Random Musings And My SA Trip

When the sun is your beauty filter..... :) 

Hi everyone, it's been a looooooong minute and a half, hasn't it? Happy Easter to all those celebrating Christ's rising today. My sincerest apologies for my long silences here, but if it's not one thing, it's another. I've been swamped with work and business but never once has a day passed without me thinking and wishing I could pen down my thoughts frequently like I used to. I miss writing and I've missed all my readers and blog visitors.

Well here I am again, whoop whoop. I took a few days off work for a brief visit to South Africa and I intended to write everyday until I return to Nigeria. Alas, I couldn't keep up with that but at least I got some much needed rest. One remarkable thing that happened to me on this trip was finally meeting an old friend of mine. Tash and I and a bunch of others were part of a Hi5 group called BBB (if you don't know the social media app called Hi5 from many years ago, way before Facebook existed, then I cannot help you o. LOL) The group comprised of different people from different countries, religions, backgrounds and cultures. It was incredible. We were part of that group as far back as 2005 and even though some of us have kept in touch over the years, we lost contact with others. Now, Tash and I have kept touch via other social media apps over the years but I only just met her for the first time on this trip. It felt like I've known her all my life though. I hear when people say it's not possible to make real friends with those you meet online but I think that's poppycock because I met some of my closest friends now via social media and they are absolute gems. (Shoutout to my main girl Eghe-Ruth😻💝.

Tash and I 😍😍😍

I've been staying around Sandton in Johannesburg and I tell you, South Africa is a beautiful country. Dare I say, even more beautiful that London, if you can envision it. While I gushed about how beautiful and well laid-out Johannesburg is, everyone keeps saying I haven't seen a beautiful place to behold until I visit and see Cape-town. Wawu!!! I cannot wait to visit Cape-town then. 😍😀

Trip to Soweto

Nigerian Embassy, Ilovo Street Sandton

Everything works over here, the roads are smooth and clearly marked, the lights haven't blinked for a second and all the streets are well lit at night, no litters and filth on the streets or by the roadside, there are no irritating noises from horn-mad drivers and the peace cannot be put into mere words.

Mandela Square, Sandton

I visited the Rosebank Mall, Sandton City Mall, Madela Square and a few other places. I also paid a visit to late Nelson Mandela's house in Soweto and was also shown around the famous Vilakazi Street past the Orlando school where late Hector Pieterson and his other school mates carried out the tragic protest in 1976 and past the spot where Hector lost his life. His memorial has been well preserved over the years.

Of course, aside from resting and touring, I also tried out their local cuisine and was so impressed at how delicious some of the meals were that I had extras. I especially liked the tripe sauce at Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto, it was sort of like goat meat peppersoup but without the hot pepper and extra thick. I am very openminded when it comes to trying new cuisine in any country I find myself. I don't see the reason why anyone should travel several thousand miles away from home and not immerse themselves into the culture of the country they are visiting. No rice for me when I can try other stuff I've never had.  😋😋

A bit of everything on the buffet table. :)

Seeing how the system here is, I cannot but wonder how our leaders travel to other countries around the world and do not feel plagued by guilt or motivation to replicate the functioning systems they see abroad. One thing I know for sure is that we are only referred to as "The Giant of Africa" by mere mouth. There's nothing giant about us in terms of infrastructure, basic amenities, regard for human lives and rights, etc. The only thing giant about us is our vast population and our abilities to suffer and smile through it, you might call it our resilience spirit. 😬😒

I will miss South Africa and I hope I can return soon. I sincerely hope we can get things right someday soon in Nigeria. Until then, keep shinning, keep smiling and keep being #AllHeartsAlways to the needy around you.