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The Chronicle of Northern Nigeria: The Unpredictable Adventure(Episode 1)
Unpredictable is the right word for this journey, a trip mixed with excitement and fears of what to be, an adventure worthy of its mystery. It was late September, I decided I was going for another adventure because it’s been a long while since I put my legs to some “Waka Waka Exercise”( Alarinka no be for mouth). Where would that be! Opened a list of destinations left to be explored in Nigeria and I decided without second-guessing ( did I just say without a second guess? well at first tho)Guess where? oh my, dear friend in your wildest guess I bet you couldn’t have guessed right. Up North, that is where I would be exploring, excited much until I surfed online as usual for itineraries purposes. I was shocked, scared and disturbed, the red flag was everywhere, it read thus“DUE TO THE RECENT VIOLENT ATTACKS IN THIS DESTINATIONS, VISITORS ARE ADVISED NOT TO TRAVEL UP NORTH FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL YOU’RE TOLD TO DO SO BY NIGERIAN SECURITY AGENCIES”. I was frightened and I panicked, how bad could it be? do I want to proceed? when is the right time? At this point, I said to myself, Omotoke, solo trips are not advisable for these Series of Northern trips.So I thought to myself to reach out to some couple of friends that have the mind like myself at least we would look out for one another. Reached out to 6 different friends, some reasons were the notice was too short but 4/6 wouldn’t join the trip because of the news flying around about the crisis up north and how they really do love their lives. But I love my life too na😩.. It took me a few days to come to a conclusion, you know what?! we are going Up north come October 14th and whatever happens happens. Living in fear wouldn’t take the fear away, you gotta face it because it’s either you conquer it or it conquers you(THE GAME IS THE GAME).In whatever you do, make sure you’re a conqueror. October 14th, 2019, we set out for the unknown adventure!!! This is a Quick “Sip”of all the “Juice” I’m about to share on here. Let the adventure begins… You don’t want to miss out on this travel episodes, grab a seat, subscribe to be the first to know once the tea starts spilling still, your number one Alarinka I will be right back, stay glued.
Light..Camera..Action.. CUT!
I received a message; it was an invite from Cut Restaurant at Radisson Blu Ikeja. Surreal I must say. I thought it was going to be some Rice or Pasta type of menu, so in my head, I was already scheming how I was going to crush to bits the chicken bones and forget my home training, guess what? I quickly snapped out of that imagination. C’mon! How can I go into a restaurant like this and forget home training? No way! The entire place screamed prim and proper, class and poise, simple yet well structured. And at that moment I was quick to conclude how lavish their menu was going to be and how I should start saving towards my next visit. But iro ni! The “Cut” won’t cut your head off; their meals are pocket-friendly. Cut Restaurant formerly known as Cut Steak house, is a Restaurant in the beautiful heart of the Lagos mainland (not every time Island) They concentrate on what they call the 3B’s Brioche Bread, Succulent Beef and Bordeaux Wines Bread, Beef and Bordeaux hence my dashed hope of a rice and pasta dream. The Ambience: Cut Restaurant, I’d say has that standard setting. Ideally what a five-star hotel restaurant should be. The décor. Simple yet topnotch. The designs. Really classy yet modest. The chandeliers, the sitting arrangement, the kitchen setting…well thought out and put together. It’s an 7/10 for me. Nonetheless, the menu was the real deal for me- the starters got me in a state of reverie, in fact, a new dream was birthed – one to kick start eating healthy. My Starter Selection Prawns & Ceaser Salad with White Wine. I wonder if they know about my love for prawns I almost asked for more but hmmm(Toke behave 😂) The Prawns: Well-seasoned and cooked, not too much drama going on in my taste buds and that made me love it. The Ceaser Salad: Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, Garlic croutons. This is pure veggie; I don’t know why it tasted so much like a Tuna salad in my mouth but oh well! I love Tuna Salads, so if this tastes like it then I guess I love a Ceaser Salad too. Though I started off with Wine Tasting Wine served: Plaisir De Marie Alcohol percentage: 14% Wine Type: White Wine I fancy white wine and this is one of those wines that make you feel elegant. Not too strong, not really mild. But you want to go slow while consuming. The Main Dish: Lamb chops with Red Wine Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and black pepper sauce. Okay! For a first-timer trying out this dish, two things could have happened. It’s either it would have tasted terrible and I felt like puking or I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to try it again to properly