I haven’t always been the type to go on proper holidays and I blame it on life and work. Somehow, there’s always something keeping me busy, and sometimes planned getaways with friends couldn't make it out of the group chat. So most times, my idea of a break or holiday ends up being a weekend at a friend’s place or a short sleepover at my relatives’. Don’t get me wrong, those ones aren't bad at all, but I’m talking about something bigger. An actual holiday. The kind where you pack a bag, leave town for a week or more, and step into a completely different space, far from normal routines and stress.
The truth is, I also have a hard time leaving home. Something about leaving familiar surroundings gets me anxious sometimes. But if it’s going to be a fun filled adventure, I’m always up for it. That’s why I still think back to my trip to Cameroon two years ago with so much joy. I had gone to visit my sister, and it was the farthest I’ve ever been from home. It turned out to be the longest and most refreshing holiday I’ve ever had. I enjoyed every bit of it, from the travel experience to just being away from the usual and seeing new things. Since then, I've always wanted to recreate the experience. This time, I don’t want to do it alone.
Earlier this year, something heartwarming happened. I got to connect with some of my paternal cousins. Before now, I only knew just one cousin from my dad’s side of the family. It’s strange, considering my dad has many siblings. But somehow, growing up, we weren’t that connected, and I never got the chance to meet many of them. So finding them on social media and having real conversations with them felt so special. Getting to know a piece of them over chats, voice notes and calls, made me realize how much I’ve missed out on family ties from that side of my life.
So now, if I ever get the chance to go on a proper holiday again, I know exactly how I want to spend it, with my cousins. We’ve already started talking about making it happen. We’re all in different places across Nigeria, and everyone has busy schedules. Some work in different states, others really have tight schedules. So, I suggested we set our plans for December. The end of the year always feels right. People are more relaxed, holidays are longer, and it’s a perfect time for a reunion. For me, it would be the first time meeting some of them in person. And I can already imagine all the fun we'll have together.
Another thing I’m really excited about is the opportunity to explore more parts of Nigeria. I don't know if it's just me, but I haven't been to a lot of states in Nigeria. I think I've only been to four states in the whole country. Four out of thirty-six. That’s nowhere near enough. With this trip, I plan to change that. Places like Port Harcourt are high on my list, I've heard so much about its food and vibrant city life. I also want to see more of Lagos beyond the few areas I see on Nollywood movies. This time, I have my mind on at least three different spots there. And if time allows, I’d love to explore a bit of Edo State too.
To be honest, we haven’t planned every little detail yet. We’re still figuring out where exactly we’d go, maybe the beach, maybe just somewhere quiet and calm. I’m not too worried about that part though. As long as the trip happens, and I get to breathe in new air, laugh with family, and just take some time off stress, I'm fine with it. Thankfully, we've still got a bit of time to get everything together, and I’m eagerly trusting the process. Hopefully, the plans will make it out of the chats this time, and I get to pack my bags and leave town for a holiday.
