One month pre-departure

Hi everyone, this is the first post on Hello Abuja. 

We are three people - one Swiss, one Canadian, one little Swiss/Canadian. And we are about to embark on a 2-year adventure to Abuja, Nigeria. We thought we would use this time to document our experiences abroad; for strangers, for friends, and for ourselves (because memory isn't always 100% there.) 

The idea is that this won't be a travel blog per se, but more of a place to talk through our reactions and reflections on a continent that neither of us has really traveled to, let alone lived in before. Blogs about culture clashes, historical issues, current events/politics, rumors on the street, and maybe some practical tips for other people who decide to venture over to this part of the world. 

What should we talk about in our first post?

Well, how about the experience getting ready? 

First, you go to the travel medicine doctor's office where you get presented with a long litany of the different diseases that can kill you and the miraculous wonders of science called Vaccines and Medicines that will help to protect you against them. You then get a lot of shots (the little one actually enjoyed this because she got prizes and ice cream afterwards). Then begins the hoarding of mosquito repellent and sunscreen, the buying of permethrin-impregnated bednets and plug-in mosquito scent diffusers, the shopping spree for lovely light long-sleeved, long-legged dresses and pants. The buying of a year's worth or two of European consumer goods because hey, you get a shipping container and you better take advantage of it, last time you can get big stuff from this part of the world for 2 years. The box full of pesto and pasta and baby wipes. 

The finding a preschool, talking to people from there to understand what it's like, interviewing future house staff (!!), buying a car, passports, visas, departure forms, insurance, work formalities - it's a wonder people move anywhere at all. 

We are also planning goodbye parties, the Little One's birthday party, staying in touch with friends. 

All while trying to keep a normal working day, with a family, oh yeah and I'm trying to sell a house on a different continent at the same time. During a pandemic! 

Will we live until we get there? Time will tell!