Harmattan in Bauchi

Esty's words were deep like a newly sharpened knife. My eyes were fixed on the steam coming from the tea she handed over to me; the scent of coffee filled the room, annoying sweet scent that increased the bitterness in my chest. "Don't let this Bauchi weather tie you inside till next year!" she had said. And she was right. My life had become nothing but a repetitive routine, the opposite of the lively person I used to be in Akwa Ibom.

Back in Akwa Ibom, harmattan was different; it was gentler and almost nostalgic. The mornings were misty, filled with the aroma of akara frying at every corner of the street. Here, it is different; every day is a reminder of how far away I was from home.

My friend and I

Giving out a deep breath, I placed the tea down. "Esty, I just feel I'm close to Akwa Ibom. I know this has been on my mind since this harsh harmattan started, but I'm ready to stop letting the weather and this new place pin me down. What do you think we should do today?"

Quickly she looked up and started, "Yaaaah, now you come; I think this drink is resetting your brain, and I love it! You are finally speaking.”

“Come on, you know how vibrant I can be. I want that vibe back. Let’s blow away these cobwebs, my sister!" I shouted as we shook hands in girlie ways in excitement.

She excused herself to her room and returned looking all dressed and said. "Today, we are going out to have fun; we are going to HD Plaza to have fun, all bills on me. Find something and dress sexy. Harmattan in Bauchi comes with parts one and two; even night feels like morning in terms of cold.

Without argument, I dressed up, and together we squeezed into a keke heading to the restaurant. The ride was a long one, the keke vibrating like it might fall apart at any moment, but our conversation filled the air.

From one gossip to another, from the tailor, who she gave an expensive material to sew for her, and she spoiled it to her favorite spot in buying veggies for her food business. I found all the gist interesting, and I listened, not minding the breeze and dust.

Source

When we arrived at HD Plaza, the sight of the interior was breathtaking. Etsy, the one that utilizes every moment to stay happy and have fun. "Come on, Marynn, my baby! You can't come all the way to north without exploring new places."

Her excitement was contagious. I gave her my hand, and together we walked in majestically. The overall interior was soothing and warm, making it look like we were in another world.

As we made our orders, we ate, drank, and laughed; I felt the cobwebs begin to vanish. I felt different; it wasn't like my life was tied to a particular routine. The isolation I had wrapped around myself like a cloak all started to disappear. For the first time in weeks, I felt alive and connected.

Later, as we sat together snapping and cheering to our camera lens, she paused and looked at me, "You see? Life isn’t always about big moments, but little things like this can make a difference. Enjoy Bauchi and don't let the weather tie you up inside."

I nodded, smiling happily ever. Esty was right. Sometimes, blowing away the cobwebs isn’t about running from your problems but embracing the little things that remind you of home, even in a strange environment.

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