Random pictures of Abuja

As we get ready to leave Abuja for a couple weeks,  we decided to post the random pics we've taken since our last posting.  The rural pictures were taken on our way to Bwari Pottery, just an hour outside the city.  

The last pictures are of the downtown Abuja mosque.  It was built in 2006, but they ran out of money before completing the inside, so we've been told it's very bare inside.  Most mosques are well decorated and have great detail inside, but this is just a cinderblock room.  (Just an interesting side note)

Tis the Season...

...for gas shortages.  Since we have arrived in Abuja, we have experienced 2-3 small gas shortages which usually last no more than a couple days.  During these gas shortages, we've always been able to get gas and have never had a major problem.  This week, brings us new experiences.  On Sunday, Jordan went to get gas and realized there was another gas shortage.  The gas station was actually out of gas.  Before work on Monday, we went to a different gas station, but they wouldn't be open until 7, so we couldn't wait for gas.  Tuesday, on the way home from school, our gas light popped on.  We passed three gas stations, which all had a line at least 1/2 a mile long.  Not only was the line long, at the front of the line, cars were trying to cut in from different directions and there was a mob of people fighting over who was first.  We are now taking taxis to school and carpooling home.  The bad thing about taking taxis is that they have doubled their rates due to the gas shortage.  We have heard there is gas, but the government doesn't want to sell it yet.  They want to raise prices, first.  We've also have heard that the truck drivers are on strike.  So, who knows when this gas shortage will end.  Some of the teachers that have lived here a long time, say they've never seen a gas shortage this bad.  We might be taking taxis the rest of the semester!