The BIG Move

So after years and years of thinking and trying to avoid my reality of having to move back home to Nigeria, it finally happened. On December 7th 2016 I packed up everything I owned in 2 suitcases, 1 carry-on and a back pack.You guessed right I had over weight suitcases, not because i love to travel heavy but because even after I had shipped majority of my stuff with my car I still kept receiving gifts from loved ones. Talking about gifts. The amount of love and gifts i received before i left Canada was overwhelming. I was so good to see how much people loved and appreciated me for who I was. The tears were flowing too which made it very emotional for me. My Brackendale family ( Bosses, Parents, Teachers and Students)will forever be a part of me. The made my teaching experience worthwhile and i learnt so much in the process. I had like 4 different going away events with my different groups of friends and it was very lovely. To think when I moved to Canada in 2011 I always complained of how I hated it there and how i didn't have any friends. That all changed in a few years and I must say I met some amazing people and made life long friends. I flew Emirates out of Toronto on that Wednesday night, I had my Dad, Sister, Brother and nieces with me to say farewell. I tried my best to fight back the tears because all I did the Friday before was cry LOL, I think I was all cried out. I checked in with all my overweight luggages without paying dime thanks to the really nice and empathetic gentleman at the emirates counter. When it was time to go through the security line I said my goodbyes an took numerous selfies with my fambam. Made a few last minute calls to say goodbye to some friends and i finally called WIND (Phone service provider) to cancel my service. I finally boarded the Emirates flight to Dubai, where I spent 4 days with my darling cousin Fikayo. this was a mini vacation for me as I transitioned into my new life in Lagos. Dubai is always FUN, this was my 4th or 5th time visiting. I did everything i loved (sleep, eat, run, explore, drink and just chilled). I also hooked up with an old friend that happened to be in town at the same time. I bonded with my cousin and discovered how similar we both are (I love you Fiks). Fast forward to Monday morning, Fikayo and I are up early and craving our morning fix of running so we laced up and hit the pavement around 6:00am. It was a great was to start the day considering the fact that I hadn't run in such a long time (I missed the feeling). After our run it was time to get ready for the day and head to the airport. I had a 10:00am flight to catch to LAGOS. From the boarding gate I was already feeling the Lagos vibes because i was surrounded by Nigerians with their excess luggage and people rushing to board the aircraft so they could occupy like 3 overhead compartments.I am finally on board and ready for this journey to THE MOTHER LAND. After sleeping, eating and listening to music on board, I finally hear the landing announcement (HOME AT LAST). I made it through customs and Immigration got my luggages everything was intact THANK GOD! The usual heat wave and foul smell that welcomes you when you walk out the double doors at MMA was as welcoming as ever. Everybody trying to hustle you for taxi, carts and whatever they want to get out of you. Thank God for my Mother and brother who are always waiting for me when I arrive. I immediately sight my mama bear and the look on her face made the whole moving back struggle worthwhile (PURE JOY). I walk up to her an embraced her and my brother and of course the usual complaints about certain thing that will never change and the jokes began. I am finally home..... The Adventures of this returnee will be chronicled here.