Sweet or Sour?

I had met Bade Aboderin during my Master’s program. She had also moved back to Lagos-Nigeria and was working barely two blocks from my office. We bumped into each other at the Mall and after discovering we worked not so far off from each other, we decided we’d have lunch when our schedules allowed for it.

We started off with regular continental restaurants which served our regular traditional meals; all kinds of rice, poundo, semovita and eba with a variety of soups (you get the drift! Lol). She had mentioned her sudden interest and love for all things Asian and was in an exploratory mood. First up was her new found love for Korean food, culture and language. Now, to be clear I love food, but my foodie tendencies are kind of restricted to familiar terrains. After many failed attempts at finding time to explore the Korean Cuisine, we decided on a flexible alternative we could reach within both our lunch breaks. So Japanese it was!

It was going to be both our first exploratory experience of the Japanese menu. As usual, I wasn't exactly worried as I figured the menu wouldn't be entirely far off from Chinese Cuisine that I was used to. Our restaurant of choice was “Izanagi”, located on Idejo in Victoria Island, Lagos. The ambiance was soothing and welcoming. I could sit there for days just taking in the scenery. Chairs in tile and grey colours, wall paper in two shades of purple and the wall painted in a cool peach. 

Bade sat right behind a cute polar teddy bear I had hoped I could take home as a new addition to my family of teddy bears (yes, I’m cuddly like that…lol).

Bade Aboderin

My cutieee! 

We received the book of life, izanagi’s well over 5-page menu, with a wide range of recipes for starter, main course and desert.

After staring at this book of life for over 10 minutes, we both decided on somewhat familiar starter options. I ordered the Crispy Coconut Prawns which had gigantic prawns coated with coconut, deep fried and served with sweet chilli sauce. No wonder it cost me 3,600 NGN, the USD equivalent of $20  *rolls eyes* I could have gotten 2 meals from my regular continental restaurant ohhh! Well, food adventure comes with its costs…lol!

Crispy Coconut Prawn with Coconut coating 

Bade had the Kawayaki Chicken Squares which had Chicken strips marinated in Teriyaki Sauce, deep fried and topped with sesame seeds. And this is where Bade’s food experience went downhill and under (sorry love! Lol). We hadn't realized that the Teriyaki Sauce was a sweet sauce almost similar to the taste of the barbecue sauce or the “sweet”, in the “sweet & sour” sauce (Pun intended! Lol). She wasn't huge on all things sweet so this was a bit *underwhelming* (sad face)…

Kawayaki Chicken Squares - Ps; She was all smiles before tasting the recipe oh! lol

By the time our starter had arrived and after Bade’s disappointment on her choice of starter menu, she realized her main course menu was to be served in the same sweet Teriyaki Sauce! Ahh! Wahala! We couldn't be spending all this money only to be served sugary meals oh! I could totally feel Bade’s panic (lol). Whatever happened to a pinch of Cameroun pepper or ata-rodo, she asked? Abeg oh! I did have a good laugh! She was lucky to make a quick change to her main course menu. Apparently the cooks hadn’t started making it at the time (thank God that was possible). Her new order was the Teppanyiaki Chicken made up of Grilled Chicken, Teppanyaki sauce with a topping of Lemon & garlic served with a side of vegetable and fried rice.

Teppanyiaki Chicken served with fried rice

Bernard, our ever pleasant service attendant had advised Bade to try this alternative as it was not as sweet as the Teriyaki sauce she was resistant to.

Let’s just say Bade’s taste buds had already been upset from her first try-out so much so that this less sweet alternative tasted too sour for comfort (Chai! Money miss road food! Lol).

Bade's what the heck am I eating face! loool

I on the other hand stuck with my Teriyaki Chicken menu. It had seasoned grilled chicken strips in teriyaki sauce served with some side of vegetable and fried rice.

Teriyaki Chicken

Overall, I did enjoy the meal but I would have preferred something a bit more spicy (blame it on my Nigerian roots, abeg I love my spices biko!).

Happy foodie! lol

We have decided to try out a different menu from Izanagi some other time, hopefully we’ll ask all the required questions on the sauce options before plunging in. I get to choose our next food adventure and I’m already thinking Thai Cuisine! *doing the happy dance*. I’ll keep you all posted!

