Last weekend's trek highlighted very polarizing observations and emotions. We traveled over stretches of patchy road conditions for 7 hours through rural Cross River State to travel from Calabar to Obudu Mountain. Our trip was possible thanks to the generosity of the governor and only manageable in 7 hours thanks to our military escort. As Tim pointed out, it didn't hurt that our driver has Formula 1 aspirations. Needless to say we didn't lose a game of road chicken the entire trip as the fourteen of us bounced off the ceiling of the 'can' also known as the team minivan. 
As we traveled the countryside, the landscape changed from the coastal tropical setting, to lush countryside, then on to deep rain forest, and finally to a mountain setting above the clouds at 1800m. Obudu is an oasis of views, amenities, and relaxation. The lodging consists of Finnish design and imported materials as well as local stone cottages, the restaurant is well equipped with food and beverage, and the facility has a bar, steak house, tennis court, and nightly bonfire.
While we greatly appreciated seeing Obudu and the stops along the way, I think we are all still reconciling in our minds the contrast of the elegance of the resort versus the reality of life for many of the towns we passed on the way.
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