savor what the dish entails. Guess which of these 2 happened? Clap for yourself! You just guessed right! Option 2 did it for me! I emptied my plate and almost licked the serving dish even 😂 (tifunnoran) My friend, an expert at eating steaks couldn’t stop commending how well cooked and garnished it was. Dessert: Chocolate Pudding This is where I say “Thank you Cut Restaurant”, but please can I make a request? Can I get this delivered to me every day? I love Chocolate and having this chocolate dessert felt like heaven. E sweet my belle and I felt relaxed right after consuming. Cost Breakdown: Prawns: 2000 Ceaser Salad: 5000 Chicken :1500 White Wine: 10,000 per bottle 2500 per glass Lamb chops :12500 Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and black pepper sauce Note- Served with your preferred choice of sauce and side Red Wine: 10,000 Naira per bottle 2,500 per glass Chocolate Pudding: 4000 naira OH! Another interesting and marketable strategy I noticed is that you can put together your own menu, ranging from – A main course of 9,000 To 2course meal for: 10,000 3course meal for: 12,500 Isn’t that a good deal? Service Delivery: I’m giving them a rating of 9/10 Yeah! I know they might have been a little more accommodating and nice because I was their special guest but it wasn’t so. I took my time to observe how they treated their customers. Trust me when I say the attendants’ customer relationship was first-class. I praise them for great services. And I’m recommending them to you as a must-visit, you can enjoy a dinner date, girls hangout, conference and such type of gatherings. How so?!, you may ask…well because Cut restaurant is split into three: Cut One: The entrance and the main restaurant Cut Two: This is like a dining area, one that can seat about 10 persons. Cut Three: More like a conference room to accommodate about 18 persons. You can have a conference meeting here while you dine with your executives and board members. For my blogger comrades: You can have your hangout here at a very good rebate. Thank you, Cut Restaurant for having me. To visit Cut Restaurant: Location: Radisson Blu Ikeja Media handle: Cut_Restaurant_bluikeja. Let me know in the comment section if you would be visiting Cut Restaurant soon. Thank you for tuning in today, I hope you are inspired to try out a new restaurant this week. Till next week on Travel gist/tips with Toke Alarinka Cares.
Top 10 Tips to Navigating Various States in Few days
5 States in 5days This is not a Fabbuu! You can explore multiple states in a week depending on how many states you want to explore. Planning on Exploring Nigeria soon and you want to explore some states in limited time. This post is for you. When I started exploring Nigeria, I had packed my bags and set out to explore one or two states at a time during the weekdays. As a full-time traveler, I have no days set aside. Once I feel like it, I pack my bags and move. I am not the type that plan trips, I go with my mood. My friends seem to feel it’s a bad one but over planning kills the fun or what do you think? Earlier this Year, I planned on visiting the Western part of Nigeria, and I was so bent on exploring the neighboring states in 5days, it was draining but the success of that spurred me to go exploring the East Region. Like Go girl!you can do this. Guess what?! I did it. Crashing my goals like these doesn’t only give me the victory satisfaction, it shows my strength and also adds to my knowledge. I will be sharing some of it with you on this post. Stick around. My Top Ten Tips 1: Befriend your Map. Search for neighboring states you can visit within a short period of time on the same route. I searched for the time range to travel from point A to point B and from Point B to C. Then checked how close point C was to A. Example: Lagos to Ogun State: 1hr 8min Ogun State to Oyo State:2hr:48min And so on.. 2: Searched how easy it could be to navigate the tourist attractions in each state. Some are like 5hours or 7hrs within a state. Such might be hard to navigate within few days, you might want to leave that kinda state for the last. 3: Wake up as early as possible each day. On some days, I wanted to sleep a bit more, but I know setting out as early as possibles the only way I can achieve my itineraries for each day. and you know a little sleep a little slumber (fill in the gap) 4: Get your Accommodation closer to the Tourist Attraction location. You want to find a hotel/ or any form of accommodation closer to an attraction site you’re trying to explore, this way it saves you more time to easily explore a particular destination and move onto the next. 5: Have enough cash at hand. You don’t want to be stranded or spending more time queuing at the Atm/bank. You want to be able to account for your time. 6: Get Contact ready: Tourguide contact: you want to call them beforehand to expect your arrival, for some tourist attractions don’t have the proper system. I had to wait for about an hour for the guide in charge of a particular destination. 