a life of contrasts

I stay in a very simple apartment, no water, no generator, no luxuries. We live next to a market and a variety of corner shops, the ground is covered in huge piles of trash. Goats, sheep, and chicken run on the streets, children play football barefoot everywhere. Women carry water buckets on their head through the neighbourhood.

The other day, a friend took us out in his brand new car. Air-conditioned, impressive sound system, leather interiors. We went to a place called "Clubhouse", had Shisha, fancy drinks, were seated next to a pool. His friends joined us, and later we all went to a club called "Play", where we had more fancy drinks and a great time.

I wake up in the morning and the first thing I do is getting water from outside to take a shower. I hope that the power might turn on, so I can blow-dry my hair or iron something to wear to work. I have breakfast sitting on the floor, because there's no such thing as a dining table. When I leave the house to get to work I have a few words with the neighbours on how the weather looks like and that fruits are so expensive during Ramadan.

Yesterday, I visited my colleagues in Maitama, to watch a debate on German TV. They have satellite TV. They also have a pool right outside, air-conditioning, a fully well-equipped kitchen, marble floor in the living room, and 24hrs. electricity, not to mention the security guard, who opens the gate only for invited guests. We ate lasagne and had German liquor while watching.

On my way back to my place the taxi driver bought roasted peanuts on the street from a guy selling them from a plastic bucket he was carrying on his head for maybe 200 Naira. Next to him, another guy was holding two whole chicken to sell.

It's a life of contrasts.