Computer Issues.

Hi guys! I'm so so so so sorry this is so late; I've wanted to write a post for over a week now but:

It turns out Macbook Pro doesn't mesh with Nigeria's Zain network so I haven't been able to work from home like I originally planned.

Mac Fail or Zain Fail? Who knows.

And I tried using my blackberry so I could at least answer emails but T-Mobile didn't unlock my data plan.

Let me add the fact that my parents live in a rural area (sorta) and driving anywhere these days is a bit of a pain for them and here I am! Almost two weeks later with a bunch of posts to upload and no computer to use.

I'm at a cyber cafe now so all is well. So here we go!

Myth Busting: Africa The Big Ol' Jungle

As a first generation American, or a Nigerian American as I prefer to call myself, I have been asked some pretty stupid questions about Africa.

Let me take a moment to remind everyone that Africa is a continent with over 50 countries. Let me also take a moment to remind some people that Zamunda isn't really a country so I couldn't possibly know anyone from there.

Yes, really.

Just read this.
Anyway, I'm here to bust some myths. You will finish reading this post and be better for it. Trust me. By the way, those fliers in the picture above is part of a politician's campaign. I told you they go hard here...

My parents and I were on our way to Lekki (here's the not helpful at all Wikipedia page) that day. To get to Lekki, people have to take the bridge that goes to Victoria Island. Unless I'm mistaken, I think that's the only way to get to Lekki.

Here's a big ol' sign.

I like to think of VI as an African Manhattan. This is where everything happens. Almost everything.

The metropolitan area is also the financial centre of Lagos. It's a far cry from the underdeveloped images that are usually associated with African countries.

Don't get me wrong, Nigeria has areas that are underdeveloped but we also have towns with everything from car dealerships to malls to movie theaters.

Let me put it like this: people do choose to live here. Not everyone is dying to leave because America is so awesome right now.

It's not all roses but it's home to millions.

Me and my mommy, my homegirl, my best friend.

Dad's idea of a good time is running errands and having us tag along. It's riveting.

Dad's getting rid of some of his land in Lekki.

Well will you look at that. They have Radissons here; real honest to goodness hotels. So don't worry, no one has to sleep in a tree on this trip ; )

That building is a church with a roof, walls and even a fancy clock.

Shocking, I know.

Gasp! Is that a piece of machinery? By golly, I think it is!

All snark aside, I encourage people to ask questions about Africa the continent. If they didn't ask, they would keep on believing me and the royal family of Kukuanaland are tight.

FOOD: Akara and Um, I'm Not Quite Sure.

In my family, we call this fruit um fruit. The tree these fruit grown on is called the fruit tree.

We Ajayis don't really go for originality.

After some researching (are they iyeyes?), I'm nowhere closer to knowing exactly what this fruit is so if anyone can enlighten me, please do.


They sure are yummy though.

Akara/ bean cakes/ bean balls/ black bean fritters (really?) are a lot less complicated. Here's the recipe.


Yum : )

Identify This Bird. Please.

I've spent more time than I'd like to admit trying to identify to take a picture of this bird. There's a balcony with a day bed upstairs and this pretty little thing used to sunbathe (I'm guessing) up there. It was blue and orange and smart as hell because it flew away every time I tried to get a decent picture of it.

So I tried Google.


I originally thought it was a Common Kingfisher but they're not common in West Africa ; )


So it's very possible it's a Malachite Kingfisher, a bird more common in this area. But what do I know?

Either way, it's a beautiful bird.

I'm Getting Old.

Nothing makes that more obvious than seeing my baby cousins! The tall one is Tomi. He prefers to be called Akinwale now.

How cute is that?

Akinwale towers over me now but I remember holding his chubby cuteness when I was 10. We all used to call him Bobo.

The second tallest one is Labi. Oh Labi...

Labi spent his first year in this world vomiting on me every time I carried him. Every single time. But I still love him.

And Seye! I unfortunately was away in college when Seye joined the Akinlosotu family but I love him just as much. When I saw him the first time, he looked like a raisin and the name kind of stuck.


How handsome are my cousins?