I've only ever been in a "Danfo" twice in my life.. well in Lagos obviously. I've been on plenty of buses, and all experiences have been quite awkward. Even in airport transporters I'm awkward, because I don't speak unless I'm spoken to. I'm not a very social person, so being in one of the most social cities in Nigeria made me shrink more than ever. Both experiences I've had were with my aunt. I love going to the market so much, so when my aunt was going to the market to get meat for her birthday party I volunteered to accompany her. We took an okada to the market and trekked the rest of the way. After getting the things she needed we had to catch a bus to a place nearby, but not too close to walk to, where okada men were posted waiting for passengers. Did I mention that I had to run across two busy roads and hop a road divider? Yes. Anyhow, once on the bus my aunt and I were separated... this being one of my first few times in Lagos, and also the first time getting on a bus in Lagos, I got scared. My aunt knew that (she knows me well), so she just told me "It's okay. I'm right behind you." The whole ride I wasn't worried about missing a stop, or the lady next to me having her load settled on my body. I was worried that my aunt would somehow leave me, lol, even though I knew she would never do such a thing. When it was about time to get off she whispered in my ear "We'll get off at the next stop.", we got to the next stop and we both hopped out. All I could think about was how every person I looked at began staring at me, and how much I wanted to get back home!
I'm not a look-you-in-the-eye type of person when out in public, but in Lagos you could really up your practice for staring contests. Lagosians are welcoming people, but boy do they stare. I love it. Every time we enter the city traffic going home from the airport I involuntarily take part in maybe 5 staring contests. Whether it's people selling market in the middle of go slow, people
driving struggling beside you, or okada rider & passenger, you are sure to catch someone's eye.
*Quick Story: Two years ago, while on the side of the road my aunt joked around and said she would sell my brother to the mechanic, and make good money off of him because of his light complexion. lol He tried to laugh/brush it off, but I could tell that he was a little worried. haha After she said that an okada man and his passenger were coming down the road and as they passed their eyes were locked on my brother from beginning to end.
Anyways, being in a Danfo isn't exactly fun for me, or anybody I don't think. You get cramped 4 or 5 to a seat, and people's loads are settling onto your body, but what can one do? Trekking in the hot sun is not always bearable, especially for long distances. For me, I prefer okadas to the bus (even though the risk is 10x), but I feel free on an okada. The wind just dey do me somehow, and I love how the scenery flashes by. What can I say?
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