MAY 22ND 2010
As I type this…I am in between deciding to do the following
1. Watch The Big Bang Theory (AWESOME SHOW!!)
2. Keep doodling over my pictures I took at the barbeque
3. Go for a Run(…which I have been somewhat enjoying)
4. Sit the hell down and type!!!
Hmmmm tough choice but I think I would go for the latter and sprinkle a bit of everything….a win-win for me…right????
Before the marriage of my fingers and my laptop’s keyboard relays a semi-detailed account of today…let it first proclaim that…IT WAS A BBBLLLLASSSSTTTT!!!!
I had looked forward to this weekend for two major reasons…
1. I had nothing to do
2. I had nothing to absolutely do and I did not want to be bored out of my mind!!!!!!
3. Oh…..yeah…..third one…erm….yeah I had nothing to do!!
Then on a more trivial scale I had a fair week with my written exam (which was a blast!) saw Brooklyn’s Finest (which was sad movie by the way!!! As in heart breaking sad not “bad” sad…get it???) Done my two runs for the week ( which was fantablous!!! It keeps getting better!!! Would be marathon ready soon *amen face*) but the weekend was as an empty dry land with nothing to look forward to….and staying at home would only make me do one thing….EAT!!! and I'm sorta on a goal chase here to 80 kilos!!! But then again I remember that I had been invited to a barbecue via Facebook (yes I know I am on Facebook fast but it was important!!! I checked!) From church and there was a meet up at a Pub in the 2nd District as well from church….so last night rocked!!! Which was Friday…I mean we just chilled and hung out and had Chinese and I had this amazing Mocha drink!!....good fn without the booze! Anyways something amazing happened in the PUB….I had an Epiphany!!! Before going to the pub I was a bit downcast…about my stand with God…I had wronged Him once again and was feeling so bad…but I really just wanted to forgive myself and trust Him that He had forgiven me…but I start talking with this girl Diana...and the usual question pops up
Gbubemi: so what are you doing in Paris?
Diana: I teach English once a week and well…i don’t like saying this but I was called to Paris
Gbubemi: don’t be shy I'm feeling this go on!
40 mins later I was elated from the beginning to the opening of my door and even to the shutting of my eyes to sleep…why? all because I saw someone who had a pure passion and such a big heart for God…no trying to be “spiricoco” but still was…she talked about the Holy Spirit like He was her roommate she saw everyday and the fact that she knows her Destiny is in Paris and so on….her fall back plan was to be a chef but…She listened to Him….after hearing all this I felt light…I felt the load just melt away…all the guilt all the shame and pain….all gone! Just like that! I told her…Diana your talking tonight has blessed and freed me and she smiled and said we are a family right? As I slept I could only praise in an imaginary voice because my physical voice could not match the supernatural touch that it had received! All I could wonder and ponder upon was the inexhaustible-vastness of the grace and mercy of God…GOSH!! IS HE MINDFUL OF HIS OWN!!!
So with so much Joy in my heart I sleep in anticipation of what the BBQ would be like….
1. Would there be actual BBQ food?(..you know…some Sheeken sturvs…pls don’t balme I'm in Paris…)
2. Would it be okay to cook Jollof rice? (…”eerrr nah!! Oyibo no go chop am finish”)
3. Wetin I go make/take whey no go too cost…ah!! Emi ni student o!
But as it was past midnight when my mind had all these thoughts racing…. my only decision was to close my eyes and fall asleep….”tomorrow would sort itself out”
As the morning dawned… ii turn to my devotional…Open Heavens…and wow was todays’ read mind blowing….the freedom was just further established!! Then I decided to follow what I learnt and felt I should call my Pastors…Oyinda and Pastor Taiwo….but I no pickups..i thought it was pretty early… since it was the summer weather now… I decide to try and adventurous move one more time…. Cut my hair myself! Today I did sorta get it right….i guess practice makes perfect?!
So my shower lasts like 5 mins…and I'm out to get stuff for the parry/BBQ but I wasn’t sure what to actually do!! Ok lemme put it like this…I knew what I wanted…when I think Barbeque…I think Juicy steaks, Finger Licking Wings, Endless Chicken, Fajitas, Burgers and for the Nigerian Touch Rice…most likely Jollof so was lost shopping today and more so I was thinking about not spending too much because if it is food…I usually don’t put a price on it! So after much touring between two supermarkets I settle for sandwiches and drinks…and still a substantial 17 Euros went into it…*sigh* and I picked up a pair of wanna be Ray-Bans(Lord who shall I harass to buy me the originals???????) and in my Nigerian shirt and my NYSC shorts….i’m looking all swagged out …..my sandwhiches and nachos and my array of drinks…(omo my bag full sote I kom dey tink na organize BBQ….)
