MY CALGARY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE: A JOURNEY OF MEMORIES, MISHAPS, AND MEANING

 

By Dr Helen Chimezie

After days of anticipation and packing intentionally light for the sake of post-conference shopping, I finally made my way to the Lagos airport a little after 7:30pm. Customs, immigration, and the usual pre-boarding checks went smoothly. My check-in luggage weighed a modest 18kg, a strategic move to create space for souvenirs for my husband, children, and extended family members.

We took off from Lagos at exactly 11:45pm. The in-flight meals had an odd taste, but I managed to eat from it. About six hours later, we touched down in Amsterdam where I had to wait over six hours for my connecting flight to Calgary. The layover was long, but the anticipation of what was ahead kept my spirits up.

I finally arrived in Calgary around noon, exhausted but excited. I ate some white rice and chicken curry sauce, then went straight to bed.

The following morning, I woke up early and energized to participate in the conference activities. This routine continued for the first three days - wake up, attend sessions, learn, network, and reflect.

A lovely moment captured with two amazing participants at the conference.

Me simulating using virtual reality technology

On the fourth day, I got a local SIM card, which made moving around the city and staying connected much easier.

One of my memorable stops was at the Chinook Centre, a sprawling mall with all the designer brands one could imagine. I spent hours browsing, and though tempted by many fancy items, I stayed disciplined, only purchasing the things I truly needed.

To my surprise, I fell in love with broccoli and mushrooms during my outings. I bought some from a local store and made a stir-fry meal that was as satisfying as it was simple. A small but special joy.

Me enjoying my brocolli and mushroom dish at a food court in Chinook Centre

As my return date approached, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. I had soaked in the city, the culture, the connections, and the shopping, and now I longed to be home with my family.

Not everything about Calgary was perfect. I noticed a fashion trend among some ladies that involved shorts revealing their butt cheeks, something that struck me personally. I later came to understand that this is common during Summer, when people dress more lightly due to the heat. It was a cultural contrast that stood out to me, and part of the broader experience of observing different lifestyles and norms.

Most challenging of all was the sheer distance between Nigeria and Calgary, which made the journey long and tiring.

The weather, too, was full of surprises; sunny one moment, chilly and windy the next. Still, Calgary left a beautiful mark on me, and I look forward to visiting again.

A cherished pose with friends who looked out for my safety and wellness throughout the trip

 

The Return: A Journey Less Pleasant

My flight from Calgary (YYC) to Amsterdam took off at 3:40pm. Unfortunately, this leg of my journey was anything but enjoyable.

My seatmate was intrusive and nosy, the meals were served very late, and there were limited food options. The flight attendants moved sluggishly and, frankly, didn’t seem attentive. Some hostesses had their hair poorly packed, which made the food service appear unhygienic.

The in-flight WiFi was practically useless, cutting me off from my family when I needed comfort the most. I rang for assistance twice but was ignored, possibly because the crew was still serving. To top it off, the takeoff was shaky, and some passengers had to hold on to their baggage compartments, which looked unstable. The cabin remained cold throughout.

This was, without a doubt, my worst flight experience of the entire trip. I could only pray KLM does better next time.

 

Amsterdam to Lagos: Delays and Small Victories

At Amsterdam, our boarding gate changed twice. The flight, originally scheduled for 2pm, was delayed until 6:30pm due to technical issues and eventually took off at 7:15pm. Because of an aircraft change, my seat was switched from 15B to 20B, thankfully an aisle seat with no seatmate. A silver lining!

My legs stretched and ready for the long flight ahead

The flight was less cold this time, perhaps because most of the passengers were Nigerians, and service began promptly after takeoff. We had plenty to eat.

Just before landing, the aircraft was fumigated, a practice I later learned was a Nigerian regulation. Some passengers coughed and complained because of it, but we endured.

We landed safely at 1:31am, and the cabin erupted into a mix of clapping, singing, and heartfelt prayers. It was a powerful, emotional moment, strangers united in gratitude.

I proceeded through immigration at the old international terminal of the Lagos airport and retrieved my luggage, which, disappointingly, had been taken off the conveyor belt and placed randomly with others. Still, I was relieved to be back.

 

Final Leg: Lagos to Port Harcourt

Rather than wait endlessly at the airport, I checked into a nearby hotel for some much-needed rest. The staff recognized me from my earlier stay on my way to Calgary and welcomed me warmly. After a restful night, breakfast, and a short nap, I headed back to the airport for my domestic flight.

At the Lagos domestic terminal, I experienced another delay; Air Peace kept us waiting for over two hours. Many passengers were visibly frustrated; delays seem to be becoming a pattern with the airline.

While waiting, hunger got the better of me, and I spent ₦6,500 on jollof rice and water. To my surprise, Air Peace staff later distributed drinks and snacks to make up for the delay, a thoughtful gesture I hadn’t expected.

We eventually took off at 4:40pm and arrived in Port Harcourt by 5:30pm.

At last, I was welcomed by the warm embrace of my husband and children, a joyful reunion that made every delay, discomfort, and long hour worth it.

 

Looking Back

This trip was a cocktail of excitement, discovery, fatigue, and a few moments of frustration. Yet in all, I’m grateful for the experiences, good and not-so-good. They’ve shaped new memories, built new networks, and deepened my appreciation for home.

Here’s to more adventures, with fewer delays, better meals, smoother flights, and always, safe landings.

The End!