Nostalgia as a dream

The California-bound Nigeria Airways airbus took off punctually from the newly renovated, reconstructed and redesigned Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos. Time was 12.30pm.

The airport – its facilities and personnel, first class – testifies to the determination, ingenuity and efficiency of Nigerians. Check-in and boarding procedures were flawless.

The exterior of the flying mass of metal glitter like sun on silver, the interior, ambient and well-appointed. The cabin and crew members, all smiles, effusive and courteous in their fitting and sparkling green and white. The food and beverage, out of this world. Even palm wine, alomo, and tiger nut juice were on offer. A surprise.

Boarding and safety procedures over, menu cards passed round with a request for us to place our orders. The three course meal consisted of local and continental cuisine. Our local delicacies of Pounded yam and egusi soup occupied prominent position on the menu. Another surprise.

I settled for pounded yam and egusi and soon passed out after devouring and washing it down with palm wine.

The sleep seemed like 10 minutes, an appetizer of sorts. I was about adjusting for the main course, when an announcement came through that another round of meal was ready.

Surprised, I muttered ‘but we had just eaten’

But the smart hostess merely smiled and replied “this is dinner sir”

I had slept for 7 hours!

And this is a new Nigeria