So as usual I'm running late….and the race to GARE DU NORD begins…arriving the station I miss the people I was supposed to hook u p with so I had to wait for another train and when I finally got on one…Jon…my friend calls and says he is 15mins out and I was cool….so I wait for him and we almost miss the second one but we make it in good time…while waiting….before I go on…let me first give you an idea of GARD DU NORD…GARE DU NORD is a big popular train station where the Eurostar runs through for example and all the other big trains aside from the metro…and it’s on LINE 4 the ghetto line…where Chateau Rouge is….and since most of the black people that either live outside paris or are sha on that line for zones….connect through its always a mass of ghetto kids mehn…omo I dey clutch my phone and wallet like say na stapler!
Anyways Jon and I eventually meet up and get to the zones and wow was I amazed!!!!!!!!!
I have seen beautiful places like the Pantheon and the Lourve Musee…but seeing the surburbs of Paris was a real treat…for Lagosians…please imagine a VGC that is neater…with some “woods” naturally manicured grassland, a lake/small river, meandering rodas…nice country hosues…….well it was beautiful and it was so nostalgic for me and I didn’t know why….cos Ilupeju for example is industries and the police station around me, traffic in and out of the surburbs and city…so…bt maybe it was just the VGC effect *miss the Shonubis right now*
As I entered the zones….the house by the way was one f the praise leaders place…19 year old dude who rocks out for the Lord like no mans business! His name is Clémence…his parents had been kind enough to let us take over the house for the day….so yes as I land I try to set up my food and try others….and already people where already shocked that a guy had gone through the trouble of bringing nice “sandwiches” (omo see me thinking say I no do anytin)…them no chop my bbq wings or my J-Rice dem dey tok……dey neva jam!”) oh well the party was just fun!! See grown children acting like 5 year olds!! There was a water fight and mercifully I had my camera on me and they were careful not to hurt the “new guys’” feelings so I was spared in the water drenching! The grill produced some shop bought produce really well….so now I know there’s a grill I'm in charge next time!!!! And my Lord would dey lick their elbows!!!
During the party I noticed I was hearing a Nigerian voice singing...and as I moved closer I realized it was Nneka and there was a song that had Lagos and Abuja and Delta mentioned in it…omo I didn’t know when I entered cultural dance mode and started showing an Algerian girl who loves all things African how to step it Naija style! Then before I knew it I became party entertainment! Everyone was staring but I did not feel shy I was in the moment with my roots…so e jo FIMILE! Then I checked the laptop playing the music only to find out that it was grooveshark…omo see me first dulling by looking for Wande coal…when I navigated to Gidilounge nko…..omo see me showing awon French boys some Yahooze and some Komole-ing…but trust me it was ridiculous!!! They just couldn’t get it!!! I almost recored them and keep for laffs but I freed it….then I was on my TY BELLO P again…see me taking picture like say na me bi HELLO! Magazine reporter….
The party was also good cos I met two Ghanaian babes , Sharleen and Lucy who have grown up in London and Germany respectively, they are cool….then just seeing everybody in high spirits without the wrecking influence of alcohol was just great….
So on my way home I was even relishing the heat more! I loved the fact I was sweaty… I mean it’s about time!! Been cold too long!
I'm sooo looking forward to church tomorrow…serving…or should I say hope to start serving…I have been at Hillsong for a month plus now and its time to serve in the house…it’s an awesome place to serve!
I'm also looking forward to some more visits!!! Pastor Taiwo in July who by the way had been to Paris twice last week!!!Yes I know this because he returned my call!!! I spoke to my Pastor!!! Yyyaaayyy!!!! Arrghh!!!! Aunt Toyin, Ada, Tari and Uka, Bidemi Omonaiye, and a host of others that I hope come….
And how can I forget….my final exams….personally I feel I like I have already conquered…I don’t mean to boast but….as in I feel A* already! Whatever dish I get I just pray for favour to do it well!
My mum and I talked this evening and it was sweet…she is soo nervous for me…especially how everyone is soo expectant and proud of me…thank you all! Who are!!! Muchos Gratias!
This is the point I settle for sleeping…whilst watching my new found show…Big Bang Theory…
Grandpa…..I love you deep!!! And my family as a whole!!!!
A Bientot!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
My Blog did not Die....I was just really Distracted *i think?*
MAY 20TH 2010
Finally….after virtually 3 weeks…the days have crept pass…one issue after the other….excuses…long days and things I can’t remember that have banished me from updating my blog…….I think what has hindered me the most is the sheer fear of sitting down to type a detailed narration of my life especially after a long day at school when I really want to be under my covers and have MegaVideo and all my shows in front of me! And a lot has happened and I am wonder how the hell I am going to make it work! This is the price I have to pay!
