The night we drove out to see the lights.
Twelve residents, two minibuses and a flask of zobo. Written by Auntie Eno, our activities coordinator. Example story for this demo.
Five minutes to read
Every December the main roads of Calabar are hung with lights for the carnival season. This year we took residents to see them.
Why an evening out matters
Many of our residents grew up with the carnival. Some danced in it; one marched with a band in the 1970s. For people who rarely go out after dark any more, the lights are a reminder that the city they love is still celebrating, and that they are still part of it.
How we planned it
We asked at Monday lunch who wanted to go, and twelve hands went up. A carer went with every two residents, and a nurse came along. We chose a weeknight to avoid the biggest crowds, left at seven after an early supper, and kept the drive to an hour and a quarter.
Two residents who use wheelchairs rode in the minibus with the ramp. Everyone had a blanket for the air conditioning and a bottle of water, and the flask of zobo went round twice.
What we saw
Strings of light from one side of the road to the other, a stage being built for the parade, and children on their fathers’ shoulders. Mr Bassey started a highlife song on the way home and by the second chorus the whole bus was singing.
“I have not been out at night since 2019. I did not want it to end.”
Go early in the evening
Before crowds and before tiredness.
Keep it short
An hour or so, with a clear way home.
Bring the comforts
Blanket, water, a snack and any medicines due.
Go together
One helper for every one or two older people.
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