What a difference a year makes. The biggest trip I'm making this year, and of my entire life so far, is in about 12 hours. Going to Nigeria for Christmas sounds almost absurd . . . and I can't wait! The flight will be long, with 2 stops. Although, both are short and at well spaced out intervals which is good for going to the bathroom and getting food. If I do it right, I won't have to use the bathroom on the plane, which is always my goal.
I'm concerned about safety and I'm not. Korea is so safe I can leave my purse and laptop open at a coffee shop, go to the bathroom and it would still be there. I've done it. When I first got here I left my purse twice at a restaurant and it was there hours later when I realized. Nigeria will be different. I bought a purse that I will hold against my body as I walk. I am not bringing any other carry-on than my purse because then I'll have to wear my backpack and it will be easy for someone to open behind me. So, it's just a suitcase and a purse for me. It's only an 8 day trip, but half of my suitcase is full of gifts and clothes for family there. It's very common for people to ask you to bring them something when they know you are coming. I am carrying two pairs of shoes for Kenneth's friends and pants for his brother!
When I start to feel worried I'm reminded that I'll be with Kenneth all of the time and with his family or friends most of the time. We are staying at nice hotels with wifi so I can stay connected and update family and friends. He knows where to go and how to navigate crowds and such.
I can't wait to get there and just take it all in. While we are there we will go to his parent's house for Christmas, I will get to meet some of his siblings and his new niece, Olive, go to Africa's largest festival in Calabar, and attend one of his friend's weddings. His high school graduating class is having a reunion which we might be able to attend as well. I'm excited to meet people, try some of the food, and see a place that I can't even imagine in my mind.
This will be my first ever Christmas away from Canada. But, if I can't spend it with my family, then my in-laws are the next best thing! It doesn't feel very Christmasy here anyways. It snows and there are some decorations, but it's just not as big in Korea as it is in Canada. So sometimes it doesn't even feel like I'm away from home at Christmas, it just feels the same as the rest of the year.
I'm thankful that the international airport in Korea is very well organized. It's actually really beautiful too. I plan to get to the airport many hours before my flight to give lots of room for what will be a busy travel day.
Here's hoping for No wahalla (No problems) !
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Alli
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