Mum’s visit
The above I had started to type but cant find the entry and I have to type all over again aarrgghh!!!!!
My mum got in on the 28th of April after many issues at the French embassy in Nigeria!! She took the train from London though…..expecting my mum was mixed feelings…hell was I excited!!!! Finally my mum…but then again…..our “disagreements”! *sighs* Anyways…picking her from the train station we hug and exchange smiles and etcs……then we head to my place and my mum is so hungry she could not wait for me to even make something for her and she opts for Chinese food(…which won’t be bad now….hmmm)
Anyways…Mum spends a week with me and it was half and half….of course we had our “disagreements”…which she felt very bad about and I did too because we were both like “ahan one week and we have come back to square one!”…but we both realized that we have to work on this together,….well I realized that I hoped she did….because I admit that I annoyed her with some remarks but on her part…lets just say she was a “mother” constantly worrying about something and repeating the same thing a million times!!! But Mum in case you read this or someone does gbegborun for you….I LOVE U TOOO BITS NONE LIKE U!!! IF I HAD TO CHOOSE A MUM!!! I WOULD CHOOSE U EVERYTIME AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!!
My mother is your regular Nigerian by the way…she bluntly refused to go sightseeing and opted for Shopping! Strictly! My aunties had told us about a wholesale zones where the clothes were great and also had the right price!!!….so my mum glammed up without having to break the bank as such…as the place was still quite an arm and a leg….but it wasn’t ridiculous high street sturvs anyways!
But the great thing about my mum’s visit was the abundance of stew that was left in my fridge…it doesn't taste as good as mum’s right?….and the fact that she came was comfort enough….on her way back I missed the fact that I even didn’t mind having someone that loved my fighting me…and no one to watch Yoruba movies with on YouTube..*sighs*
PROMO VIDEO FOR SCHOOL
Two weeks ago the marketing department of school comes into our class asks if any of us would be interested in doing a promo video for the school… “ah!!!!! Omo my chance of being popular…ah!!! Omo I dey shy o!!!” that was what went through my mind….I shrugged my shoulders and felt…hmmm abeg why I go do am? But on my way home from a late class that same day…Ana the forward girl in my class was like a vicious class captain was vigorously trying to capture people to get in to the video…and like an eagle that had sighted its prey she harassed me till I looked at Leonardo who had opted to do it…(unsurprisingly)…and with mixed feelings of “not sending” and actual excitement…I sign up!
Before I go on….the next day is our student dinner so I would talk about that and comeback to the video….
STUDENT DINNER….
When we were handed out the maps in class to know where the restaurant for the dinner was I laughed at Nigeria in my mind.. I could just imagine handing out maps to some to explain where somewhere was!!!! We opt for either explaining on the phone till our credit runs out ( nobody ever seems to know what turn to take) or last last we resort to Okada! And ask questions from Abokis and street people who never seem to give you proper directions! Anyways another thing that made me light up was it was near my house so no endless metro rides….
Arriving the dinner dressed in my “Eko ni baje/Ibo native” I see I am even late small as a lot of people had arrived….and this dinner was just for us in Basic Cuisine…anyways..it was a great relief and joy almost to see everyone dressed up and looking all classy as we are used to seeing each other in our chef outfits….which doesn’t do much good for us looks wise especially the girls…it was good to see well…some skin…(mildly put) colour on faces aka make-up, and juts generally looking like people that had form and shape….
The food looked boring on the menu and was the same as the served dish….however the main of Lamb shank was good…but with the flowing wine it didn’t matter too much…and don’t get it twisted…I wasn’t on a drunk mission…infact I was the only person who kept asking for water on the table while other kept guzzling the wine like they were fish in water….lol!!! my table was extremely multi cultural Juan and Inigo from my class were on it amongst others who were Portuguese or Spanish as well…then A few Americans…One Japanese..and me…the Only African….:) *sighs*
I was also extremely busy doing TY BELLO….u go fear photographer!!! I was taking pictures non stop…but could you blame me…after spending 215 Euros I go dey nurse am like baby? Eeeh O!.
After a pleasant few hours of a six course meal, fine wine, chatting endlessly….the dinner ends and as I'm saying goodbye to all my people…thinking about my mother who may be lonely at home and was just home….most likely worrying….I get asked to come out for drinks….and I'm like….ok lemme hang with people because I had been accused of being “anti-social” (please note this is coming from people who always want to do things I don’t want to do or I actually have something planned)…anyway I go and when the clock struck 12:30am…my alarms went off…I knew mumsi would be semi-worried…and we were at a bar where one drink was 8 Euros!!!! Please!!!! Anyways on my way home….I’m too tired to think about anything and semi regretting opting to do the promo video as I was tired….anyways….as I enter...I tried to unlock the door as quietly as possible so I don’t wake my mum…only to find a fuming parent sitting upright against the head of the bed….my mum looked like she was going to jump on me and box me…as my hellos escapes my lips to hers…she blurts out on “why I like to do these things to her” “in my mind I’m like “what do I do”? Anyway she had called Nigeria and London to tell everyone that I was not home BY 12pm!!!! AND I WAS HOME AT 1AM!!! I'm thinking….kai!!!! because say I never jaiye finish!!!!! But I exercise wisdom and shut my mouth the hell up!!!!
