Through loudspeakers connected to a van, a heavily synthesized voice belts out “Back to Sender, O! Back to Sender!”
These are the only English lyrics in the Muslim worship song he sings in Yoruba, a West African language. The once white rusty van is parked along the side of a one-way street yet traffic travels in both directions.
A poster of a deceased local engineer and “mentor” hangs next to a “Good Luck” sign, both pasted on the front part of a small bus designed for 12 passengers, but clearly holding about forty. Faces are pressed against its windows waiting patiently for the extra passenger the bus conductor is certain can fit in comfortably with the rest.
More buses roll past, emerging from a steamy bus park across from the music-blasting van. Stickers of “Adam’s Desire”, a sexual enhancer, are fixed to the bumpers and rear windows of some. Others have biblical quotes and references to God’s absolute might and protection. Patrons choose buses guided by how they spiritually feel on any particular day….
Continue reading at the Traveler’s Notebook.
Latest Pieces and Photography
Stockholm’s Green Hotels – May/June Issue of National Geographic Traveler
Editor’s Your Shot Favorite – On the Go – National Geographic
Happy Happy Joy Joy! – The Photo Paper
Currently in holding pattern with four other publications; certainly one of the more frustrating aspects of freelancing.
@Fly Girl – It would be fantastic if you could make TBEX!!
@Amiee – Thanks! You should check out the MatadorU photo course for sure. I think it’s pretty cool and yes, I’m proudly biased.
What great accomplishments! Seriously beautiful shots. If I ever find myself with extra cash (ha ha ha) I am going to sign up for your photo school 🙂
What an evocative portrayal of Lagos traffic! Congrats on the pieces, turns out I will be in NY for July so let me see about TBEX.
@Julie – Thanks so much! I know you’ve got a couple upcoming pieces as well. Looking forward to reading them too.
Lola- I was SOO stoked to see your name in NGT as I was flipping through yesterday! And that shot selected by the NG editors is one of my favorites.
And yes, the holding pattern IS definitely frustrating!
Congratulations on all your accomplishments!