7: Most Important of all: Put your mind to it: you gotta really love adventure to pull this off, trust me it was tiring, for we hiked most of the time on this journey. 8: Sleep if you can within the short time during transit;( I don’t really get to sleep sha) You can rest during the trip, close your eyes a bit but don’t pass your bus stop oo 9 : Drink A lot of Water: My own energy boost and of course garri(Wink) Feed well, for you need all the energy you Can get on this mission, get what works for you and stock up much of it The last but not the least 10: If you can’t continue , please rest,and plan for another time. Remember nobody they rush us. Feels good to finally share this on here, please if you have any contributions. kindly drop it in the comment section below, will love to read feedback from you if you finally get to use these tips in planning your forthcoming trips. its still your homegirl Thattokelady a.k.a Alarinka of Afrika Till another time on travel gist/tips with Toke LOVE ALWAYS
Top Things to Do In Casa Del Papa
Casa Del Mama has a friend of mine will constantly tease me with lately has got to do with every dope pictures I took in Casa del Papa. Hold on: have I told you how magical this place is? Pardon my manners I am only being too excited. On my first visit to Casa, I was wishing at the back of my mind that our visit will be extended by few days, I fell in love with casa that I wouldn’t mind more days in the presence of this beautiful haven. Casa Del Papa is a resort in the beautiful heart of Ouidah plaque, situated Between the sea and the lagoon. La Casa del Papa is the perfect place for any type of getaway, Baecation, honeymoon,relaxation whatever mood you’re in, La casa Del papa is perfect for all mood. The ambiance of the hotel rooms stationed between the coconut trees is nothing short of waking up to Nature. I must admit that Casa is a a place I can never get bored of visiting. Things you should know: Complimentary Breakfast: Casa Del Papa gives you a buffet breakfast throughout your stay. Free WiFi: There’s free WiFi available at the resorts but doesn’t work in their hotel rooms. To me, I think it’s a good strategy for you to not only relax but also soak yourself in, in the presence of the beautiful resorts. TOP THINGS TO DO IN CASA DEL PAPA Take as many pictures as your phone memory can allow: I have , if not exaggerating more than 500pictures from this destination. Every nooks and crannies of Casa is a picture perfect Frame. From the Lagoon, to the beach, the bungalows stationed around the coconut trees, to the garden. I advise you go with a tripod stand Incase your camera person got tired of you changing location every seconds. Go Kayaking: Go kayaking on the Lagoon, you’re so going to enjoy it, especially if you go with friends. My team wouldn’t leave until we were been told it was high time they closed. 3: Go Swimming: Oh my dear Casa Pool, you’re so welcoming and warm. Can I have you all to myself Visit the Spa didn’t but I heard the services are great. My response: Why won’t it be! It is your money that’s talking. It’s quite on the high side my sister. Enjoy the calm beach The serenity at the bank of the beach is second to none. On some days I found myself losing the track of time and I was there till 2 a, peaceful and safe. I sang at the top of my voice, ran naked(as I have always wished to do on a private beach). I would love to do that again. Take an evening walk in the Resort With a music and your thought free, this place will birth you new ideas for free. It’s going to help you to relax and enjoy the cool breeze from the tall coconut trees Outdoor Game: Volleyball, basketball and lots more Casa has a tennis court and facilities for games to help you exercise Visit the Laguna Bar The Laguna Bar is their mini disco club with a deejay, the bar only opens on Saturday. Meet new people: Casa is always flooded with new people all over the globe everyday. Sometimes I wonder if we increase in number by seconds. Feel free to relate with new people Don’t forget to Rest: That’s the point of a getaway, isn’t it? Rest in the beauty of the well designed African room of yours and refuel your energy Yassss! I finally let all the cats out, even though it took me months. Are you looking forward to visiting casa Del papa Resorts soon, if yes let me know in the comment section and if you have once visited share your experience with me too. I hope you enjoyed reading thing, if yes kindly share the gospel and subscribe to my blog. Join me next week on more travel gist/tips It’s still your home girl Thattokelady a.k.a Alarinka Of Afrika. Till another time on travel gist with Toke. Love always
A TRIP TO OUIDAH