VIDEO CONTD
The next day was the video…so in my freshly-pressed-shimmering-white uniform I arrive school by 12noon sharp…with a half expectant mind and one that was laid back enough to allow me be over excited! Sandra from the marketing Department comes to all of us and issues out instructions on how the day would go and asked politely if we could mix well to show Cordon Bleu is “pro multicultural”….after much acting normal in front of the camera and randomly doing some chopping and all that…..Sandra asks if we want to do an interview….again…in the bid not to be forward I do not raise my hand but she chose me to represent the African side of the world…and I felt good actually….my interview was like an Oprah moment…the silence that listened to my speech and answers was humbling and even an applause that rounded it up....again I shrugged it off like it was nothing but…right before me my dreams were taking shape…*snifs* another plus for coming for the video was meeting Carolyn and Lore…Carolyn is a American babe and Lore is Arab and French….yes the latter is a killer babe!!!! Not that the former is ugly but….I mean what stands a chance net to a slim black-haired brown skinned Arab female?! So Lore and I pretty cool peeps now sef...but sadly she leaves far so we don’t get to catch up as such…. So yeah the video shoot was amazing and all of you should get ready to have your Youtube bookmarks for my school’s page!!!! And now you can say…”yeah thats my friend!! I know him…do you?”
Tolani and Bimbo’s Visit
Another pleasing event that has passed was the arrival of Bimo Ayanwale and Tolani Agbebi my friends from Manchester on a field trip from school…it was great to see my “actual” friends and Nigerians I could really relate to!!! And I meet some other cool peeps..Zina in particular who was the American University here….was burnt I hadn’t known her all along! As she was leaving in a week!!!! Anyways… Tolani and I hang out more as Bimbo was chilling with Zina and her family friend Moji and Tolani really wanted to do tourist! See the museums and all….on the day they had arrived was also the same day Kristen had invited us for dinner with her Dad…so when I realize how late I was running…. Call to say I would be running late and would be there with Tolani…but Tolani and I get lost!! I mean!!!! Emi Gbogbo Parisan!!! Anyways Tolani expresses her excrutiating hunger pangs and we settle for a Hippo Grill Restaurant….the food was good but was I expecting the Four Seasons?!!! No!!!
I also find out two girls from my university were on the trip as well (Emem Ekre and Taiwo Akadiri for those who them)…omo see me almost sleeping in their hotel!!!! Was really good! So after much roaming and seeing….Tuesday comes and it’s time for them to go and I had exams on the same day so I could see them leave but oh well…we saw we jollied small….:)
Hillsong
When Dolapo Adesanmi advised me to go to Hillsong Church...deep within me...I sort of felt indifferent about it and wondered what “Oyibo” church can offer me…..but since the first day I steeped in that church…my life has only gotten better!!!! I can’t believe how much I literally love going to church!!! I'm still amazed on how everything is so laid back but yet still so organized and charged with Gods Presence! The Word nko!!! ALWAYS ON POINT!!! And it doesn’t come with the usual Nigerian antics…not that I'm hating or judging but…it’s just blows my mind… made some good friends e.g Jon Lee who is a pastry chef….he is like the best person in the world right now (Tayo Ola thou shalt not take offence!) and so many other people that are really making my life in church and Paris worth it! Did I mention I met a Nigerian girl…wait sorry an Itsekiri girl for that matter in Church!!!! Gotta love Hillsong!!! Her name is Temisan…I hugged her soo hard the day of Connect when I found out she was Nigerian…..wow!! but she sadly has like a few weeks left in Paris for her exchange program…*sigh* so yeah Hillsong is balling…check me rocking it out!!!!! Komole is a thing of the past!! Lol!!!!
SORIEE ETUDIANT
The above is simply student party for those of you whose French is worse than mine! This was one adventure I can never forget! And it goes….
