Chapter Two
He got to the lobby in time to catch breakfast that was almost over, some of the guests were yet eating; the complimentary breakfast included boiled eggs, cornflakes, muffins, milk, juice, tea, and coffee. All in smaller portions than he was used to, true he would not ordinarily eat flakes and egg for breakfast as though he was getting ready to attend a weight loss convention.
As he sat down comfortably, he thought this was different from having to contend with the violent rocking at breakfast on the ship, because they were heading into turbulent weather. He picked up a muffin, took a bite savoring its creamy taste and recalled that time they had to stay in bed for over three hours because they were in the middle of a storm over the Bay of Biscay.
There had been an alert to all crew and passengers the night before to stay away from the deck as there had been a forecast of severe storm beginning early morning and lasting 12 to 18 hours. The storm had forced them to have a dry breakfast of corn flakes, toast, boiled eggs, or sardines. That morning breakfast was an adventure, everyone walked, no they staggered like drunkards across the dining hall, he watched as cups, bowls, and cutleries scampered from the head of the table to the other end of the table, he decided to eat in his room. So did his roommate Adwel. They ate and talked about how hard it must be for the chef to make a meal with his pots, pans and food constantly running away from him.
That afternoon they agreed to a game of ping pong.
He was amazed at the purity of the air the morning after the storm, he stood on the deck as the ship waded the foamy white water, the chilly, refreshing wind slapping against his face; to the side of the ship there seemed to be something in the water racing to catch up with the ship, it seemed to do it with ease, soon he saw it up close, a dolphin running ahead of several others.
Just as he stuck his head out the dolphin seemed to increase speed and broke off with the rest, it leaped suddenly into the air, and as if in a competition, another dolphin followed and did a double flip, completely fascinated, he had never seen a dolphin up close and now it seemed they were putting up special performance for him in their natural habitat.
He looked into the horizon and thought this is a perk of travel by sea. The sea ahead seemed to merge with the sky, so that they, both sea and sky were one and the same. He looked up, grabbed the decks railing with both hands, thankful for moments like this, and feeling pleasantly warm, he said a prayer.
God, he thought cannot be cruel if he made such masterpiece and cohesion! And yet here he was, was it not the discontent and un-ending chaos that made him get up? He was absolutely certain in his mind that this moment will carry his core till it was all over and done.
Julius’s thoughts switched to his reducing funds, his lack of income, and his girlfriend. He finished his breakfast and headed out to Leo and Medinna Walhalli.
Leo and Medinna Walhalli was not so far from the shopping malls and grocers at shepherd’s bush. Like a giant trailer, towering across the road from where he stood was a lengthy three-story parking lot, filled with all types and shapes of vehicles, the lot was flanked on both sides with grocers, retail stores, offices, and behind it a sprawling residential building. Julius was beginning to see with every passing day he was somewhere different. He approached the building, double checking the number on his note, and rang the bell, perched on the side of a block of flats, its red brick, clean unpainted but it’s chiseled details glistened as though polished in oil, Julius waited for about a minute, he rang the bell again and waited another minute or two, before he heard some rustling and the door swung open;
A tall black man stood at the door, and said ‘Julius’, happy you could make it, please come one in’. Leo happened to be about 6ft, tall athletic build, broad shoulders and gave the impression of someone who must have done muscle toning as a young man. As Leo gripped Julius hands in a firm handshake Julius noticed how solid his palms were, although slender his long arms packed strength.
His face appeared calm, when he looked at you it was with a steady gaze that rested on you without intimidation, it seemed to investigate your person without, telling you exactly what feature it focused on or what he learned about you with this seemingly fleeting examination of you.
But you could tell he obtained certain pertinent details through his gaze. He had related to Leo how he’d gotten turned back from his first host, how he had found a simple lodging for the night before and how his money was limited. Leo had asked about his parents and his siblings and the rest of his family he knew back home. They had talked for an hour in the quiet Saturday morning about ‘familiar places, old friends and family’.
And both had felt ‘exited and reticent about the painful transfer of intelligence popularly called brain drain’, which was a description of African graduates and experienced professionals alike leaving their homeland to pursue lucrative positions overseas in Europe and United States at almost always colossal loss to those who nurtured them, their local schools, their parents, their local communities and the younger population who will invariably be thought by foreigners starting a cycle of misinformation as it was when they began fighting for their countries independence.
