The ‘Forgotten’ Groundnut Pyramids of Nigeria

The past may hold treasures, still remembered but the future is bound in hope, in belief and in the knowledge that with life, all things are possible. Did you know our pyramids? The Nigerian pyramids? Where you even aware that once upon a time we had them? My daughter said ‘Mama, is that a postcard from when we went to the pyramids in Egypt?’ ‘No, it isn’t. These are pyramids that used to exist in Nigeria, made of sacks of groundnuts.’ Peanuts to y’all I know. Groundnuts to us. For they come…from the ground. Wikipedia: Peanuts are known by many other...

America Runs on Dunkin’

America runs on Dunkin’. And so do some Nigerians. Daughter #2 is considering buying a Dunkin Donuts franchise, and bringing it home. I’ve explained to her the meaning of the word…..as I consider her alternative – working for DD, as a not too progressive suggestion. She’ll overdose on the donuts, and spend every penny she earns eating the habit.

Dining at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

All that’s left for us to do is to have breakfast at ‘La Patisserie’. I fully intend to make that happen this very morning. Or tomorrow, just before we do the return leg to our road trip. The Culinary institute, the first culinary institute I’ve come close to is on a historic street close to the Niagara Falls State Park. It has three ‘eateries’, run by students of the institute. They say: Visitors to NFCI can enjoy Savor, a student run fine dining restaurant with an in-kitchen chef’s table, open hearth oven and exhibition style cooking; an ice sculpting lab, The Wine Boutique,...

The Turkish Shop & Saying Goodbye

There are many things I wish I could take home with me. Many people too. Alas. I’ve bought the cookies and waffles. Spray can cream and croissants in tins. I’ve got a cool bag too. I haven’t used my real camera much – been having a blast with my iPhone and instagram! Shame on me as I have had a wonderful gift of 2 camera lenses from my bestest big sister and friend, Comme un Chef

Collecting Memories: Remembering More, or Less

You forget just how cold the water is that flows through the taps. How numb your hands become in mere minutes. Unlike at home – in Nigeria where the water from the taps is always warm. You forget how narrow and winding Dutch stairwells are. How steep. How torturous it is to walk down the stairs in the dark, madly gripping handrails and banisters.