Leaving a place I call home for the first time ever was a thrilling experience. There's always something about leaving your comfort zone, starting over again or in general, changing your environment. There's this feeling of joy, dread, excitement and anxiety, sitting at the base of your stomach. Joy at the prospect of going on an adventure to a place you haven't been before, dread as to whether you'd fit in or adapt briskly to the environment, anxiety at the fear of the unknown because you honestly don't know what to expect and excitement because in the end, it's all in pursuit of what you want for the greater good.
As the day of my departure drew closer, I was experiencing deep feelings of nostalgia, already missing the people I call my family (both by blood and choice), remembering that I won't be able to continue my craft immediately over there made me all the more down. On the bus ride to my destination, my headphones in place and my music on, my stream of thoughts flowed easily. I wasn't agitated, joyful or sad, I was rather calm still unbelieving that I was actually leaving it all behind and was on to a fresh start, in a new place with new people.
I chose a seat by the window so I could have a full view of the scenery and admire nature in it's purest form as we passed, observing the different communities we passed on the way: their building structures, mode of dressing, was rather fascinating for me as this was literally the first time I saw a mud house (physically though). It was a rather long ride, a journey of about 6-7 hours but I couldn't sleep a wink. I wanted to register the points where the temperature seemed to rise or fall, the sweet smell of the wind as it caressed the tress making them sway slightly in response, the smell and sound of the water as it rushed under the bridges, the view of the mountains.....I wanted to remember everything.
Finally getting to a deeper part in Northern Nigeria, I'm immediately faced with the difficulty in communication due to the language barrier with the natives, the different local snacks and dishes I haven't had before and definitely not eager to sample (I know I will at some point though), not being used to their way of dressing and mannerisms.
On the other hand, the scenery is wonderful, things are way cheaper and affordable here and there are various small chop spots to aid in whetting my appetite. One thing commonly sold here is suya, a snack made of grilled meat already dipped in seasoned sauce, it is then sold and eaten with cabbage, onions and a special, tasty, flavoured pepper called yagi. Although I must admit, their building structures are quite funny, it's almost like the mason's were asked to build a wall, a semi balcony and even roof the top of the gates. I couldn't get close enough to get a pic of them though, I'd have really loved to share them with you guys.
I can't deny that I am hit by wave after wave of nostalgia because I am surrounded by a crowd of unfamiliar faces but I'm eager and excited at the prospect of forming new bonds, making new friends or in other words, forging new alliances and of course, making progress on the task at hand and the journey ahead. Do I miss my home....yes but fact is, I'm also beginning to like it here.
