We decided to stay in Port Harcourt for another day so that Pam could get some work done. I went to the market with Victoria, a woman who takes care of us at the lodge. It was a muddy mess because it is raining season here, but it was still fun. I didn’t buy anything because I was too overwhelmed. It’s was like going to super WalMart- only not.
We also went to the movies! We saw “Losers”; I don’t know, is it is out in the U.S.? It was crazy violent but fun and no movie can be a disappointment if Idris Elba and that lovely boy, Columbus Short,from “Stomp the Yard” and “This Christmas” are in it? Zoe Saldana was also in it. She is pretty, but as my mother would say, “ain’t big as a minute” (translation- she is really tiny and skinny).
It has been so much fun to be in a foreign country with someone who knows it well; I am doing normal things like writing and going to the market and the movies. It is also nice to have a home base and be able to venture off to other places (and leave your big bags behind); tomorrow we go to Lagos.
The people at the lodge take good care of us- wash and iron our clothes, make us meals, etc. I had egusi soup which is great- ground pumpkin seed and green leafy vegetables. The food is spicy here, but they make it less spicy for us Americans.
The traffic in Port Harcourt and the cars are out of control, somewhat like India, but they are driving on the “right side” (left) and there are no cows. But there are lots of goats and roosters.
Chilaxin in Port Harcourt,
V.
this is my favorite blog ever... I am so inspired by your story. you make the world feel so big and full of possibility!
ReplyDeleteHave enjoyed reading your blogs. The kidnapping again spoke to me of the privilege we have here in America and how much we take for granted and complain about stuff. The leadership piece also resonated with me as I take more difficult and unorthodox stands in my new position. So exciting you got to meet the Governor!
ReplyDeleteYou haven't commented much on the food. Have you eated very "unusual" things? How about the gender relations (i.e. are people progressive or more traditional in gender roles).
Hey...what's been happening the last few days? You've got us in suspense!
ReplyDeletehey, girl, so nice to hear your questions. i was going to blog on food but there is so much more to get down, can't believe i leave on Sat. food is good, spicy, but good; i've been trying a little of many things, fish, chicken, lots and lots of rice and yams. They are meat and potatoes/rice culture and meat and chips etc are served from breakfast on. I think the whole continental breakfast thing is European and the eggs, pancake, sausage, yogurt, fruit, etc thing is U.S. The rest of the world appeara to eat more seriously in the morning.
ReplyDeleteAlso, i really could blog on the gender thing. it's a man's world here for sure, but then again you know women will find their way to make an impact. Really though i find myself appreciating my american men. Nigerian women say nigerian men care nothing about them. I have been amazed because men just run me over, there appears to be no chilvary. Men are the most important in the society. I am sure there are new generations and more educated men who are different and one Christian nigerian man told me that he thought the Muslim men treated there women better. It's interesting; i would have to stay longer to know more.