Short! Short! Short!

Getting Shorter And Shorter!

My hair that is! Yup! Eversince I got my hair damaged here in groovy Lagos, Nigeria, I HAD to get it cut short! Don't ask me how I got it damaged. I was miserable for one whole week. Felt like just to cut my hair bald! I was one of the few, maybe the ONLY one that was brave enough to get my hair done with treatments. I had wanted to straighten my hair. In Singapore, we call it hair rebond. Did it a few times (of course only in Singapore!) and was fine. I know my hair is very dry and it needed treatment but I was "itchy" and couldn't wait so off I go to a salon here near my apartment. Oh boy, never will I do that EVER again! I came out of the salon with my scalp burned, and my hair stiff! I had become a Nigerian woman!!!! Too bad I didn't take a picture.

Anyway, in the end, I found a hairstylist here that I really like. Of course, through recommendations via the American Womens Club here. I have been going to him a few times...for hair steam, highlight and hair cut. So today, I went to see Joseph (my hairstylist) and told him to chop off the back of my hair because it was getting on my nerves touching my neck and all. After 1 1/2 hours in there, I came out smiling all the way! 
 

A local lady braiding her hair in front of me. Do you see the fake hair one of the salon crew holding?

Happy days! It's ALWAYS an adventure here in Africa!! Ciao for now.....

A Little Bit Of Sweden.

Are We In Sweden?

Glögg, St. Lucia's buns, Peppakakor (Peppakaka).

You all must be thinking what the heck am I talking about?? Well, have a sit.

We were invited to a small gathering at a neighbour's house last night for some Swedish Christmas appetisers. So up we go to their house. Our other neighbours were there too. I brought along some meatballs and eggrolls (I know it's not even Swedish related!).

Kiddos enjoyed swedish meatballs, hotdogs and french fries while the adults indulged in some Swedish Christmas cuisine. Glögg is a mulled wine which is usually made with red wine, sugar, spices such as cinnamon, cardomom, ginger, cloves and bitter orange and optionally also stronger spirits. Glögg is generally served with raisins, blanched almonds and ginger biscuits (Peppakaka), and is a popular hot drink during the Christmas season.



Karin's homemade Peppakakor.

We also had some delicious homemade St Lucia's buns. A little info-->St. Lucia's Day, recognized throughout Scandinavia, is celebrated on December 13. According to legend, Lucia died a martyr's death and was later made a saint. Especially in Sweden, where it's a national celebration, towns celebrate with traditional ceremonies: St. Lucia symbolizes the promise of the sun's return to bring Sweden from its wintry darkness.

The key figure in any celebration, St. Lucia, dresses in a white gown and wears a crown of candles on her head — sometimes the candles are real, sometimes battery-operated (for safety's sake). For celebrations at home, a young girl in the family will dress as St. Lucia and present her parents with breakfast in bed. That breakfast tray usually includes a pot of tea, milk, and bright-gold St. Lucia Buns. These traditional buns are made with saffron are also known as Lussekatt.


At the end of the night, kids were happy with their new toys that I brought them and adults are happy with belly full of Swedish food and learning all about the Swedish customs and traditions. 


 
 

Harmattan Time!

It's Not Winter.It's Not Snowing.

No, it is not winter here just because it is foggy. It has been this way since the last few days. Nigeria does not have four seasons like in Europe and North America but they have two climate here. Rainy season and dry season. So right now, we are experiencing the Harmattan.

This usually lasts from December (but it is not even December yet!) to February and the dust-filled air reduces visibility, causes chaos to airports, flight schedules (hope we won't get affected!), allergies and a lot of extra housekeeping! Yup, you all should check out our balcony! Apparently, the Harmattan brings cooler weather. We shall see.



A little foggy today.



Finally.....

Yes, I know!! It took me a LONG time! Finally, my blog is up....

Friends and family, you all can now sit down, get a cup of coffee, tea and enjoy all the adventures, ups and downs in our household throughout our journey in Africa! Keep your eyes peeled right here! ^_^

Cheers!



This is the start of our African journey. Yes, malaria pills! See how long this will last.