So it was bye to Izanagi, a combined “Sweet & Sour” experience for Bade & I!

What sort of food adventure have you had and what were your experiences? Feel free to share in the comment section!

Till next time; Eat, Pray, Love!

Kechy!

Finding the "New School" in "Old School"

First year birthday parties were epic at the time, although I hear it is way cooler in this 21^st century for those who are in the “ajebutter” category (lol). Anyway, it was a thing of joy to be invited for a first year party in the 90’s. It meant you could play dress up, get an entire bottle of Coca-Cola to yourself (and not share one with your four siblings as was the tradition then) and probably win a treat in dancing competitions, dancing to Shina Peter’s, Pasuma or Wasiu Ayinde’s tunes or doing the running man dance to a Michael Jackson track. There was also the popular dance around the chair game, where about 10 kids would dance around 8 chairs until the DJ halts the music. The last man standing without a chair automatically gets disqualified and then the circle continues till only one winner is left sitting on the chair. Mehn, those where the days…

These  parties were usually segmented. We would have the kid’s corner with all the play things and goofiness, the Mum’s corner where idle banter and household gossip occurred and the Dad’s corner, where the men ruffled their collars and massaged their egos, sharing their accomplishments and possessions to the hearing of their wives… As colourful as the kids’ corner looked at the time, I couldn't help but notice how grandiose our mums looked. Gosh, I could drool for days staring at their outfits and hairstyles. Jerry curls, beautiful traditional fabric (for those in traditional attires) and neatly finished skirts or pants with elegant blouses, some with sky high shoulders or puffs. Our Mum’s looked great at such parties…

The traditional attires had me totally intrigued especially the “Iro & Buba”. They were so popular at the time especially combined with a two piece “aso-oke”, one serving as a head gear and the other loosely placed across the shoulder falling down to your feet or tied across the waist in an about-to-get-ready-for-a-fight mode (lol). 

Culled from emotanafricana.com

Culled from Google Images 

These attires served for different occasions; parties, weddings, awards, memorials, you name it! The blouses or buba were usually cut in a one directional patterns, draping the upper body not too firmly but fitted enough not to fall off ones shoulder. I remember loving these attires as a child.

As I grew a bit older a sudden dislike for the once loved “Iro & Buba” evolved. This was more from the feeling of looking way older in them or being termed as “Old School”. I rarely had any traditional print attire at this phase in my life…

Then suddenly the world seemed to change. First was the knee length or micro versions of the Iro's with three quarter length sleeves that returned with a vengeance. The new look was called “Oleku” loosely translated in English to mean "Super hot" or "Chic". This new look became a sophisticated and chic re-enactment of the "Old School" Iro & Buba our mothers in the 80’s wore for special occasions and as showcased in traditional Yoruba Nollywood flicks of that era. 

"Oleku" - Culled from www.mainframemovies.tv 

Uju Igweokwu - In a pretty pink themed version of the "Oleku"

Eki Ikeh & Sarah Agaldo - Combining the Oleku with the Traditional look 

I remember still feeling a certain kind of reservation for the "Oleku" attire. Different strokes for different folks I guess! With the "New School" came more creativity which made the“Oleku” adaptation a lot more cool/hip! 

Tundun Sanusi - (Pretty Yummy Mummy) Her looks are effortlessly chic! You go girl!

Today, new adaptations have evolved beyond the “Oleku” trend. Ladies appear in much more adventurous and glamorous versions of the “Iro & Buba” coming in a variety of fabrics such as Lace,  Shiffon, Ankara, Wax or the more modern version of Raw Silk in more daring prints and colours…

Today’s piece is dedicated to the “New School” of “Iro & Buba” which for now has got me spell bound! Thanks to the beautiful ladies who have sent in their versions, I present to you, the “It” version of the New School of Iro & Buba.

Ps; I have also tried out my own version of the cape buba on a fitted iro *winks* Feel free to adapt some of our modern trendy looks for the “Iro & Buba” newbies like me!!

Tundun Sanusi - Love the fusion with the yellow accessories! A pop of bright colour and voila!

Wunmi Olatunji - In a fitted long sleeved buba! Her accessories and gele gives the look a pretty finish!

