Each day the same over here in Abuja: around 5 a.m. it is starting. The night is over for me. As hard as it can be, it is disturbing my sleep and makes me doze only a bit until the alarm goes off.

I don't know if you can imagine how it feels when you are being woken up every day by the same cock, disregarding if it is a weekday or week-end. And if it was only one, but no, there are a few, at least five.



And all next door.

Four years passed since the last time. Four long years filled with changes, new impressions and surprises.



Tis year now I was there again. Julius Berger Camp in Abuja, this time with invitation only. I have to admit, nothing really has changed in those years. Still there are the huts where small Christmas items are being sold, still there is the long queue in front of the plces where the food is being distributed. And still there is the magic container.



The container which is being chilled down using airconditioners for selling Gluehwein inside. Mulled wine, hot, spiced, red wine while outside the temperature still does not drop under 28 celsius.



And again this year there was a special glass available for the mulled wine. As usual printed with this years 2010 and a different pictur. Collectible and mine now.

Talking to my wife in Germany she is telling me that already it began to snow over there. Temperatures dropped heavily within the last week after I left and now winter is about to move in.

I can imagine how it looks like, Mr. Gorillaschnitzel postet a picture directly taken out of his bedroom. Somehow I am missing the cold, the snow and the fun you can have with it. But on the other hand, still I am able to walk around here with short sleeves enjoying the sun and the warmth in the morning.



So, Mr. Gorillaschnitzel, after you let us participate in your room with a view, here is mine. Maybe the sky is not as blue as in your case, but although there is morning mist, the temperatures are already high.

Today was the big day. Not only for me, but as well for bride and groom up there in Kaduna. A traditional wedding took place and I was invited.

After most of the guest settled, it was time for the groom to show up.



Escorted by his friends he approached the area dancing. Meanwhile his parents and relatives already were there and had introduced themselves to the parents of the bride, claiming that they wanted to pick up the bride now. But this would not be Africa if it was that easy.

Arriving at the venue, the guests started blessing the groom by dropping money on him.



Still the bride was not his.
After having greeted his own parents, he had to show respect and dignity to the bride's parents.



Asking for his bride, him and his friends had to go down and be submissive to the parents-in-law. After that happened, the parents-in-law decided to bring their daughter.



Veiled and covered she was brought to the groom dancing, escorted by her best friends and family.



Her mother also was involved, handing the bride over to the groom.
After unveiling the bride and exchanging the rings the traditional handover of kitchen appliances took place. These presents are being donated by the brides parents to the bride and groom to give them the opportunity to start their own household immediately. The groom's parents in this case are obiged to donate yams, palm oil, rice and other food items, so that the couple can start their own life without break.
Having fulfilled their tasks, everybody will be served food and drinks now, also the couple, but as I spoke to them, they wanted to eat later. I wonder why.

Here we go again - Abuja.

Since yesterday evening I am back in the capital of Nigeria, Abuja. A new project is calling. No, in fact it is an old one that now is continuing. Up to mid 2012 I will be here now, trying to do my best in what I am here for.

Already I did the tour to see old friends and colleagues, some of them disappeared, some others were in meetings or busy. Nevertheless I am sure I will see them again within the next week.

One day only

Yes, scheduling the flight for Thursday left me with just one day to be in the office until the week-end starts. Just to get a slight taste of what changed. And what not. It depends on what you focus. Abuja has grown, lots of new buildings are there, that changed. But back in the business, nothing really has changed. Internet is crap as usual, electrical power is dropping frequently and whitre people are still ripped off. Ok, the last pointy I could not verify yetr.

So let's see, because for tomorrow I am invited already to a traditional wedding. And there - I hope - I will be able to take pictures and maybe publish them. If everybody agrees.

And yes, there was a slight shock getting out of the plane. Having left Germany at temperatures around seven degrees celsius, over here it is around 30.

Note to myself: put all warm clothes away.

geht es hier dann wieder weiter.

Qatar ist abgeschlossen, aber das naechste Projekt steht schon in den Startloechern. Eigentlich habe ich ja jetzt erst mal 9 Wochen Urlaub, aber ich denke, viel frueher werden hier wieder Sachen aus fremden Laendern stehen.

Nigeria mal wieder.