The jet lag has kicked me pretty bad this time. Maybe I was still thinking about my Nigerian kin and my body just couldn’t make the transition. Regardless of the cause, I still seem to be on Owerri time.
I think of all our family there. I hated to leave them. I think they felt the same way – unless I don’t know the Ibo translation of “Come back when you can’t stay so long!”
To say that we were greeted with love and respect everywhere we went seems a little inadequate. There was a graciousness and patience with us as we fumbled through their culture at times. Their cheery nature and appreciation of a good laugh was medicine to my soul. They even laughed at a few of my jokes – the intended and the accidental. My translator only threw me under the bus once – that I know of. But I do enjoy a good laugh even when it’s at my expense – that just gives me the license I need.
For some of you who are wondering if Nigerians like Americans – the answer is yes. They are importing our culture rapidly – cell phones and televisions. You may see a lady carrying something in a basket on her head (very traditional) while she is talking on her cell phone. There is no monthly cell service. You buy a card with phone credit on it and install that on the phone.
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