NIGERIA , Lagos - NETHERLANDS, Amsterdam - BELGIUM, Brussels: Spring has sprung (DAY 1)

We left Lagos a few days after the school ends. We wish not to caught up with the rush to leave Lagos, but simply wait until Madam has had enough of her work and wants some RnR.

We choose Brussels simply because we have friends there. We, did not, in any way choose to put our children into harms way when the calamity happened. We've had booked hotel and flight ticket months earlier, and when the calamity happened, only cautionary statement given by most of the High Comms in Brussels. Not even one gave out restriction to travel to Belgium. So we proceed, with caution.

Schiphol Airport train station

We left Lagos and traveled to Amsterdam at around 10.30pm after a delay about an hour regarding fuel. Ohhh don't let me start on fuel ooo... Anyway, we arrived in Amsterdam without a hitch and immediately we went to Thalys counter to get our ticket to Brussels. 

Dear Boss, we're in holiday mode. Madam
is still with her laptop...

Sprinter train

NIGERIA: Lagos: Pidgin 101 - The many usage of Eh Hen / Aheh / Eheh / Eh eh

I kid you not, the short phrase consist of 5 or 4 alphabet is very much noticeable in Nigeria. You immediately feel intrigue about the unassuming phrase which is very much common in daily life.

So common that, I took it as part of the name of my blog. 

It's nothing unusual actually. My dad comes from the state of Johore in Malaysia, and yes, they have a short phrase which they add to almost every end of a sentence. The phrase 'ekk' (sounds like the -ack in black) is so synonymous that immediately Johore comes to mind, the origin of the speaker.

With aheh, eh-hen, eh eh, eheh...is very widely used here regardless where you come from. It transcends state, tribe hood and any label you have here....It solidly say 'Nigeria'. Out and loud. 

It was Madam, obviously forwarded this video from her friends in office... The comedian @JIDENSKY which you can follow in Fb clearly boils down to the multiple usage of the simple daily phrase.... enjoy!

Ahehhhhhh....

NIGERIA: Lagos: A Wedding (Igbo) - Victor Nnaemeka and Thelma Uzoamaka

A few weeks ago, I gave Madam one of my traditional Malay costume for her to do buba and sokoto (shirt and pants/trouser). Incidentally, Sokoto (with capital 'S') is also a state in North West of Nigeria. The way you pronounce it make all the difference. But of course they know which one you're referring to when talking to them.

The main reason Madam asked for my best Malay dress because we were invited to a wedding! The first one since we arrived in Lagos.

the invite...

NIGERIA: Lagos: Dinner and Birthday Cake (no washing!)

Just after a day our visit to Tarkwa Bay beach, Madam was busy preparing to receive another batch of visitor. Although we can't receive all at once, we will get there to the end (at least for Madam's dept.)

Madam's had been from one company to the other during her career path and I can tell you that, I can recall most of her friends. More so since we were in Nigeria. She invited them home, I've been to some of the functions around Lagos, company dinner etc etc. So you get to know who is the "mak cik" or Aunty in her dept. (knows everyone, can joke with most of them and does emcee duties dutifully....start the dancing and karaoke session). Who does this, that and which area they're responsible with. Thank Allah for the photographic memory. 

oppsss..two Fela Kuti's pix.. should
see his live performance in YouTube

NIGERIA: Lagos: Tea gathering...

E-mail is an essential part of Madam's life. She communicates to colleagues and friends thousand of kilometres away and since it was essential to her, she feels obliged to communicate to me using the same method. 

Anyway, I have to say that I pretty much enjoyed her mails and I do look forward for mails with subject such as: Dinner gathering etc. It will be the chance for me to get to talk to her friends about the local customs, language, politics and maybe some info on local geography and interesting places to visit.

This time we invited for tea. That means curry puffs, light refreshments and fruits. Here in Lagos, they refer tea as Lipton... the brand. Just like in Malaysia...we say Kiwi for shoe polish and use Colgate to clean our teeth (although there's lots of brand out there).

Madam mentioned about Esther and Nkiru, their role in the company. Today we're hosting Nkiru and her team. Met her the first time when we moved to Lagos. He came with her husband and the topic of discussion was of course politics, at that time and both were at different spectrum. I forgot which one vie for which party but at least they did not put the house on fire. Thank god for that....

Nkiru's hubby, Lawrence Anachebe

All arrived at the same time, which was a relief. Samuel and Ben hit it straight away. Must be the football game on the mobile phone. Straight away, the first question from Nkiru's husband, Lawrence.."what do you think about the President?" Well, I answered as diplomatically as I could. To be deported from the country halfway of assignment is not good, yes? 

Samuel and Ben

I wonder what they talked about...hmmm

We were supposed to have tea outside at the veranda, but it was too hot. We had the light meals inside while talking about the latest gossips and happening. There's wedding the following week and and we talk about the curry puff that madam had made. 

Second round was spaghetti and some fruits. 

Nkiru and Feyi

Anwuli and Tade

Anwuli (left) and Chris (hubby)

After meals, the usual hang out activity....looking at the Lagos Lagoon from the balcony... also some photo op before all of them depart for home.

Anwuli and hubby

Feyi

Tade...new Oga

The team and hubby plus Madam

Thanks for coming over to our place. To be able to talk and mingle around the team and family does break the boredom during weekends.