Leo replying, I really believe some of our people came into wealth too easily, and do not appreciate their wealth. Nodding in agreement Julius said, petroleum is after-all only a discovery not a scientific creation like telephone or electricity, much like an inheritance available to a child who has never done any work to merit such wealth provided by your parents and grandparents through dedication, sweat, toil and discipline.
Leo replied, what makes this so painful, and irritating is the cost of obtaining such wealth is from the people, the so-called commoners, chuckled Julius, ‘that appears to be double dipping, from the wrong coffers”, Exactly, agreed Leo.
Leo continued “ And when these have become rich, they make these commoners worship the wealth shamelessly, and shut others out’.
Julius said “That reminds me of my elementary school teacher and the story of some children climbing a ladder to get to the top of an unfinished building, a hide out to store candy, snacks, assorted can and bottled drinks and to keep accumulating undisturbed, the first ones to get to the top, having gotten there took the ladder and broke it off, with a machete and kicked it’s foot down, suddenly there was a storm and a fire, their fellow playmates could not help, since there was no way up OR down’. Nodding in agreement, Leo got up to get a drink from the kitchen fridge, Julius could hardly hear his feet, although solidly on the ground they were sprightly and nimble, “I have coffee, tea, grape or apple juice, which would you have, ‘apple juice’ replied Julius.
After a few minutes Leo came back with a tall glass of apple juice and some pretzels and chocolate cookies and handed them to Julius. I prefer coffee said Leo sitting down with a cup of coffee, glancing at Julius and sipping from his coffee cup, Leo set his cup down and hesitated for a few seconds, ‘your situation is not as critical as you think, there are different ways of resolving this problem, you need to start with a position that allows you to work almost immediately; there are job agencies, who will get you into both skilled and unskilled roles’.
A subtle deadpan look crept into his eyes, ‘you may not initially be able to choose’, His concern and a desire to be of real assistance becoming apparent, gazing directly at Julius, he asked ‘you do have a high school certificate? ‘Yes’, said Julius, Leo looked away and up as if gathering the dew and looked back at Julius with the same gentle deadpan gaze; as if placing a kind hand on his shoulders without ever touching him; Leo continued “I have an old friend at some of those job centers, you should give her a call and I am almost certain she will be of some help’.
Leo reached forward to grab a notepad on his center table and started scribbling on it. In a few minutes he handed Julius a note and reached for his coffee cup, looking bemused at the scant liquid remaining in his cup as though completely surprised he had drunk all of it while conversing with Julius. Julius looked and read the note looking up at Leo to say a simple ‘thank you’, a slight trace of a smile on his face.
Leo added ‘myself and Medinna are attending a play and concert combination next Saturday, we would love to have you as our guest’, he added with a smile ‘ you can bring your girlfriend along’. Excited and satisfied with his visit Julius finished his drink. On his way out, Leo told him ’The concert begins at 1.45pm you both dress warm, we will be out for almost 3 hours, once again I am glad to help’.
It was close to 1pm when he got to the bus terminal, he waited for a shorter period this time before the bus pulled up, in its normal swift roll up and stop, with doors swinging open almost in the same motion; that Julius was now beginning to get familiar with, he got onto the bus and paid his fair.
The bus pulled off and as Julius settled in his seat across from a young, uniformed man who nodded and continued paging through the London times newspaper, Julius looked at the busy streets, the stalls were busting with color, people milled about some excitedly, some noisily, some with companions, others individually, the scenery changed quickly as they went through high street and Kensington. And unto Gloucester….the bus pulled up at ……Sloan…and soon the it came to Gower street station and Julius stepped out and waited for the bus to leave. He walked a few steps to his hotel.
He sat down on the edge of his bed, took off his shoes, his feet seemed to breathe a sigh of relieve as he caressed the soft carpet with his feet, he picked up the phone and dialed Susan’s number, excitedly ‘I met Leo today, he was exceptionally helpful, he was very nice and understanding, ‘I am happy for you’, said Susan, and I am relieved that at least now you have someone with some clout on your side, his support and advise will certainly make a difference’, since he appears to be more established, I mean rooted in the city, much more than I am’.
