So, as I said. I wish I could have shared all the countries I have been to. And so I did (well one of them). I went to Iceland last year in August for 5 days. And I must say it was the best country I have been to for a long time. Gathered a few clips of video and pictures. I hope you enjoy my short clip of me exploring Iceland.
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Happy New Month Everyone! Today I am going to talk about the importance of visiting or going back home!
I seem to be talking about Africa (well Nigeria) a lot lately, which I believe is not spoken about enough!
More specifically, Nigeria is my motherland and although I was born in Britain and many would say that I am British, I will always be a proud Nigerian. Africa is always overlooked as a travel destination why do you think that is?
If people do visit Africa it is normally countries like Morocco, Tanzania and South Africa. These countries, of course, I’m sure are amazing and whilst I have been to Morocco and the other destinations and are on my bucket list of countries to visit, it still bothers me that Africa is the world’s second-largest continent with 54 diverse countries, estimated to have over 1500 languages; it is still not visited compared to other continents in the world.
The top African countries for me to visit would have to be my motherland – Nigeria. I try to visit Nigeria at least every two years and in the last 6 years have kept to my promise. I think it is very important to go visit home, especially if you can go everywhere else around the world!
I want to visit so many other countries in Africa because it bothers me that people think it’s not a place to visit. I want people to see Africa through my views and see that Africa is a great travel destination to consider, to also dispel the stereotypes and misconceptions that many still believe. Yes, there is poverty in Africa, but there is also poverty in every continent in this world. There are so many great things in Africa, from the mix of modern and traditional, the amazing beauty of nature and the many diverse and inspiring cultures. Don’t miss out on all this greatness.
See you soon
MBVs xx
Also Read: Could Nigeria Be Home Permanently?
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I have sadly decided to stop writing about core political issues and redirect my blog to a lifestyle/travel blog. Sad I know but it has come to my attention that my current personal circumstances do not allow me to continue to write about political issues. Should the opportunity present itself again in future, I shall certainly be back with you on that platform, but for now, let’s enjoy new dimensions together. So my first move (as I’ve been away for a while and itching to write), is to talk about my recent trip to Iceland; and before you go there, not Iceland the shopping market Iceland the country.
As many of you who know me well are aware, I have quite a passion for travelling and in these last few years, I have made it my mission to travel a new country each year! And it seems to be going quite well. I had always wanted to go to Iceland the country – remember, please. Now I know your thinking; it’s not hot and trust me it’s really not.
I believe the UK was hotter while I was shivering in cold weather and that says a lot of Iceland. I don’t want to stay focused on the weather because if I have to say that Iceland was unbelievably magical. It really showed me that there are still countries that haven’t been destroyed by pure capitalism. The views were absolutely breathtaking. See some pictures below;
Well for starters – and I feel I can say this now because I have seen a number of beautiful countries, Iceland (when I was there) had 18 hours of daylight – which was incredibly unusual for me. Yes, at 12.30 it felt like it was 4 pm in the afternoon or even midday. My loss of time consciousness only dawned on me when I felt tired from the many locations we constantly visited.
The country had a spectacular feel to it. A complete natural structure of humbleness in everything. Even their Prime Minister lives in the town with the locals! How amazing is that?! I can’t seem to help myself, I’m always referring to something political. I ate many things that I would possibly never eat again – the first being fermented shark which in my opinion was absolutely vile (you are free to differ). But then, I also tried horse which was somewhat pleasant and oh as for Puffins (a famous bird in Iceland) that was the best! I got to try new things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life; and the things I saw/experienced, no one can ever take away from me!
As I’ve said, Iceland is somewhere I wouldn’t normally go but have always wanted to go to. It opened another way of looking at things and most importantly I was able to cross it off my bucket list (yes I have one of those – we all should). So I would say try somewhere that you would never think you would ever go – stand out and travel.
Do you have a travel bucket list?
Take a moment to think about that… have you ever written down a place you would like to go and found that you have gone there? I have to say I really do enjoy reading posts with peoples dream destinations, bucket lists and travel wish-lists. But do you think it’s important to have a ‘Travel Bucket List’?
There’s been a lot on social media, you know, about how a certain female travel blogger has recently completed all 196 countries in ‘record-breaking’ time. Read the full article here – World at her feet Female traveller, 27, visits all 196 countries in record time… but it cost £170,000
However, sometimes you need to feel a country, breath the same air as the local people and understand the culture. I mean there is no strict timeline on how long you should spend in a country, nevertheless what is the point if you can’t talk about the feel of the country?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past few months it’s that for every country you visit and for every person you speak to; you want to visit more places. I think I want to travel to at least one country in every continent around the world and it looks like I will hopefully do it. It has become a competition in my head. Can I tick off ‘X’ amount of countries by my 30th birthday? I most certainly will.
