Cho Kin

To students in Hong Kong, including me, Africa is a continent for journeying and exploration. This summer, a precious and valuable opportunity is offered by the Department to discover the loveliness of this continent, through a trip to Nigeria.

The country, undoubtedly, impressed all the participants of this trip. Interaction with the locals in Nigeria and appreciation of the beauty of Nigeria’s landscape do not only globalized us mentally and physically, but also immersed us into their culture and way of life. Furthermore, through a group project focusing the natural environment in Nigeria, our groupmates have benefited with a comprehensive onsite research in conservation zones in Nigeria, which is a unique and once in a lifetime learning experience.

If a chance is offered to explore the African continent again, there will be no doubt that all of us will grasp the opportunity, as the trip to Nigeria is not only a memorable and unforgettable trip, but also a trip opened our mind to face the dynamic world we have not yet explored and experienced.

Lau Hong Yee, Katie

“Land of Possibilities,” a banner hung up in the middle of the sky in the vicinity of Lagos airport caught my eyes upon our arrival. I could not agree more with this statement after my short stay in this exotic country.

Every bits and pieces of memories we had still lingers in my mind. It is too unwise to let the once-in-a-lifetime experience fade into hazy memories. The honor to visit the Parliament, the laughter we had with our tour guides, the panic over the chaotic traffic in Lagos, the scream when Baboons went into the hut during our stay in the game reserve, the pride of being protected by four bodyguards (Mobile Police), the hardship of hiking under the hot sun, the astonishment of holding up a 100-years-old tortoise... Last but not least, the warm hospitality of every Nigerian we met. For these, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Nigerians, Professor Marafa, and Tracy. Without your endeavors, we could never experience different possibilities in Nigeria. When I now look upon the sky, reminiscence of the Nigerian blue sky hits. It is the illimitable sky that possesses the nation’s possibilities.

It has been a while since the return, but I still remembered the moment when the plane landed in Lagos. All of us cheered and clapped our hands! "Hello Nigeria!"
Our excitement filled the whole aircraft. Perhaps I would not have chance to visit this beautiful country if I did not join this field trip. I understood I am lucky; and I treasured this opportunity to observe more, listen, feel and taste in these days.

In the trip, we were like exploring in the whole country, from Lagos in the southwest, to the north-western cities such as Kano. I learnt more about city planning and development in Lagos and Abuja, capital of Ngeria. I knew more about natural environment in Yankari. Professors taught us a lot in the trip; they gave lectures anytime, anywhere, especially when we were in the coaches moving to other cities! It was my first time to see yam and yam production! Yam is really big and long!

Nigerian people are really nice and passionate. They described their country and culture to us, and they always answer our questions. We had a lot of fun. I loved the food there too! "Land of possibilities", that was what I saw when we left the airport. This is true. Because it is Nigeria, I had the opportunity to experience dynamic culture. I was not feeling well when we were in Yankari. But I recovered after I joined the traditional dance at culture night!

Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to join the trip! It was indeed unforgettable! I hope I can visit Nigeria again one day!

Thank you very much!