A trip to Erin- Ijesha Waterfalls.

Back when l was in secondary school, l always looked forward to the end of a session, because l got to enjoy the long holiday of about six weeks.

My Dad had this tradition of taking my siblings and l on trips, after a wonderful academic session. I was in JSS3, when we went on this trip to Erin- Ijesha waterfall, located in Erin- Ijesha town, Osun state, Nigeria.

Prior to that time, my school had organized an excursion to the place, but l wasn’t able to go. And those who went brought plenty gist about what the place looked like, and how much fun they had.

Finally, l got the chance to visit the place and l couldn't contain my excitement. I barely slept the night before, cos of how excited l was about the trip.

On the D- day, we woke up as early as 6:0am. We said our prayers, bathed, ate and packed our bags into the car. It was about to be an unforgettable experience.

We were on the road by 7:00am, and traveled from Abeokuta to lbadan, and then to Osun state. We arrived there by evening, and headed straight to my uncle's place.

We were quite exhausted from the stress of the journey. And were treated to a sumptuous delicacy of rice, stew and chicken. After which we freshened up, reminisced about old times and finally retired to bed.

The following day, we set out on our way to Erin - Ijesha waterfalls. Looking through the windows where l was at the back seat of my Dad's car, l could see few houses that looked like it had been built in the 90s.

On getting there, the security men at the gate told us we had to pay a token before entry. The gate fee was 1000 naira for adults, and 500 naira for children. After making payments, we were allowed to go in on foot, because cars weren't allowed in.

With the help of a tourist guide, we were able to find our way around the place. Our first stop was the water fall, and it has a point where cold and hot water meets.
I was in awe of its beauty.

It's believed by people of Erin- Ijesha that the waterfalls exude from a big pot located at the the top of the ridge. And the natives regard it as a sacred site and a means of purifying their souls. We were told by the tourist that some people pay a visit to the place, to pray to the water because of its healing power.

Hiking the seven-floors of Erin- Ijesha waterfalls was no joke! I was skeptical about doing it at first because l had the fear of heights, but l summoned the courage to do so, and was glad l did.

We were told the history of Abake village, located at the top of the seventh floor, which shares a boundary with Efon- Alaaye in Ekiti state. And by evening, we left there and headed back to my uncle's house.

The subsequent days were quite eventful. On the day we were to leave, my uncle took us round the famous Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and also got the chance to visit the museum located within the campus. We took pictures together and bid ourselves goodbye.
It was indeed a wonderful trip!

Cheers to visiting and exploring more beautiful places. 🥂

#30daysofexpression