₦airaland Forum

Hey ya'll, (accent must change na a werey traveller wey i be)

I'm really excited letting you know how this trip went down. This is a trip which i planned for when i got the opportunity. Wanted it to happen in february for my trip to Brazil Sao Paulo, but unfortunately that trip didnt happen and i couldnt make the US stop. So i already planned for it in my head without knowing which city i should visit.

So my trip isnt directly from Nigeria as i came to canada Montreal for a meeting. It has this wonderful feeling knowing that you can have a bit of vacay after the merting. Which was something i did plan for in february. But here we are now....

I already have my US visa for a previous trip to miami from an invite by CISA which also unfortunately didnt happen as i got the visa

---

on the day the program/workshop ended. So i didnt need to apply for it again. The news yeaterday about their presidential werey banning some countries from travelling to USA was disturbing before i saw the list. It was a relief knowing Nigeria wasnt included (Wheew).



Stay tuned, i got a book for the trip and lookig forward to covering some pages (might decide if its worth discussing or not by the end of the 3hr flight). YUL -> CLT -> IAD.

VISA APPLICATION

So like i said, i didnt need visa to both montreal and US as i already have some years on my document. It was easy for me to make the decision to make a stop and see the world around. The only disadvantage is i'm doing this without my lovely and adorable wife (who is angry with me everytime). BUT i'll try and bring them along next time (in Government terminology - its in the pipe line). Event if its Saudi Arabia next, or spain Alicante for a friend's wedding.


PREPARATION


By now you all know i hate luggages. So as always i pack small for the journey to montreal. But what i always do incase i need to buy stuff/presents for loved ones back at home, i take an extra bag (duffle). Because the only thing i buy for myself is perfume (Parfum to be precise) and the city/countries sourvenir. Man must scent nicely at all times even if you wear shorts and singlet. From my hotel in montreal where i stayed - travel lodge by Wyndham, i was transported by our driver from the organization representing nigeria for the flight (2:35pm). After my complimentary breakfast at 7:30am, arrived at the airport at 11pm and was able to check in early. Since i already at in the morning, all i needed was some hot cappaccino to stay active and walk round the terminal. I got some perfumes (polo blue & CK - very sweet & intense scents) at the duty free shop. I proceeded to wait at the gate & got myself a nice book - about a canadian spy who cracked the Nazi code (i'll advice to read the book).

CHARLOTTE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

My journey began from YUL (Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport), leaving my hotel Travel lodge by Wyndham at about 10:30am for a 14:00 flight. My ticket was for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, USA. Then from there i had a connecting flight to Virginia - IAD (Dulles International Airport). It was a cool and stress free process for me as i easily navigated through the customs and like mentioned earlier i got myself a book and some perfumes. We arrived at Charlotte on time and the airport wasnt a big one, just majorly for connecting flights for those who have been there. Understandably a small airport. Waited at washington DC link up gate for about 1hr 30mins apprx. My ticket was upgraded even though it was a CRJ 900 plane, the seat has some leg space and in the front. 😀

We arrived at Dulles International Airport after a 1hr flight from charlotte. The airport is huge. I was suprised to notice there was no custom at the exit gate to talk with. So i basically just came out from the plane and headed straight to the baggage claim. Took in train to the terminal which is just a one stop ride. Lucky for me after the baggage claim, i remember getting a message from my hotel (Wingate by Wyndham) to contact the hotel incae i'm interested in airport pickup for free.
Knowing that i landed and no sim to reach out, i used the airport phone which is free to contact the help desk at the hotel. In about 20mins the shuttle bus arrived and picked us to the hotel. During the ride to the hotel, the driver was very helpful in letting us know the advantages we can take from using the shuttle and places i can check out for the period of my stay in Virginia/washington. He pointed out to us some eatout spots and malls around the hotel.

SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

This is one of my passions though. I'm taking about Lockheed CJ-71, space shuttle, Concorde etc. History, artefacts every Aerospace & aviation is there. Its like a kid in a candy store with everything FREE. Its about a 1:30 mins walk in the hangar with so much to read and educate yourself with. They have simulations you can go into and have the experience. Have tried it because there is so much queue.

Funny thing that happened to me: Wore a hoodie with the caption: SIMPSONS COLLEGE. Ono na so oyinbo man ask me if i went to simpsons, as a naija boy, my brain processed in milliseconds and i told him my cousin went there. No be you guy disgrace sir! He apologised and i kept walking.

After the walk around i used the info desk to call my hotel for a pick up. Easy peasy!


