Something Familiar

Today has been great day! Great days don't happen all that often here, so I decided to write about it. One of the sisters took Katlin and I to the shopping mall today. There was no school today, because the country is celebrating a holiday called Children's Day. She dropped us off at the mall where we stayed for about four hours. This is the first time we been able to leave the school compound without a sister escorting us the whole time. It was nice to have a sense independence, even if it was just for a few hours. The sisters and the most of the people in country do not visit these malls very often. They prefer to buy food, clothes, and household items at outdoor markets. The shopping malls are considered to be for the wealthy or young people who want to hang out with their friends. We spent the day there buying groceries and looking at clothes. I think the most exciting grocery store find was probably canned hummus. I haven't tried it yet, but if it even resembles the hummus I eat at home it will be wonderful. The best part of the adventure was the food court. I ate most of this vegetable covered pizza pictured below. 

It was really very good. And full of vegetables and cheese, two things I miss a lot. The second great thing about this food court needs no introduction. 

I ate the whole thing. It was amazing. Cold stone and KFC are the only two chains I have seen since I arrived. I was pretty surprised to see a Cold Stone. I enjoyed both of these treats with cold Pepsi Lights, the only diet soda I can find. It was like being at home for a few hours. Did I mention the store is air conditioned? Amazing! 

The day ended with the arrival of a package from my mom. It was filled with candy, brownie mixes, almonds, granola bars, a few surprises, and many school items I requested. It was a lot of fun to see all the things she had collected for me. For a minute it was like she was here with me.  I couldn't have asked for a better day in Nigeria.