THE UNITED STATES OF AN AFRICAN

Just a Nigerian woman in America living, exploring, learning and sharing

[usafrican]

Culture Shock: An American Story

I went back to the Silver Lake sand dunes for a photo shoot with 4 other black women and one Asian. We just so happen to be there during the free ORV weekend. What does that mean? A bunch of predominantly white Americans in their Jeeps, dune buggies and dirt bikes riding around by lake Michigan. We rolled up in one of the model’s 4 x 4 Jeep ready to drive through the dunes.There was jubilation when we spotted the only other black group participating in the activities; two older couples driving by. HEY KINFOLK!!

At a point, one of the photographers and I had to hitch a ride with anyone who would give us a chance. Luckily this older man and his young daughter gave us a hand and took us on a fun ride!! At another point when we had to pick up a recreation passport (required to enter state parks), things got interesting as we pulled up to the scene blasting something along the lines of Meg Thee Stallion or Lizzo; my memory fails me. Anyway, the intensity of the stares we received was like no other. I honestly think it was mostly out of surprise and confusion. A bunch of black girls and an Asian, half of them dressed in gowns, blasting hip hop, about to ride sand dunes in a Jeep. It’s obviously not common. 

I hoped out of the vehicle with my bubbly energy and made my way to the front to purchase the passport, the whole time feeling the eyes following me. I wasn’t even phased by it. I thought it was hilarious. I was like, “Yeah, we also came to have some fun like everyone else!”.

I’m a very curious lady. I’m the type of person that will try almost anything different. If it looks like fun, I’ll be there regardless of the people I see doing it. Because of this I was called an Oreo or similar for majority of my life. I still didn’t and don’t care. Looking at the demographics chilling by the beach and driving through the dunes, I was reminded of the time I went mud riding in the middle of the woods in God Knows Where In South Alabama with a couple strangers I met in the city. PLEASE DON’T BE AS DUMB AS ME!! 

So I definitely was not surprised to see the characters we came across.

When trying to define American culture, things can get complicated. The united states of America is a gargantuan machine built with so many different yet opposing parts. In this day and age, thanks to social media many Americans are beginning to see the different sides, shades, thoughts, opinions...cultures that make up this nation. For some it is the realization of an ugly truth, for others it is relief that their truth can finally be heard. In my honest opinion, from what I have observed from reading American history, this country has thrived on culture clash; Native Americans, slavery and African Americans, Japanese immigrants, Catholics, Jewish immigrants, Muslims, Hispanics, white nationalists...the list goes on! But this is America. This has always been America. And guess what, ish like this goes on in most if not all other countries. I’m not sure why we all expect better from America. My guess would be because America is where the oppressed run to for freedom. 

[usafrican]

I Took A Trip To India...In Atlanta

I spent about two months in Georgia this summer and one of the places I wanted to visit was this Hindu mandir (worship place) just outside of the city of Atlanta in the suburb of Lilburn.

When my sister and I used to live in Atlanta way way back we would always explore the city and attend events together. So when she recommended we visit the temple, I knew it was one of those opportunities that we don’t often come across. My sister picked me up from the airport and we headed straight to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta.

Here’s a quick lesson on BAPS and the mandir. BAPS is a Hindu religious organization within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. This mandir in Atlanta took 2 years to build with 34,000 hand carved pieces of stone shipped all the way from India. Construction finished in 2006.  

No picture taking was allowed beyond a certain point closer to the actual building in reverence of the worship grounds. I don’t think I could justifiably describe the intricacy of the bricks, walls and ceiling...UGH!!!

The architectural detailing was reminiscent of the cathedrals of Europe. At certain points there were ivory white details of the different Hindu gods within the pieces, one after the other. In my sister’s words, it is an architect’s dream.

First impressions...”It’s a lot smaller than expected”.

That disappointment was quickly overtaken by the beauty of the grounds.

It was when we drove around the building to exit the premises that we realized the enormity of the temple!

