Two Days

In two days, we'll leave Nigeria for six months.

This time, it's back to the States for real! Not for three weeks, but half a year. It's what we've all been waiting for. Now it's time for us to go back to Durham, catch up with friends, get our lives back home started again. We had a little test thing back in April, so this time it's not going to be as shocking. But it'll still leave an impact, that's for sure. This isn't just something you decide to do overnight. Just like in '09 when we left for Nigeria, returning to America is a pretty big deal.

To be honest, I'm super super excited. I really want this, very badly. I know that the people we met here are going to miss us; some have already said "Just stay here!" I understand...whenever you leave some place for a while, people want to latch onto you. Even so (I'm being honest again here), I'm not giving Durham up, not happening. Yes, Nigeria has become a second home. Yes, Ife is a pretty nice place. But would a Nigerian like to be in a foreign country for years on end without returning to their home? I know a lot of Nigerians do that a lot, but I believe that they miss Nigeria after a while. And that's just human nature, I guess.

Another reason I want to leave is NEPA. *shudders* I certainly won't miss the inconsistent power supply. Or the messed up water system. Or malaria...

I will miss the people I've met. And some of the dishes here. And the relaxed atmosphere of Ife...

It's alright though. Nigeria isn't going anywhere. I'll be back in six months. So I'll enjoy Durham as much as I can!

Signing off,
The Traveler

P.S. I'm still debating over whether I should update this blog while in the States. If I continue posting in Durham, I probably won't be doing it as frequently. I don't want to get repetitive.

Gone and Back Again

So. We're back in Ife.

I thought it would take me a little bit to get accustomed to Nigeria again. I am not exaggerating to you when I say that I barely blinked an eye. There was no huge shock. We deal with NEPA (or PHCN as it's called now) just as we've always had. I really don't feel a change. I walk my dog in the morning like I've always had. I go around, goofing off on my laptop, thinking about weird stuff like I've always had here. I wasn't expecting to be like shocked into oblivion like ERMAHGERD WHAT THE POOP IS THIS I MEAN HUHWHUH HUUUUUHH

Okay I'll stop that now.

I think you get what I'm trying to say. It's actually sorta cool. When I get to the States I immediately switch into "America mode". When I'm here in Nigeria? "Nigeria mode". No culture shock, nothing. I guess the problem is that I've been listening to crap from a whole bunch of people, telling me that when I go from Nigeria to America or vice versa I'll suddenly have to learn everything all over again. I'll be a fish outta water, so out there and confused but in a sort of good, happy way. Now that last sentence really doesn't make sense. Whatever! I've got a rule: never edit posts. Just write them how they are and let 'em loose!

Hey, on an unrelated note, I've noticed that there are only like 3 photos in this whole darn blog. Well, that isn't going to do! I've got four years worth of writing on this site, so I'm going to have to explain Nigeria to you guys visually as well. I'll be working on that, but to be honest we don't have a camera at the moment. Actually, the last time we owned a (working) camera was in...2010? 2011? Something like that. Anyway, don't worry! I've got it under control.

Well, Signing off,
The Traveler

We're In America!

Yes!

I'm writing this post in the same room that I wrote my first post three years ago. It sounds crazy when you state it that way. But we are back, in Durham NC. Things are different than what I expected. For example I thought that I would have a tougher time reintegrating into my old life. Fortunately that wasn't the case. Everything seemed to just...click. I instantly just fell into my old ways and everything. It was a piece of cake :) One thing I was not expecting was the drastic change in temperature. Boy was I in for a shock. I must look ridiculous to the neighbors and such, walking around in a jacket while they where t-shirts and shorts. I really don't wanna relive that so why don't we just change the subject. Another thing that I had to get used to was constant electricity and water. In the beginning I was expecting every minute for the lights to go out or the TV  to shut off or something. But surprisingly, it never does. And I'm always staring at my laptop screen, just waiting for that "plugged in, battery full" icon to change to the "unplugged, battery at 56%" message of death. But. It never does. Getting back in touch with friends is so great. I think that has to be my favorite thing about being back in the States. Plus the food! Yeah, that beats all of them. Food is great. I've never told you guys how much I love food. Food is so awesome that I love it so much that--okay, time to change the topic again before we go completely off the subject.

But what are the things I miss? My pets has to be one of the biggest. I miss my dog. I miss my cats. Heck, I even miss Brownie. Luckily we're bringing them to Durham in August so that's cool. But until then, I keep making the mistake of thinking that Shep is gonna come bounding around the corner like a crazy.

It's been too fun to be back. 'Nuff said.

Signing off,
The Traveler

6 FOLLOWERS!

I'm so happy,

I've got 5 new followers, which gives me a total of six! Thanks to Danny21 who has stuck with this blog for almost two months now. We're about to drive to Lagos tommorow so then we can pick up our container that I talked about in an earlier post.
    I really, really want to post some pictures, but I'm still using the Think Pad, which doesn't have an SD slot. Don't worry though, if we can find a cord that can connect the camera and the laptop, I'll post a whole treasure trove of pictures on the site.
    I also have some great news; I met two new friends! One is 13, the other 11. They are also from America, and they are staying in Nigeria awhile too. This is really exciting for me, because even though we've been interacting with a lot of people, we hadn't met anyone close to my age.

Signing off happily
The Traveler