THE NATIONAL MALL

IF YOU've been to washington DC before then you know this area is a must! All the history & monumental buildings are located here. I'm taking about Black history, American history, National history, Lincoln Memorial, white house etc. all in the same area! So i took the the metro after being dropped off by my hotel at Dulles International Airport. Took the silver line metro going to ashburn. Its about a 1hr :30mins ride with lots of stops. I dropped off at Smithsonian station which is the exit to the National mall. Its a looooooooooooooooooooooong walk from Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. I'm not kidding, when you are out for the view, make sure you wear something light and good trekkers (In summer). Because its a never ending walk bruh. Because its about 25-27 degrees out when i did the walking i had to take breaks and get some refreshments. I started with the National Historic meseum and go through all the other museums. It was fun at first till i got so tired and wished i could just fly back to my room. I now understand why people pay for the city tour trips. It would have been much easier than going alone, cost effective but at what cost baba?!.

Any ways i had the pleasure of seeing all the great monuments and understand the American pride.

Zenith bank really dealt with me as i'm not good at holding cash, prefer to use my atm everywhere i go. But today, that solidary to zenith bank has ended and i'd advise anyone who plans to travel to hold cash. First hand experience is a bitch. I knew there was issue when i tried to purchase some sourvenirs and my card declined (God punish zenith bank). I went to the station to ride back to my hotel and my card declined at the entrance. I explained to the securities (guy and lady - FREAKING BLACKS) about my issue and they stated to me clearly that they couldnt help. I was disappointed to say the least. I was stranded and no internet or sim card to make a call back to my hotel.

I had to borrow my friend's (An angel) card details to order uber ride. About $47 back to my hotel & a 36mins ride. Before i left, i told the security that if he was in nigeria and in such situation people not just me would have helped out. And that as blacks i was disappointed with the hospitality. Didnt wait to hear what they had to say i left.

DisGuy, justwise

Waiting patiently

Ok

Zenith bank really dealt with me as i'm not good at holding cash, prefer to use my atm everywhere i go. But today, that solidary to zenith bank has ended and i'd advise anyone who plans to travel to hold cash. First hand experience is a bitch. I knew there was issue when i tried to purchase some sourvenirs and my card declined (God punish zenith bank). I went to the station to ride back to my hotel and my card declined at the entrance. I explained to the securities (guy and lady - FREAKING BLACKS) about my issue and they stated to me clearly that they couldnt help. I was disappointed to say the least. I was stranded and no internet or sim card to make a call back to my hotel.

I had to borrow my friend's (An angel) card details to order uber ride. About $47 back to my hotel & a 36mins ride. Before i left, i told the security that if he was in nigeria and in such situation people not just me would have helped out. And that as blacks i was disappointed with the hospitality. Didnt wait to hear what they had to say i left.

They are just doing their job bro, you should be disappointed with your 'international' bank and perhaps lack of adequate preparations for a fall back plan, back up card, pre-paid card, e-sim or roam your sim

it's a learning experience I'm sure

More pictures please

DisGuy:
They are just doing their job bro, you should be disappointed with your 'international' bank and perhaps lack of adequate preparations for a fall back plan, back up card, pre-paid card, e-sim or roam your sim

it's a learning experience I'm sure

More pictures please

I understand but the frustration is too much. I specifically requested my bank statement to be sent via mail and their response was that i should be in the bank to put the preferred email (i was like what in the world is going on, we are communicating with the preferred email.)

Unlettered:
Hey ya'll, (accent must change na a werey traveller wey i be)

I'm really excited letting you know how this trip went down. This is a trip which i planned for when i got the opportunity. Wanted it to happen in february for my trip to Brazil Sao Paulo, but unfortunately that trip didnt happen and i couldnt make the US stop. So i already planned for it in my head without knowing which city i should visit.

So my trip isnt directly from Nigeria as i came to canada Montreal for a meeting. It has this wonderful feeling knowing that you can have a bit of vacay after the merting. Which was something i did plan for in february. But here we are now....

I already have my US visa for a previous trip to miami from an invite by CISA which also unfortunately didnt happen as i got the visa

---

on the day the program/workshop ended. So i didnt need to apply for it again. The news yeaterday about their presidential werey banning some countries from travelling to USA was disturbing before i saw the list. It was a relief knowing Nigeria wasnt included (Wheew).



Stay tuned, i got a book for the trip and lookig forward to covering some pages (might decide if its worth discussing or not by the end of the 3hr flight). YUL -> CLT -> IAD.

VISA APPLICATION

So like i said, i didnt need visa to both montreal and US as i already have some years on my document. It was easy for me to make the decision to make a stop and see the world around. The only disadvantage is i'm doing this without my lovely and adorable wife (who is angry with me everytime). BUT i'll try and bring them along next time (in Government terminology - its in the pipe line). Event if its Saudi Arabia next, or spain Alicante for a friend's wedding.


