'Let's See How Far We've Come'

As of today we will have been in Lagos for exactly one month. I told a friend this the other night and she promptly asked me if it had felt like six. Well, yes, in a sense. It's true. But I'm hesitant to agree because that would indicate that we were not enjoying Lagos or that the time was dragging on which isn't the case at all. But if you have ever started a new school, a new job, learned a new language or moved to a new country, then you know how exhausting it is, even under the best of circumstances. Your brain is just on overload.

Every time I leave the house, my to do list is a mile long and I know full well I will make but a small dent in it. There are a multitude of factors that can throw a wrench in your day - sharing a car and driver, traffic, school schedules, having cash and lots of it, power outages, even the heat. I could have a detailed grocery list, a stack of cash, and all the time in the world and there is still no guarantee that the stores will have what I need in stock. 

But while talking to this same friend about my experience over the last few weeks, she seemed amazed at how far along we were in terms of "settling in". I'm not sure I would say that exactly but I'm not surprised to hear it as this is my nature. When faced with change, I tend to move at warp speed. I know there will be set-backs but I don't like to waste time. And in Lagos, time can work for you or against you. 

Also, I'm not sure that "feeling settled" is something that can be measured. People move at different speeds and have different levels of comfort. I met a woman who just moved in and she spent days getting her kitchen in order. My kitchen is tiny and really only designed for cooking and laundry - most likely by someone other than me so I'm not too fussed about it. Another woman I know spends all week food shopping because her family is strictly vegeterian so getting her meals together is her only goal. For me, I feel settled when I can walk out the door and know how and where to find things - anything. Even if someone else is driving the car. So here's where we're at:

1. Survived the flight, the jet lag and putting everyone on anti-malarials 
2. Managed to vacate the hotel after only 10 days compared to the dreaded 3-4 months many of our colleagues were forced into; set-up our temporary flat thanks to the company housing office and an undamaged air shipment
3. Successfully got the kids into their respective classes, complete with school uniforms, the required school supplies, and managed to squeeze K into the last half of the term for Swim and Gymnastics
4. Hired temporary stewardess to help with cleaning, laundry, light cooking, babysitting
5. Can routinely get cash through "money changers" without being taken advantage of
6. Got the wifi hooked up (Apple Airport rocks!) and got my iphone working on the local system (thank you Steve Jobs!)
7. Found the 5-6 boutique shops that import fresh produce, meats, and fish which cost a fortune and are not too appealing at the local stores; staples like rice, canned goods, bottled water, milk and cleaning supplies can be found at the main stores - a bit like a small Woolworths 
8. Spent a day exploring the beach and the lagoons, hanging with friends at a traditional beach hut sans electricity- a blast!
9. Have met and befriended people outside the compound, people with other companies, non-expats, and even found some cool women to run/work out with
10. Joined AWC (American Women's Club) and subsequently got roped into various volunteer activities which I'm sure will keep me busy for Month Number Two.

phew!

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