Ali C - good luck

Gareth · Post by **Gareth** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:35 am

Uldis wrote: They were cool, and we got on really well, so much that after a few hours he offered me his sister. I graciously declined, but he kept on insistingâ€¦. anyway, thatâ€™s another story.

You gave in didn't you Uldis...dirty fecker.

My old boy was recently kidnapped in Nigeria...managed to escape with others. A bit of a action man story but apparently true.

Airport does seem the tricky bit as the airport staff will want something off you. Don't carry much cash or it will be gone.

jason · Post by **jason** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:33 pm

Didn't realise it was Nigeria you were going to, Ali.

I spent some time working offshore there in '98/'99. Travelled through Lagos airport (quite an experience - expecially when you have to go and point out you bag on the apron beneath the 747

). We had armed Navy escort guards everywhere we went.

Port Harcourt was where we were working out of - Shell compond was a total guilt-trip when you'd seen life 'outside' the gates, and saw some sights I'd like to forget

- but the worst bit was when one of our survey vessels was borded and the captain kidnapped at gun-point. I got a phonecall from one of our navigators on the boarded boat explaining what was happening - I'll never forget the fear in his voice. We saw the captain being taken away in a flotilla of ribs. Fortunately 2 weeks of negotiations secured his safe release.

Can't condone the violence obviously, but you can sympathise with the locals' feelings... one messed up country. Was a relief to later be in Angola!

Gareth · Post by **Gareth** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:19 pm

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,, ... 77,00.html

Mandy · Post by **Mandy** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:45 pm

When are you going Ali?

Will Nicola be going with you?

Take Care

Post by ed » Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:56 pm

scarey stuff.

as above, take care!

alicrozier · Post by **alicrozier** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 7:11 am

Again this is all in the Delta, I'll be in Lagos which is much safer...

Nicola and I are down there for a visit in a couple of weeks, choose accomodation etc. but I'll be down there full time myself in the new year.
Back around every 6 weeks to our sites in the UK and Norway so will get some time in Aberdeen (tag on some holidays) and Nicola will come down in between times - so long as I can find an apartment with pool and gym.

Uldis · Post by **Uldis** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 11:13 am

That's a Hotel then.

The preferred option by many (plenty of people around as well)

thinfourth · Post by **thinfourth** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 4:47 pm

Lets get things in the proper scale here

Who have you left the exige too?

alicrozier · Post by **alicrozier** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 2:48 pm

Well we made it back in one piece and to be honest I can't see what all the fuss was about. Security not really an issue if you are sensible and a great expat lifestyle. Once we'd seen the apartment it made Nicola's mind up and she will be moving down full time.

Uldis · Post by **Uldis** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 2:52 pm

Good on you guys!

I'm sure it'll be the experience of a lifetime.

... and for all the scared ones out there:

Gareth · Post by **Gareth** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 3:07 pm

Nice one Ali.
Think I will still give it a miss.
I'm working on plans for a move to Oz or maybe the South of France

~ ~ Cal ~ ~ · Post by **~ ~ Cal ~ ~** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:15 pm

A very informative thread indeed............I work for Shell and have often thought of wandering abroad. Was offered Brunei and only last week was offered a stint in Lagos.......

Uldis - good to see a relatively positive outlook on things out there as people tend to focus on the negative

Cheers
Cal

ngaff1 · Post by **ngaff1** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:06 am

I've been for a stag night in Whitley Bay, that got a bit rough....

rossybee · Post by **rossybee** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:55 am

All the best Ali

Scotty C · Post by **Scotty C** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 11:27 am

Ali

We will have to get together for a run and a night out before you go.

Scotty