was not far. As we went on for hours, we knew we were lied to by Google but we couldn't stop since we haven't gotten to free road yet. As we walked, we kind of inspired others to come down and follow the surest way because staying in the vehicle was just a waste of time.
I won't lie, I was only able to do this because of my friend. She set aside the fact that she's pretty and all and started marching. She walked vigorously and I was glad she understood the situation and what we had to do. Getting to Mountain of Fire Camp ground, she requested to have a change of cloths reason being that she wasn't free enough with what she was wearing. I also changed to a sleeveless top and we started again after resting a bit.
A little after the Prayer City, we discovered that the traffic was caused by tankers that's were making U-turns and after that point, the road was so free. We waited for any vehicle going towards Oshodi and when we saw one, leave it to Nigerians to take advantage of the situation they actually called #1000 per person. We couldn't enter since I wasn't with enough cash and the conductor won't wait for me to withdraw. Our next option was to get to Berger. We started stopping bikes to Berger. Meanwhile, while trekking, we were stopping bikes. Some said #2000 some higher since we were 2 but it was annoying to see that Nigerians aren't compassionate. After waiting for long, we finally saw a bike that would carry us for #500. With excitement, we entered. With so much stress and all, I decided to order a ride the fare was #2500 but what the hell, I didn't care due to the fatigue and the lady was already down. Getting to Oshodi, after she dropped, I then asked the driver to take me to Akoka Bariga. Guys, on hearing the price for that trip, the strength came back rushing full force. What was the price you ask?? The man boldly and confidently said #4000 without shame. I didn't know when I said "don't worry I will enter bus".
I entered bus #200 and when I got down, I took bike to my house another #200 total of #400 change of #3600. can you imagine. On getting home I had a cold shower (that was after mum had scolded me for coming in late), ate (food was already waiting for me), tried to blog this but slept off.
So guys there you have it. I learnt some things from the journey such as;
- Never trust Google Maps 100%.
- Always eat before travelling.
- Leave the house on time especially when coming to Lagos (Center of Traffic).
- Also have money set aside because at some time, I had to call a friend to help out because my money was locked up somewhere.
As we walked I couldn't stop but think of a man with his little kids and had to stay in that traffic
This has definitely left a scare on ne and I think I have learnt my lessons. Still feeling the pains on my leg till now. Till layer guy, keep in buzzing.