The 2015 Outing

I had always wanted to go to a place so quiet, filled with nature, far from home, with few people, not the regular modern hotels, not the regular service, I wanted something really different, probably with a touch of ancient or local fittings. They were all wishful thinking for a long while till late this year, very late this year.

The year has been a long one for me, felt like a doubled 365 days for me, I needed out,  needed a break, I needed time away from home, needed to go somewhere I could be lost in thoughts with no one asking me if I was okay, if everything was fine. I needed a different air, three days wasn’t so much of a time to spend.  I always whined about this, then I got a message- “ How would you love to go some place different, spend a few days….”. I couldn’t contain my joy, upon reflex, I called immediately to find out, where and when but all I got was- “pack a few stuff, very simple clothes, preferably no shoes, just a slip on, no plenty make up, lol, he emphasized on the “few stuff”, I had no problem with that, all I wanted was a place outside home.

Days became very long, hours kept stretching, but I was able to contain this a little because my younger brother made it through for a scholarship. I packed a few of my stuff in my little travel bag, a simple long dress, a short, very loose tops, a jump suit, and very few important stuff, lol. In the midst of the suspense, I would always wonder where the mysterious place was, but at the same time, I knew who I was dealing with and “expecting less” wasn’t and has never been part  of his game, so all I did was to wait for the day.

Finally, the day crawled in like a snail, it started with the scholarship award for my younger brother at the national theatre, I had to be there to smile for the camera and pose as a family member, though I was embarrassed because they thought I was his girl friend and it was stated that each awardee should come with a family member, my small frame indeed has brought me joy, embarrassment that later turns out good especially when its been discovered that I am not juvenile. But I love me my small frame by the way.

Few shots, few poses and I had to step out to join the moving train to the suspense-filled trip, luxury car with the trusted driver Mr. Kayode, I had my packs of gummy bear to keep me going, two hours into the journey and I was told we were not half way the journey, upon impulse I had to apologise to my friend for any wrong doing in the past since he wouldn’t tell me where we were headed to, I sent a message to my baby sister  and Timipre to tell them of the trip and sent them his number, just incase o, *smiles*, same time I had nothing to worry about, knowing mum and dad would only have to stroll to his family house, lol. We had a stop after two and half hours to refill the stomach, while leaving the car, I had to ask Mr. Kayode where we headed to and in his words “I don promise say I no go talk, but no be bad place, if na bad place I for don tell you”, at that point, I gave up worrying, got in and ordered for a plate of macaroni and peppered chicken with the best drink in the entire world- COCA COLA and then we continued the journey.

Mr. Kayode mde this trip interesting with his choice of songs he entertained us with. Two hours later, I sighted a very big board from afar even without my glasses that read “Welcome to La Capagne Tropicana”, I screamed and remembered my childhood days, those born in the nineties will remember on TV when we watched “Can you say La Capagne Tropicana, three times without making a mistake”, wow,wow, was all I could say for a very long time. We got in, and first thing that attracted me was the trees, the bamboo, the local drums, the setting, it was exactly what I wanted, I knew I could trust him. It was all laughter when we got there, I was the only lost fellow all through this trip. We made a stop at the reception close to the gate to pickup a pass key that would allow us in.

Driving through the huts and admiring nature, the ocean, the animals, the service men and women dressed in local attires, the local drums placed infront of every hut as a way to beckon on room service, it was an interesting site. My love for brick walls I discovered that day, and yes, the play toys, the swings, the see-saw, awww, it was just what I wanted, my hut was Kodi 3, I had a special service attendant allocated to my room, he would come greet me in their local style and I pat his back. Yes, I know I had always wanted an outing like this but I doubt I went this far in my thoughts. This was just way above board and I loved it.

In the evening, we took a stroll towards the water path, sat on the sand, played the “Ayo” and the “Ludo”, I also had fresh coconut water. I had those moments I always wanted, moments where I was lost in thoughts,moments that allowed free tears and sincere laughter, it was amazing. The next day I watched the fishermen make their daily living, I watched two couples live freely and enjoy themselves away from the world I tried the candle night dinner, I also tried the fruit cocktail, my hut was a place to behold. Just when I thought Christmas was done, I got me a Pandora box and a Pandora diamond bangle. Sadly, the days ran so fast. 

I dreamt it and I got it. The most exciting period of the year. No better way to end the year, no better way to let loose, no better way to express my gratitude, no better way to say I am happy, no better way to……

Happy new year in advance Fam, may the new year bring love, peace and happiness to you and yours. Never hold back.