After Connect (by the way connect is a meeting for a group of young people at Starbucks every other Wednesday to discuss the Word of God in a seriously honest manner! How cool?!) anyway getting to the parriee venue…. Omo…some tooush sturvs! Some kain ca- I-get-your-coat-for-you business! Waiters almost knocking you over in the name of asking you if you want wine!!!…I had been warned that its open bar for the party and it was a license for people to be legally drunk….but not me! Even when I was offered wine at first…I declined…i hadn’t eaten and alcohol and empty stomachs don’t go well together!!! Talking from experience!!! Yes!! Experience! Anyways I somewhat wanted to let lose…I have been abit bored…no excitement as such….no dancing! I'm not a clubber but at least some jamming was needed at this point….but being that I was at a posh zones…the music was just wrong…I mean the DJ even played Sex Bomb! COME ON!!!! But some Pitbull was played and that helped…the Brazilian crew where at least making the party lively…I tried my best to be high on myself by dancing with all the girls at random and giving them some grinding tins…*nnnoooo* ok was just a few Nig Artlanta and some whining u know…gast to show them how it is done…. but….the music fell my hand seriously!!! So between a few glasses of wine which I simultaneously downed with Perrier I was eager to try the pretty finger food that was being served by this smoking HOT Brazilain/Franch waitress!!! Gosh!!! The party was good for me though I was bored stiff! Because I got to bond with some people I naturally would have never batted an eyelid at! Bonded with some people from Intermediate and jasper…Jasper by the way is James Cameron’s stepson…(yes Titanic and Avatar James Cameron)…..but he’s a rebel!!!! Skate boarder! No fancy clothes….extra regular! He loves to surf and write poetry! Just doing food for paying of bills! Can you imagine! If my Step-Papa be Otedola sef I go like ball na! But he had had an accident…on skating to school…he was trying to avoid an old lady and he hits a pole and fractured goes he Fibula! And sadly he had just a month to graduate finally and now has to graduate with me! *sighs* but thank God he is alive! And his leg still has a chance to be useful!
When I could not handle the party anymore I opt to go home…but I was invited for several after party gigs which I respectfully declined….i know myself….
As I step out who is drunk and semi useless on the corner….Robbie….my Pilipino friend who was cool with me at first then started posing for me….some of my class mates were helping him out…as
I was about to walk past and say a few sorrys and yeah…go home!…Leticia our friend begs me to hop in the cab to take him home….in my mind I had vexed and raised my nose at him “hmmm God don cash u!! oti yo!!! I dey go my house jo!’ I have never seen a drunk person talk less of handle one! but then again…my Church mind pricked me…then yes I had to be a Good Samaritan…and Leticia’s offer to pay for the cab made things easier..*lol*…cos hell no was I coughing up cab money!!!! Anyways Chantel from his class comes along….and like play in the cab that finally picked us…(’cos all the cab drivers refused to pick us up ‘cos we had a “malade” boy….)HE THREW UP IN MY HANDS!!! “omo this church tins na wa o!!! I never vomit for my own hand na u com dey pour ur bele nonsense for my hand!! Heeey!” my mind…..but since he was too drunk to remember anything…of course he took us to the wrong address!!!! So guess whose place he had to crash at? Mine!!!!!
So to finish my Good Samaritan business I had started… I cleaned him up and like a log of wood he fell on my bed and slept peacefully till morning….in the morning he could still remember most of last night except throwing up in my hands!!! And he felt soo bad and since then he has felt terribly indebted to me! He greets me constantly now in school…and it was cool when we talked as we found ut we have some similarities as Nigerians and Filipinos….and we have similar passions when it comes to food….*sigh* see life….who would have thought I would help a drunk ROBBIE OUT!!!
I have been in Paris now for 2 months and 11 days…wow!!!! I can still remember when I left for the Airport! It’s been good, hard and sometimes plain boring…but I'm in God’s plan! And on a God note….He’s been soo Merciful it’s starting to really shock me!!! He’s too Faithful!!!! I'm learning a lot…been doing some mess ups but…He has my back!
I think I have said enough…..for now…before my finger give way on this keyboard…never again would I leave this for so long!!!!
My final exam is next week…practical…Jesus please make me Perfect! I hope I get something like Beef Strogonoff or Fish and Fennel….dunnoo anyone!
Anyways…I really hope to go to London for my Spring break…hope dey go give me Visa!
I miss my sister BADLY!!!!!!! Hope she can come in the summer?!
*I joined Twitter by the way! Grudgingly…..honestly it’s a bit confusing….. *peer pressure!!* I still prefer my Facebook jare!….im on my 4th day of my Facebook fast…I have almost died!!! But now that my BB is back on….it has helped but still I have mobile Facebook and I cant use gosh!!! Talk abot punishment!!!
God please bless my family members and all those you have used to make this dream a reality!!!!
A Bientot!!!!
