merry christmas and a happy new year!

within the few days of being home, i've already had many "you should write more often!"s so here i am.  i am going to TRY.  :)

i left abuja on monday night, and was supposed to land for a layover in frankfurt at 6am but due to snow, they had closed the airport.  we landed in zurich and were not allowed off the plane, and didn't get to frankfurt until several hours later.  at least it gave me some time to catch up on movies!  once in frankfurt, i found out that my flight was canceled so stood in a re-booking line for 4.5 hours (fun!... they did give out free kitkats though haha) and luckily did not have to spend the night in germany as many others did, but got one of the last seats back to newark.

it was still mid to high 90s back in abuja, so yes - the weather is cold, but i am making do and have not gotten sick yet!  the snow is nice, but also foiling plans to see friends in the short amount of time i have back in the states.  a lot of people have been asking if i have any special plans, but really i have just been, and plan to continue, enjoying the conveniences of life here in the states.  the one out of the ordinary thing will be seeing the broadway musical 'fela' with my family, which is based around fela kuti, a nigerian musician who pioneereded the afrobeat movement and was also very present in human rights & politics.  this is the same guy whose book publishing/reading i attended while in abuja, so it is very fitting! :)

hoping everyone had a very merry christmas, as i did, and that everyone will have a happy new year.  2010 is ending, and so it this post so to end, here is a list:

10 things i will enjoy doing at home because such activites do not exist in abuja

1. seeing friends, fam & adrien!

2. going to target, shoprite, ac.moore, and other such shops

3. watching football w/ my poppa bear

4. eating reasonably priced ice cream and stocking up on goodies you can't get in the buj like chocolate chips!

5. going to a restaurant and not having to wait an hour after i order to get my food

6. having a VARIETY of GOOD restaurants to eat at!

7. getting a hot shower EXACTLY when i expect/want it

8. driving civilly (although it makes it seem a bit boring at times...)

9. plugging things straight in the wall without having to worry about blowing anything/one up/out

10. drinking and cleaning fruits/veggies w/ tap water and not having to have miltoning (veggie santizier) parties...

these are just some of the things that i have taken for granted before experiencing this completely different lifestyle.  i think i may even miss it a bit and will be ready to return to nigeria when the time comes, but am definitely enjoying these two weeks at home with loved ones and simple pleasures.