Tough duty

Party season has begun in Lagos! With the rains mostly out of the way and the Harmattan not yet here, people are ready to get out.

First up, friday, was "Sail around the world" at the yacht club. Featuring food and drink from 15 countries at booths set up along the harbor. A coaster bus had been arranged which was quite convenient, leaving from house 88, but not before Soledad and her husband had made sure we all had at least one tequila shot. I think they are from Venzuela.

Leaving the driver to figure out where to park the bus, we headed inside and straight to the Heineken booth. Well, not inside, the festivities were all outside, the boats having been moved away to clear their parking area. American hot dog, washed down with Jack Daniel's and lemonade. Typical american, I guess. The Danish had a better sausage on a roll, and featured a shot of aquavit for those that dared. Anyway, you get the idea, lots of eating and drinking. In the dark, the harbour looked even a bit picturesque or maybe it was the drinks. Dancing was also accomplished, all under the stars with a light breeze to cut the heat.

Saturday, the Marines' Ball. Put on yearly by the U.S. Marine detachment that guards the consulate. This year was the 233th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps. Semper Fi! Another coaster, with a different crowd, to the Civic center. After being welcomed by our ambassador, some speeches and ceremony, we tucked into the buffet, including a really good vegetarian lazania (sic). Then dancing to the sounds of the Ebony band.

I was struck by one song they played, "Rock the boat". You know, "don't tip the boat over". I realized that in 1974 (about 34 years ago) I had heard a different West African band play that same tune. In Ghana, when I was there for Peace corps training. It wasn't all work you know, that little town had a great outdoor bar and dancing place and with nothing else to do in the evenings, under the full moon, I learned to love reggae. Now here I was in 2008, in another West African country, dancing to the same song, although the circumstances were a bit different. This time I was wearing my new tuxedo, enjoying fine food and drink, and protected by a large police contingent.