Let’s talk aboutcelebrating little wins. I know it took me a while to come up with this blog post about my trip to Benin Republic just because I’ve been so caught up with so many activities. Accept my Apologies. About Celebratinglittle wins. I have finally“disvirgined” my Passport! Yass family we did it. Twice , even though it led usto the same destination. My Benin Republic trip was my first international trip and was sponsored by Irinajo Nigeria. I was on a tour guide duty. Believe me! I had a blast. It was a group trip of20people and you can mentally picture what the experience felt like! It was awhole vibe. And I must give it to the Irinajo Tours, they curated a beautiful travel experience. We visited one of the Capitals Of BENIN Republic which is OUIDAH, known as the spiritual capital and one of the historical cities of Benin Republic REQUIREMENTS: Your Passport and the new E-Yellow Fever card THE JOURNEY It was a three days Getaway trip for relaxation and as well as an adventure. We left Lagos as early as 4:55 am and arrived at the Idiroko border at 11:00 am considering Lagos traffic as at that time ad due to some delay at the border. THE PROCEDURES / SCREENING AT THE BORDER Irinajo been a tour operating company and really familiar with the route helped with passport stamping and made checking easier without any hassle or delay. Be informed that taking of pictures is prohibited at the border. The new screening atthe border is the Scanning Process Each and every one ofus was asked to come into the scanning room for further Verification. Thisdidn’t take more than 5mins per person. But the whole passport stamping took us about 2hours because we had to wait for one of the personnel to be on duty before we could move. INTERMISSION While we waited for the final verification, we were entertained by some local musical artists who blew us away with their instruments and golden voices. Guess who went down to dance Bata, Mua. Yes After about an hour ofwaiting for the personnel, we were cleared and ready to move. We arrived Ouidah at exactly 4:30 pm and we lodged into one of the best resorts in Ouidah town Casa Del Papa. A BIT HISTORY ABOUT BENIN REPUBLIC The Benin Republic got its independence on August 1st, 1960 and it got his name from a city in Nigeria called ‘Benin City”. Benin Republic has four capitals: Cotonou: is the Economical Capital Porto-Novo: is the administrative and the politcal capital Abhomey: is the historical capital Ouidah: is the spiritual capital of the country. Today we are exploring the fourth capital of Benin Republic which is the Ouidah. Ouidah a city on the coast of the Republic of Benin, it is said to be a spiritual capital of the Vodun Religion. An average citizen worships both Vodun and Christiniaty or Vodun and Muslim. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN OUIDAH TOWN The slave trade point of no Return The history of Ouidah won’t be complete without talking about slavery, most of the slaves were deported from Nigeria, Benin, and Niger and it’s at this point they were shipped to America. This is the site which marks were slaves where shipped, these slaves were men, women, and children and for so many years these slaves were sold to the Portuguese, French and British. The PHYTON TEMPLE Vodoo originated from the Benin Republic hence the Python temple. Don’t panic, they are totally harmless(non-venomous). you should give it a try anytime you go visiting, it is part of the adventure. THE OUIDAH CATHEDRAL CHURCH The Tomb of the twoPortuguese who founded the church is right there in the church and trust meit’s a sight to see. The ambiance in this Catholic Church will tempt you to go church every single day. Visit the Museums THE OUIDAH MUSEUM OF HISTORY THE MUSEUM OF THE ZINSOU FOUNDATION The Kpasse Sacred Forest The Salt village Hear the history behind every monuments on the street of Ouidah. Remember to eat like the locals, be careful of their spice thoug it might be too spicy. Freedom means you are unobstructed in living your life as you choose. Anything less is a form of slavery. I don’t have a proper breakdown of cost because like i said earlier,it was a sponsored trip from Irianjo Tours. I hope you have been able to learn one or two things today and if you are looking forward to visiting Ouidah soon you can join Irianjo Travels for an amazing experience. Check out for amazing travel deals from Irianjo Travels and Tours on their social media platforms. Instagram/Twitter: @irianjo_ng For a visual representation of everything, you read on here kindly visit my Youtube channel by Thursday and if you haven’t subscribe to my channel please subscribe, i have got really amazing content on there. Join me on Thursday for more exciting things to do in the city of OUIDAH, as we will be exploring the beautiful Casa-Del-Papa Resorts and top things to do to enjoy your stay. Its still your home girl Thattokelady a.k.a Alarinka Of Afrika. Till another time on travel gist with Toke Love Always
From Being A Rapper To An Adventurer
