Looking For Some Romance, Excitement and Hot Valentine Deals? Explore Calabar!

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What some call the tourist’s paradise, Calabar is a little city surrounded by hills and plateaus. The streets of Calabar are serene and tidy, like you would expect in a 21st century city and the people are shielded from the worries of the ‘external world’ by the acres of green land that surround it. With Valentine season fast approaching, Calabar is the perfect destination to escape to for a romantic weekend with your loved one.

So whether you are in the mood for some sightseeing, history or a dash of romance, Calabar is the right city to get your travel on. See story for more reasons why you should.



Calabar is the capital of Cross River State, Nigeria bordering Cameroon on one side. There are three rivers flowing through this region, the Cross River, Kwa River, and Calabar River, from which the city got its name.

What some call the tourist’s paradise, Calabar is a little city surrounded by hills and plateaus. The streets of Calabar are serene and tidy, like you would expect in a 21st century city and the people are shielded from the turmoil in the country by the acres of green land that surround it. With Valentine season fast approaching, Calabar is the perfect destination to escape to for a romantic weekend with your loved one.

Calabar natives are a very jolly bunch, always having a party or festival to prepare for. With lots to see and do in this beautiful city, Calabar is the hottest destination of the week… and Jovago is offering some hot deals in Calabar for Valentine!!







TOP 3 PLACES TO VISIT IN CALABAR

1. Obudu Mountain Resort

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Formerly known as the Obudu Cattle Ranch, bestowed with its name by its founding fathers. The Obudu Mountain Resort rests atop the beautiful Obudu Plateau, an offshoot of the Sankwala Mountain Range. At 5,200ft above sea level, the Obudu Mountain Resort has a cool, inviting temperature, great for exploring its numerous hills and gorges.



2. Tinapa Business & Leisure Resort

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One of the most recognised tourist centres in Calabar, Tinapa is a free trade zone and as such, all the products sold at Tinapa are at their cheapest prices. There are numerous retail outlets to window shop, water parks to have fun and a hotel in the premises for leisure and relaxation.



3. Slave Museum



Calabar was used as a major slave port from the 16th to 19th century. The slave museum displays paintings and artifacts that depict the historical period of slave trade in the region.



TIPS:

Restaurants:
No trip to Calabar is complete without having a taste of the local food. Numerous restaurants in Calabar serve local and continental meals especially the local delicacy Edikang Ikong soup. Hotels also offer a wide variety of food to choose from. Popular restaurants include Bogobiri Corner and Freddy’s Restaurant.

Shopping
Visitors can go to the Tinapa Business Resort where they will find lots of stores to shop at wholesale and retail prices as well as relax with their loved ones.

Hotels
Finding a hotel in Calabar, Nigeria is easy with Jovago.com. You can stay at the Transcorp Hotel or experience the hills right in the Obudu Mountain Resort. Simply visit the website www.jovago.com to choose from a wide variety of hotels.

Getting Around:
As a simple city, one can get around Calabar easily with a car, bus or cable car ride up the hills at the Obudu Mountain Resort.







Safety: Calabar is one of the safest regions in Nigeria. There is low crime rate and excellent security measures are provided throughout the city.
Money: The main legal tender used is Calabar is the Nigerian Naira.
Main Airport: The Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar-Ikang Road, Calabar.
Exchange Rate: You can find out the exchange rate for the Nigerian naira here if you’re planning a trip to Calabar soon.
Country Code: +234
Visa Requirements: Getting a visa to Nigeria is quite easy to obtain for most nationals, for more information on this, visit the immigration portal here.

THINGS TO DO:

Calabar Carnival



With a vision to make Calabar the number one tourist destination in Nigeria, the Calabar Carnival was born. The carnival showcases the best of Calabar culture in colourful attires and large street performances in December every year.





Obudu Ranch International Mountain race



This is an annual race run through the steep Obudu Hills. Runners come from all over the world and gather in Calabar to compete for $50,000, the largest prize money available for any mountain race.



Mary Slessor’s House



Many Nigerians remember Mary Slessor as the visionary who stopped the killing of twins in Calabar. She passed away in Okoyong, Calabar in 1915 but her home still stands till this day.

So whether you are in the mood for some sightseeing, history or a dash of romance, Calabar is the right city to get your travel on.



