An old Comdisco colleague of mine called me one day and asked me if we do international work. I said “sure”. He then asked if we’d be interested in doing something in Africa. I said, “Sure, but Africa is a big place. Can you narrow it down a little bit.” I was hoping South Africa or Egypt or something beautiful and safe. No… it was Nigeria. I left Chicago on a Friday evening; landed in London Saturday morning; met up with my colleague and continued on and landed in Lagos, Nigeria Saturday night; had an all-day meeting Sunday; had a presentation Monday morning; then got back on a plane Monday night and reversed the whole trip. I can safely say that I was never fearful for my safety, but it definitely opened my eyes to a totally different culture. I wasn’t too excited about returning someday (if we got the job), but I’m glad I made the trip. We ended up getting the job, but the Secretary of the Treasury who was sponsoring it was indicted, so it turns out we never started the project and I never returned to Nigeria.

2013—Nigeria

My stop in London

The Four Points by Sheraton in Lagos was beautiful, both outside and in my room

The view from my room (above) and elevator lobby (left) at the Four Points

Some of the scenery was familiar (left), but some of it was very unique (below)