Mstravelindiva:
Side trip/note: As you may know, I’ll be visiting Abuja soon (super excited)!

I just flew to Los Angeles to get my biometrics for my Nigerian Tourist visa. This also required an overnight stay and lodging. The costs to visit Nigeria is expensive as many may already know. I say this for any that are not aware of just how difficult it can be for “tourists” to visit Nigeria, which can be a deterrent. I know Nigeria doesn’t depend on tourism dollars, but it’s shame because I still believe it’s a beautiful country, with beautiful people, and has so much to offer. It would make a great tourist destination and make a huge impact on the economy and the unemployment rate.

It’s a hassle with a capital H to even renew your Nigerian passport abroad, so honestly I actually don’t blame those living in diaspora holding off until they have citizenship and simply applying for a tourist visa (which still requires you to travel to biometric center out of state but faster process) before they can aboard to come back to visit.

At any rate, I had never tried Nigeria cuisine in California before, but I was able to order and have delivered (DoorDash) to my hotel, some tasty pounded yam, egusi soup with cow tail, beef and tripe which pretty good and I wanted to share.

Nigeria is loved by so many, and what a blessing it is to enjoy your beautiful culture worldwide.

Peace and blessings my friends!

Mstravelindiva:
Hey Nairalanders, it’s Ms Travelin Diva and I just returned from San Francisco. I was in the Bay Area for a few days and below are the deets (slang for details) of my trip!

Lodged at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco which is across the street from the ferry building which made it VERY convenient if you’re going to be taking the ferry to any of the neighboring islands.

Day 1:
Took Ferry to Sausalito (Cost is $7.50 pp w/Clipper Card each way)
Enjoyed an amazing cup of vanilla lavender lattes at Firehouse
We toured the Sausalito Fire department, they even allowed the kids to take a ride around the block in the fire engine trucks, very cool!
Enjoyed lunch at Zalta where we had THE BEST sangrias, followed by delish tequila cocktails at “the unknown bar”
Took the ferry back to San Francisco right before sunset, and enjoyed dinner and cocktails at Hog Island Oysters Co, the best oysters hands down in the Bay Area!
Later that night, I enjoyed a late nightcap at Wilson & Wilson detective agency (it’s a speakeasy - secret bar) and the drinks were VERY good and vibe and atmosphere was so lit!

Stay tuned for day 2!

Pic 1 is very from my hotel balcony
Pic 2 view from the ferry boat as we left San Francisco headed to Sausalito
Pic 3 port of San Francisco ferry boat entryway
Pic 4 is view of Sausalito at its port of entry

Mstravelindiva:


I had no issues in my 20’s and younger, but in my 30’s it was wrap on soda for me. I work in healthcare and participated in a demonstration to show “literally” how much sugar is within our drinks, and it changed my life. It’s like liquid diabetes over time!

Mstravelindiva:
Side trip/note: As you may know, I’ll be visiting Abuja soon (super excited)!

I just flew to Los Angeles to get my biometrics for my Nigerian Tourist visa. This also required an overnight stay and lodging. The costs to visit Nigeria is expensive as many may already know. I say this for any that are not aware of just how difficult it can be for “tourists” to visit Nigeria, which can be a deterrent. I know Nigeria doesn’t depend on tourism dollars, but it’s shame because I still believe it’s a beautiful country, with beautiful people, and has so much to offer. It would make a great tourist destination and make a huge impact on the economy and the unemployment rate.

It’s a hassle with a capital H to even renew your Nigerian passport abroad, so honestly I actually don’t blame those living in diaspora holding off until they have citizenship and simply applying for a tourist visa (which still requires you to travel to biometric center out of state but faster process) before they can aboard to come back to visit.

At any rate, I had never tried Nigeria cuisine in California before, but I was able to order and have delivered (DoorDash) to my hotel, some tasty pounded yam, egusi soup with cow tail, beef and tripe which pretty good and I wanted to share.

Nigeria is loved by so many, and what a blessing it is to enjoy your beautiful culture worldwide.

Peace and blessings my friends!

Gerrard59:


One thing I would do or advocate to be done is for Nigeria to issue visa-free status of up to 180 days to citizens of countries with GDP per capita over $30K. I don't see why a poor country should restrict the entry of rich citizens. The economics does not make sense. We apply too much emotion to everything. When rich people move into a place for enjoyment, the last thing they have to face is an onerous process of obtaining entry when there are other places with nothing of such.

Na why South Africa, Seychelles, Kenya, Cape Verde, Namibia, Botswana etc dey benefit a lot from tourism pass us.

Regarding your Abuja trip, I saw your "likes" on those Abuja-centric Instagram pages I recommended few weeks ago.

AlphaTaikun:

How's it going Mstravelindiva? You're back to posting.

Great sights, cuisines and drinks from the San Francisco area.

Would have loved to live there but
it's within the earthquake belt with a major tectonic fault line (San Andreas).

There have been forecasts that
parts of California will get torn off
due to violent plate tectonics
movements and disappear into the
Pacific in the future. There's
something that keeps drawing more folks to do business and live there...

Still an awesome place for anyone
to visit... Just waltz in, enjoy yourselves, and waltz out.




Cc: Justwise, sukkot, 1stGenAmerican, nlfpmod

AlphaTaikun:

That's awesome... Having someone on the ground to guide you would make navigating the sites and sounds of Abuja easy. Are you headed for Lagos State from there or you'll let it pass till some other time?

As an American woman of African descent, it will be easy for you to mingle with the crowd but don't make your American accent too strong or very obvious so that some folks don't jack up prices of raw foods or souveniers arbitrarily.

