Ife

So after the drama of getting fuel the night before, we were off to Ife in Ogun state. (2 states out of Lagos). Juyins dad is from the town of Ife and it is formally known as Ile Ife "home of Ife" and it is said ILL A...EEE FAY. (I am learning a lot on how to pronounce words properly here!) So we headed out at around 10:30-11 on Sunday morning and headed to Ife. The drive was fine and we went through Ibadan (which is not a very pretty town and very old and rusty and red) and experienced highway driving in Nigeria...which means you can go from 120 km/h to 10 km/h due to large potholes in the road that must be avoided or gone over slowly. But since everyone is used to it, it doesn't seem to be a problem with traffic at least. 

We arrived in Ife to Juyins fathers place. It is like a second home since he comes to Ife often. He runs a catfish farm and breeds catfish to sell, as catfish is a common food that is eaten in Nigeria in these parts. The trip was very lovely as we were able to spend a few days there to relax just before Term 3 resumed for Juyin and myself at school. 

In Ife, we had the chance to go around and learn a lot of the history and see where Juyin's grandfather and great grandfather lived and grew up. In Ife there is also a King....know as the ONI. We were able to go to the palace and learn a little history of the past kings and other historical legends and stories. Juyins father is a Soko of Ife...

meaning he is a chief of Ife and he is recognized everywhere and is constantly dashing people money as it is part of the culture to "tip" people just for being them if you are a chief. 

It was really just a lovely time and after a few days, we were off again to Lagos. We hope to go back to Ife soon to see the harvest of the catfish in a few weeks. Until then, its city life for me!