‘Yes’, said Julius, ‘he offered many suggestions to help get employment even if I start out as part-time or temporary, he invited both you and I to a concert on Saturday next week as their guests, will you be able to come with me? ‘Oh yes, certainly’. She replied without hesitation. Then added ‘are we still on for dinner on Sunday? ‘Absolutely, I won’t miss it’, he said promptly. ‘See you soon’. And dropped the phone.
The Twig Upon Thames restaurant was a little restaurant in the heart of south London, a combination of tavern and restaurant serving authentic Irish and European cuisine. The bar served mostly Irish and English beer and malt beverages on tap. Julius sat in a little booth by the window with large black basket lamps with cream stripes hanging over the tables, its warm reddish pink light producing an intimate cozy feel.
The ceiling a high dome shaped wood panel painted in light brown with white trimmings, in the middle of each aisle was a floating beer keg and a jolly faced pot belly man, a wide grin on his chiseled shiny face, it floated from to side to side following the beer keg as it was blown by the gentle breeze from the fans on the ceilings air ducts.
The ambiance was jolly, calm and friendly; you merely had to look up at that display on the ceiling and you are liable to smile or chuckle, it probably was the desired effect the designers wanted, it was very effective. Julius’s girlfriend looked up from the menu as the waiter asked “what would you have? Julius raised his hands as if to say, hold on, then said, “Lamb, rice, a side of baby potatoes, and some water, Susan said “okay, that’s a great choice”, but you can’t have water”, try some wine or beer”.
Julius thinking for a first date in over two years, he could make an allowance in his budget, and maybe skip one lunch, he said: “if you insist, I will have a glass of Ferreira port wine”, Awesome’, responded Susan, “and I will have lamb with vegetables, sweet potatoes, a glass of Lambrusco”, Appetizers? Inquired the waiter, in what sounded like a Chinese’s attempt at cockney, but it came out as though a Jamaican was attempting flawless English. Julius glanced at the waiter and at Susan replied “maybe, Susan? some soup maybe? she looked at the menu and said, “noodle soup, is good”, she said firmly.
The waiter scribbled in his notebook and responded “be right back with your soup’, smiled and nodded as he walked towards the kitchen.
Julius sitting slightly forward looked serious as he starred at Susan, the lamp shown at her face, he appeared to be studying her features as though for the first time, ‘that’s a very pretty necklace’, he said now as his eyes rested on her neckline, a gentle breeze bristled past her hair engulfing him with an aroma he thought enchanting and he said so. She seemed pleased and responded, ‘I am glad you approve’.
Her soup came along with her drinks. ‘on the menu tonight, we have rye toast dipped in butter, saltine crackers and crab cake, warm fresh bread served with pure cream and apricot jam, to go along with your soup’. said the waiter as he set down the soup and drinks. ‘I’ll have crab cake’ said Susan ‘and will have apricot jam with bread’, said Julius, ‘Ok’, said the waiter, ‘your main course should be ready within 15 minutes, here are napkins, I will be back to check on you if you need anything else, enjoy your meal’.
The waiter stepped back and walked away. Julius turned to Susan as she delved into her bowl of soup, the steam from the hot liquid rising and filling the air around their table with a delightful aroma of onions and a hint of garlic, ‘how is your soup’, Julius asked, sticking a slice of freshly baked garlic bread with a large scoop of jam in his mouth, after a few seconds she barely raised her head, sticking up one thumb, as if to say love it.
Gently wisping into their ears was George Michaels latest release ‘careless whisper’, a song Julius in his short stay in London has come to love, another reason his visit to London was enjoyable despite many apparent difficulties and bottlenecks, his access to so many varieties of the art form and his appetite such diverse interpretations in music, regardless of originating culture. Turning to Susan, between mouthfuls of apricot, bread and beer, ‘that song makes me feel like a Londoner, like I am enjoying something unique, like contrasting pretty colors to a cloudy and foggy painting’.
Glancing at the bus schedule and at his watch. He was right , they were on time, the big red double decker was slowly making its way to them, Julius said ‘we better get in line’. The bus pulled up, they got in and took their place close to the back of the bus, Susan taking the window seat; as the bus pulled off into the night, a slow calm damp breeze began to settle in on the night. Julius and Susan sat close together holding hands and looking on as the house’s, offices, stores all sped past them or was it they sped past them.
