Living on the Island or Mainland- Which is Better? | The Lagos Series, Week 7
For many people who are in the working class, there is usually a need to consider either living on the Island or mainland of Lagos. A lot of people are crazy about staying on the Island and I do not blame them; everyone wants to stay in the high brow areas. We want that response of admiration you get when you tell someone you stay in Victoria Island as against when you tell someone you live in somewhere like Ajegunle. Right? Lol. Living on the Island is cool, really, and has several benefits. For instance, the place looks beautiful (the fine places o) and I hear that security there is really tight.
The Island consists of areas including Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ajah while the mainland consists of just about every place that is not on the Island. Lagos mainland comprises well over 70% of Lagos.
Having lived on the mainland for a larger part of my life and also having lived on the Island for a very short while, I would readily take living on the mainland over the Island. One, I think I am just really resistant to change and I don’t like moving to new environments even if it’s just for a few weeks. Asides that, here are some reasons why I prefer living on the mainland to living on the Island.
- Cost of Living
Well, if you are really really wealthy and can afford to keep spending money, you could move to the Island. But for me, I am not a fan of living in a place where I have to spend double or more than I would on the mainland, from the food to the houses and lands and other items. Life on the Island is just too expensive (for me, that is) and when I see a number of my people who just manage to pull through all along with debts incurred from staying on the Island, I am grateful I have settled down with staying where I am. I do not think it wise for anyone to live where they can’t readily afford. What’s the essence of incurring debts because you want to look rich? Tah.
- Flooding wahala
I decided to visit a friend of mine who stays on the Island one time when I was on a two-week leave from work. The plan was to stay there for a few days before travelling out of Lagos to see my family in Delta state. It turned out to be a very big mistake. The night before I was to travel, it rained cats and dogs and you know Island na– everywhere became flooded. So flooded that I couldn’t even drive out or my car would be badly damaged. Even to walk sef was almost impossible as the water was like a large pool. To make matters worse, the lights had to go off to avoid electrocution problems. I kept blaming myself because I was about to move the next day when it happened.
Photo-credit: https://www.channelstv.com/2017/07/08/lagosians-lament-as-flood-hits-lekki-victoria-island/
- Traffic is everywhere
I don’t know if it’s just me but I think I prefer mainland’s traffic to Island’s traffic coupled with the fact that Island is far. I know that mainland’s traffic can be really crazy too but then I know I’m close to my house whenever I’m on the Island, no matter how far I could be away from home. What I’m saying is that there’s traffic in both places so I’d settle for that of the mainland. Lol
Photo-credit: ThePointNG
Living on the Island or Mainland?
It might be a different ball game for you and my rules are not hard-and-fast. There are a lot of factors that would require you staying on the Island. For instance, if your job is on/close to the Island, it only makes sense to stay close by. If I was working on the Island, I most likely would have found a way to move there since. If you are also someone who likes your peace of mind intact, the Island could be a better option. I mean, it is not very likely that you will find random bus conductors and drivers breaking bottles on their heads. There are also beautiful houses on Lagos Island, but there are a whole lot of them on the mainland too so… Different strokes for different folks, yeah?
So where do you prefer to stay more if you live in Lagos? Island or Mainland.
Written by Ese Oghene, a practising lawyer and ghostwriter.
Haven’t read previous episodes of The Lagos Series yet? Catch up here: The Lagos Series
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The Lagos Series is a project which aims at sharing an enlightening, entertaining and inspiring narrative of Lagos in both written and visual media.
Have a story to share?
Join the Facebook community here: The Lagos Series Community
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How To Live Long In Lagos | The Lagos Series, Week 5
As a Lagosian, one of the things you might be interested in knowing is how to live long in Lagos. Oh, you didn’t know? There are a thousand ways to die in Lagos, just like in every other metropolitan city in the world. But not to worry, we have compiled a list of all the things you need to know about how to live long in Lagos. Yes, we love you and we care about your life. *wide grin*
P.S: This list has been compiled from responses to a poll on our Facebook community a few weeks ago. Although the poll was centred around what everyone needs to know when living in Lagos or coming to Lagos for the first time, we have developed on them, giving due credit to original responders.
Catch Up On: Lagos Yoruba Demons | The Lagos Series, Week 1
1. Understand that nobody knows anywhere in Lagos
Lagosians can relate. You find yourself in a location you’re not familiar with and you decide to ask for directions? No, bruh, don’t do it! One guy would ask you to walk down and turn around and when you do, another Mama would tell you that you came the wrong way and ask you to return the way you came. Then someone else would tell you something else till you eventually get tired and die. Okay, just kidding. But if you are not careful, too much walk can kill someone in this Lagos. So, how to ensure Lagosians don’t kill you when you’re visiting anywhere for the first time?
Always get adequate directions before going to any new place- Durosomo Manuel Olanrewaju
It is not always advisable to ask for directions from some Lagosians- Oyindamola Grace Osinnubi
Photo-credit: tenor.com
2. Remember that only God can be trusted
Yes, you heard that, right? When we hear pathetic stories relating to one person or the other in Lagos, we are reminded that you really can’t trust anybody. As you walk on that road, as you board that bike, as you board that bus, keep it at the back of your mind that you owe it to yourself to be extremely on alert. You don’t want to die before your time o, so shine your eyes. Sometimes people look suspicious, other times, they don’t. Whatever or whenever sha-
Suspect everyone. Every one.- Oluseyi Abisoye Mafolabomi
Photo-credit: activememe.com
Did You Miss This? What Lagos Means | The Lagos Series, Week 2
3. Know that the tush ones are in anywhere but Lagos
If you have stayed in Lagos long enough, you should know that you have to know when to switch from “Queen’s English Mode” to “Iyalaya E Mode”. Yes, that’s one secret to living long in this Lagos o. If you know you want to be tush, kindly stay outside Lagos (or on the Island sha). As you step out every day, ensure to carry your alter ego along, in case the other is to come in handy. This is Lagos- don’t be tush, don’t be slow. Eh ehn.
