Who is next?

An interesting painting I saw at the local arts and crafts village...

Bollywood meets Nollywood

A good friend of mine from Dhaka, Bangladesh came to visit me recently in Abuja.  Lacey was here for a week and was open to any and all suggestions I had for entertainment to include an Indian Diwali (New Year) festival at the Sheraton.  I was determined to wear my sari, but with only an hour to get ready, I opted for a black cocktail dress and a simple Indian bindhi (dot on my forehead).  It felt like home to eat some Indian food, be with Lacey and watch the Bollywood-esque dancers perform.  And yes it's true.  There is such a thing as Nollywood.  In fact, after Hollywood and Bollywood, Nollywood (Nigerian films) are the highest grossing in the world!!  Crazy, huh?? 

Lacey and Ashley

Lacey and Ashley

Abby and Linda

Ashley and J-Lo (Jolonda)

Ashley and Abby

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

When I first arrived in Abuja, I thought...this ain't so bad.  My social sponsor took me to Dunes, the high-end, expat clientele grocery store located at the bottom of a hotel.  I walked in and thought, nice nice.....and then I looked over at the freezer aisle and SCREAMED!!!  What did I lay my eyes upon?  That's right, a large selection of BLUE BELL ice cream.  My cyncial self thought, no this couldn't be.  We don't even have access to BLUE BELL in Washington, D.C.  I investigate; I turn the carton around and there you have it....Brenham, Texas.  And just to think, it could be yours here in Abuja, Nigeria for the mere price of $26!!