TS Contest | My unplanned journey.

alli001 (71)Traveler 🇳🇬in Traveling Steem • 15 days ago

As it was getting dark on March 10, 2025, my master dropped a bombshell, He said, "We'd be staying in this village for two months without returning home until the job is done". I was taken aback, feeling furious that this wasn't part of the original plan. So, what was the plan, and how did I end up on this unplanned journey? Let me take you through my story and share the details of this unexpected adventure.

Have you ever gone on a journey that wasn't planned and came really urgent? If yes, tell us about the scenario. If not, do you ever wish to attend such a journey?

Yes, I embarked on an unplanned journey with my master, where I'm currently learning a new skill in POP work. It all began when I received a call from him one morning, informing me that I was cleared to resume work. He instructed me to bring my work clothes and slippers, which I did, eager to start my new role. Little did I know, I'd soon find myself feeling confined and restricted, like being caged, as the journey unfolded in ways I never expected.


^{I was happy when I arrived at his house, eager to start my work.}

Upon arriving at his house, I waited while he busied himself packing clothes and other essentials. I wondered why he was preparing so extensively for what I thought was a one-day job. When we reached the junction to meet the other workers, whispers began circulating that we were headed to another village, Ika Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State.


^{I was sad when I heard whisper that we're headed to another village.}

My expression changed as I stared at my master's luggage, and suddenly, the rumors seemed true. After a four-hour drive, I found myself in Ika Local Government Area with nothing, no money, no food, no clothes, no toothbrush, nothing. It felt surreal, like a movie scene, but it was my harsh reality.

Tell us about your overall experience during the trip?

To be honest, the experience was awful, awkward, and bad from start to finish. Leaving my hometown for another village without any planning or preparation was a recipe for disaster, especially without sufficient funds. Every aspect of the trip was a struggle, the food, the water, the accommodations, everything contributed to a miserable experience.


^{The watery soup I've been eating during my stay.}	^{The small quantity of garri inside a dirty bucket.}

The food was a major letdown. I was served a meal that was more like watery soup, with water flowing freely, clearly an attempt to make it last longer. But that was manageable compared to the meager serving of garri I received daily. The scarcity of food was nothing to talk about. To make matters worse, I had to eat with a dirty rubber plate, as there were no clean alternatives available at the construction site. The experience was so appalling that I took photos to remember the unplanned journey.


^{Carrying rafters wood up to the top floor.}	^{Carrying POP cement up to the top floor.}


^{The building we were working on.}

Working on a 2-storey duplex was physically demanding, especially carrying heavy materials like rafters and POP cement up to the top floor on an empty stomach. The small, and low quality food portions only added to my struggles. I longed for the comforts of home, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of the construction site.


^{Working late into the night.}

Another hardship I faced was working late into the night. As an apprentice, I had no choice but to comply with my master's demands. Even after a long day's work, I'd have to sleep at the construction site, exposed to mosquitoes that feasted on me throughout the night😢. The accommodations were non-existent, and the experience was bad. If I were to recount every detail of this unplanned journey, it would take all day.

Do you intend to ever go for any unplanned journey again?

Never!!! I'll never do such a thing. Given my last experience, I'm not eager to embark on another unplanned journey. I value my well-being and don't want to risk my health or life due to circumstances beyond my control. Recalling back, like the small quantity of garri I was given daily, were barely enough to sustain me. It's likely that such poor eating habits could lead to health issues like stomach ulcers.


^{I'm determined to avoid unplanned journey in my life.}

I'm determined to avoid unplanned journeys from now on, whether for work, school, leisure, or any other purpose. I'll ensure I'm fully prepared and equipped before embarking on any trip, because this experience has taught me a valuable lesson.

Is it important to prepare very well before going for a journey? Tell us why

Preparing thoroughly before embarking on a journey is crucial, especially when traveling to an unfamiliar destination. Without proper research, you risk encountering unexpected challenges, from cultural differences to inadequate accommodations. By preparing well, you'll not only avoid potential regrets but also ensure a more enjoyable experience.


^{Early preparation allows you to plan for your needs.}

Early preparation allows you to plan for your needs, pack essentials, and make the most of your trip. My personal experience serves as a testament to the importance of being prepared before traveling. Had it been my master informed me earlier and I prepared for it, I wouldn't have had such a bad experience at Ika Local Government Area.