Tolu Bameke - Pretty Tolu gives us the knotted print Iro with a modern short-sleeved buba 

Mercie Ahabue - In a pretty red print knot version of the Iro & Buba. The drape-like sleeves add magic to the look

Toyin Balogun - Delectable Sisi Toyin In a double layered cape Iro & buba! I love the flowery pink patterned material

Ibukun Olubode - Our "Pretty Yummy Mummy" in a fitted long sleeved Buba & Iro

Kechy's first ever attempt at a modern version of the Iro & Buba - Pinky! I'm loving it!

Eki Ikeh - Another "Pretty Yummy Mummy" - Orange just gives you life! *wink*

Tundun Sanusi & Wunmi Olatunji - In a raw silk material adaptation of the knotted Iro & Buba! The prints are amazing!

Yode & Bade Aboderin - Pretty Sisters in a lace & Velvet mix of the Iro & Buba

Abimbola Adefuye-Adaramola - Another "Pretty Yummy Mummy" fusing her look with a pop of red aso-oke

Yode & Bade Aboderin - Notice how the neck pieces add elegance to their look! *wink*

Bimbo Alade - Pretty Bimbo pulls off this chic look with a bell sleeved buba! Amazables!

Tundun Sanusi - In a 3 quarter fitted sleeved version of the buba! I love the fusion with black!

Ibukun Olabode - Pop's her monochrome knotted Iro & buba with a touch of Orange!

Bimbo Alade - In a high neck double cape Buba & knotted Iro! Lovely!

Tundun Sanusi - Finishes our display in an amazing vintage raw silk Iro & Buba! Pretty!

Huge thanks once again to all the ladies who made this feature colourful and enticing! *Bear hugs* Till next time, have a lovely week and keep exploring new Iro & Buba trends!

Toodles...

Kechy!

Huff! Puff!! Buff!!!

If you remember the famous “Three Little Pigs” story from your Nursery Rhymes with the hungry wolf vowing to blow down their house and have them as his meal, then you must be familiar with the terms; “Huff” & “Puff”…errmm I added my own jara: “Buff” (we have to show that our brain is sharp nah! Lol). Anyway, before I digress, this is the exact feeling I have when driving on Lagos roads.

I had resorted to waiting out traffic at my work place just so that I drive in peace and get home at half the time I would have spent leaving work during peak hours - but for where? Lagos drivers no go gree! How else can you explain leaving the island at 8pm only to face major traffic jams on your first exit point onto 3 rd mainland bridge? I can’t even begin to explain the shock. At least island drivers were a bit sane.

Now for the Lagos newbies, there are 3 categories of drivers or would I call it 3 styles of driving on Lagos roads. I will in very simple layman street language, try to operationalize these terms below.

Category 1 – “The Island Drivers”

Disclaimer: Do not be fooled by the terminology. They do not only include “ajebutters” or “islanders” (Ikoyi, VI, Lekki, Ajah inhabitants) but also include immigrants from other suburbs or metropolis within Lagos. The common factor in categorizing this group as “Island Drivers’ is simply in the style of driving.

Even when in a hurry, some of these “Island drivers” are sane enough to be courteous in their driving. They obey street lights (no obey nah! LASTMA fee on island routes cost pass), road signs and are generally more tolerant to their fellow drivers. On some occasion the “mainland driving spirit” in them lets loose especially when there’s a gridlock on the route into Victoria Island, close to the Officers Mess. Walahi, if the Island driver is in a hurry to a meeting especially on a Monday morning, no amount of flashing indicator lights or honking will gain you access through the needles eye onto Victoria Island. If your car gets bashed by any stroke of bad luck getting into the Island, the Island Driver’s language of communication is plain English. No shouting, no haggling just clean English and exchange of complimentary cards. You can be sure that the Island driver has got his insurance cover so no time to waste when his or her car is bashed.

