‘Dayo Hassan

They say travel broadens the mind. In my case, it also stretched my back, tested my patience, and made me realize that Nigeria still has quite a journey ahead in some areas.

Let us start from Lagos. After a not-so-chaotic immigration clearance (which, honestly, is improving), I boarded the flight for a 6-hour stretch to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The flight was fair, nothing like those Nollywood dramas where turbulence makes people confess all their sins, but the in-flight food was a curious experiment. You would think with that altitude, taste buds would take a holiday too. I ordered something that looked like rice and chicken but tasted like it had lost its way en route the kitchen. Thank God for my stubborn Nigerian tongue.

But nothing prepared me for the next stretch, 11 hours from Ethiopia to China. You see, when someone says  “it’s just 11 hours,” don’t be deceived. Eleven hours in the sky feels like eternity plus bonus time. At some point, I slept like a log, dreamed, woke up, checked the monitor… we had only done 4 hours. I closed my eyes again, hoping I had entered another time zone in sleep. I hadn’t.

We finally landed, and China welcomed us with grace and precision. The airport was a marvel of automation. At the port of entry, immigration formalities were reduced to 20% human interaction, thanks to a highly efficient automated system. No multiple uniformed agencies forming inspection queues like we see in Nigeria. No drama. Just smooth, seamless entry with clear signage, even a JJC (Johnny Just Come) like me could follow.

The fun part? I had to ride a train inside the airport to pick up my checked luggage! I giggled like a village boy, seeing an escalator for the first time. The security was thorough, yes, but refreshingly free of harassment. Everything just worked.

Speaking of “we,” five delegates came from Nigeria for this training. We were received by Lilly, a warm, ever-smiling undergraduate intern serving as the training coordinator. She’s young, smart, and deserves her own full article, which she will get in one of my episodes.

Our accommodation was a three-star hotel, but don’t let the stars fool you. It was like a five-star hotel by Nigerian standards. Clean, quiet, and cozy. Sadly, the restaurant had closed by the time we arrived. Hunger was already holding a board meeting in my stomach when, lo and behold, I walked into my room and saw a well-arranged dinner waiting for me.

Here is where I almost wept with gratitude. A friend and brother (‘Tayo Odesanya) who had visited China before told me to carry my own grinded spices. Though, we don’t always agree. I obeyed him on this. Best decision ever! The meal was decent but lacked that Naija oomph. I reached for my spice container, sprinkled it like a sorcerer, and transformed that bland bite into something heavenly. If not for those spices, i might have gone to bed communing with his hungry ancestors.

LESSONS & REFLECTIONS

* System Efficiency Matters. China’s airport made me realize how far behind we still are. Our airports must become less about uniforms and egos and more about technology and efficiency.
* Preparation is everything. From carrying pepper to understanding cultural etiquette, a little preparation saves you big time abroad.
* Hospitality is not always loud. Quiet gestures like dinner waiting in your hotel room speak volumes.
* Young People Are Doing Big Things. Like Lilly, who is already coordinating training programs as an undergraduate. Nigeria, take note.

This trip was a cocktail of excitement, lessons, laughter, and introspection. I will share more, especially about the training itself and, of course, my encounter with other African nationals. Lest i forget, there was this young and brave lady (Jane) we met at the hotel. She was part of the coordinating team. I will also talk about her in one of the edisodes of this travel diary.

Before i end this episode, let me sincerely appreciate Honourable Babajimi Benson for facilitating this impactful trip and training, and extend my heartfelt thanks to Mayor Deen Sanwooala for the unwavering support. My gratitude also goes to the Chinese government for the opportunity and warm hospitality. Together, you have contributed to a life-changing experience that we will always cherish

Lastly, don’t forget your pepper when traveling. You might just spice up your survival.