This article was written by Chinelo Ngene, Jovago.com

Photo of couple: www.experiencecrossriver.com



Other photos also from Jovago.com
Courtesy: Naija Treks 

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Naija Treks' visit to the Legendary Aso-Oke Weavers of Iseyin, Oyo

At times, on say occassional visits to any Nigerian wedding party, and you see the ladies clad in colorful, elegant hand-loomed head ties and wrappers, and the men in Agbada (gowns) and fila (hats) made with the same fabric, and you wonder in amazement at the dexterity wrought by the hands that crafted these fabrics. The fabrics are popularly known as Așǫ oke (pronounced ah-SHAW-okay), and they are woven by the Yoruba people of south west Nigeria.

Naija Treks had gone hiking up the enchanting Oke-Ado Mountains of Ado Awaye all morning, and the sun was still high, gliding across the skies and bathing their sweaty skins with its searing heat. They had seen the tiny patch of shiny roofs of Iseyin town from the summits of Ado-Awaye mountain, punctuating the distant skyline; and though they were burnt out from the climbing, They must have thought it would be a good idea to dash down to the ancient town of Iseyin where the legendary aso-oke weavers dwelt, before returning to Lagos.

Well, Iseyin is twenty minutes drive from Ado-Awaye town, in Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria. The road connecting the two towns sweeps and snakes through a swarm of steep-sided and rounded-topped inselbergs dotting the landscape. The town welcomed them with its bustling central market; food sellers lined the roadsides, displaying heaps and piles of fresh food produce which they had brought down from the surrounding farms. They (Naija Treks) stopped an okada rider, asked him to take them to the compound of any of the aso-oke weavers in the town and they had followed his lead. There were a few weavers at the compound he took them to. He told them that most of the weavers had gone to the big cities for the weekend, to sell the clothes they made in the previous week. They greeted the weavers and sat with them, watching them craft the popular fabrics that turn heads at their parties. The few young men at the loom were descendants of one of the numerous family of weavers in the town. Some kids sat and played around the weavers. They were the children of some of the weavers, and they will also grow to learn this peculiar vocation. The thirty or so minutes they spent with them was amazing, refreshing them with raw knowledge about the weaving techniques used in producing the aso-oke fabric. They mostly enjoyed every minute of their stay. Here are a few photos from their visit:





From the summits of Oke Ado Mountain, Iseyin town appears as a patch of shinny roofs, sitting at the center of the skyline with a part of the town tilting upwards at it leans on a hill side… and the road leading to the town bounces and leaps northwards.





- Iseyin town, Oyo State.





- On their way to the compound of the weavers.



- The weavers sit all day under the tree, looming long panels of hand-spun colored cotton threads into wooden frames and working them into fabrics.





- The weavers smiled all through their stay, cracking jokes as they labored at their vocation. They are happy people and they enjoyed what they did; to them, their job is a great one!















- Aso oke in the making…











- Some kids sat and played around the weavers. They are the children of some of the weavers, and they will also grow to learn the vocation of their ancestors.





- One of kids sitting around the weavers. He will also grow up to learn the trade of his ancestors. He is happy already; and will be happier when he starts making a fortune from the family business.





- She asks how much the finished blue aso-oke costs…. “Do you want to buy right away? we don’t normally sell pieces of the fabric here o”, the weaver replied. They normally sell the fabric in bundles to the market retailers in big cities who sell smaller pieces to buyers.



- The working of the fingers of an expert aso-oke weaver.





…and the weaver’s feet does the bidding of the weaver’s creative mind as he works the threads, controlling the wooden loom with his feet and hands.



Sometimes, the threads tangle up, and one of the assistants quickly goes out to straighten them up…















- A completed sample of Aso Oke.



