OFF TO ANOTHER ADVENTURE

GOING TO FREELANCE IN AFRICA

(saying Africa just sounds sexier and cooler)

Yes it is down to just hours. This long awaited decision is finally coming to fruition. Being able to freelance in Africa. It was a very long and contemplated one but my internship this fall at CNN (along with other positive factors) sealed the deal for me. So dear blogspot friends, this would be my last post from California and America for a while. I quit my job at KCOY, packed my s*** up, moved out of Santa Maria and currently posting on a friend's couch looking at the clock and saying to my self 'Gurl you must be crazy.' That's because I am heading to Nigeria to try my hands at freelance reporting (amongst other things) in the West Africa region.

Like a wanderer in the wilderness, I found myself in America nearly ten years ago. I was unsure of what my purpose would be but I had a vision. It has been a rough sojourn with its good times and bad times. But America's purpose in my life has been served for now and yet again I am off on another journey from whence it all began. This time I am a pilgrim with the purpose. Ok so I admit I have just been trying to use some of you to do my incognito research. I didn't quite get that camera and back-pack gear yet but I'll be teaming up with a local outfit to make things happen. Who knows, perhaps if I wow them, they'll pick me up and pay my bills;) I'll also be writing and pitching stories and articles from the region to American newspapers. The excitement has not set in yet because I don't know what to expect. But what I do know is that I can't sit behind a desk with a deafening scanner, clock ticking away, old age creeping up and waiting for other people to decide my future. Don't get me wrong, my job was cool and moving to Santa Maria was the best thing this year although I did bitch about both every now and then. But after a while I started to space out, miss my friends and family, miss the hustle, miss writing and story telling and most of all the adventure of going from getting a story idea to creating it for air. Hence I am seizing the moment because I need to do while I am still young, single and brave otherwise fear, apprehension and skepticism will get the better part of me. Can't let that happen. Plus what do I have to lose. It is a big and huge gamble, not to talk of risk. But as they say, if you risk nothing you stand to lose everything. The worst that could really happen is for me to be married off to one chief and be very pregnant in some mansion. You guys know how I am scared of being round and pregnant and having kids so 'ttttrust' me when I say this is some risky business.

So what else did I do during my last moments in America? Well considering that it will be Yam and Eggs, Bread and Butter or akara and akamu for breakfast , I had to go and get my fill of I-HOP pancakes and omelets. Also had a nice Country fried steak with mashed potatoes and sweet corn on the cob at Chilis and a Sausage Egg biscuit sandwich from Mc Donalds yesterday. I had to get my heart attack and fattening food considering the fact that the sun will melt whatever fat I have left and burn the calories without me even moving. Was on the phone much of this weekend and spent some time with some friends. I also went to Walmart and as I was walking through the aisle I was thinking to myself 'Chai so if I want to buy gummi bears does that mean i have to go to Sabo market?' Hmh...we have to find a solution. So Ndidi and Singto will be my official gummy bear suppliers. But on the flip side...NO WINTER just sweltering heat the way I like it.


Anyways wish me luck guys. If you have any great and interesting news story ideas/interview/contacts (including press) in the West Africa region or suggestions please pass them along. I am open to any angle; people, places, politics (please don't send me to one where they'll start to look for me abeg...my parents want grand kids to carry on their lap and since I will probably be having my first born at 40 it is not my time yet). You just never know where a great story will emerge from and who knows, your pitch could turn out to be the get that lands me my big break. Remember unless the lion gets his own story teller, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter. Help me tell Africa's story.

I'll stay in touch through the blog of course because it is such an effort calling and emailing everybody. If you are on my IM you'll get my number in a weeks time. If you already have my 919 number it means you are supposed to have my new number so please send me a note if you don't it in a weeks time. Still keep my 919 number for when I do visit. It's been a ride and I truly appreciate each and everyone that I have met. Keep watching this space for more exciting news about 'Addy's Excellent Adventures in Africa', but first I will spend the next month chilling and relaxing. I'll post pictures too, especially from my trip to my village. I am sure you guys can't wait to see those since I talk about my village so much. Hopefully my battery won't die on me man because the nearest convenience store is quite a walk. Which reminds me....I should never wait till my tank is on empty because I can't just run into a gas station like I used to and hiking is not my forte so 'Mr. Future President;)' I'm coming for my jerrycan of petrol since you have so lost this bet. Ha ha!!