You've got to be rugged or streetwise in certain instances or locations in Nigeria. Due dilligence is the keyword, and you'll have some fun time.


Second, that pounded yam and egusi delivered via DoorDash in California looks like the "real deal." You sure had a great time no doubt. Lol.



Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your weekend!

AlphaTaikun:

This should be boom time for honey collectors (apiaries) with the insightful pictorial representation of sugar contents in various drinks.



"Team natural drinks" + Occasional splurging.

AlphaTaikun:

How's it going Mstravelindiva? You're back to posting.

Great sights, cuisines and drinks from the San Francisco area.

Would have loved to live there but
it's within the earthquake belt with a major tectonic fault line (San Andreas).

There have been forecasts that
parts of California will get torn off
due to violent plate tectonics
movements and disappear into the
Pacific in the future. There's
something that keeps drawing more folks to do business and live there...

Still an awesome place for anyone
to visit... Just waltz in, enjoy yourselves, and waltz out.




Cc: Justwise, sukkot, 1stGenAmerican, nlfpmod

Mstravelindiva:
The famous Golden Gate Bridge, a quick hike into town upon arrival in Sausalito followed by a delicious glass of Sangria!

Octopusssy:

Why so many leaves? It makes one feel like a ruminant

Mstravelindiva:
Hey Nairalanders, it’s Ms Travelin Diva and I just returned from San Francisco. I was in the Bay Area for a few days and below are the deets (slang for details) of my trip!

Lodged at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco which is across the street from the ferry building which made it VERY convenient if you’re going to be taking the ferry to any of the neighboring islands.

Day 1:
Took Ferry to Sausalito (Cost is $7.50 pp w/Clipper Card each way)
Enjoyed an amazing cup of vanilla lavender lattes at Firehouse
We toured the Sausalito Fire department, they even allowed the kids to take a ride around the block in the fire engine trucks, very cool!
Enjoyed lunch at Zalta where we had THE BEST sangrias, followed by delish tequila cocktails at “the unknown bar”
Took the ferry back to San Francisco right before sunset, and enjoyed dinner and cocktails at Hog Island Oysters Co, the best oysters hands down in the Bay Area!
Later that night, I enjoyed a late nightcap at Wilson & Wilson detective agency (it’s a speakeasy - secret bar) and the drinks were VERY good and vibe and atmosphere was so lit!

Stay tuned for day 2!

Pic 1 is very from my hotel balcony
Pic 2 view from the ferry boat as we left San Francisco headed to Sausalito
Pic 3 port of San Francisco ferry boat entryway
Pic 4 is view of Sausalito at its port of entry

Aareakinwunmi:
I would love to travel around the world �

Mstravelindiva:


Made it safely back home yesterday, thanks friend!

Mstravelindiva:
Side trip/note: As you may know, I’ll be visiting Abuja soon (super excited)!

I just flew to Los Angeles to get my biometrics for my Nigerian Tourist visa. This also required an overnight stay and lodging. The costs to visit Nigeria is expensive as many may already know. I say this for any that are not aware of just how difficult it can be for “tourists” to visit Nigeria, which can be a deterrent. I know Nigeria doesn’t depend on tourism dollars, but it’s shame because I still believe it’s a beautiful country, with beautiful people, and has so much to offer. It would make a great tourist destination and make a huge impact on the economy and the unemployment rate.

It’s a hassle with a capital H to even renew your Nigerian passport abroad, so honestly I actually don’t blame those living in diaspora holding off until they have citizenship and simply applying for a tourist visa (which still requires you to travel to biometric center out of state but faster process) before they can aboard to come back to visit.

At any rate, I had never tried Nigeria cuisine in California before, but I was able to order and have delivered (DoorDash) to my hotel, some tasty pounded yam, egusi soup with cow tail, beef and tripe which was pretty good and I wanted to share.

Nigeria is loved by so many, and what a blessing it is to enjoy your beautiful culture worldwide.

Peace and blessings my friends!

juman:
Look like Abuja.

Mstravelindiva:
Hey Nairalanders, it’s Ms Travelin Diva and I just returned from San Francisco. I was in the Bay Area for a few days and below are the deets (slang for details) of my trip!

Lodged at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco which is across the street from the ferry building which made it VERY convenient if you’re going to be taking the ferry to any of the neighboring islands.

Day 1:
Took Ferry to Sausalito (Cost is $7.50 pp w/Clipper Card each way)
Enjoyed an amazing cup of vanilla lavender lattes at Firehouse
We toured the Sausalito Fire department, they even allowed the kids to take a ride around the block in the fire engine trucks, very cool!
Enjoyed lunch at Zalta where we had THE BEST sangrias, followed by delish tequila cocktails at “the unknown bar”
Took the ferry back to San Francisco right before sunset, and enjoyed dinner and cocktails at Hog Island Oysters Co, the best oysters hands down in the Bay Area!
Later that night, I enjoyed a late nightcap at Wilson & Wilson detective agency (it’s a speakeasy - secret bar) and the drinks were VERY good and vibe and atmosphere was so lit!

Stay tuned for day 2!

Pic 1 is very from my hotel balcony
Pic 2 view from the ferry boat as we left San Francisco headed to Sausalito
Pic 3 port of San Francisco ferry boat entryway
Pic 4 is view of Sausalito at its port of entry

Justiceleague1:
.

Mstravelindiva:
The famous Golden Gate Bridge, a quick hike into town upon arrival in Sausalito followed by a delicious glass of Sangria!