My Third Mainland Bridge Fishing Experience

(Lady I paddling the boat)

If you are still doubting , let me help you. Yes I used a paddling/ engine boat on Saturday, paddled the boat (see the video on my instagram page @ubani.Irene) and fished directly under third mainlandbridge.

(Lady I directly under third mainland bridge )

 I must confess yeah, I made sure I didn't tell any family member except for Karen my elder sister who immediately  kicked against it and actually thought I wasn't  going to do it until I sent her the pictures.On seeing the pictures she said "I have always known you were not OK"

(Successful catch)

(Under third mainland bridge bridge)

The major question all my friends asked me after the wild adventure was "Really Lady I, but why?"

I choose to live carefully but not too careful that I miss out on the fun life has to offer.

Overtime, I have learnt to face my fears heads on just to ensure it doesn't have the best of me and rob me of great opportunities.

An aquintance recently asked me what inspired the adventure and I said I wanted to have a taste of the other side of life , do something outside the usual and most importantly to reassure myself that I could do anything.

Then he said to me " I realized that the quality of life is not in length but in depth. I don't want to run through lifes garden without  taking out time to sniff the roses."

                                     LIFE AT THE WATER SIDE/MAKOKO

(Lady I and partner in crime)

Meet Matthew, a twelve year old who started paddling since he was 9. He dropped us off at the Makoko waterside general hospital where we swapped boats to one with an engine which then took us towards third mainlandbridge.

The scenery there was like nothing I had ever seen in my life. They had an on canoe super market, food vendors, schools, churches, canoe dj, mechanic workshops, barbers shop, hair dressing salons, clubs..... and so much more.

(Canoe super market )

School children leaving school ( Photo credit Tega Ojeme @teygah0001)

I noticed the cheerful and receptive nature of the people on this side of life. They looked out of their windows and children ran out of their houses with euphoria to look at the "yellow pawpaw with cat eyes" who came to explore. I noticed crabs walking sideways right under their houses.

We eventually got to the end of the Makoko water side, further leading to third mainlandbridge. Apparently, we had to stop at their supposed "CUSTOMS POINT" which they call boarder. It's their way of keeping secure and ensuring that unfamiliar faces don't thread this path. I was quite impressed.

It didn't take long before we were directly under the bridge. The Fisher man cast his net into the sea and we were successful. I watched the water current as it gently glided against the body of the canoe. I really loved the sea breeze as it  blew against my face. I loved every moment there.

Vincent Van Goch,  a Dutch Post-impressionist painter said " The key to success is for you to make a habit throughout your life of doing things you fear." 

Sunday  my tour guide decided to show off a bit as he dove into the large expanse of water with no fear or trembling as the Bible would say. My best moment was under the bridge where I could  hear cars driving above me. I was super excited. I knew I had held fear in the throat. 

(Sunday in his swimming pool)

Les Brown once said that too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. I refuse to be a part of this set. 

After about 2 hours, we went back to Makoko. I stopped at the general hospital for a quick tour where I interviewed  the head doctor and she told me that the major complain they get from members of this community  are malaria and diarrhoea. I saw mothers who had just put to bed like hours before I came. It was amazing.

(One story duplex general hospital)

(Hours old baby and mum)

MY TAKE ON THIS EXPERIENCE

Joy is inborn and shouldn't be dependent on external factors. Some people are so scared of death that they forget to live. For these people, poverty is a state of mind and not dependent on how much they have. I noticed that as we paddled across each house, they all greeted themselves. When love is contagious then you know it is deeply rooted. If you wait to have all the goodies life has to offer before you find happiness  then you cheat yourself. Happiness is actually a state of the mind which you MUST have control over. 

Finally, learn to do things afraid.. 

P.S Don't forget to leave a comment below. 

With love

Lady I