Returned from Lagos yesterday. 9 hours by bus made for a very sore body. Attended a friend's wedding, went to a show, got beat up by waves at the beach, etc. Had a great time, but I'm glad to be back. And now, a bit about the trip ...
My journey began on Wednesday of last week. I boarded a bus bound for Lagos at 8am. The bus was big and air conditioned (a la Greyhound or Voyageur), which was great, but I was unsettled by the 10 minute long prayer session (including out of tune singing) which was hollered through the bus' PA system. O' the trials and tribulations of living in an overwhelmingly evangelical Christian environment... I spent the bulk of the trip listening to mp3s and lapsing in and out of consciousness. By the time I arrived, I was feeling quite drained and glad to be free of the bus. I took a cab to Ikoyi, took a shower at L's, made some dinner, watched a movie (can't even remember which one), and went to bed. The next day, L, R and I attended the first wedding ceremony ...
My journey began on Wednesday of last week. I boarded a bus bound for Lagos at 8am. The bus was big and air conditioned (a la Greyhound or Voyageur), which was great, but I was unsettled by the 10 minute long prayer session (including out of tune singing) which was hollered through the bus' PA system. O' the trials and tribulations of living in an overwhelmingly evangelical Christian environment... I spent the bulk of the trip listening to mp3s and lapsing in and out of consciousness. By the time I arrived, I was feeling quite drained and glad to be free of the bus. I took a cab to Ikoyi, took a shower at L's, made some dinner, watched a movie (can't even remember which one), and went to bed. The next day, L, R and I attended the first wedding ceremony ...
The Traditional Wedding (Thursday, April 27)
Thursday was the 'engagement ceremony', or traditional wedding. I attended with a couple of friends from the Canadian Deputy High Commission in Lagos. We were the first to arrive, at noon. The festivities started at around 1:30pm. By 2pm the hall was filled with chatter and dozens of people dressed in colourful Yoruba attire. The tailor that I had asked to sew a blouse and skirt, Nigerian style, somehow managed to forget to accomplish the work so I was stuck wearing a regular skirt and top. Additionally unfortunate was the fact that I didn't have fully charged batteries for my camera, an oversight that I regret very deeply. Nevertheless, a good time was had.
The bride and groom's families entered and greeted each other extensively. Enthusiastic and skilled drummers accompanied their entrance. Introductions and prayers followed. Although the MC and other speakers did take care to convey information in English, a significant amount of the proceedings were in Yoruba. Depsite the fact that I didn't understand everything that was going on, it was by no means boring. After quite some time had passed, I asked Abimbola's sister if I could see the bride. She took me to a room on the other side of the building where my friend sat, decked out in fine clothing and looking more beautiful than I had ever seen her look before (which is saying something since she is a gorgeous woman). She wore a dark blue wrappa (wrap around skirt) with a matching shawl and headtie and a loose light blue top. The fabric was beautiful, but very heavy. We both squealed with delight when we saw each other. After a while, we were joined by her bridesmaids. I ended up going back to the hall to catch up on the ceremonies.
I had missed the groom's entrance; however, I was glad to see that he was still in the process of prostrating himself before the bride's family. It was a sight to see, to be sure - Akin and his best men all lying face down on the floor at the feet of Abimbola's parents. Eventually, Akin and his friends were permitted to stand up and he was welcomed with open arms by Abimbola's parents. Next, he was greeted with warm embraces by his own parents. Eventually, Abimbola made her entrance, surrounded by her friends. A shawl draped over her head, she stepped into the room to the beat of the drummers. It was exciting, mesmerizing, and moving. She was welcomed by her parents and by Akin's.
Throughout the rest of the day/evening, musicians played, drummers drummed, and people danced. Friends and family members sprayed the married couple with money, crates of pop/water and piles of yams and plantains were divided into three parts and distributed to the families, and food was served and consumed with delight. Relatives and the married couple marvelled as I mimed the dance movements of the women in attendance. By the end of the night I had grown very tired and accepted a ride home from one of the best men. In short, a great day. I only wish that my camera had been functional ... More later
The bride and groom's families entered and greeted each other extensively. Enthusiastic and skilled drummers accompanied their entrance. Introductions and prayers followed. Although the MC and other speakers did take care to convey information in English, a significant amount of the proceedings were in Yoruba. Depsite the fact that I didn't understand everything that was going on, it was by no means boring. After quite some time had passed, I asked Abimbola's sister if I could see the bride. She took me to a room on the other side of the building where my friend sat, decked out in fine clothing and looking more beautiful than I had ever seen her look before (which is saying something since she is a gorgeous woman). She wore a dark blue wrappa (wrap around skirt) with a matching shawl and headtie and a loose light blue top. The fabric was beautiful, but very heavy. We both squealed with delight when we saw each other. After a while, we were joined by her bridesmaids. I ended up going back to the hall to catch up on the ceremonies.
I had missed the groom's entrance; however, I was glad to see that he was still in the process of prostrating himself before the bride's family. It was a sight to see, to be sure - Akin and his best men all lying face down on the floor at the feet of Abimbola's parents. Eventually, Akin and his friends were permitted to stand up and he was welcomed with open arms by Abimbola's parents. Next, he was greeted with warm embraces by his own parents. Eventually, Abimbola made her entrance, surrounded by her friends. A shawl draped over her head, she stepped into the room to the beat of the drummers. It was exciting, mesmerizing, and moving. She was welcomed by her parents and by Akin's.
Throughout the rest of the day/evening, musicians played, drummers drummed, and people danced. Friends and family members sprayed the married couple with money, crates of pop/water and piles of yams and plantains were divided into three parts and distributed to the families, and food was served and consumed with delight. Relatives and the married couple marvelled as I mimed the dance movements of the women in attendance. By the end of the night I had grown very tired and accepted a ride home from one of the best men. In short, a great day. I only wish that my camera had been functional ... More later
2 comments:
nice- was just going to ask why you didn't post any pictures.
I wasn't able to take photographs because my camera batteries were dead. Wish I had, though.
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