Adult Backpacking

Spent 8 days in September "backpacking" in Lagos.

I am of age, not exactly young and sprightly, with a big old suitcase, and a lot of work/life experience behind me. But here I am, starting over. And in this starting over campaign, homes are not made readily available to you. Sometimes you have to take them. Not forcefully, but impose yourself on the homeowner. This means crashing on their couch, even when they scream that they don’t have space for you. You offer to take the couch, offer to take any available space, offer not to be an inconvenience, offer to leave when they ask you to and escape early in the morn with your suitcase, on to the next destination, ready to do it all over again, suitcase in hand.

So after 8 days of what seemed like adult backpacking across Mainland, Lekki and then, the (Eleko) Beach, I am happy to return to my own home and bed. Even though that home happens to be located in a city I abhor, I'll take my own space, bed and couch (maybe not my own cooking) anytime.

I found myself explaining what “backpacking” means to a young friend of mine, who falls squarely within the “I backpack across Europe” age. Yet she had no clue what it meant or the sense of adventure and self-discovery this seemingly selfless act represents. I had to consult Wikipedia for the complete overview of what I was trying to explain, which seemed like this Western World altruistic concept. Even then, to me, Wiki still failed to aptly paint the actual scenario of the experience garnered from backpacking.

According to Wiki, "the average age of backpackers has gradually increased over time, and it is common for people in their 30s, 40s and older to backpack during an extended career break." Or a career slum.

Those older folks must want to invade other people’s space, or have their own alone adult time invaded as well, temporarily rattled, no schedule, no structure just living that loner looser austere lifestyle while they wait out the next direction in their lives. Much rather like I am right now.

I want to thank all the "host families" (LOL), aka friends who opened up their homes and beachside resort to this lovely energetic but sometimes moody young lady to crash while she conducted her monthly business visit in Lagos. Capping off a trip that started quite tumultuously at the beach gave it an exhilarating touch. The ocean is truly a blessing from God.

It's always reassuring of life when you can give love and receive love back. It's one of the few joys of life that mankind can be their brother's keepers in their time of need. I often pray that no matter how bad the economy gets and capitalistic (and often greedy) we all become, that as we chase the almighty Dollar (Naira) that we never loose sight of what's important, giving back, paying it forward, and sending some positive energy to the world. It's what makes us human.

Until next month, I hope I can get some more "host families" volunteer to take me on this adult backpacking adventure.