I’ve lived in Singapore, visited Australia, Cambodia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States and Vietnam. I would say 24 Countries before I’m 26 is pretty damn good. But then I take a step back and have a moment of thought. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do LOVE TRAVELLING, seeing the world and all! However, travelling isn’t just about jetting into a country, spending a few hours there and then jetting out, just so you can tick it off a list. I have been a victim of this, I’m SORRY! Travelling has now changed for me… I want to eat good food, see pretty sites, and do things I will never forget. Oh and stay somewhere nice. That is always a PLUS.
There are so many places I would like to revisit, you know look at the land with a fresh pair of eyes, the older version of myself. I would love to go back to Singapore; I seriously fell in love with the food, the culture, the people and the landscape, not to mention the sunshine. I say that sat in the snow right now!
I lived there it was my home it became my place of refuge. Whilst, living out there, there were so many things I didn’t do and see and what a ridiculous concept that we would consider not going back to see more because it would perhaps compromise my chances of not adding another number to my running tally. I have this concept when I visit the US – everyone knows that every state is like a new country, but it still is the same country, so although I can’t add a new country to my bucket list. I can most certainly say I have seen a few places around the world.
I do have a bucket list and with a full time job, I have honoured myself 1 big country and 1 European country a year far so good, then everyone around me knows how much I love travelling so always invites me along and I end up going to about 5 countries a year. Well next month I will be going to Coachella so I am praying that my bank balance will stretch me to 5 countries this year, but if it doesn’t, I will make sure you know about the festival!
Nigeria is a country estimated of around 167 million people. English being it’s official main language with other languages, Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa. Its main religious beliefs are Christianity, Islam and indigenous beliefs. It is known to be the most populous country in Africa. Nigeria is one-third larger than Texas and is situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. The government today is run by a multiparty government which has formally been transitioned from a military to civilian rule.
As I sit in Nigeria I have to say that there is always something incredibly amazing and exciting about going home. Every time I do go back I fall more in love with my parent’s country. My parents are originally from Nigeria and although I was born and raised in England, I still consider Nigeria a country that I can call home.
For me going home has become very personal to me, it goes as far as growing up in a very predominately white neighbourhood where as a young child I knew nothing to very little about either of my parent’s cultures (my mother being Igbo and my father being Yoruba). However, as I have got older I have wanted to gain more knowledge and insight on my parents culture so when I did start going to Nigeria I began to really appreciate the country and gain real excitement about learning something new, culturally or historically.
In the last year, I have encountered a growing number of young people who are considering, or have now gone back to Nigeria to start a new life, and with the lack of opportunities that young people appear to be facing in the UK, the Motherland does seem less far reaching than it has done previously.
Me In Nigeria-wearing Delta Igbo traditional clothing.
Since I lived in Singapore as a student I have always had interest in moving abroad and starting a new life where there is opportunities for me to take so when my friend sent me this video ‘Nigeria: the “repats” who have returned. It got me questioning myself on whether I myself would move to Nigeria.
Indeed there seems to be a fresh era of people who want to challenge the stereotypical views of Nigeria which, have been portrayed by the media and for some of us our parents.
But believe me when I say more and more young people are now seeing Africa in a new light and want to challenge the perception of the country by starting industries, building land and improving Nigeria’s country infrastructure and growing economy.
Someone like me that studied International Politics at Kings College London, being able to go back to Nigeria and get into the political industry has been seen to be a struggle amongst my family and peers. Nigeria is perceived to be a country that suffers from huge political corruptions. However, there appears to be a new government… The new President Muhammadu Buhari has shown his quest to kill the high levels of corruption that lies heavily in this country (others may disagree).
So would I personally move to Nigeria?
For me I know that it would be exciting I have had past friends and family that have or are currently doing NYC who had said that the locals had said that for us “repats” coming to Nigeria was an adventure. Whilst this stereotype may be true there is a keen interest for “repats” to promote a new image of Nigeria as an upwardly mobile population who have masses of opportunities.
The more the year goes by, I am seeing more migrants return back to Nigeria not only just to visit families and friends, but also to launch business and to start new lives. It is becoming more and more acceptable to see Nigeria as the land where the economy is vastly growing, which inevitably is eradicating the portrayal ‘poverty porn’ image and negative stories of Nigeria.
If I was going to move to Nigeria I would need to convince my Farther first and I think I have a long way getting around that, but it is definitely something that I would never rule out of my life.
I personally would like to think that moving anywhere was an adventure, but at the same time I think that moving to Nigeria is a huge decision that could provide huge benefits for anyone that is willing to grab it with both hands. Even if you do not move at least go home to visit.
I don’t know guys … Maybe it is time to go home.
Remember: It’s ok if life knocks you down, it’s just not ok if you stay down!
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