Category 2 – “Upper Mainland Drivers 1”

Hmmn, how do I even begin? If my basic geography serves me right, it will be a sacrilege to group the entire mainland as one. This is where well over half of Lagos State’s population lives. From Ebute Meta, Ogudu, Gbagada, Anthony, Maryland, Ikeja, etc., you should get my drift by now. Anyway, the “Upper Mainland Drivers” constituting people who drive on the following routes (Ikorodu road, 3 rd Mainland Bridge, Gbagada, Anthony, Maryland, and Ikeja 1) are not so far off from the “Island Drivers”. They tend to be courteous to fellow drivers on these routes however, if you provoke them ehn, you will be properly schooled in driving. Some negative triggers that bring out the ‘Micheal Schumacher’ in “Upper mainland Drivers” include, aggressive truck drivers, drunk bus drivers, proud SUV drivers (these guys can be natural bully’s sometimes *rolling my eyes*), randy taxi drivers. The operational language for settling car bashing issues in this category is also English. On some occasion Yoruba may be required depending on the ‘illogicality’ of the basher and the scenario. Lol!

Category 3 – “Lower Mainland Drivers 2”

Chai! This one na serious explanation I go do for here! Let me start by painting a mental picture of the category of drivers in this group. A song comes to mind here. Faze’s ‘Kolomental’. P.S.: you need to listen to the song or watch the video to get the picture. If you haven’t, please Google the song and have a listen then continue reading. This is the best way I can describe these set of drivers.

So you know how for no reason at all, someone just goes kolo on you and decides that the paint on your car still looks clean and needs to baptize you into the Lagos driving life? This is where you will find these types of drivers. They usually ply the Oshodi, Agege Motor road axis. Ah, before I forget, Ojodu, Ketu, Mile 2, Berger routes are not left out ohh. The drivers in this category mean you every harm!

WARNING: If you have been invited for an event along any of these routes (Oshodi, Agege motor road, Iyana Ipaja, Egbeda, Agege, Ojodu, Berger, Isolo express way) be sure to drive like a mumu and AVOID any bus painted in yellow, also avoid moluwes and BRT bus drivers like the plague. Do not also forget to avoid the KekeNapep drivers; they are the new breed of the defunct Okada riders.

Drivers on this route are not normal ohhhh!!! (Re-inserts Faze’s kolomental). How else do you explain a driver who deliberately drives through a road demarcation just so he doesn’t have to make the long drive to the appropriate U-turn? Beats traffic light regulations and has no respect for road signs. Worse off is when you try to argue right of way within this category. My dear, you will only be wasting your time.

The operational language in negotiating vehicle altercations within this category is Yoruba. If you are not a native speaker, Pidgin English will suffice. There will be plenty noise, insults, swear words and sometimes blows/punches used when engaging with this lot. If by chance you are an Island driver that unfortunately found yourself in such a situation, your best bet is to walk away to avoid getting your face bashed in the process.

PLEASE NOTE: If you speak English with Yankee or Jand phonetics, you are on a long thing (ask D’Banj). You will only be insulted and pushed over. Your only option will be to phone a friend or a police buddy if you have one; otherwise the basher will go ‘scot-free’!

Did I mention the begging levels within this category? Mehn, na serious begging! If a yellow commercial bus driver bashes your car within this category and he knows that even with his gra gra, the bashee no go gree, all he needs to do is pull off his shirt and lie prostrate on the floor especially in a dirty water puddle (if it rained earlier). They know how to do reverse psychology well oh! That way, when on-lookers come on the scene, the bashee is seen as a devil for not forgiving the poor car basher. They are not even bothered if it will cost you 50 grand to fix what has been bashed ohh! You are straight up seen as a mean witch or wizard if you do not forgive!

So after countless huffing, puffing and buffing, I realized that I was only wasting my strength and energy arguing with the lot of “Mainland Drivers”. I have therefore fused my Island driving etiquette with bits of upper mainland and lower mainland craze. Before they give me high blood pressure I will calmly show them that they are not the only ones that can drive gangster on Lagos roads!

They say when in Rome, act like the Romans!! Lol!

Till next time, have a great week and drive safely on the roads!

Toodles!!

Kechy!