- Aso Oke seller (Photo Credit: zenithasooke)



- Aso-Oke everywhere!!!!!! (Photo Credits: nigerianweddingblog, bellanaija, weddingfeferity, bellafricana digest,
Courtesy : Naija Treks

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5 Best Hangout Spots in Lagos

Looking for a place to party, or just relax? Lagos has numerous hangout spots perfect for some time out and whether you’re into the high-life or would rather sit down to have coffee with a friend, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this bright and beautiful city.
Visit Lagos and spend some time in one of the best hangout spots. Get soaked in the vibe of the vibrant city of Lagos this weekend and you are guaranteed to have a splendid time. See Jovago’s top list below:

Lekki Leisure Lake, Lekki

Lagos being a city off the coast enjoys the fluttering embrace of the Atlantic Ocean. Fun-seekers can visit the beach and let loose at the banks of the Atlantic Ocean; Lekki Leisure Lake offers that and more. It is one of the many seaside resorts in Lagos but has gained popularity since its inception. Visitors can jet ski in the nearby ocean and quad bike on the sandy beach.



This lakeside resort is one to watch, with an ever increasing popularity that begs the question of what’s so wonderful about spending time at the beach? You’ll find out after an intense wave rushes over your feet as you jet ski in the Atlantic Ocean. The whole family can take a break at the Lekki Leisure Lake with loads of fun rides and amazing food to keep you coming back.

The Jazzhole, Ikoyi

For those who love books, jazz and the finer things of life, The Jazzhole is the place to be. It is a small cafe in the Ikoyi suburb of Lagos with a relaxing atmosphere, exquisitely decorated with books and records of the revered art form that its name beckons. You can go through their collection of classic records and magazines or catch special events and jazz gigs in the evenings. When you’re in Lagos, stop by for coffee and a scone and mellow down to the rhythms of the very best in Jazz music.



Spice Route, Victoria Island

Good food, great music and beautiful people, what more could one ask for to craft the perfect Lagos experience? Spice Route is a bar in Victoria Island that has grown from an exclusive restaurant that serves the party-seekers with a little taste of the action before they set off to a high-activity nightclub to an actual night club. Party goers can be seen still dancing the night away as late as the early hours of the morning. The atmosphere is very inviting with its unique “Buddha Bar” decor that illuminates its surroundings. Natives and foreigners dine and mingle from sunset to sunrise as Spice Route excites its guests with a Lagos experience to die for.



La Mango Restaurant & Bar, Ikeja
Situated in Mainland Lagos, La Mango Restaurant packs a huge punch that attracts both islanders and mainlanders to its ever graceful vicinity. You wouldn’t want to miss the daily specials and a la carte offerings available at La Mango Restaurant & Bar; exotic meals and intercontinental cuisine from Malaysian to American and Nigerian are served along drinks and fine music. Come nighttime, La Mango Restaurant morphs into a buzzing community as the bar comes alive. People stop by to catch their favourite sports shows and have a drink or two by the poolside. It is a great place to just relax when you need some time off with friends.



Escape Night Club, Victoria Island

Get into the groove at Escape Nightclub, Victoria Island, one of the hottest nightclubs in the city. If you’ve had enough of the mellow cooling that the other hangout spots offer, visit Escape Night for the time of your life. It has an effervescent charm akin to that of a Vegas casino but cool enough to draw the attention of the calm and sophisticated. This classy enclave is one for the young and young at heart, providing thrilling experiences that make up the most part of stories told about Lagos.



This article was written by Winifred Ariaroo, Jovago.comSourced from Naijatreks

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Loveless Marriage? 4 Tips To Fall Back In Love With Your Spouse

Your marriage doesn’t have to be rocky to fall out of love with your spouse. Sometimes your marriage becomes bland and stale, and you just drift apart. While you may not fight and argue all the time, this kind of rut in your relationship is still just as dangerous. In fact, it may be even more dangerous because couples don’t often see this as a sign of a bad relationship. As long as they’re not fighting or yelling, they think their relationship is OK. But a bland and stale relationship is just as dangerous because it runs the risk of one of you falling out of love. Once love dies in the relationship it’s hard to create that spark, again.

So what can you do when you fall into one of these ruts and fall out of love with your spouse? Are you doomed to a dull, loveless marriage? Absolutely not. There are steps you can take to reclaim your marriage and create a happy, loving marriage again. Below are four tips to help you do just that.

1. Go on dates

Everyone has heard the advice to do a date night, right? How cliché. But it’s true. Going on dates makes sure you keep in touch with your spouse in more than just a “how was your day?” kind of way. Go out and talk to each other about each other. Don’t talk about kids or calendars or housework. Just talk to your spouse and try to find out something new about them.

