Hmm.
I stumbled across this today while investigating textile tours: http://www.nikeart.com/tours.htm
It sounds really, really, really interesting–and I love Third World travel, and have always wanted to go to Africa–but it would be expensive, and the travel advisories on Nigeria are pretty dire. One or the other wouldn’t necessarily stop me, but the combination might. I’m thinking about it, and will probably do some more research over the next few days.
I should add that there’s no WAY I’d visit Nigeria on my own, given the travel warnings–but visiting is very different when you have a local guide who can advise you about dangerous areas, local customs, and so on. Having a guide and a car makes it a lot safer, and it looks like a treasury for someone interested in local arts/crafts/culture, as I am.
I’m seriously considering going there for three weeks sometime between February and April.
Meanwhile, my loom parts should arrive today, which means I can FINALLY start warping up the loom! I’m excited. I spent all last night painting the metal bars that hold the heddles with fingernail polish, so they’re easily distinguishable from each other (makes threading easier, or so they say). But actually being able to put warp on the loom will be really cool.
Nigeria. Hmm.