I’m not sure why it didn’t occur to me that the United States of America would house such buildings. In a sense it seems so un-American because once you approach the security gate, you’re almost transported to India as the Indian security guard with his matching accent welcomes you. But then it is America. I’ve driven by so many mosques, European Christian orthodox cathedrals, synagogues and so it only makes sense that obviously there would be beautiful Hindu temples across the country. Visiting such places reminds one not only of the ethnic and cultural diversity - which makes this country great, but also the religious diversity. Maybe I should do a series of traditional religious buildings I come across in America. What do you think?

[usafrican]

Unplanned Trip to Savannah, GA

THE AUDACITY OF MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD! I wasn't invited to my family's trip. If I hadn't asked what they were doing the weekend of, I would've been left behind in Atlanta. And I wasn't the only one almost abandoned. My brother was also left out of the secret trip. So, we invited ourselves to their weekend vacation to Savannah GA. We spent half of the time in downtown Savannah and the other half on Tybee Island.

Savannah is about three and a half hours from Atlanta. I've been to Savannah a couples before and what I always remember are the Oak tree canopies with Spanish moss hanging from the branches.The first time I visited Savannah was with the whole family and we did all the tourist activities including a historical trolley tour through the city, jet skiing with dolphins in the Atlantic and a night time ghost tour. This time around, my brother, his girlfriend and I decided to just chill and walk around City Market. 

Since honesty is the best policy, I have to confess that I barely took any pictures while we were out. Mostly because we had gotten buzzed at the hotel's complimentary cocktail hour before leaving. I had a very strong rum punch and gin and tonic, plus a few sips of margarita. Anyway City Market is this area downtown near the squares with restaurants, bars, and shops. It's pretty much like an extremely tame and small version of Bourbon street.

We ended up at this Scottish restaurant for dinner. I had the bangers and mash because sausages from the UK are the best!! I also had a glass of scotch which I would feel the next morning.

Speaking of next morning, we spent the day on Tybee Island which is about 30 minutes from Savannah. One of my fondest life memory is going on my first ever jet ski ride and having dolphins swim up and play around us. It's always an amazing experience encountering animals in their natural habitat. Well this time around, due to shallow pockets, we just hung out on the beach; swimming in the ocean, flying kites, and just general lazing.  

The last time I was by the ocean was about a year ago in the Caribbeans. I think this is the longest I’ve been separated from it. I was longing for it. And it sure was nice to be back. My body, mind and soul were at ease. That’s what nature does to me. It’s God’s creation unbothered by humans. It’s beautiful and innocent. You know God takes care of nature regardless of human interference. And the crazy thing is that we are even more special to Him than the creatures that fly in the skies and the ones inhabiting the land. I know the world makes it hard to have faith sometimes, but if you just abandon your ego and the human interference, stop looking for reasons or something to blame for your situations, and just let God take care of you (easier said than done)...just imagine how awesome you’d be no matter the circumstance.  

As for Savannah, I’ll be back another day. There’s so much fascinating history in that city that needs to be documented on this blog. It won’t be a spontaneous trip next time. 

[usafrican]

Who Am I?

Who am I? You know when you go on a first date with someone you don’t or barely know and they ask you to describe yourself or what you do for fun? I HATE that!! Some reasons why:

- Because it would take me a very long time to describe myself because it’s complicated and I don’t like spending time talking about myself. 

- I’d rather have the subject on anything else but me. (Might be insecurity issues)

- You’ll get to know me the more you hang out with me. But even so, if we don’t change environments, you’ll only get a glimpse of who I am.

- I don’t even fully know who I am because I’m always changing; spiritually, mentally, socially etc. For example, I take my spiritual walk with God seriously because amongst other things I want to make sure I stay on course with my purpose according to His will. And every time I learn something new it changes my perspective. Read Romans 12:2.

- Did I mention I don’t like explicitly talking about myself? 