Rapper whatttttttt!!!! 8years ago I thought I would be rocking stages with the likes of M.I, TIWA SAVAGE, and Eva Alordia and the likes, as one young dope femcee.Please don’t allow my village people to use you against me.Please Don’t ask me to start dropping punch lines o. some of my friends have probably given up on me already, for I am always starting up a new hustle every damn year. I’m sorry but not sorry, I’m still in the process of figuring this whole life out. But honestly though, back then it was looking realistic, I thought I would have been a known artist by now, going on road tours, making hit songs, collaborating with superstars and of course making some cool money.My dear friends that I promised first class ticket to some events and also travel the world together based on say,” I would have been a big artist by now”. I am so sorry, life happened but we are still going to travel the world together but not as MOTUNES but THATTOKELADY the ALARINKA.You know the saying that the best things that happen to us in life are the things not planned for or unforeseen.I never planned to be a travel blogger but of course, I have always been that girl that loves traveling. Travelling has always been my escape plan from my boring university lifestyle.If you know Uniosun Okuku Campus In Osun State you will know there is only one line of routine From School to Night market to Country club And back to your hostels.Except on days we have birthday parties, departmental parties or any of our boring parties.Nothing of fun was going on, no places to visit unless you travel out of that vicinity and YES I travel every time, almost Every weekend.An escape to just go out to refresh me before school loads of work runs me mad.Ibadan/Ilorin/Lagos was my go to, not because I was going to have that fun lifestyle but for my sanity.It’s a 6hours journey from Lagos to school and I don’t mind jumping on the next available bus every time. My friends call me TAMBOLO (ant) because well! Sitting in one position for long ain’t my thing.I never knew that one-day TAMBOLO will turn out to be ALARINKA.ALARINKA OF AFRIKA was a name given to me by one of my Instagram fams, how suitable it turned out for me now.Just about this time last year, nothing seems to be working as planned.Everything was on a standstill and I dared for a change. Didn’t know how it was going to turn out but I wasn’t ready to let depression have the best of me. I knew I had to change my environment, for the time being, fresh air in a new city, a new humble beginning if possible, for I know what traveling does to my soul and it seems like the only option.I started making calls to friends in other states because Lagos was too toxic for me at that moment. And yes! Move now was what I heard and I hearken unto it. my starting point was Ogun state, I visited Olumo-Rock that I never had the chance to visit throughout my 6years stay in Abeokuta, and at the top of the mountain, right, there I wanted to see more beauty of the world. I was marveled at what I saw and I wanted to see more.I started traveling INTENTIONALLy, on the 15th of June 2018, paying attention to details, researching more about attractions in Nigeria, destinations filled with histories and culture. It was then I knew I wanted to be a historical traveler, someone who passes deep information of our past heritage, our cultures, and beliefsI have been to 16states in the space of 9months, and I can’t wait to backpack and hit the road yet again I want to show that there is more to this country than negative news and bad governance.we just have to learn how to live and enjoy our lives regardless and Nigeria has all the resources needed to help you relax. There are more beautiful destinations in this country to show to the whole world, we are rich in culture and our heritage are worthy. We need to be self-aware of our immediate environment and that is what I am here to do.It will be too Cliché to say that I didn’t choose this part but it chose me, that’s one misused phrase that I know of, but still, it’s the truth.It hasn’t been easy, some adventures are drilling but I’m ready for it, I’m up for the challenges and I pray God continue to shed light on this part of mine. The Goal. · To explore all African countries before 30. · Explore the whole 36states in Nigeria before 27. (We have 20) left to go · Promote Nigerian tourism and lending my voice in changing the narrative of tourism in Nigeria. · Become the Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture in Nigeria · Improve some tourist attractions by making available amenities needed for a better exploration and better experience of these sites. .Add my quota in eliminating poverty in Nigeria by volunteering in community services, touching one life at a time as I travel around the country. · Be one of the best-ranked Tour guide outfits in Nigeria. I am dating this down on the website today 8th of May 2019, hopefully, in 5years time, I would make it a point of reference on how far I have come and see if the dream is still going to be valid before then just because life keeps happening to us every day. And one of the most fulfilling feeling would be, if by any chance my contents travel far as changing peoples mindset about exploring this country and they start to see what i have been trying to show them. it