New name for the blog

As you might have noticed, Curious kinks has now changed it's name to...http://www.afrosista-in-china.com Which means the previous URL is now non-existent and will automatically be redirected to this website. So, please make sure to update the new address on your computer, phone, address book and other devices you may use.

A group of elementary school students I often take the bus with after school  at  around 5pm

In other news, you can expect my other blog to be launched by the end of this week. I was contemplating whether to go with Wordpress or just keep everything in Blogspot. But I think Blogspot takes the cake for now.

Also, my fact or myth series will be resumed shortly, though I might have to hold off on some controversial topics until after the Weeklong National Congress which is currently taking place in Beijing.

Blog you later!
再见 （Zai Jian)
Bye

A decade away from the motherland

It just dawned on me that I have been out of Nigeria for 10years!  I had a feeling yesterday that April 20th was a special day, but I just didn't know what made it so special. I mean, no one in my family was born in April, so it couldn't have been someone's birthday. But while reading some blog posts by Nigerians in the diaspora, I suddenly realized that around this day 10years ago, my family and I bid our farewell to the country.

Why don't you go back to contribute to the development of your country?
Just about two weeks ago, a Nigerian friend (who was inspired to venture to China after coming across my blog) told me about an older African woman in the diaspora who asked her why she is not back in Nigeria developing her nation? As a respect to the woman, she didn't give her a response. I just thought if it was me, I would have said "the same reasons you're not there yourself ma". Coincidentally, I read a relative's Facebook status update about why so many Nigerians are sweeping the streets of China, India and the U.S when so many Chinese and Indians bribe their way to get into Nigeria. I immediately left a comment saying that I've never seen a foreigner sweeping the streets of Beijing or any other Chinese city I've traveled to. Besides, those foreigners bribing their way into Nigeria are no different from Nigerians who "sweeps" the streets abroad. In that both see all the available resources on the other side of the world which aren't available to them in their home countries.

I mean if Obama senior hadn't gone to the States, the country wouldn't have the Black president it has today. Or if Roger Jean hadn't fled to Canada as a refugee, after being abducted and tortured in his home country, Canada wouldn't have had it's first visible minority, Haitian-born governor general.

President Obama with Canada's 27th Governor General  Michaëlle Jean 

*source*

If the grass is greener on the other side, why remain in an environment where your talents are not being maximized? Or remain in a country where basic human necessities are made to seem like luxuries? Or in an environment where you might not be able to fully enjoy your wealth due to political or social instabilities in the country. It is very common here in China for rich Chinese families to immigrate to Canada or whatever country they choose to call their new home. Because being a millionaire doesn't exempt you from the one child policy, pollution, daily traffic jams and other unnecessary stress a rich person doesn't need to go through.

I think what people need to do is to first research the LONG history of immigration before they start talking nonsense about immigrants or people leaving their home countries to go build other people's nations. What annoys me the most is when I read hate comments from people who are descendants of immigrants themselves!

 I think whatever reason a person decides to leave their home country to go pick up another citizenship or get a new one after renouncing their natural citizenship is their business. I believe America wouldn't be the nation it is today if those early immigrants had just stayed in their countries. And Canada probably wouldn't be the second biggest nation it is today if it wasn't for those thousands of immigrants helping to fill up empty lands.

As an immigrant and currently an expat enjoying life in a country where so many citizens are looking for a  way out, I am most thankful to have the opportunity to be mobile. Because after all, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. Therefore, If at any time I feel the grass is greener in another part of my heavenly Father's creation, then I will most definitely go explore it!

**So, have I visited Nigeria in the last 10years? No. Will I ever go for a visit? Of course, as soon as I can gather some funds. Will I ever move back? No one knows the future, but luckily, my dual citizenship gives me an option :).**

And to you Dear reader, where is your home country and where do you now currently call your home? And if you have moved back to your home country, under what circumstance(s) did you had to relocate and do yo feel you are helping to build your nation?

My Testimony on ACV

I recently made a life changing discovery few weeks ago on YT. And this is the amazing powers of Apple Cider Vinegar. While looking up natural facial cleansers online, I stumbled on a YT video on using ACV for acne. Since I don't have a problem with facial acne, I didn't pay much attention to what was said. But days later, it dawned on me that I could try using some ACV on my back to clear the little acne I had going on back there.

