Khalid sure looks happy.
Wanderlust, wanderlust.
Hey people, “better an oops than a what if” has been my everyday reminder since about a week ago. Never stop until you’re proud they say; I won’t and I hope you also don’t.
As time goes by, I am getting to love my life more, appreciate people more and not hesitating to say NO when I need to.
I’ve refused to be fitted in a box, I’m ready to go back and start from the scratch, I’m unafraid of unlearning and dropping people I don’t need. The only thing I’m particular about is my inner peace and I’ll get rid of anyone who tries to get in the middle of that. Ooooh, you should do that too.
I’m so glad to finally have something published in this section of the blog. Travel and photography is my favorite but the expenses in both fields aren’t some chewing gum change if you aren’t a rich kid aka ajebutter…
Some months ago before I mistakenly murdered my blog, I visited the USAMA DAM in Abuja and my experice was beyond great. It was a case of me reaching out to someone I only knew online and trusting us to make something good out of our meeting.
Because adventure is what I live for and might probably die on, i’d love to share with you how I have fun. This, is what makes me happy.
Who on planet earth goes out for pictures and forgets her memory card? Your girl, meedah!
The day started a little bit rough and I honestly could not have thought it’ll be a bomb. I had hastily left the house to meet with my friend Khalid of dr_Khalid.com , popularly known as Abuja wakahorlic for the days quest and ended up forgetting my memory card.
Do check out Khalid and thank me later. He’s the best phonographer I’ve met so far.
Trust me, I felt far away from good but moments made up for it. I had to harrass khalid to use his memory card instead. I mean, its all fun for both of us in the end.
The adventure started for as little as taking a few poses in the canoe. Yes, I had been on water before but not like this.
A canoe and no life jacket with a 13year old paddling Ibrahim?? It’s actually scarier than it sounds. We spent about 30 minutes on the first side of the dam taking pictures and it felt really good but it just wasn’t enough. We were at a place that seemed like an extension and we had to go to see the real deal.
Seeing the real deal meant crossing this huge dam to the other side of the island or to leave the entire ushafa village where we came in from.
Leaving the entire village would take a lot of time and of course, less adventurous. Hence, crossing from the island it is.
Not as easy as the voice in your head makes it seem, it was a choice of paddling with a 13 year old boy on a canoe without a life jacket or have him take us half way and hike.
We had to trust the young and confident canoeist and it was worth it.
Ibrahim got style!
Wanderlust ; wanderlust, we picked the two in one. Paddle half way and hike it is.
I was really scared at first but Khalid helped me calm my nerves by making videos for the gram. I could remember asking people to pray for us if don’t we don’t make it out alive but alas, we got half way and what was left was to hike.
Hiking about to start!
It was really fun but I couldn’t stop thinking about the odds. Family and friends would say I finally died on adventure. Naaah, I gats blow first because then, I’d be a legend.
A couple of minutes and we were on a really huge rock. I was so scared that I had to take off my kicks to avoid slipping away from the rock.
I thought about falling off, smashing my skull on the rock and my body remains scattered in the dam. At this point, I was almost crying and I kept praying to the Almighty to save my dear life. I was having fun but there was a probability of falling and dying mahn.. *Falling and dying!*
I had imaginary heels on:)
Very important to say is that I was sore in some parts of my body for days. Every step I took hurt so bad, but who send me message ?
After what seemed like a few trial and error, we found our way down and at this stage, I was really tired. I didn’t have breakfast and I had cramps. You must think I have a death wish but AH-DUN-KIA ….
I made up for the stress by posing at every cool spot I found. I actually felt like I was ( in the ) abroad.
We still had a long walk ahead of us as you can see and I just wanted my mommy. I wanted to shout ” EPP ME PLIX” but instead, I harassed Khalid again and made us race. Bite me!
Here’s where I tell you to enjoy the little goodies of life. Traveling is a sure way to have fun and learn new things…
What I took away from my little adventure?
• Research into wherever you’re going so that you don’t meet surprises you might not be able to handle.
• Wear comfortable clothing: You can’t gamble with this one. I know for sure my kaftan saved my life. Got that gem from Xaxxoo and I could live in it all day.
• Your shoes really determine where you get to: You don’t want to waste your opportunity at having a good time because you were careless with your shoes.
•Eat before you set out : I played myself on this one and hated me for it. Thank God I didn’t break down.
•Interact with locals: Better than the internet; they give you a more updated review about where you are going, help with directions and even advice you on things you should or shouldn’t be found doing.
•Lastly, have your camera or phone charged: We live for the memories. Should anything go wrong? Only your phone would help you reach people. Go live on social media or phone someone.
I hope you find these tips helpful on your next trip.
Here to find my travel buddies. Perhaps we could go somewhere together, because this was an adventure worth all the sore in my body.
Let’s talk in the comment section about your adventure and what it was like. What aspect of my story can you relate to? I’m freaking curious.
Are you new here and you’d like to catch up? Here is something for you.
Soaked In Love
❤❤❤
Meedah!
10 comments
Spent 6 years of my life at usman Dan and currently still live close to it and I have never seen the beauty of this space like this. I think it’s high time I start exploring my city more. Great pictures from Khalid, he is so good at this. Ajala the traveller!!!! Money is coming! The asiyami gold life is noting to compare to the travel life you will soon be enjoying In sha Allah.
Haaa Leemah, I already told you how much you’re missing my friend. Perhaps we could visit there together again when I’m around, its a really beautiful place. I can’t wait for the money to start rolling in; that only means more travel for me. Thank you so much baby girl.
I had a super time with you Meedah.. we should do this again but don’t forget your memory card next time.. Lol!
Omg! I’m never forgetting my card and we are definitely doing something together again. Thank you for taking your time out to explore with me; this our life will leas us to good places. Thank you so much Khalid.
Amazing pictures. Love how detailed you are. Now you making me feel blogging about my travel trip to osun state.
When a photography guru says amazing pictures *yaaay* I’m dancing. You should totally write about it, don’t deny us this enjoyment. Thank you Zainab, my best website designer❤
Exploring is life. I remember thinking I was going to die to from an adventure to oowu waterfalls. I screamed for help because I was too scared to move my own legs, meanwhile, the more the noise, the faster the rate of downpour of which I was under. Anyway, i can imagine what fun comes from learning about new places, people, culture, the fulfilling memories, peace, tranquil, and a carefree heart! Cheers to greater heights in shaa Allah. Make do of your own travel tips and never forget to eat before setting out! 😊😊.
Lmao, I’m never missing that tip again. I read about your trip too and the sight of the waterfall is just amazeballs; let’s just say its on my list now. So much fulfilment comes from visiting new places; that alone is enough for me to travel all my life . Thank you Sakeenah
Hello Meedah. Thank you for sharing this experience, can’t wait to visit Usama Dam. Could you please give some directions in how to locate there? Some landmarks to look out for on the way there? Thank you.
You’re welcome Seun. Do check your mail for my feedback. Thanks for reaching out.