So this is how they ‘use’ to do true true?

People of God! Let me gist you about the first time I got invited to a birthday dinner at a restaurant. 

You’re wondering why this is worth writing about abi? Well, it is because it is one of those birthday parties that I have been hearing about where you attend and you pay for what you eat! 

Ehen, now you see why it is something to write about abi? Especially for someone who the Naija is still very very strong in. The way I know it is you get invited, you dress up on the day of and go, you chop plenty food and come back home very happy… so as not to feel bad that you’ve chop awoof, you buy gift. Abi that’s the point of buying ‘present’, no?

Anyways, though I had initially planned not to stay for the dinner party as I did not have a babysitter, but had to ‘show face’, the plan was to go there, sit and make small talk for about 10 mins, drop the celebrant’s birthday gift, apologize and leave. But as I was sitting and waiting for my 10 mins oh… just because I am polite na… that is how the server came to ask how the payment was going to be.

Now, tell me why this server decided to stand in my very before to ask ‘are you paying individually or as a group?’ I was trying to unlook and brother man was looking straight at me. 

In my head I was thinking ‘Oga, did they send you to me?

Did you see me eat anything?

Can’t you see I am trying to unlook?

Honestly, it felt very very uncomfortable especially as I wasn’t even sure what their plan was as it was a surprise birthday dinner for the celebrant. So there I was sitting uncomfortably not sure what the plan even was! 

Anyways, someone eventually answered and said ‘we’ll pay individually’ and the Naija in me sha thought ‘ah! So this is how you people use to do true true true’ so what if I had come in my true Naija ‘come chop’ mode without money to pay? That’s how I would have been drinking water and eating the free bread rolls,  smiling and nodding? Abi I would have rolled sleeves and washed plates after the parry?

Is it good? 

Ko da now! 

See this cultural differences? Though not all of them are shocking they will always be a thing. Some still amaze me and I just shrug at some and I don’t give some second thoughts anymore. But one thing I know for sure is that I am and will still be a Naija girl and a strong arewa one always. I just have to get used to how they do things here. But please, I like free food, lets be guided!

Till next time…

xoxo