Finally….after virtually 3 weeks…the days have crept pass…one issue after the other….excuses…long days and things I can’t remember that have banished me from updating my blog…….I think what has hindered me the most is the sheer fear of sitting down to type a detailed narration of my life especially after a long day at school when I really want to be under my covers and have MegaVideo and all my shows in front of me! And a lot has happened and I am wonder how the hell I am going to make it work! This is the price I have to pay!
Mum’s visit
The above I had started to type but cant find the entry and I have to type all over again aarrgghh!!!!!
My mum got in on the 28th of April after many issues at the French embassy in Nigeria!! She took the train from London though…..expecting my mum was mixed feelings…hell was I excited!!!! Finally my mum…but then again…..our “disagreements”! *sighs* Anyways…picking her from the train station we hug and exchange smiles and etcs……then we head to my place and my mum is so hungry she could not wait for me to even make something for her and she opts for Chinese food(…which won’t be bad now….hmmm)
Anyways…Mum spends a week with me and it was half and half….of course we had our “disagreements”…which she felt very bad about and I did too because we were both like “ahan one week and we have come back to square one!”…but we both realized that we have to work on this together,….well I realized that I hoped she did….because I admit that I annoyed her with some remarks but on her part…lets just say she was a “mother” constantly worrying about something and repeating the same thing a million times!!! But Mum in case you read this or someone does gbegborun for you….I LOVE U TOOO BITS NONE LIKE U!!! IF I HAD TO CHOOSE A MUM!!! I WOULD CHOOSE U EVERYTIME AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!!
My mother is your regular Nigerian by the way…she bluntly refused to go sightseeing and opted for Shopping! Strictly! My aunties had told us about a wholesale zones where the clothes were great and also had the right price!!!….so my mum glammed up without having to break the bank as such…as the place was still quite an arm and a leg….but it wasn’t ridiculous high street sturvs anyways!
But the great thing about my mum’s visit was the abundance of stew that was left in my fridge…it doesn't taste as good as mum’s right?….and the fact that she came was comfort enough….on her way back I missed the fact that I even didn’t mind having someone that loved my fighting me…and no one to watch Yoruba movies with on YouTube..*sighs*
PROMO VIDEO FOR SCHOOL
Two weeks ago the marketing department of school comes into our class asks if any of us would be interested in doing a promo video for the school… “ah!!!!! Omo my chance of being popular…ah!!! Omo I dey shy o!!!” that was what went through my mind….I shrugged my shoulders and felt…hmmm abeg why I go do am? But on my way home from a late class that same day…Ana the forward girl in my class was like a vicious class captain was vigorously trying to capture people to get in to the video…and like an eagle that had sighted its prey she harassed me till I looked at Leonardo who had opted to do it…(unsurprisingly)…and with mixed feelings of “not sending” and actual excitement…I sign up!
Before I go on….the next day is our student dinner so I would talk about that and comeback to the video….
STUDENT DINNER….
When we were handed out the maps in class to know where the restaurant for the dinner was I laughed at Nigeria in my mind.. I could just imagine handing out maps to some to explain where somewhere was!!!! We opt for either explaining on the phone till our credit runs out ( nobody ever seems to know what turn to take) or last last we resort to Okada! And ask questions from Abokis and street people who never seem to give you proper directions! Anyways another thing that made me light up was it was near my house so no endless metro rides….
Arriving the dinner dressed in my “Eko ni baje/Ibo native” I see I am even late small as a lot of people had arrived….and this dinner was just for us in Basic Cuisine…anyways..it was a great relief and joy almost to see everyone dressed up and looking all classy as we are used to seeing each other in our chef outfits….which doesn’t do much good for us looks wise especially the girls…it was good to see well…some skin…(mildly put) colour on faces aka make-up, and juts generally looking like people that had form and shape….
The food looked boring on the menu and was the same as the served dish….however the main of Lamb shank was good…but with the flowing wine it didn’t matter too much…and don’t get it twisted…I wasn’t on a drunk mission…infact I was the only person who kept asking for water on the table while other kept guzzling the wine like they were fish in water….lol!!! my table was extremely multi cultural Juan and Inigo from my class were on it amongst others who were Portuguese or Spanish as well…then A few Americans…One Japanese..and me…the Only African….:) *sighs*
I was also extremely busy doing TY BELLO….u go fear photographer!!! I was taking pictures non stop…but could you blame me…after spending 215 Euros I go dey nurse am like baby? Eeeh O!.
