Greetings, dear readers
I want to share with you the epic tale of my first trip to Nigeria, a journey that was like a roller coaster without seat belts, filled with as much hilarity as it was with unexpected surprises.
First things first, Nigeria is a vibrant country
By vibrant, I mean if you think you’ve experienced ‘loud’ before, Nigeria will laugh in your face and say, “Hold my Star Lager beer.”Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, I was immediately greeted by heat that seemed to have a personal vendetta against my comfort. As I stepped out of the plane, I swear I could hear the sun saying, “Welcome to Nigeria, Oyinbo. Let’s see if you’re as hot as your jalapeno eating contest record claims.”
The hustle and bustle in Lagos is like New York City on an energy drink
The roads are filled with honking cars, vibrant yellow “danfos” (local buses), and okadas (motorcycles) zipping through traffic like they’re in the final lap of a Grand Prix race. My taxi ride from the airport was nothing short of a real-life action movie experience. Who needs roller coasters when you have Lagos traffic?
And then there was the food
Oh, the food! I thought I knew spicy, but then I met Nigerian Jollof rice. It was like my taste buds were invited to a party where the main attraction was a fire-breathing dragon. I quickly learned that when a Nigerian tells you the food is “a bit spicy,” you might want to have a fire extinguisher handy. But Nigerian food is not just about the spice. It’s a symphony of flavors that play a beautiful melody on your palate. From the crunch of Akara (bean cakes)to the soothing taste of Egusi soup, each dish was like a new verse in a flavorful song. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t gain a few pounds. I mean, who
could resist seconds…or thirds?
One thing that struck me about Nigeria was the warmth and hospitality of the people
Nigerians are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. They are also incredibly proud of their culture, and rightly so. The rich traditions, the colorful attires, the infectious music – Nigeria is like a giant, never-ending festival.
Speaking of music, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, prepares you for the experience of a Nigerian party
I thought I had seen epic parties until I went to a Nigerian “owanbe.” Imagine a rainbow exploded and decided to throw a party with booming Afrobeat music, and you’re halfway there. The other half is just something you have to experience for yourself. Visiting Nigeria was like being in a thrilling movie filled with laughter, excitement, a bit of suspense, and a lot of spicy food. In between the madness, there were moments of serene beauty and rich cultural experiences that made me appreciate the diverse tapestry that is Nigeria.
Sure, there were a few hiccups
I remember that one time when the power cut out during my favorite Nollywood movie, or when I was caught in the rain during harmattan season and ended up looking like a contestant in a wet t-shirt contest.