It was just 3 months shy of 10 years since I left Nigeria when I decided to pack my possessions (and sell those I couldn't take along) and move back to Nigeria. I had no idea what to expect. My dear friends in the Chi (Chicago) told me to be in for a culture shock. Afterall I hadn't been back to Nigeria in almost 10 years, not even to visit! (I know that is crazy).
Anyways, my long trip (long because I had a 12-hour stop over in London!) began on a Wednesday. Some great friends escorted me to the airport. It was quite an emotional scene. My best girlfriend in Chitown was holding out and had vowed that she would not cry but couldn't hold it any longer when she had to leave for class and we hugged for a long time. I thank them all for making me feel so loved (thanks guys!).
Anyways, I arrived in London the next morning, mentally but not physically ready for the 12-hour stop over. I had been packing for about a week or two prior to my trip so needless to say I was exhausted. Over the 5+ years I was in Chicago, I had accumulated A LOT of stuff. I couldn't believe the amount of stuff I had in my apartment. It was quite unreal. I spent about 7 out of the 12 hours of the stop over sleeping. I walked around a little bit. I couldn't wait to for the wait to be over so that I could head on to Naija.
Finally, after a slight delay it was time to board the plan for Abuja! By this time I was tired and still quite emotional from already missing my friends. Then I saw them, my fellow Nigerians beginning to make their way to the boarding gate. It all looked strange and familiar all at the same time. During the flight, it was your typical scene, Nigerians acting all funny, not listening to the attendants, not being respectful of their neighbors seating space, etc. Overall, it was an ok flight.
Fast forward through immigration, I was waiting for my luggage and the horror story my friend had told me about how BA has a tendency to loose luggage began to flood my mind. It seemed like the belt had gone round once and I didn't see my bags. Oh boy, I started thinking of all the nice stuff I had bought and how it would not even be funny if they were lost. Anyway, I had prayed and I trusted that I would get my bags. Sure enough after waiting a while, I spotted one bag and subsequently the remaining two (yes o, I had to pay $160 for the extra bag!!).
After all the checks, etc. I waited a few minutes and then spotted the fam. My mom and one of my brothers (the other one is in Jand). It was a great reunion! The drive from the airport was nice. Of course we saw some crazy drivers, pulling all kinds of stunts on the road. I really wish I had a camera because the scenery was quite nice. We got home, I saw my room all prepared (thanks mom), we talked, etc. Since it was early in the morning, my mom got ready and went to work. My brother and I continued gisting and catching up (hadn't seen him in years). I was so excited to be back in Nigeria. I was really tired but couldn't get myself to sleep because I was excited and was taking it all in. Spoke with some friends from Chicago, sent some emails, checked my Facebook. Told my brother to contact his friends so we could hang out since it was a Friday. Anyways, we ended up not hanging out because by the time two friends were ready, it was quite late and needless to say I was fast asleep.
The next morning, I was awakened to the sounds of praise. A neighbor was getting ready for a naming ceremony and they were setting up canopies, chairs, tables, while the music played loudly. Aww, it was so sweet. I hadn't seen that in years. Plus, they were songs of praise to God. It was a nice way to start the day (praising God).
Today is Saturday. I'm going to get a pedicure and catch up with a friend or two later in the day. It's good to be home.
Alrightie, till next time.
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