George Nicholson at the OXO Gallery

George a dear friend, fine photographer and chairman of the Borough Market Trustees talks at the private view for his new exhibit at the OXO gallery.

Emmanuel and Henrietta

The third member of our merry band is Emmanuel. He too has a theatrics and drama background at ABU. He is handling a lot of the background research.

Henrietta and Nelson

Nelson, known to his friends as Mandela, has joined our team. He has a degree in geology and mining, he digs the idea of joining our project. He was a teacher of maths at the school in Karu where story story is recorded.

That's not cricket

Well i wasn't stumped for something to do on sunday. An invitation to play cricket at the Abuja national stadium proved to be a most enjoyable outing. A lengthy stint batting in the middle earned me the man of the match accolade. In truth i think it should have gone to the American recently converted to cricket who bowled magnificently.

Tasteful breakfast buffet display

This tasteful display carved out of one hundred percent genuine polystyrene greets guests in the spacious Rockview restaurant. The dolphin carries a tin of tuna in its mouth (beak?). Dolphin free presumably.

Millennium stadium relocated

In a bold reverse scam the british government has succeeded in selling off the great white elephant, the millennium dome, to Abuja.

Fabulous Vanessa

One of the many joys of coming to Nigeria is Chi Chi's adorable daughter Vanessa. When I last visited she was toothless, now she sports a gorgeous set of gnashers.

Money Money Money

Changing currency is an interesting experience in Nigeria.

Most money is not exchanged at the banks or hotels, unless you are desperate, but through money men who can be found either under trees or in small rooms in the various shop arcades around town.

The drivers here have generally sussed out the best rates in town.

From Rockview to Rockridge

What a curious coincidence. My former roommate and dear friend Jim Pire (the Dude) emailed this picture to me today of an event that took place at least 12 years ago in the house we shared in the Berkeley, California hills (Rockridge district).

The man with the tongs is Chris, one of my dearest friends in the world and former business partner and co-founder of the publishing company we founded in America: Compass American Guides (now wholly owned by Random House). Nest to him is his lovely wife Ben.

We ate many lobsters and dungeness crabs in that kitchen and share some great memories.

Breakfast Day 2 Rockview Hotel

Another large buffet at the Rockview. Beef stew is still on the menu. Actually, I fear it was yesterdays. A variety of other foods are on offer from yams to french toast. The centrepiece however is this rather large crustacean.

It is a gastronomic journey I am enjoying here as well.

It's not all about food

My first evening and we are off to my favourite eatery in Abuja, the outdoor Fish Bar. Here large freshwater Crocker Fish are barbecued over red hot coals. The fish are heavily spiced with hot chillies and other condiments and served whole with chips. The fish are about two feet long and one digs in with one's fingers and a Gulder beer or two on the side.

The fish has a lovely white fleshy texture and is truly delicious.

Producing the goods

I have been assigned a producer to help me on the legacy publications project. Henrietta is one of the many success stories to come out of the BBC WST work here. A graduate who responded to a BBC WST talent search, she was taken on as a trainee just over a year ago and now works as a producer on Story Story series 9.

Why am I here in Nigeria?

I am out in Abuja helping the country director for the BBC World Service Trust Nigeria (Jaldeep Katwala - pictured here) develop some legacy publications to support their immensely successful and popular radio soap opera: Story Story.

This is proving to be not just a fascinating journey for me into an entirely unknown world - West Africa - but an inspiration as well.

The work that the BBC World Service Trust is accomplishing out here in HIV awareness building, and other good works is staggering. Lives are being changed and quality of life improved. It is proving to be a joy working with a wonderful group of people. All under the steady hand of Jaldeep here in Abuja and Karen Merkel back in London HQ.

NASCAR

Driving around Abuja is not unlike taking part in a NASCAR race, or as I have now dubbed it the Nigerian Automobile Stock Car Association Race.


Regrettably it does all end in tears as the next picture shows, two minutes down the road.

Breakfast at the Rockview Hotel

My first day in Nigeria starts with an elaborate buffet breakfast. Including this appetising "beef stew". Unfortunately the lack of sleep, need to rush and the effects of the anti-malarial medicine has left me with a decided loss of appetite.

Armed Guard

Arriving into Abuja at 4:30 in the morning is quite an experience. I am greeted in the morning dark by Ibrahim, my assigned driver, from the BBC and his trusty side kick with side arms. Apparently whilst a machine gun is often weapon of choice a handgun is handier in the confines of a car.

Flight BA 083 to Abuja

Well ready for take off. Only six hours which means no sleep of any consequence.

However, I do have the whole row to myself and will at least be able to lie down.

Red light congestion

Am off to Nigeria for my BBC gig and at the present rate the trip to the airport will be longer than the flight to Abuja. Nothing but see tail lights stretching out ahead of me.

The good life gets better

Gold fever strikes Eye Books.

Back in the UK

Frankfurt is over and am back in the UK enjoying a pint with renowned book designer Lawrence Morton.