2. Do new things together

Bland relationships often happen when you do the same boring things together. So add a little variety in your life. Visit new places and do new things. Seeing your spouse react the first time they try a new sport or try a new food is a great way to find out something new about your spouse and recreate some spark.

3. Talk to your spouse

If you feel out of love with your spouse, it’s difficult to tell him. You may not want to hurt his feelings. You may also feel selfish to tell her that you want to be happier — especially if your marriage isn’t too rocky. But telling your spouse will let him know what you’re going through and will give him an opportunity to meet your emotional needs. When you see her trying to meet your emotional needs, it creates love.

4. Have an identity outside of your marriage

It’s important to do things together as a couple, but it’s also important to be an individual. If you don’t have your own likes and interests and hobbies, it makes it difficult to give your spouse someone unique and exciting with whom to connect. Give yourself permission to have your own interests outside of your marriage and outside of your family. It not only helps you, but it helps your marriage, as well.

Just because a couple doesn’t fight doesn’t mean your marriage is happy. Many couples fall out of love that don’t fight all the time. This should be taken as seriously as if you did fight a lot because it’s just as damaging and leads to unhappiness personally and in your marriage. These four tips can help you get out of that rut and kick start your marriage into one that’s passionate and vibrant.

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7 Must-Have Traits Guys Don’t Know They Need In A Woman

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that most guys—if asked—would prefer to be in a relationship with a younger woman who’s got an attractive face, is fun loving, has a sexy manner, great legs, awesome personality, rocking body and bedroom eyes with a “come hither” smile. What guy wouldn’t want that?

However, the problem with that wish list is that it’s ultimately unsustainable because most of those traits are purely physical and will diminish over the years. It’s so easy for us guys to get caught up in those physical trappings at the expense of much more important and enduring attributes.

In fact, many guys might not even consider some of the more valuable virtues of a woman whom they’re pursing in the short term; however, here are seven desirable traits for consideration that can endure for the long term.

1. Dependable

Yeah, I know it sounds like a positive automotive rating in Consumer Reports, but the truth is guys need a reliable, stabilizing agent in their lives as we age. Without being codependent or enabling, guys need someone they can anchor to when things get tough—and things will get rough out there.

2. Committed

This comprises the aspects of loyalty and fidelity. While some couples tout the strength of their open, polyamorous relationships—a monogamous commitment is the best chance of long-term relational success. Feel free to cite Don Juanesque outliers such as George Clooney, Leonardo Dicaprio or Derek Jeter—but let’s face it none of us are going to be those guys.

In the long run, an unending series of one-night stands doesn’t stand a chance against a long-standing commitment to another individual.

3. Completeness

Whether we know it or not, this is probably the most desirable trait in a mate because it’s so broad and comprehensive. While no individual is perfectly complete in every area of their personality, it’s important to consider some of the features that make them well rounded or complete such as: emotional maturity; gainful employment; a solid education; being an effective communicator; having a strong support network…etc. Any guy would be lucky to be involved with a woman who has only a few of these attributes of completeness, let alone several of them.

4. Strength

While physical health and well being are important, I’m specifically referring to her internal strength because that will serve you both well into your future. You’ll both face adversity together and a deep reservoir of strength will only help sustain you and her.

5. Generosity It’s important to note that generosity extends far beyond money and can encompass a positive disposition toward others. It’s safe to say that a woman who is generous and gracious with strangers, is very likely to be generous to the guy she is committed to and loves.

6. Wisdom This is another great catch-all word that captures the various ideas of intellect, experience, judgment and maturity. There’s a proverb that states, “Wisdom is more valuable than gold and should be pursued above all things.” If you happen to find a wise woman to love, and who loves you back, don’t let her go.

7. Kindness The critical imperative of finding someone who is a kind person goes without saying. If a potential mate has all the other attributes listed here but lacks a kind disposition, it’s unlikely you’ll find a meaningful relationship wrapped in unkind arms.

It should go without saying that when it comes to relationships—similar things actual attract each other—contrary to the law of magnetism where opposites attract. While there may be anomalies, individuals that have the strongest and most-enduring relationships tend to have the most in common with each other.

If you want to find that special someone who has all of the traits listed above, the best way to do it is to become those traits yourself—or become George Clooney.

Yourtango.com

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