Not a Nigerian email scam

Every place has a smell. Santa Barbara has kind of a salty, oceany hint to the air. Pennsylvania had a fresh, green scent of unspoiled nature. Pittsburgh (the city) smelled like cat pee and vinegar. So far, Lagos, Nigeria smells like sweat and motor oil.

Made it safely!

It's so humid here! That's the first thing I noticed when I stepped off the plane last night. It's a solid 90 degrees and it feels like a thunderstorm is imminent. Just standing around leaves you in a hot sweat.

Tour guy was a little late snapping this pic. I'd already moved on

Cool voodoo statue. Check out all the nails!

Today we didn't do any filming, we just got to know the city. We drove around with two Nigerian guys who were extremely energetic. They would whoop and holler as they saw other cabbies they knew, slamming on the gas and brakes and swerving wildly to navigate the sea of Lagos traffic. One thing that I think everyone noticed is how openly religious people are here. Bumper stickers, billboards, even sailing vessels (we passed a ship called the King Jesus) reveal a very public Christian people. Contrasted to the United States, where I feel like many people hold their faith close to their chests for fear of offending someone, this is a fascinating difference.

It's even on their buses #forthepeople

We visited several museums today which were fairly interesting, but the best part was when our tour guides excitedly led us to a famous shrine deep in the city. I was a little unclear what to expect, but it was basically a small alcove dedicated to this singer who had performed at the stage across from the shrine. He was a Nigerian talent, and, our tour guides explained, his mother was the first woman in Nigeria to drive a car. (This is apparently a very noteworthy achievement.) I was a little underwhelmed but they were so happy about this place that I assume it was a very big deal. We met some fairly interesting individuals there, to say the least. We were invited back for a big dance party next Thursday night. 

An interesting sign near the shrine

Here's the shrine. That orange thing is the singer's dad's shirt.

This guys was napping near the shrine. Photo credit to Lasse Illskov

We won't be able to make it, unfortunately. Such is the life of the busy documentarian. Until next time!