Sweaty Armpits

TIME TO BARGAIN!!

Lagos is not for the faint-hearted. Nigeria itself is not for the faint-hearted. If you are the type that's not comfortable to come out of your comfort zone, then this place is not for you! What's more going to the ever popular Lekki Market. Yes, today I am going to talk a little bit about one of the famous market here, ladies and gentlemen.

If you want to have a taste of the real Lagos, then you might want to start here, at Lekki Market first. It is not a far ride from where I live at but nowadays it is a pain to get over there eversince the toll started.

Entrace to the toll stations

Lekki Market is always frequented by foreigners and the traders/sellers there love it. When they see us, they see lots of nairas! To them, we are Oyinbo (white person, foreigner, expat etc). If you don't mind all the hassling and loud voices of these sellers, then your trip here will be fully rewarded with fabulous selection of Nigerian beadwork, traditional fabrics, African art & crafts, wood carvings and lots more. Even fresh vegetables and fruits are available but apparently, best to come on Fridays for these. It is advisable not to go to the market during the weekends as the sellers will really mark up their prices and will not budge! The more sloppy looking you are the better. So yesterday, I went here with a few other ladies. I was trying not to dress glamorously but hey! No, I don't look like this going to the market. I wish! *Sigh*

 Ok, so we are set to shop. Time to put our bargaining skills and caps on! Usually, the traders will roughly offer us a third of the asking price. We, the buyer, will try to reduce theprice. This will continue till he or she shakes their head. The trick then is to walk away. Then, if you are called back, try your luck to lower the price again. Somehow, the last-mentioned price is what will be accepted. I know, this sounds like a hassle but believe me, this is the way to do it!

It was a hot, HOT day

Paintings alley





Hello little one :) Cute Nigerian boy

For first time visitors to the market, it is always best to go with a friend who can show you around or just hire one of the local boys to navigate the market and at the same carry your goodies. At the end of your visit, just give them a dash (tip) of N100-N200 (60cents-$1.25).

This is the area where you get your daily supplies of fresh fruits, vegetables and some dry goods. Didn't I tell you they have almost everything here in the market?



Yes, even two Chinese grocery shops here can be found. I get my tofu supplies here :)

Armpits sweaty, make-up all melted, goodies in our hands, we came out of the market tired but smiling! It was a good, hot day at the market!! Dang it was hot! Till next time...