Have you ever dreamed of embarking on a grand adventure? One that would take you across borders, over mountains, and through deserts? That’s exactly what one Nigerian girl did. She drove from London to Lagos, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles along the way. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at her journey and the lessons she learned along the way.
Backstory
I had the opportunity to interview Pelumi, a brave and adventurous Nigerian girl who undertook the incredible journey of driving from London to Lagos. Her journey was filled with challenges, near-death experiences, and a strong desire to connect her two homes, making it a truly inspiring experience.
Pelumi’s road trip from London to Lagos took her through 16 countries, and she became an ambassador of tourism in Lagos State, emphasizing the importance of female representation in overlanding and encouraging exploration within visa-free countries to build travel history. Let’s take a deeper dive.
The Preparation
Pelumi’s journey began with a year of preparation, during which she meticulously planned her route, and chose her car for the trip. Despite advice to use a 4×4, Pelumi had a strong belief that she could make the trip with what she had, even though she didn’t know how to use the second-hand car. Her determination paid off, and she drove from London to Lagos in 68 days, immersing herself in each place she visited along the way.
The Challenges She Faced
Pelumi faced several challenges during her journey, including a scary car accident that could have ended her trip. The airbags deployed, and her phone alerted emergency services, which rushed to her aid. Despite the impact, Pelumi was able to crawl out of the car and was grateful for the community members who came to her rescue. She had to make several repairs to her car after the accident, including fixing the radiator and the steering wheel.
Pelumi also faced border challenges, where she was asked to pay unnecessary fees, but she refused to do so. She felt unsafe in a neighborhood but persevered through her journey, knowing that she had a mission to accomplish. Despite these challenges, Pelumi remained determined to complete her journey and did so by sleeping in her car and staying in cheap hotels. She spent around £20,000 on the entire trip, which was a testament to her resourcefulness and resilience.
Pelumi drove through countries with travel advisories, and she faced the perception of being a black woman in those countries. She discussed the perception of being a black woman in those countries and how it affected her journey. Pelumi’s experience highlights the importance of female representation in overlanding and the balance between portraying strength and vulnerability to receive help.
The End Result
Pelumi’s road trip from London to Lagos has made her an ambassador of tourism in Lagos State. She encouraged exploration within visa-free countries to build travel history and emphasized the importance of female representation in overlanding. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and the rewards of stepping out of your comfort zone. Pelumi’s story is truly inspiring, and it will encourage others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and exploration.
Conclusion:
Traveling can be an incredible adventure, but it’s not always easy. As the Nigerian girl who drove from London to Lagos discovered, there will be obstacles to overcome and challenges to face. But with determination, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, you can achieve your dreams and see the world like never before. So, if you’re ready to start your own adventure, don’t wait any longer. Start exploring today!