Caboose

This weekend I joined a large group of other VSOs and employees of various other organisations for a trip to Kabba, Kogi state.

We left work on Friday at lunchtime. The journey takes over three hours, the road from Abuja to Lokoja is known for accidents and the road from Lokoja to Kabba for potholes and armed robbers. Luckily Marebec and I had managed to cadge a lift with Ronan and some others in an air-conditioned LandCruiser, much more comfortable than public transport!

As you travel south from Abuja the landscape gets noticeably greener and just before Lokoja you cross the Niger river:

The purpose of the trip was to visit Fathers Noel and Leo, both missionaries in Kabba. They were having a party to celebrate Leo’s birthday at the centre where they both work. Here’s a picture of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre and another of the house containing the infamous Hillie’s Bar.


Here’s Leo on Saturday night about to cut his cake. Sue and Mary joined him because their birthdays are this week.

There was a fair bit of drinking over the weekend, and the Fathers’ collection of silly hats was brought out.

In this picture you can see the collection of photos and memorabilia that cover the back of the bar. You can also see Noel and a pretty tired-looking Ronan.

During the day on Saturday a few of us went for lunch and a wander around Kabba. At the restaurant we seemed to be fascinating a little boy there, although he wasn’t keen on being in a photo. Also in the picture are Karin, Marebec and Karen.

We also wandered round the market, where both Marebec and I bought some fabric. I’m getting mine made up into two pairs of trousers, I’ll put up some photos once they’re ready.

On Sunday it was time to pack up and head back to Abuja, with a few more people squeezed into the LandCruiser.