Jos, the Plateau State capital, is known for its chilly weather. The Rayfield Resort leaves tourists with an unforgettable visit to the city.
By Bentex Torlafia
If you’ve ever traversed central Nigeria, or what many call the North-Central geopolitical zone, especially during the season when the scorching heat is intense, it may not strike you as a region of lush savannah vegetation, with a vast landscape. A land sprinkled with amazing go-to places, characterized by the lively culture most people from this region are known for.
I’ve heard of Jos and its cosmopolitan culture, the never-ending parties and burukutu, the potent local booze, as well as the towering splendor of being several feet above sea level, the constant chilly weather, and the tourist attractions it is famed for.
I took the decision to confirm the claims one fateful day. I boarded a vehicle to the NYANYA-Abuja vehicle park and while seated, I watched amusingly as the park touts tried to outdo each other while hustling for passengers. It took about an hour for the bus to fill up with passengers and immediately after the driver starts the engine, there starts the beginning of my unforgettable experience at one of Nigeria’s preferred tourist destinations, Jos Rayfield Lake Resort.
The unending chatter of my co-passengers filled my ears with top city gist. After having filled with Nigerian current affairs, I plugged in my earphones to allow YANNI’s classical music to keep me adrift in between a state of sleep and wakefulness. Right after the Forest Military checkpoint on the road to Jos, the drastic change from the dense air to the chilly breeze announces that you’re on your way up the Plateau where the air becomes thinner the higher you climb.
Now, you have begun your ascent to the highest point above sea level. I sighed in contentment, knowing I was close to my destination. We arrived in Jos late and it was not difficult t
o find good hotels around the resort. There are Steffan Hotel & Suites, Elim Top Suites, and Golden Bidde Suites, among others, with rates ranging from ₦8,000 to ₦30,000 per night. I got a room and quickly settled in, took a warm shower and I hit the sack.
Later, I ordered a Bolt to Jos Rayfield Lake Resort and the driver clocked me for ₦350. During the 10-minute ride, the driver, a native of Benue State resident in Jos, became my guide. He explained that I will have an exciting time as Jos boasts exciting tourist destinations like Wildlife Resort, the Jos Museum, and others.
Once we got to the PRTV Roundabout, the Bolt driver pointed at the directions and dropped me off, just at the barricade to the resort, where the Lake Resort Tax officers asked me to pay ₦300, the mandatory entrance fee – there is a reduced rate for children and students on tour.
As I approach the entrance to the lake, the first thing that greets me was the expanse of clear greenish water beginning from the left-hand side of the man-made excavation right up to the far-away embankment. How the body of water shudders in cascading uniform, rippling at each touch of wind as if in response to the tingling soft caress of a lover, left me in astonishment. Deep within, I felt a quiet longing to plunge into the waters, but for the cold shivers that rustled my clothes each time my thick jacket came loose. I adjusted my head warmer to cover my ears properly and wondered how every place in the Middle Belt still embraced the scorching heat of February, while Jos just rolled over it with her own unique and exclusive chilly weather.
I strolled to the waterside and was lucky to meet a group of people who were decorating one of the huts overlooking the waterside in preparation for the celebration of a birthday. I joined them to sing a “Happy birthday to you… “, while I watched others from afar take exhilarating flying boat rides for ₦100. The squeals of excitement not even close to drowning the swishing of water the flying boat made as it zigzagged its way on the waters, made me feel at home but I couldn’t dare! I was just getting to know Jos. I wasn’t ready for this aspect of the adventure. After a while, I stepped into the shallow part of the lake, joining others who splashed noisily at each other, just at the fringe of the waters.
I cringed just imagining the cold water on my skin at that moment, while those playmakers enjoyed themselves, splashing about. I was sure they were not out-of-towners or first-time tourists from outside Jos like myself. Just around the bend towards the bar, a lady called out to a friend to bring her swimming trunk, complaining about the heat of the day. I was shocked! This must be madness! I stood in the area of the waters which was just ankle-deep, spread my arms, and stood there lost in thought, in communion with the universe, resetting my vibes and drinking in a cupful of fresh breathe of the cool weather. A perfect spot to serenade my soul. I can’t remember how long I stood there lost in thought, recharging my vibe levels and feeling the throb of my blood shudder in sync with the ripples of the lake each time the breeze washed over my face and I felt zoned out, until the gradual hum from the flying boat rose to a crescendo and stopped abruptly close by, disrupting my meditation.
I moved off to the bar overlooking the lake, drew a table to myself, and waved to the barman who sauntered over. I ordered fresh fish pepper soup and washed it down with chilled drinks, all the while gazing at the expanse of waters lapping to the direction of the cool wind, while cool music came from the large speakers outside. It left me wondering if the fresh fish was a catch from the lake. I didn’t ask.
My head was filled with so many thoughts, threatening to erupt my soul. So, I took out my jotter and start to write a poem. I looked at the poem, but it didn’t make any sense to me. I finished my pepper soup, gulped the last drop of my drink. Then took one last longing look at the lake, unsure about my earlier decision to plunge in, I finally decided against it and slipped into my shoes. I shuddered at the chilly weather and wrapped my jacket tighter around me as I stood up to pay the barman and leave. It was time to return to my hotel room.
I left the next day as the suffusing image of the beautiful Jos Rayfield Lake stares me in the face like a golden spectacle.
Bentex Torlafia, an artist and poet, writes from Agyaragu, Nassarawa State.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
