Tag: Christmas

Change

Of Christmas and Battlesome Reflections

Jilomes

The Christmas Season is upon us. Whether you celebrate it or not, the season is one that surely makes a mark on the greatest number of persons on earth, cutting across all countries. Some might see it as just another overblown, commercialised holiday, or argue that it was appropriated from a pagan festival, hence, should be ignored or re-appropriated. But for us, it is a season to reflect on life, the gift of sacrifice, and gratitude for our lives’ journeys and the privileges bestowed on us. So, let me start by wishing you a truly Merry Christmas!

Continue reading “Of Christmas and Battlesome Reflections” →
Randoms, Travelling

Belgium for the Finale

Jilomes

When I decided to spend the Christmas holidays at the Netherlands, I did that knowing full well that I would have due assignments and an exam on my return. I’ve got an exam in three days, and the distinction grade that awaits me in that module would top up what has been an amazing holiday. After enjoying the awesomeness of the Dutch cities, we decided to stroll across the border into the famous city of Antwerp in Belgium. Continue reading “Belgium for the Finale” →

Travelling

Den Haag is for Art

Jilomes

On Christmas Day, I missed my way, and found myself in the city known around the world as “The Hague”, and fondly called “Den Haag” by the Dutch. That unplanned visit meant I had to revisit the city properly. So, after paying upfront for this revisit by reading a bit for my next week’s exam, I returned to Den Haag alongside the usual suspects. This time, we didn’t just go strolling aimlessly like we did in the previous cities. We went on what some Nigerians would call “point and kill”, visiting pre-planned locations, and it was all about the beauty of art. Continue reading “Den Haag is for Art” →

Travelling

A Day at Rotterdam

Jilomes

There is a tale in southwestern Nigeria of a certain Ajala who travelled from one place to another. Inspired by Ajala and wanting to be like a certain contemporary junketer, I continued my tour of the Netherlands. Christmas Day saw me at Rotterdam, covering more distance on foot than some persons would walk in a month. This is a tale of Christmas at Europe’s largest port city. Continue reading “A Day at Rotterdam” →

Travelling

Christmas Continues at Amsterdam

Jilomes

The previous post covered my journey to the Netherlands and my tour of Delft with Fabian the interesting storyteller. After Delft, the next port of call was Amsterdam, one of the most popular cities in the world, and a busy transport hub for many international flights. One of my hosts has nicely ordered me to write an article for each city I get to visit in this country. I do hope I can meet this demand. Here is Amsterdam from the eyes of an entranced stranger. Continue reading “Christmas Continues at Amsterdam” →

Travelling

Welcome to The Netherlands

Jilomes

It’s the Christmas season, the time of the year with the most people on the move either heading back home to spend the holidays with friends and family, or just going to a different place to cool off from the winding year. While many would move by air, land or sea, some others find themselves travelling only in their minds, spending Christmas where they are, but wishing they were somewhere else. Being an international student, I resolved not to be in the latter group. This is the first of maybe a series on my European adventure, with the Netherlands as my portal.  Continue reading “Welcome to The Netherlands” →

NYSC, Randoms

October 1 is Christmas Day

Jilomes

When it’s Christmas season, one doesn’t need to be told. The decorations, the excitement that chokes the air, the giving of gifts, visits and lots more proclaim the Christmas season. Christmas is in December, right? What if you were told that for a community in northern Nigeria, October 1 has more “swag” than December 25? You would say it’s a Muslim community. Wrong! This community is more than 90% Christian. Yet for them, October 1 is “Christmas”. Continue reading “October 1 is Christmas Day” →