J ù w ó n

She was speaking a lot more viciously… Louder than the stereo I had hiked up to the maximum to douse her vile words. It sounded more like a studio try out. Her words against the sound and beat from my stereo… Ugly, Unwanted, Worthless, Used, Weakling…

She seemed to speak a lot more often lately. I wondered what I had done this time round to cause sleep to elude her. One hand pressed against my right ear, eyes tightly squinted, my feet clamped down on the accelerator, speeding… I was doing 120 kilometers by the time I checked… There was so much distraction - from her and my stereo…

The window! Maybe if I let out the sound I would be blessed with a soothing calm from the breeze and the smell of the sea… The sky had begun to cloud. It looked like a heavy storm was brewing. I counted to three, I reclined the window…her words flew out for a second, the rush of air was gratifying…I took it all in. I loved how my weave swayed with the force of the wind, hitting against my face. It made me feel pretty...for just a second. I almost felt like a super model in one of the commercials for Ford, Mercedes or Jaguar…I was reveling in the thought when her words jolted me, yet again! Unwanted, Unloved, detested…

Shut up!!! I screamed at her… the man in the vehicle beside me stared. I could feel his confusion. I didn't care. I had to get away from her. I increased my thrust on the accelerator, 120, 140, 160 kilometers… The sky suddenly gave way and released a thunderous burst…the sound it made felt like freedom, this was my cue, this was my break! If I didn't go now I would never be able to get away from her. I looked up into the sky, the rain had started to rush, hitting against my windscreen, face and arm. I left the window unwound. Maybe if she got drenched she would shut up permanently… I grinned with the thought that I may actually beat her to her own game… then I felt her fear. I never thought she could ever be afraid, of anything let alone me! Suddenly I had an idea. She had tormented me for way too long…  She stole my childhood and was still fighting to own my adult years. Wasn't it bad enough that she made me feel dirty, hated and unappreciated? It was time I got my life back….

This time I choose to fight. I had hit rock bottom and even when she kept saying ‘do it coward! You can’t even take your own life?’ I was still here! I was no longer going to wait for anyone to validate me. Because in doing that I would give her more room to thrive!

I began to analyze how I had gotten to this point. How I fed each bile comment they threw at me. Their comments were evil; some from people I even as much as called friends! They said I was too skinny, some said I had the body of a man; flat chested with a flat behind. As if that wasn't enough, I had a scar on my face that ran from my right ear to the hollow of my lips. A permanent scar I would have to live with as a result of losing it with the girls from my Junior Secondary Class 3. The girls in my class were mean. One of them said I looked like a rejected sacrifice from the gods… I was going to walk away till they all started laughing. With every step I took away from them their laughter increased. I do not know where I got the strength from. In a second I was tugging at anyone of them I could get hold of, lashing out in a frantic frenzy, blinded by the sight of my own tears. They attacked as a group; clawing at my face, kicking and punching at whatever part of my body they could reach. They only let go when some of the prefects from the Senior Class approached. I was taken to the school clinic.  A few stitches and I had been scarred for life… I hated them!

My life of solitude began after that time. My loveless life made it possible for me to believe every word she had said. One time she had laughed and said I shouldn't bother about being loved. I wasn't anything close to the picture or image of a “smoking hot babe’. They had curves, pretty faces, where either ebony, chocolate skinned or as light as the sun… I spoke less, ate less, and hated myself more until I started to internalize her words… but today, I had just about had enough!

I drove on against the force of the rain. She was whimpering now while I chuckled. Today was the end of you! I began to laugh; driving faster with every outburst. I changed her words; I am loved! I am beautiful! I am needed! I am Daughter, Sister, Friend and Mother!

As she heard those words she began to scream. She was frantically begging me to stop, but I wouldn't. My screen was fogged now, I could hardly see. My tyres began to screech from the speed hitting against the puddle of water from the rain. She was shaking, begging me to reduce my speed or risk killing us both. I was surprised. I thought all she wanted was the death of me! She began to bargain with me. If I pulled over she would leave me alone for good. But sorry dear, I do not negotiate with terrorists!

I drove on for another hour, viciously with all the strength in me. The rain had calmed and I could now see clearly. I turned to look at the passenger’s seat but she was no longer there. I could no longer hear her voice. I felt a sudden rush of peace. As I came to a halt the tears flowed freely. Those of relief and joy for not giving in to her demands…

Today I choose to begin a new life! Today I choose to love me, my life and what I have to offer the world! Beauty was relative and as defined by the beholder! I had enough brains to know that! No more would I allow stereotypes to define or make me. Death to Self-hate and depression! I am beautiful in my own unique way! Scarred or not! I am greater than you, my evil alter ego! 

J ù w ó n!

“Self-love, self-respect, self-worth. There is a reason they all start with “self”. You cannot find them in anyone else” (Anonymous)

Photo credit: (Google images)