Radiant's blog

I had my first week of lectures last week from Monday to Friday. (Henceforth, it will be only 3 days per week). A variety of teaching methods were employed including lecture slides, short videos, group exercises, class interactions and an excursion. I had thought that I would find it difficult to grasp the British accent on the first week, but for one or two lecturers, their speeches were lucid enough. On introducing ourselves the first day, it was interesting to discover that we came from diverse countries and backgrounds viz Ghana, UK, Mexico, USA, India, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, e.t.c. I was the only one from Nigeria until Friday. We are 2 now.
Me and some of my classmates
I want fresh air
The prevalence of smoking in Nottingham is alarming. More so, it is ironical that smokers happen to be concentrated in front of a hospital: The Queens Medical Center. On a second thought, maybe it is so due to the fact that smokers are more likely to come down with illnesses for which they hav…

By now, you guys know I'm in the UK for a Masters programme at the University of Nottingham. For my previous post on my journey to UoN click here.
Arriving at Nottingham
First thing I noticed on arrival at Nottingham was the culture of hospitality. Everyone I asked for direction went out of their way to guide me. One saw me at the top of a staircase oneday and rushed up the stairs to help me carry my small box down the stairs. Another didn't know the way to where I had asked her but instead of dismissing me, she asked for my map and helped me to interpret it. How nice! It's a gross contrariety compared to what I experienced when I arrived Lagos in 2014. Everyone was so impatient. I wouldn't have finished saying "excuse me" before they walked out on me. They were all on their guard, reacting as if I were a beggar or a swindler. Lagosians were so hostile especially the bus conductors. In contrast, the customer service here is topnotch. 
Next thing that stood out w…

Hi guys. Radiant's Blog is back here. I needed some time to fix some technical issues. However, my official website still remains www.radiant.ng where you can find my songs, social media links, and other info. Blog posts will be on both sites. So really nothing's changed. See you.

Radiant

This time last year, I was broke, busted and disgusted. I had no job (had resigned the one I had to attend the YALI programme in Ghana which became a blessing as it contributed to my qualification for a scholarship). One year is gone. I'm in the UK for a Masters programme at the University of Nottingham on a 100% tuition scholarship. God is faithful. 

Shopping List 
My shopping list consisted majorly of foodstuff. I haven't forgotten how McDonald burgers dealt with me in 2002 when I visited the U.S.A. This time I would be staying no shorter than one year. I had to have a plan to maintain my belly line. I made sure I got the things I would be missing most (Cabin biscuits) and ground crayfish, pepper, Egusi, and Ogbono since I heard those are neither easy nor cheap finds over here.

I hadn't weighed my bags at home. I was too busy packing. Getting to Murtala Muhammad Airport, my box weighed 38kg, travel bag 14kg, hand luggage was 12kg and bag pack about 10kg. Now I had a maximum…

Ifesi was seated across Emeka at a table in Barcelos. She had ordered chicken and chips with ketchup and Chinese sauce just the way he liked it, but he sat facedown barely noticing his best meal as the waiter lowered it before them. They looked like a couple who'd just had a fight.

Ifesi broke the ice.
"You look distraught. What's the matter?" her eyes combing for clues.

Emeka tried to lift his head, his eyes bleary. He bowed immediately evading her piercing gaze. Ifesi grasped his hand and squeezed it gently. But deep inside her she wanted to hold him, comfort and console him for his blues but she held back.

Emeka had become her best friend over the twelve weeks they spent together at the medical volunteer programme in Congo. They were the only Nigerians in the programme and they hit it off immediately. She was aware of the gold band on his fourth digit - Emeka would lose his finger than take it off. She admired that about him. And he was not silent about Lola either. H…