Home IS Home

Sitting at Gate B42 of the Frankfurt Airport about to board Lufthansa Flight 568 to Port Harcourt-Abuja. I’m guessing Abuja first since Frankfurt is to the North of Africa but I’m a bit of a blondie when it comes to Geography. I’m already soaking up all the Nigerianness, the loud onversationist, the family with little kids, the posh woman with her Louis Vuitton Hand Luggage, the NGO group with matching shirts, the grandmother helping her daughter with a newborn and the silent observer, me. If I was sugabelly, I’d have drawn all these characters.

I’ll give Canada an A for orderliness but energy? Nigerians are it! The little kid just told her younger sister, “see your head like chicken!” WHAT? These kids are gutsy. I can imagine Ifie and I at the age, I’ll be dishing out the disses please. I refuse to be the one being made fun of.

Stepping into Nigeria with my 5 suitcases (Don’t ask), I was harassed a little by customs, they asked me to bring out all gadgets. Instead of being rude/impatient, I got down to my fullest Nigerian accent and even started asking them if I could get a job with them for NYSC. Some may say that’s “kissing ass” and darling that is your cup of tea. As for me, I know what my fellow citizens want and it is for their ego to be stroked. Given that I lose nothing, I will dish out to avoid harassment/embarassment. I’m one to adjust easily with no time to waste. Landing in Abuja was phenomenal. #DeathToLagosLanding. The airport was so calm and organized as we were the only flight that landed and half the flight continued to Port Harcourt. I was out of the airport in 15 minutes compared to 3 hours at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

It has been over two weeks since my move to Nigeria and I am happy to be home. People keep telling me to enjoy that is gets boring. But I didn’t come here to be entertained. This is my home and I’m here to live, awesome if I have some fun while doing it.

It has been ridiculous adjustng in terms of dressing in Nigeria. Wearing Jeans in the 35 degree weather is becoming terribly draining. Especially in Abuja where everyone is fully covered up despite the heat. There is no challenge I won't deal with! Stay Tuned!

I'm putting a "Returning Nigerian Tip of the Week" column on the right of the page. It's all love at Bastille of Beauty! I'm here at your service! Ask any Questions and I will "TRY" to answer in MY OPINION.

Of course I have more tales! I shall keep updating you all on how my move to Nigeria is going. NO MORE HIATUS!

Yours Truantly,

IJ