I often get acne/ tiny bumps on my chest and back on days when I wear a piece of clothing which doesn't cover my chest and back on a hot sunny summer day. Fortunately, these spots usually heals itself naturally within a few days. But, it's been months since last summer and I still have these bumps on my back. With summer just around the corner, I thought I better do something really quickly to get rid of these unwanted visitors. So after looking up some possible treatments for back acne (which by the way is a common issue, just not commonly talked about), I decided to give ACV a chance after turning up with nothing that is accessible and affordable.

Any brand works, as I use the Heinz brand

So I grabbed my bottle of Heinz ACV, poured a little on a facial cotton puff, applied it on the acne on my back, did this religiously in the morning and night for a week. And Lo and Behold, these bumps were miraculously flattened! Who knew a salad dressing could cure months of skin ailment just like that?

So if you suffer from acne on any part of your body, please consider giving ACV a shot and you won't be disappointed! May be you will some day shout on mountain tops and proclaim the healing power in this potion!

CAUTION: You might feel a tingling/burning sensation upon application. Since the skin on the back is thicker than that on the face, I only felt a slight tingling sensation, mostly when I had just scratched my back before applying it. But it might burn when applied on the face, so use with caution. 

Happy Women's Day

Google's Doodle on IWD (International Women's Day)

San Ba Jie Kuai le ( Happy March 8th) or Fu Nu Jie Kuai Le (Happy Women's Day) to all the women and girls out there.  So how important is Women's day in China?  Very important that it is a National Holiday, at least for women. Many employers will give the women staff half a day off to go enjoy being a woman. But if you happen to work in a female dominated profession such as teaching, you unfortunately can't get off work early. Instead, you can enjoy presents and a small cash which employers give to their female staff every year. At my school, the female teachers were given a box of Tiramisu cake and 100RMB (Chinese currency) on the day before. And today, we got milk tea and a bag of french fries for lunch. My favorite of all those gifts is of course the money!  I also noticed women around town with a bouquet of flowers which I assume they got from their workplace. 

Chinese Women in the Air Force

In a country with a disproportionate male:female ratio, I think IWD is an important step to inform the population about the importance of women in the society (so stop killing those baby girls!). It is also a day for all female to be proud of their accomplishments whether it be big or small. And lastly, a day for all men in the country to appreciate the presence of women in the society.  

Women Judges on March 8th

Although the actual meaning of the holiday has been overshadowed by commercialism where stores hold promotions on women's products. Infact today, a beauty consultant gave me her business card while I was waiting for my train at the subway station.  She told me to give her a call if I need makeup or any beauty product, as if she will have my match.  IWD is also a semi valentines day in China where men show their affection and appreciation to the women in their lives (that is their mother, wife, girlfriend, sister and daughter) by buying them little presents. 

Women giving a performance to celebrate san ba (march 8th)

As Beyonce would ask " Who run the world?.....GIRLS!" Ahhh, too bad the song was recently blacklisted in country :( Anyway, I hope all you girls out there enjoyed your day.

February is Black History Month

As an African living in the Diaspora, I thought I should say write a few things about Black History Month. And to bring its awareness to my International readers who knows very little or nothing about the importance of Black History Month. So, without further ado, here you go! 

What is Black History Month? A month to observe, remember and celebrate important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. It is also a month to recognize present day blacks who are making a difference and changing black history.

Blacks in the Media

Where is it celebrated? In the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

When is Black history Month? Every February in Canada and the U.S and every October in the U.K

Dr. King giving the "I Have A Dream" speech

How is it celebrated? Many schools, black organizations, media outlets and individuals will hold educational talks, presentations and discussions about black history.  Last Year, I saw an episode on The Oprah Winfrey Show where she dedicated the entire show to black history. In this episode, she played clips from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s  "I Have A Dream" speech, interviewed the "Little Rock Nine" 54 years after their ordeal, and honored Black Americans such as Maya Angelou (also her mentor) who made it possible for her to become Oprah Winfrey.

Angry white parents, against "race mixing"

"Little Rock Nine" being escorted on their first day to prevent harm from angry white protesters.

Do blacks in the nation get the whole month off? No, they don't, because it's not a national holiday.

Why is black history in february? Because it's the birth month of two of the  most important  people in Black history; Abraham Lincoln (America's 16th president who ended slavery) and Frederick Douglas ( a former slave and abolitionist).

What does black history mean to me? It means I can walk in anywhere, whether it be a building, city or nation without worrying about the issues I might face due to the color of my skin. It means I can BE whoever I want to be as long as I am focused, work very hard and have Christ on my side. 

For you readers, what does black history month or a national day in your country mean to you?