- Whenever people think they know me from what I’ve told them or what they see on social media, they always find themselves confused, disappointed or offended when I do something out of the image they’ve created of myself which ends up hurting the relationship. 

- Less than a handful of people have me figured out. They probably don’t even know it but for some reason, they’re able to get me talking about my everything.They’re the only ones I want to share my “secrets” with. It’s not easy for me to build that kind of trust.

- My interests and hobbies always change. There’s so much this life has to offer.

- One more time, I don’t like talking about myself. I’d rather discuss the things I do than who I am. 

Who am I though? I am an Ogoni woman. I am Igbo and Itsekiri. I am a work of God and thus a child of God. It’s literally what my name means. I am always changing. I am loved. 

These pictures were taken in one of the many forest around Atlanta. I’m giving African Ariel vibes i.e. after she gets her legs.

[usafrican]

My day trip to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan.

Shot and edited by me.

Music: “This Is What Makes Us Girls” performed by Lana Del Rey

[usafrican]

Chasing Balloons

Back in the peach state again!!! Georgia has a lot more to offer than the city of Atlanta especially for those who love to explore nature. You’ve got the beaches by the Atlantic ocean to the east, mountains to the north, caves, waterfalls, rivers, lakes etc.

The last time I went to Helen, an old Bavarian town two hours from metro Atlanta, I chased waterfalls and tubed up the Chattanooga river. This time around I visited with the intent to ride a hot air balloon during the hot air balloon festival. 

The traffic entering the town center was ridiculous. The Georgia summer heat held nothing back. The air was filled with the smell of sweets, and the sounds revving engines from motorcyclists attending a bikers convention. For lunch my family and I stopped at Two Tire Tavern for German sausages and one of the local ice cream shops for dessert. And then we began our God knows how many miles trek looking for the festival grounds.

I’ve always been fascinated with hot air balloons; particularly how they navigate the sky. This was my first time being up close to a hot air balloon and I gotta say, I was quite blown away (PUN INTENDED). As I saw two balloons take off into the sky my eagerness to ride elevated (PUN INTENDED).

Alas, we were distracted by the need to document everything we spent way too much time trying to get pictures (I’m beyond disappointed with myself for this). By the time we decided to line up to ride it was pretty much too late in the evening. 

Thankfully American skies are full of balloons during summer. I’ll make another attempt at another festival

[usafrican]

In The Desert

So I haven’t traveled anywhere in a minute. At first I blamed life circumstances for that. But at the end of the day, life is just mind over matter. And I’m really trying to mentally get over myself and make things happen especially when people let me down. I’ve been working on my photography and videography skills which has been helpful. It keeps my mind focused and creativity challenged. Through this new venture, I even found a group of creative women that has ended up being a source of support and motivation. 

We recently went on a mini trip to the west coast of Michigan to take some test photos for a project we’re working on. Last summer, I went to Saugatuck, a beautiful little town with dunes overlooking Lake Michigan. This time I ended up at Silver Lake. We specifically went to catch the sunset on Lake Michigan from the sand dunes. Oh my goodness, the sand dunes!!!! They are a natural wonder to me. I felt like I was in the middle of a desert as I walked through the high hills and valleys of sand. 

The winds were unfriendly. They were great for picture and video purposes but oh so painful on my skin! I felt like I was being shot at with tiny needles. But when the wind calmed down, the peace I felt was like no other. 

In one moment I was in the middle of nothingness. The next moment, I could see the gorgeous and seemingly boundless Lake Michigan. 

Once again, I attempted to catch the sunset on the lake. Once again, like last year, the sun was hidden behind the clouds as it disappeared into the water. The whole experience was a metaphor of my life.

