Christmas on the beach

Tarkwa Bay is a 15min boat ride from Victoria Island (or VI as it's known locally). Lined with palm trees the pale sands dip into the lapping Atlantic. Sticks of bamboo hold shades of patterned cloth over blue deck-chairs. From these deck-chairs we didn't have to budge an inch. Drinks and fruit platters were served to us as we sat. Even suya delivery could be arranged from one of the numerous cooking shacks behind us. A craft market appeared at our feet as traders displayed their wares; "Madam, you wan' buy? I give you fair price, what price you want? I need to get to Kano tomorrow. Oooh that's very bad price, you no get anything for that price madam. Give me better price...." and so on. It was very stressful.

The sea was a perfect temperature, but bobbing around brought certain risks with it. From numerous bits of plastic bag wrapping around our legs, causing squeamish squeals and shudders, GIGANTIC containerships on their way in and out of Lagos, sending giant waves crashing onto the beach, and from trying to avoid pesky kids who wanted to play ball everytime we went in the water!

We were often joined by the children of our landlord, Francis, aged 7, and his sister Patricia/Gladys, aged 10. Apparently her mother called her Patricia, but her father thought it a rubbish name so he calls her Gladys. Gladys attached herself to me like a limpet. After seeing me float belly up she excitedly told her friends that "this one go sleep in water like she go fit dead!" I tried to teach her but she kept sinking. So we stuck to piggyback rides and swimming practice.

On Xmas eveing we had a secret santa and feasted on pringles, cake and vodka. We even had champagne, warm and mixed with fruit juice, and drunk from the cut-off bottoms of plastic bottles. It was very festive, especially with tinsel and my flashing santa hat. Even the bats wanted to join in so they flew into our candle-lit 'parlour' and squeaked and flapped around our cowering heads. A few games of cards late into the night made for a jolly jolly evening!

Bottoms up!