The Golden State

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                           

Los Angeles was exactly  how I had envisioned it. The palm trees glazed almost every street corner; Spanish markets too. Yet in a strange way, it reminded me of Lagos. Perhaps because of the tan adobe brick houses. They weren't like the houses in Maryland--overtly suburbany. These houses had an earthiness--a rawness about them. They were built to withstand natural disasters. Or maybe this Lagosian ambiance came from the immense population, the fast paced nature of the city--or our crazy shuttle bus driver.

        Our cousin's traditional wedding had taken place in the backyard of her uncle's mansion. Soft lanterns lit up the sky alongside blazing torches, giving a cozy vibe. There was a subtle interweaving of cultures, though Edo was obviously dominant. The bridesmaids wore their royal blue geles atop simple black dresses.

      The groom's mother bit into the bitter kola with a disgust she tried to hide out of respect for the elders. As with tradition, many veiled "impostor brides" lined up as the groom was tasked with identifying who he wanted to marry. I narrowly escaped being morphed into one of those impostor brides..as I was not in the mood--not in the pointy studded heels I wore.

        The English wedding was pristine. The reception hall was elaborately decorated in white: white chairs, white cushioned walls, all complimenting the bride's white wedding dress. The groom looked swamped in his agbada that he changed into a few hours later. Nonetheless, he tried to look effortless. After many outfit changes, rounds of dance,food, and distribution of favors:bowls, fabric, handkerchiefs-- it was time to head back to our lodge.
         Our short stay in California had confirmed what we believed about the golden state. I would return  eventually. Uncharted territory awaited.