Know when to package and know when to scatter…You scatter body to enter bus, you package when you enter finish. You scatter voice to ask for change and you package voice to talk to your bus neighbour. If you mix package and scatter up, you’re on your own. For example, if you package voice to call your bus stop now, my sister, you’re on your way to another bus stop. Amen?- Akindele Oyinlola Dorcas
Keep your accent at home and pick Lagos accent when you land in Lagos- Oluwasanjo Bolaji
GIF credit: GIPHY.com
Ever Being Stranded in Lagos? Read: Being Broke In Lagos | The Lagos Series, Week 3
4. Respect Yourself, Your Future & The Prayers of Your Mother While Dressing Up
Okay. Let us admit. We don’t know exactly how you can do this one but one thing we would ask of you is not to overdress anywhere, especially if you are a guy. Remember the #EndSars campaign that went viral on social media some months ago? It should definitely remind you of how you should be careful about dressing up when you’re going out. We’re not saying you shouldn’t dress up oo, we’re just saying- well, you should know.
Don’t look like a big boy or girl! You will just be attracting trouble ni- Ayomide Ilegbemi
Avoid SARS!- John Jodah Adah
We will stop here today as we will not want to get you scared of ever coming to Lagos if you’re planning to come sometime in the future. Lest we forget, some time ago, Orifunke wrote a post on Four things you should never do in Lagos and we think it might be useful for you.
Enjoyed reading this? We love love love your feedback. Please drop a comment letting us know you were here. Have a contribution to make to the post? Kindly use the comments box!
If you are visiting for the first time, you REALLY NEED TO CATCH UP ON PREVIOUS EPISODES ASAP!!! Luckily for you, we’ve not gone very far yet. Read all previous episodes here: The Lagos Series
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The Lagos Series is a project which aims at sharing an enlightening, entertaining and inspiring narrative of Lagos in both written and visual media.
Have a story to share?
Join the Facebook community here: The Lagos Series Community
Follow us on Instagram: @thelagosseries
Like on Facebook: The Lagos Series
FOR PARTNERSHIP or SPONSORSHIP: [email protected]
How To Pack Light For Travel: A Guide To Minimalist Packing
If you want to go on a trip, then you should learn how to pack light for travel. I do not really like to travel because of my motion sickness but when I do have to, I ensure that I pack as little as possible unless it is extremely unavoidable. There are a couple of reasons why you should ensure to travel light while going on a trip. I like to imagine that there could be an emergency (not necessarily negative) that could come up along the way. Packing light would ensure that you do not have to worry about having too many items of luggage. Two, while travelling, you need to be as comfortable as possible. Travelling heavy might not ensure that for you. Also, travelling with less load reduces your chances of losing stuff, which should be top on your list.
So, in this article, I would be showing you how to pack light for travel so that you can enjoy your next trip without hassles. One thing, though, I know that it might not exactly be easy to pack light especially if you normally pack a lot of stuff while travelling. But I am sure that with time, you will get used to it and find it easier and convenient to pack fewer items.
How To Pack Light For Travel
1. Carry-On Bags or Backpacks Are The Best!
In order to travel light, one of the best tips is to make sure you do not carry a bag that is too big. In fact, carry a smaller bag than you need. A carry-on bag helps you to carry only the things that you actually really need, rather than the things you think you might need. If you are thinking of where to get backpacks in Nigeria, I would recommend the Jansport bag for you. It is just the kind of backpack you will need, not just comfortable but fashionable as well as it includes different compartments for different types of items on your travel list.
2. Pack for Just A Week.
Okay, I know that this might be quite difficult as you might be thinking, “What if I leave out something I need?” But chances are you wouldn’t, especially if you have a packing list. I grew up with a mom who would pack every single thing she fancied before going on a trip. (Loool) but that only left us with so much load and inconvenience to and fro. Packing for a week would help you to streamline everything you want in your backpack. You don’t pack just anything you feel like but what you need to pack. If you are planning to have a trip that would take a couple of months, you can definitely wash and re-wear them along the way. Again, a laptop backpack could come in handy for you.
3. Roll, don’t fold.
Many of us are used to folding our clothes in our bags before going on a journey. I’ve found that, though, that rolling your clothes leaves you with more space in your backpack than folding them. And not just that, rolling also leave less rumples on your clothes while travelling than folding. Remember that you might not have the chance of iron your clothes along the way so it’s best to keep them in a form where the chances of having creases are slim.
How to pack light for travel might be quite tasking but look at the bright side- You travel light, spend less shopping on what you think you might need. And if you’ve secured cheap flights to your destinations, you have your budget and bank account all in check.
So, do you have any guides on how to travel light? Is there any other thing you do asides from the ones I have listed? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it!
By the way, if you’re travelling to New York soon from Lagos, Travelstart offers you cheap flights from Lagos to New York. Good idea, yeah? Go for it!