After a pleasant few hours of a six course meal, fine wine, chatting endlessly….the dinner ends and as I'm saying goodbye to all my people…thinking about my mother who may be lonely at home and was just home….most likely worrying….I get asked to come out for drinks….and I'm like….ok lemme hang with people because I had been accused of being “anti-social” (please note this is coming from people who always want to do things I don’t want to do or I actually have something planned)…anyway I go and when the clock struck 12:30am…my alarms went off…I knew mumsi would be semi-worried…and we were at a bar where one drink was 8 Euros!!!! Please!!!! Anyways on my way home….I’m too tired to think about anything and semi regretting opting to do the promo video as I was tired….anyways….as I enter...I tried to unlock the door as quietly as possible so I don’t wake my mum…only to find a fuming parent sitting upright against the head of the bed….my mum looked like she was going to jump on me and box me…as my hellos escapes my lips to hers…she blurts out on “why I like to do these things to her” “in my mind I’m like “what do I do”? Anyway she had called Nigeria and London to tell everyone that I was not home BY 12pm!!!! AND I WAS HOME AT 1AM!!! I'm thinking….kai!!!! because say I never jaiye finish!!!!! But I exercise wisdom and shut my mouth the hell up!!!!
VIDEO CONTD
The next day was the video…so in my freshly-pressed-shimmering-white uniform I arrive school by 12noon sharp…with a half expectant mind and one that was laid back enough to allow me be over excited! Sandra from the marketing Department comes to all of us and issues out instructions on how the day would go and asked politely if we could mix well to show Cordon Bleu is “pro multicultural”….after much acting normal in front of the camera and randomly doing some chopping and all that…..Sandra asks if we want to do an interview….again…in the bid not to be forward I do not raise my hand but she chose me to represent the African side of the world…and I felt good actually….my interview was like an Oprah moment…the silence that listened to my speech and answers was humbling and even an applause that rounded it up....again I shrugged it off like it was nothing but…right before me my dreams were taking shape…*snifs* another plus for coming for the video was meeting Carolyn and Lore…Carolyn is a American babe and Lore is Arab and French….yes the latter is a killer babe!!!! Not that the former is ugly but….I mean what stands a chance net to a slim black-haired brown skinned Arab female?! So Lore and I pretty cool peeps now sef...but sadly she leaves far so we don’t get to catch up as such…. So yeah the video shoot was amazing and all of you should get ready to have your Youtube bookmarks for my school’s page!!!! And now you can say…”yeah thats my friend!! I know him…do you?”
Tolani and Bimbo’s Visit
Another pleasing event that has passed was the arrival of Bimo Ayanwale and Tolani Agbebi my friends from Manchester on a field trip from school…it was great to see my “actual” friends and Nigerians I could really relate to!!! And I meet some other cool peeps..Zina in particular who was the American University here….was burnt I hadn’t known her all along! As she was leaving in a week!!!! Anyways… Tolani and I hang out more as Bimbo was chilling with Zina and her family friend Moji and Tolani really wanted to do tourist! See the museums and all….on the day they had arrived was also the same day Kristen had invited us for dinner with her Dad…so when I realize how late I was running…. Call to say I would be running late and would be there with Tolani…but Tolani and I get lost!! I mean!!!! Emi Gbogbo Parisan!!! Anyways Tolani expresses her excrutiating hunger pangs and we settle for a Hippo Grill Restaurant….the food was good but was I expecting the Four Seasons?!!! No!!!
I also find out two girls from my university were on the trip as well (Emem Ekre and Taiwo Akadiri for those who them)…omo see me almost sleeping in their hotel!!!! Was really good! So after much roaming and seeing….Tuesday comes and it’s time for them to go and I had exams on the same day so I could see them leave but oh well…we saw we jollied small….:)
Hillsong
When Dolapo Adesanmi advised me to go to Hillsong Church...deep within me...I sort of felt indifferent about it and wondered what “Oyibo” church can offer me…..but since the first day I steeped in that church…my life has only gotten better!!!! I can’t believe how much I literally love going to church!!! I'm still amazed on how everything is so laid back but yet still so organized and charged with Gods Presence! The Word nko!!! ALWAYS ON POINT!!! And it doesn’t come with the usual Nigerian antics…not that I'm hating or judging but…it’s just blows my mind… made some good friends e.g Jon Lee who is a pastry chef….he is like the best person in the world right now (Tayo Ola thou shalt not take offence!) and so many other people that are really making my life in church and Paris worth it! Did I mention I met a Nigerian girl…wait sorry an Itsekiri girl for that matter in Church!!!! Gotta love Hillsong!!! Her name is Temisan…I hugged her soo hard the day of Connect when I found out she was Nigerian…..wow!! but she sadly has like a few weeks left in Paris for her exchange program…*sigh* so yeah Hillsong is balling…check me rocking it out!!!!! Komole is a thing of the past!! Lol!!!!
SORIEE ETUDIANT
The above is simply student party for those of you whose French is worse than mine! This was one adventure I can never forget! And it goes….
