Before you say anything... Judge not!
Post will be frequent she said.... I hear you say.
Very true,
But sometimes life gets in the way of things and a different route had to be taken.
Very true,
But sometimes life gets in the way of things and a different route had to be taken.
Being easygoing and plain-spoken as an individual, making friends and forming new relationships is one thing I've never had an issue with. Thus, most friendships formed in my lifetime happened with friends of close friends regardless of the distance, thanks to the help of technology and social media
NO CATFISH!.
NO CATFISH!.
Coming to Nigeria was an event rather unplanned right from the beginning of the year. However like i said, life gets in the way and doors open up unexpectedly. Rounding up with my final year in university and being tossed into the real world with the "Life after university" hustle, the opportunity for a dream I've always had came through allowing me go and survey the motherland as well as make inquiries regarding National Youth Service Youth Corps(NYSC), and squeeze a little holiday in the mix. For those who don't know the purpose of NYSC and what it is; it aims to inculcate discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work, and of patriotic and loyal service to Nigeria in any situation they may find themselves and also to develop a sense of corporate existence and common destiny of the people of Nigeria, which runs for a whole year.
Leaving London alone came with its fair share of a mix of emotions as i hadn't been home in about two years prior to the present day. Filled with excitement of being in the air and meeting up with family in the motherland, i couldn't get a wink of sleep. 3AM and i was out the door, off the airport with mummy dearest and her nice friend who offered to drop me off.Not having to worry about processes of checking in and weighing bags and having them checked onto the plane was relief as i had never ventured such waters before. Parting ways with hugs and kisses and mother saying "Don't act like an Ajebutter", i headed towards final security and through the boarding gates not looking back because God knows i would've cried. The worry of "What if's" began; thoughts of me missing my flight or sitting at the wrong gate the whole time rushed through my mind. Checking the board thoroughly and seeing the gate number, i rushed there, checking and cross-checking with my boarding pass, i settled down very close to the boarding counter.
The gates finally opened up and the journey began
LON-FRA-LOS.
Landing in Lagos was rather amusing as people in the aircraft began applauding once the tyres kissed the earth. Exiting the plane and saying goodbye to the rather attractive flight-attendants, the heavy and humid air did not hold back in giving a sumptuous welcome. With a colgate smile and the politeness of "Yes Sir" and "Thank You's", passing through security and immigration authorities was effortless and hassle-free. The first shock was realizing i had to pay for a cart to mount my luggage, N150 (Self-Service) and N500 ( Assisted help). Waiting for my bags at the conveyor belt, a guy or two came asking to help with my bags which i politely declined, loading them onto my cart, i headed for the EXIT. Little did i know i was about to encounter a customs lady who pulled me aside asking to see the contents of my bags and to open them up for her to see. Still smiling i entertained her nosiness, but no, she didn't stop there, she proceeded to ask me to pay customs, in which my reply to her was in the calmest voice
What for?
She eventually got the her main point which was to drop something for a sister. But unluckily for her, i didn't carry naira, so she had no choice than to let me go.
The gates finally opened up and the journey began
LON-FRA-LOS.
Landing in Lagos was rather amusing as people in the aircraft began applauding once the tyres kissed the earth. Exiting the plane and saying goodbye to the rather attractive flight-attendants, the heavy and humid air did not hold back in giving a sumptuous welcome. With a colgate smile and the politeness of "Yes Sir" and "Thank You's", passing through security and immigration authorities was effortless and hassle-free. The first shock was realizing i had to pay for a cart to mount my luggage, N150 (Self-Service) and N500 ( Assisted help). Waiting for my bags at the conveyor belt, a guy or two came asking to help with my bags which i politely declined, loading them onto my cart, i headed for the EXIT. Little did i know i was about to encounter a customs lady who pulled me aside asking to see the contents of my bags and to open them up for her to see. Still smiling i entertained her nosiness, but no, she didn't stop there, she proceeded to ask me to pay customs, in which my reply to her was in the calmest voice
What for?
She eventually got the her main point which was to drop something for a sister. But unluckily for her, i didn't carry naira, so she had no choice than to let me go.
Week 1
My first week in Nigeria was super exciting and enjoyable. Being home, even in its ruggedness, road rage, non-use of traficating left or right, and lack of human respect of home grown lagosians, i had fun. Thanks to my sister with her frequent shawarma buys, Hans and Rene and said 'friend' who made me comfortable and literally hung out with me the best part of my stay in Lagos. Business side of things were moving swimmingly and I just couldn't complain.
The Lagos that is shown in the media is nothing like experiencing it in all its glory. After my first two nights of just sitting home in the evenings, said friend calls asking of my plans and being the IJGB ( I Just Got Back) obviously I had no plans, so I was up for any adventure. We went to BogoBiri house, an African themed boutique hotel where they usually have a live band/karaoke- open mic type event on Thursday evenings . I wouldn't lie when I say, I didn't believe the beauty of the venue, so ethnic and rustic and beautiful. The voice of Lolo ( the official hostess ) singing sweet melodies in the bar area of the hotel. We go in and it's so packed and its only just begun. With no place to sit, we just hung about close enough to hear and see the happenings on the inside. The saying time flies by when you're having fun it undeniably true, and so it was for that night. It was getting late and as an IJGB i had to leave because my sister wasn't having none of it, me staying out so late, even if I lived only behind. Said friend walks me home and goes back,but lo and behold my sister is surprised on my return and of course I wasn't gonna let the opportunity pass me by so back to BogoBiri I went. After a couple of minutes of being reunited, said friend had to leave because they had a long drive so there it was the end, but not for me, simply because I only lived behind BogoBiri, so it was back in and more late night goodness.
Said friend made it their job to show me the earthly and beautiful side of Ikoyi, a picture that would be forever ingrained in my memory, after which I was dined and entertained with amusing conversation and good company. Meeting friends that I had whatsapped and established good relationships with over this thing called technology were met and there was not an ounce of awkwardness, except for the height difference and that they were actually the real people and not catfishes( that show plays on my mind when i make buddies over social media..hehehe).
It's getting lengthy now, and i don't want you to run away...
There's still lots to tell so wait for it ..Part 2
Mena
XOXO
