NIGERIA: Lagos: Lagos Ethnic Heritage Centre

It has been a year and a half since we made Nigeria our home and we realised that not all is what it seems. They phrase about "do not judge a book by its cover" has been again and again proven correct here, especially in Lagos state.

on the bridge towards Victoria Island, Lagos state, Nigeria

Here, looks can be deceiving. Behind a hotel, you'll find a windowless structure is actually a nice Indian restaurant (Sheraton Indian Restaurant). Somewhere between another restaurant (Yellow Chillies in Victoria Island) and a private hospital, is the best Italian restaurant in Nigeria (my new friend, an Indian gentleman now in his 35th year in Nigeria said). 

What looked like a bungalow, is actually a restaurant. Come to think about it...that's how the setup of a some of the restaurants here in Lagos. Huge gate with a gate man (honk to enter, please). Some, you don't actually see the restaurants inside...it's almost like...secret! The Hard Rock Cafe, Lagos fits the description....beyond the gate, is the hippest place to be..but from the main road...just another grey building with big car park.

Entrance to the Hard Rock Cafe, Lagos... who would imagine. This is on a 4x4, imagine on a car...you would miss the sign on top of the building.

Anyway it reminds me of the area Bangsar, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where old bungalows around the area are converted to exclusive restaurants. 

Lagos Ethnic Heritage Centre (click here) 

But today (Tuesday, 12th April 2016) was a little different. We were looking for something else, but instead we found another. 

the resident model of this blog...Saifuddin of MATRADE

NIGERIA: Lagos: Friday!

Friday is here again!!! 

The best day of the week!!!

It's just not the best, but also the grandest among all of the days. So grand that, Allah Almighty bestowed a surah about it (Surah Jumu'ah):

“O you who believe! When the call to prayer is proclaimed on Friday hasten earnestly to the remembrance of God, and leave aside business.  That is best for you if you but knew.” (Quran 62:9)

Apart from the surah, countless Hadith (collection of tradition containing the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with accounts of his daily practise (sunnah) constitutes the major source of guidance to Muslim apart from the Qur'an.

Abu Huraira reported the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying: The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created. on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the last hour will take place on no day other than Friday (Qur'an 62:9)

NIGERIA: Lagos: The best Suya in town...(only for the brave)

Looking at my draft file, I have lots to complete. Most I put on hold as I try not to .....BS (bull shit) my way to get it done, lest I irritate my dear Nigerian readers. But if I got it wrong, I kid you not that the info was from a local or readily available info online.... 

Back to the topic, today (Tuesday, August 18th) I decided to do some shopping. Hahhaaaaa.... Usually I leave it to Madam to do it but since she is in Abuja (again, to host some meeting..), I've got to woman up and do it for her. 

I passed Mega Plaza food court which is quite famous among others, for its Suya.

Clover Court sign...

Yes, Suya.. a spicy..no let me rephrase that, VERY spicy thinly sliced meat on skewer, barbecued and some would fried for a short while before cutting into small pieces and serve with fresh cut onions. Traditionally prepared by Hausa people of Northern Nigeria which can also be found in Cameroon and Niger.

Where the magic happens (on daily basis)

So off I go to Clover Court, off Glover Road in Ikoyi to get the best Suya around. There's no signage at the stall, just 2 or 3 men hard at work each with specific task.

Nigeria 101 (I didn't come to you by chance)

Honestly speaking the transition from working to babysitting is unthinkable. I know some would say that I should count my blessing since in Malaysia, the children were with Madam in Johore and I was alone in KL (staying at my mother's place). We were weekend husband and wife.

To make it twice difficult, it will be Nigeria. Lagos to be more specific. The moment we informed our parents, we got the classic treatment. The disbelief look from my mother-in-law,  Q&A session from my mother...But my father, my dear ole dad; he told me to go for the sake of the children. Ben and Fay will be going this time.

Nigeria! 

Nigeria's location within the continent. 
The cradle of civilisation. 
Not the latest map though. (google image)