Let’s cut to the chase, life has been hard. I honestly wish I could go into the future to make sure that things turn out well and that I’m happy. Like genuinely happy. Scrolling through Instagram I see people posting about their opportunities and achievements, and I can’t help but wonder why is it difficult for me to accomplish things that seem like an “easy” check on life’s generic to-do list?  Why do I frequently find myself in deserts and valleys? I’m actually tired of having to find the oasis and lilies. I’m tired of having to see my glass half full even when I feel like I’m empty. Like God, I know you’re teaching me to be patient but when will it be my turn? What’s worse is that I hate that I feel this way because God has been faithful and provided for me. I just didn’t think I’d still be wandering at this point of my life. But thank God for His promises on which I can hold on to.

Philippians 1 v 6: Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 

[usafrican]

Quintana Roo

So it’s my second time in Mexico, second time in the state of Quintana Roo. Last year, I spent a few days in Tulum with my brother. This year, I was in Cozumel and Costa Maya for a day each. 

and then the food

[usafrican]

Scuba Trip in Cozumel

This is my second time going scuba diving. The first time was a few years ago in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 

While I absolutely love the experience of being able to breathe underwater and explore the ocean floor, this time around I had somewhat of an awful time. I woke up with a cold and slight headache that morning. As we descended into the ocean, the worse my head hurt. Halfway through, I actually wanted to swim back to the surface due to the discomfort.

NOTE: DON’T GO SCUBA DIVING IF YOU FEEL SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!

[usafrican]

On the Island of Roatan

As promised, here’s a short clip of the trip to Honduras. Click HERE to read the post about the trip.

[usafrican]

A Few Hours in Nassau

I think my family and I have a routine for when we visit Nassau.

1. Go to the beach

2. Get cake from the Rum Cake Factory...it’s worth it!

3. Eat fish and conch under the bridge!

[usafrican]

My Heart is in Roatan, Honduras

Where do I begin with this blog entry? SIGH...

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from visiting Roatan. My sister had booked a tour with a local Honduran who has exceptional reviews on Trip Advisor. So I had pretty high expectations. But boy, I had no idea that the experience would transcend all senses. I saw, I heard, I smelled, I tasted, I felt. Because I did more video taping than picture taking, I’ll be posting a video clip of my time on the island soon. 

As my family left the port and made our way into the island, my sister asked a local stranger if she knew Cleve. She smiled and pointed in the direction of a slim man with brown skin and short dark straight hair holding up a sign with our last name on it. We shouted loudly with joy “CLEVE!”. He responded with even more energy “FAMILY!!!”. We basically ran to each other like long lost relatives reuniting. He gave us all hugs and there was pure jubilation amongst us all. I’ve never been welcomed by a stranger like that before, but it was heavenly! It was that type of love Jesus preached about back in the day. Another local man who was in the corner observing the whole spectacle told me that we were in good hands...”Cleve is the happiest man on the island”. It honestly pains me that I can’t really go into details of the character that is Cleve because I would end up writing a novel. And this blog post is my travels on the island of Roatan. But I’ll say this, Cleve is the light and salt of that island. 

He embraced my family as his own, and showed us his beautiful island from the villages in the mountain tops to the villages on the sea; 

From the mansions to the small huts; 

and everything in between. 

We got an awesome history lesson that even connects Roatan to Nigeria via the Garifuna tribe. One of the five tribes on the island. The Garifuna people first arrived to the Caribbean after their slave ship from the bight of Biafra capsized. For centuries, they have fought to conserve their West African culture. 

We ended our tour eating local food in one of the villages of the Garifuna people by the water. 

The food was so similar to the cuisine of my people in my father’s part of Nigeria. Seafood soup with fish, lobster, conch (a shellfish) eaten with machuca, or as my people call it ununu (mashed plantains). It was proof that the Garifuna must have descended from Nigeria.

Oh My!! TAKE ME BACK!!

[usafrican]

Labor Day Weekend Trip

Labor day is the unofficial last hoorah of Summer and the commencement of fall. Is it me or did fall arrive way earlier than prior years? Once August started approaching, it’s like the whole of America decided that summer was over. Even Starbucks jumped the gun and released their pumpkin spice lattes early. Granted I’m definitely over summer and already daydreaming of the Christmas season. I have online shopping carts filled with boots and jackets to replace the clothes I’ve donated.