PREPARATION


By now you all know i hate luggages. So as always i pack small for the journey to montreal. But what i always do incase i need to buy stuff/presents for loved ones back at home, i take an extra bag (duffle). Because the only thing i buy for myself is perfume (Parfum to be precise) and the city/countries sourvenir. Man must scent nicely at all times even if you wear shorts and singlet. From my hotel in montreal where i stayed - travel lodge by Wyndham, i was transported by our driver from the organization representing nigeria for the flight (2:35pm). After my complimentary breakfast at 7:30am, arrived at the airport at 11pm and was able to check in early. Since i already at in the morning, all i needed was some hot cappaccino to stay active and walk round the terminal. I got some perfumes (polo blue & CK - very sweet & intense scents) at the duty free shop. I proceeded to wait at the gate & got myself a nice book - about a canadian spy who cracked the Nazi code (i'll advice to read the book).

CHARLOTTE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

My journey began from YUL (Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport), leaving my hotel Travel lodge by Wyndham at about 10:30am for a 14:00 flight. My ticket was for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, USA. Then from there i had a connecting flight to Virginia - IAD (Dulles International Airport). It was a cool and stress free process for me as i easily navigated through the customs and like mentioned earlier i got myself a book and some perfumes. We arrived at Charlotte on time and the airport wasnt a big one, just majorly for connecting flights for those who have been there. Understandably a small airport. Waited at washington DC link up gate for about 1hr 30mins apprx. My ticket was upgraded even though it was a CRJ 900 plane, the seat has some leg space and in the front. 😀

We arrived at Dulles International Airport after a 1hr flight from charlotte. The airport is huge. I was suprised to notice there was no custom at the exit gate to talk with. So i basically just came out from the plane and headed straight to the baggage claim. Took in train to the terminal which is just a one stop ride. Lucky for me after the baggage claim, i remember getting a message from my hotel (Wingate by Wyndham) to contact the hotel incae i'm interested in airport pickup for free.
Knowing that i landed and no sim to reach out, i used the airport phone which is free to contact the help desk at the hotel. In about 20mins the shuttle bus arrived and picked us to the hotel. During the ride to the hotel, the driver was very helpful in letting us know the advantages we can take from using the shuttle and places i can check out for the period of my stay in Virginia/washington. He pointed out to us some eatout spots and malls around the hotel.

SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

This is one of my passions though. I'm taking about Lockheed CJ-71, space shuttle, Concorde etc. History, artefacts every Aerospace & aviation is there. Its like a kid in a candy store with everything FREE. Its about a 1:30 mins walk in the hangar with so much to read and educate yourself with. They have simulations you can go into and have the experience. Have tried it because there is so much queue.

Funny thing that happened to me: Wore a hoodie with the caption: SIMPSONS COLLEGE. Ono na so oyinbo man ask me if i went to simpsons, as a naija boy, my brain processed in milliseconds and i told him my cousin went there. No be you guy disgrace sir! He apologised and i kept walking.

After the walk around i used the info desk to call my hotel for a pick up. Easy peasy!


THE NATIONAL MALL

IF YOU've been to washington DC before then you know this area is a must! All the history & monumental buildings are located here. I'm taking about Black history, American history, National history, Lincoln Memorial, white house etc. all in the same area! So i took the the metro after being dropped off by my hotel at Dulles International Airport. Took the silver line metro going to ashburn. Its about a 1hr :30mins ride with lots of stops. I dropped off at Smithsonian station which is the exit to the National mall. Its a looooooooooooooooooooooong walk from Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. I'm not kidding, when you are out for the view, make sure you wear something light and good trekkers (In summer). Because its a never ending walk bruh. Because its about 25-27 degrees out when i did the walking i had to take breaks and get some refreshments. I started with the National Historic meseum and go through all the other museums. It was fun at first till i got so tired and wished i could just fly back to my room. I now understand why people pay for the city tour trips. It would have been much easier than going alone, cost effective but at what cost baba?!.

Any ways i had the pleasure of seeing all the great monuments and understand the American pride.

Zenith bank really dealt with me as i'm not good at holding cash, prefer to use my atm everywhere i go. But today, that solidary to zenith bank has ended and i'd advise anyone who plans to travel to hold cash. First hand experience is a bitch. I knew there was issue when i tried to purchase some sourvenirs and my card declined (God punish zenith bank). I went to the station to ride back to my hotel and my card declined at the entrance. I explained to the securities (guy and lady - FREAKING BLACKS) about my issue and they stated to me clearly that they couldnt help. I was disappointed to say the least. I was stranded and no internet or sim card to make a call back to my hotel.

I had to borrow my friend's (An angel) card details to order uber ride. About $47 back to my hotel & a 36mins ride. Before i left, i told the security that if he was in nigeria and in such situation people not just me would have helped out. And that as blacks i was disappointed with the hospitality. Didnt wait to hear what they had to say i left.

DisGuy, justwise

Yeah, always carry some cash

Was it a naira card or USD card