Despite thinking of it constantly, I’m aware of not talking about my trip to Nigeria too often. I’m determined not to turn into the mind numbing person who solicits groans from their audience as they ask if we want to see their holiday photos yet again.
I decide I’ll only talk about the trip when people ask. There are those who don’t ask, and there are two distinct camps of people who do.
Group One: The Enthusiasts
One group, ask and sit eagerly listening reliving the highs and lows, excited to hear of the foreign culture and my experiences. They want to hear the details and get caught up in the passion, excitement and foreignness of it all. They want to learn, understand and share in the experience I’ve had and seem genuinely happy for me. I’ve dubbed these The Enthusiasts.
Group Two: The Obligators
The second group ask also; “How was tour trip?” It warrants a different answer. “I had a great time.” And we then swiftly move to another topic of conversation. Distinguishing between the two groups wasn’t a challenge at first. When I returned to work however, the visual clues of eyes glazing over before they even finish their question weren’t as easy to pick up over the phone.
Why Ask?
Maybe they ask out of courtesy or obligation with a pure lack of interest. (And yes, I realise there worlds don’t revolve around me and my work in Nigeria.) But I’m beginning to think it acts as a reminder. A reminder to what they haven’t achieved in the last month; big dreams unfulfilled? Small jobs that where going to be done? A reminder of how routine our lives become that month after month become the same?
For those of you who fall into group one, here is a photo summary of my trip:
Your local want-to-be Nigerian Adventurer, Georgia