Over labor day weekend, my friend and I went on a spontaneous trip to Port Austin. Neither of us had plans, and I had previously briefly mentioned checking out Turnip Rock and so we thought, why not. It’s about a two and half hour drive North of where we live, on the tip of the thumb of Michigan, on the coast of Lake Huron, one of the great lakes. 

Unfortunately at the time we got to Port Austin, the winds were too high for a kayak trip to Turnip Rock, so we ended up on the Broken Rocks trail towards the less majestic Flat Rock. 

Driving up, we slowly left the suburbs of metro Detroit and ventured into rural Michigan. Fields of corn saturated the drive and it made me realize that fall really is upon us. A sense of anxiety and excitement took over as my grip on the steering wheel tightened. I’m glad my friend was asleep half of the time. I could silently reflect on my summer and project my autumn. It’s a season of change, transition and harvest. 

Back home in Nigeria, the villages are a quiet and peaceful break away from the city. At least my village Kono is. For Detroiters, going up north is like visiting the village. I definitely needed this break away from home, away from the noise in my head. Being out in the water definitely cleared my thoughts. My mind wasn’t occupied by my usual dealings of being a single and unemployed woman in her late twenties. Instead I was focused on the grey skies, the warm breeze, the monarch butterfly flying beside me as I kayaked towards flat rock, the lonely seagull drifting in the distance, the team of geese landing in the water, the two jet skiers creating choppy waters for me to navigate through, the smell of barbecue smoke from the shores, the distant sound of children. Every now and then I was disturbed by my friend lagging behind. But she’s good company. It was her first time kayaking. 

Water itself is so peaceful and cleansing. While we were on flat rock, I decided to take a dip in the lake and it was blissful, calming and rejuvenating. Even as the waves kept pulling me in - I had difficulties getting back on the rock - I was happy.

A lot of transition is going to take place this fall, and I pray for God’s strength as I put my trust in Him.

[usafrican]

Ethnicity: Igbo 

Age: Early 20s

Residence: Detroit, MI

Occupation: Medical student

[usafrican]

Ethnicity: Unknown...Caucasian American

Age: Late 20s

Residence: Detroit, MI

Occupation: Bartender | Musician

[usafrican]

Ethnicity: Igbo

Age: almost 20

Residence: Detroit, MI

Occupation: Nursing student

[usafrican]

I have been told that I can be too optimistic. I have been called naive. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. My head is up in the clouds. 

Knowing my own personal journey, I have to keep my head in the clouds and be optimistic. I have experienced life issues that brought me down to earth to face realism. Those were my darkest years. Having to accept the impartiality of this world. 

But thank God for redemption. Thank God for reminding me of this thing called faith. How can one say they have faith and not be optimistic? With faith, you’re expected to believe and hope that something good is to come without any evidence. There’s no space for hoping for the best, expecting the worst and then accepting the mundane. That’s a tragedy as far as I’m concerned. 

I was taught to have the faith of a mustard seed. That the sky is the limit. And so excuse me while I have my head up in the clouds in the midst of limitless possibilities. The air is crisp. Plus the view is great. You give yourself the chance to get a full scope of situations. To me that’s knowledge and wisdom. 

And so when I get back down to earth, I am prepared. Even for the unexpected. I’m currently living an example of that. In this post I talked about how I lost my job. I wasn’t expecting it. But I believe it’s the optimist in me that has prepared me for this period. I am fully aware of the reality of consequences, but I am hopeful. 

I was not created to accept what life offers me. No! For one, I’m an Igbo girl. Its in my blood to bargain. Two, I’m a Christian. I have faith. And faith does not accept what the world brings me. Its a fight for what I’ve worked for and deserve. 

So be aware of the worst, work towards the best, hope for the best, expect the best.