Julius reminded Susan of their concert date, Sunday as the bus pulled up to her stop. Julius considered getting off at her stop and when the next bus on this route will be at her stop, and what he would do if he misled the schedule, considering that his appointment with Leo Walhalli was early in the morning and he needed at least 6 hours of rest. He looked at the bus schedule again and determined that the next bus at Susan stop would be along in 20 minutes. That should be enough time to for him to walk Susan home and to return to catch the next bus on his way home. ‘No’, said Susan ‘you will miss your bus’. ‘I will be on time’, insisted Julius, as he rose to his feet pulling on the hand railing above his seat.
They both got off the bus and walked hand in hand to the pedestrian crossing at Goldhawk station overlooking the ravens court park, the traffic signal turned green signaling people lining the streets to cross. Susan pointing forward to a group of apartment buildings said ‘we should be there in a few minutes’. Julius pulled his coat sleeves down and coat collars up as they walked.
He asked of Susan’s work and school, how difficult it was to work and combine it with school. ‘It is not easy, said Susan, ‘last summer I received a supplementary grant, it helped reduce my payment, besides I only have two semesters left, it won’t be long before I am done with school and start making some money’, she concluded.
‘I often think of me at a concert jointly held by George Michael, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, together on one stage’, that would be an event not to ever miss’. He finished, smiling. Susan finished her soup, set her bowl aside and looked up smiling at Julius, ‘You have nice ideas, I would love to go to that concert with you’.
‘When was the last time you were at a concert’, Susan asked; he paused for a minute or two, and as Susan started saying ‘well? He said ‘the national arts theater in Kaduna, I was on vacation visiting my uncle who works as a state public works comptroller, although crowded and noisy, it was a spectacular show, it was a joint ticket show by sunny Ade, Osita Osadebe, and Onyeka Onwenu; me and my nephews saw the show and we were completely thrilled’.
I think some artist have as a powerful presence on stage as well as their recorded work’. ‘I will buy and attend their events anytime’. ‘I know almost all of Onyeka’s songs, to see them on stage must have been remarkable’, said Susan. ‘it was said Julius. Their waiter got to their table with a tray balanced on his shoulder and a folding stool in hand, placing the stool down he placed the tray down gently on the stool and announced ‘your main course is here! He pushed aside the appetizer plate and the bread basket, and placed an oblong shaped plate in front of Susan and a large plate in front of Julius. ‘He straightened up and asked is there anything else I can get for you both? ‘no that will be all, thank s’, replied Julius. Julius picked up the bill on his table and looked at the amount, it was almost what he expected, he reached in his wallet as Susan began to get up, are we ready then? Julius asking in a friendly tone and getting up.
They walked to the door through the now crowded restaurant and stopped at the cashiers desk, for Julius to pay and walked out into the cold refreshing night. Susan’s took Julius’s hand in her arm as they walked to the bus terminal.
They were approaching the block of high-rise buildings that seemed so distant when they got off the bus. Their conversation had slowed her pace and he slowed as she pointed to the gates leading to her flat. ‘We are here’, she said I’ll walk you to your door, but I can’t come inside, I want to catch the next bus on this route’, ‘I know’, she said “walking up to her door and digging into her purse to find her house keys, she held them up and turned to him as if to say ‘found it! They hugged and a delayed kiss, she said with a smile ‘goodnight’.
‘I will call you when I get home’, said Julius. Julius hesitated as she walked into her apartment building. And in rapid long strides walked back to the transit stop, glancing at his wrist watch, occasionally as he walked past pedestrians, couples, singles, young and old and got to the transit stop as the big red double Decker lumbered to a stop. He jumped in and made his way to an empty seat by the stairs, to the upper deck.
He felt a little too fatigued to go upstairs he looked at his route map, to see how many stops before he got to his stop. Glancing at his wrist watch, he decided he should be home before 10pm. Julius got off the bus waving to the driver, a light hearted wave with a smile, he saw the familiar bright street lamp across from his lodging, it did look like a little cottage with a single frame door way led to some sixteen rooms consisting of two black shaped buildings joining in front like chiseled planks needing no nails, but pre-shaped to fit a specific angle, the single shaped door completed the look of a tall giant book it’s hard cover hiding everything the book has to say.
The light smile was still on his face when he fell asleep.