After Connect (by the way connect is a meeting for a group of young people at Starbucks every other Wednesday to discuss the Word of God in a seriously honest manner! How cool?!) anyway getting to the parriee venue…. Omo…some tooush sturvs! Some kain ca- I-get-your-coat-for-you business! Waiters almost knocking you over in the name of asking you if you want wine!!!…I had been warned that its open bar for the party and it was a license for people to be legally drunk….but not me! Even when I was offered wine at first…I declined…i hadn’t eaten and alcohol and empty stomachs don’t go well together!!! Talking from experience!!! Yes!! Experience! Anyways I somewhat wanted to let lose…I have been abit bored…no excitement as such….no dancing! I'm not a clubber but at least some jamming was needed at this point….but being that I was at a posh zones…the music was just wrong…I mean the DJ even played Sex Bomb! COME ON!!!! But some Pitbull was played and that helped…the Brazilian crew where at least making the party lively…I tried my best to be high on myself by dancing with all the girls at random and giving them some grinding tins…*nnnoooo* ok was just a few Nig Artlanta and some whining u know…gast to show them how it is done…. but….the music fell my hand seriously!!! So between a few glasses of wine which I simultaneously downed with Perrier I was eager to try the pretty finger food that was being served by this smoking HOT Brazilain/Franch waitress!!! Gosh!!! The party was good for me though I was bored stiff! Because I got to bond with some people I naturally would have never batted an eyelid at! Bonded with some people from Intermediate and jasper…Jasper by the way is James Cameron’s stepson…(yes Titanic and Avatar James Cameron)…..but he’s a rebel!!!! Skate boarder! No fancy clothes….extra regular! He loves to surf and write poetry! Just doing food for paying of bills! Can you imagine! If my Step-Papa be Otedola sef I go like ball na! But he had had an accident…on skating to school…he was trying to avoid an old lady and he hits a pole and fractured goes he Fibula! And sadly he had just a month to graduate finally and now has to graduate with me! *sighs* but thank God he is alive! And his leg still has a chance to be useful!
When I could not handle the party anymore I opt to go home…but I was invited for several after party gigs which I respectfully declined….i know myself….
As I step out who is drunk and semi useless on the corner….Robbie….my Pilipino friend who was cool with me at first then started posing for me….some of my class mates were helping him out…as
I was about to walk past and say a few sorrys and yeah…go home!…Leticia our friend begs me to hop in the cab to take him home….in my mind I had vexed and raised my nose at him “hmmm God don cash u!! oti yo!!! I dey go my house jo!’ I have never seen a drunk person talk less of handle one! but then again…my Church mind pricked me…then yes I had to be a Good Samaritan…and Leticia’s offer to pay for the cab made things easier..*lol*…cos hell no was I coughing up cab money!!!! Anyways Chantel from his class comes along….and like play in the cab that finally picked us…(’cos all the cab drivers refused to pick us up ‘cos we had a “malade” boy….)HE THREW UP IN MY HANDS!!! “omo this church tins na wa o!!! I never vomit for my own hand na u com dey pour ur bele nonsense for my hand!! Heeey!” my mind…..but since he was too drunk to remember anything…of course he took us to the wrong address!!!! So guess whose place he had to crash at? Mine!!!!!
So to finish my Good Samaritan business I had started… I cleaned him up and like a log of wood he fell on my bed and slept peacefully till morning….in the morning he could still remember most of last night except throwing up in my hands!!! And he felt soo bad and since then he has felt terribly indebted to me! He greets me constantly now in school…and it was cool when we talked as we found ut we have some similarities as Nigerians and Filipinos….and we have similar passions when it comes to food….*sigh* see life….who would have thought I would help a drunk ROBBIE OUT!!!
I have been in Paris now for 2 months and 11 days…wow!!!! I can still remember when I left for the Airport! It’s been good, hard and sometimes plain boring…but I'm in God’s plan! And on a God note….He’s been soo Merciful it’s starting to really shock me!!! He’s too Faithful!!!! I'm learning a lot…been doing some mess ups but…He has my back!
I think I have said enough…..for now…before my finger give way on this keyboard…never again would I leave this for so long!!!!
My final exam is next week…practical…Jesus please make me Perfect! I hope I get something like Beef Strogonoff or Fish and Fennel….dunnoo anyone!
Anyways…I really hope to go to London for my Spring break…hope dey go give me Visa!
I miss my sister BADLY!!!!!!! Hope she can come in the summer?!
*I joined Twitter by the way! Grudgingly…..honestly it’s a bit confusing….. *peer pressure!!* I still prefer my Facebook jare!….im on my 4th day of my Facebook fast…I have almost died!!! But now that my BB is back on….it has helped but still I have mobile Facebook and I cant use gosh!!! Talk abot punishment!!!
God please bless my family members and all those you have used to make this dream a reality!!!!
A Bientot!!!!
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