First stop, the Slave Coast

After many days at sea, the captain comes to wake you up from your sleep. "We're going to be arriving in port soon, if you'd like to see, stretch your legs maybe." You would actually. You get out of your hammock and rub the sleep from your eyes. "Have you ever seen an African before?" the captain asks. "No, I haven't. Are they like what I hear?" He shrugs. "Depends on what you've heard. I've never seen any that look too interesting, like the giant one-footed monster or the people with their faces on their chest like in the old drawings. They look like us, basically, but with darker skin and hair like sheep. Still, if it's your first time I'm sure you'll be plenty intrigued. You'll see what I mean soon enough." He walks off, back to his duties.

About an hour later, the ship is nestling into port. You are up on the desk, enjoying your first good look at a city from another continent. All around for miles is thick, green jungle except for the clearing of the town. A variety of ships from various European nations are stationed at the port, which is bustling with movement. Overwhelmingly, you see dark figures moving to and fro, with a few specks of lighter color from the European traders. The Africans encompass a full spectrum of manners of dress, from the fully nude, to clothing covering only their privates, to long, full-body outfits, even clothes purchased from the Europeans. People are talking and shouting in languages you can't understand, though you probably couldn't tell the local language from, say, Portuguese if you tried. Crates of alcohol, cloth, guns, and more are being taken off the European ships, while people in chains are loaded onto them.

The captain walks up next to you. "This is Lagos, or Eko as the locals call it. Go ahead and walk around if you like, just don't get lost. And stay in the town, they got all manner of sickness in that jungle that kills off white men like flies. Enjoy your stay, we won't be too long." He pats your shoulder and walks off, leaving you to admire the view.