Any updates on Ally Cat's travel plans?

[jennielynn1970]

I'm hoping she's in this area....




From the guy who took some pics...
Being there on business meant I would have a all expence paid trip to a country few tourist would ever dream of going to. (I would not dare to go as a tourist...) Upon Arrival in Lagos airport we get our first experience of what this country is all about. Although the first passport and visa check was easy to pass, that could not be said about the second obstacle: bagage claim... While standing there for two hours, waiting for our suitcases we had two complete powerfailures (everything went dark, even controltowers etc). Finaly we got out of the airport, on to our coach which would bring us to Eko. We were escorted by two police cars with heavily armed men inside. On our way to our hotel we saw the usual: burned out cars, travel accidents, endless missery as we passed miles of slums only the middle class locals were able to live in.

Eko Hotel, one of only two advisable although not recommendable hotels in this city. (The other one, the Sheraton, being closer to the airport and not so nicely located near a beach.) Eko has all things you would expect from a good hotel, but has lots of African flavours too. (like the bladdering paint on the walls, and the coca cola colored drinking water running from the tabs)


Gotta say, this does not make me want to visit Lagos anytime soon!!

[emily_the_spoiled]

Over the years I have known a few people who spent some time in Nigeria (they worked in O&G). Usually there is a company compound (like Julie has) and they very seldom go outside the gates without security. Unfortunately it is not a safe place for people, especially if you are perceived to have money or access to money.

I also sent Julie and email yesterday but I haven't heard anything back from her yet. If I do, I will make sure to keep everyone posted.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Gotta say, this does not make me want to visit Lagos anytime soon!!

WHY are they there??

Who do they work for - what do they DO there?

Certainly wish them the Best - and a Rapid change of station!


/s/ Phred

[emily_the_spoiled]

Well I can answer some of Phred's questions ...

WHY are they there??
They are in Lagos because Julie's husband, Warren, was transferred there last year.

Who do they work for - what do they DO there?
I am not sure who her husband works for, but I do know that he works with the Oil and Gas companies to design and implement computer systems. In the past he worked for SUN systems, so it is obviously the big systems he works on.

[jennielynn1970]

They were also given notice a few weeks ago that the company was shutting down in that country. Very last minute. They pulled all their employees out and were leaving Warren there to wrap up the loose ends, and they are supposed to be out of there by the end of the month. What is happening now, I have no idea. They were guaranteed one way tickets to either South Africa or back to Bahrain. Not sure what their decision will be, because I think they were looking into going elsewhere. I know they want to go to Australia in the long run, but don't know if they will get there now or not.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Warren works with the Oil and Gas companies to design and implement computer systems.

Maybe it's time to trade in the frontier and move back to civilization!
They have 'puters in civilized countries, now.

Austrailia sonds pretty nice to me!


/s/ Phred

[emily_the_spoiled]

I also suggested Canada (I am a little partial ). But both Canada and Australia will take time to get the visa's in order, so I think they will stay in the Middle East for a little while longer.

[jennielynn1970]

That and I know they need to find the funding to move to either place.

[jenluckenbach]

I got an email from Julie. Poor girl, doesn't know if she is coming or going. How sad.

She asks for an opinion:

It looks like they will end up at the house in Bahrain that is stille theirs for a few months yet, just until a new job can be secured for hubby. They need to be out of the place in Lagos by April 30th.

The problem is, WHERE will they end up living? Will Ally (and Connor) be able to come with them? Will it be cat-friendly? And if it is Australia or New Zealand then the 6 month "rabies" quarrentine would be required.

She asks, should I send Ally off to Jennie, then when the family is settled both cats can ship off together to be reunited with their family? This would work better IF they need quarentine, as that can be accomplished here (like when Sweet Annie went to England). If she kept Ally with her, and they moved to NZ, Ally would have to spend the quarrentine alone in a cattery.

And all this worry on top of WHERE to live? Where will the next pay check come from? Where will he son be able to finish his last year in school?

Please send many thoughts and prayers to Julie's family. They are going to need it.