Still kickin'

James just informed me that I should post at least a few sentences on this blog, assuring readers that the malaria did not kill me.  And neither has Nigeria.  Yet.

However, as I write this I realize that I have probably spoken to every single blog reader in the past three hours.  So you all know that I am cured of malaria (after one month of avoiding the doctor and then - finally - two shots in the bum-bum by a distinctly unsympathetic nurse).  Now the only excuse I have for not posting on the blog is sheer, unadulterated laziness.  But I would like to point out, in my defense, that a day of research in Nigeria requires a long recovery period and involves drinking of Coke and watching of bootlegged movies, not writing of thoughtful blog posts.  (Also, I am quite lazy.  But look James - I've written more than two sentences!)

So.  Here is my solemn vow: to try with all my might to avoid malaria for the next two months -- to resist the temptation of okadas, even though I love the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair as we weave around taxis and fly across potholes -- to continue my quest for those elusive things we call "documents" or "historical sources" so that I might one day write a dissertation (fingers crossed, people! seriously) -- and to eat many delicious and non-delicious Nigerian foods and report back to you, our dear readers.

And, finally, some photographic proof that I remain among the living:

(Learning how to plant cassava on the Iheanacho's farm, which is right next to our house.  I claim to be making plans for my own farm.  Abigail finds this fabulously funny since she's on to me and propensity for sitting around.  But I have big plans; I just need to buy a hoe and some seeds!)

Scones and Work

Do you ever feel like you are just going to die if you don't get something as soon as possible that is sugary, breadlike and goes well with an afternoon coffee?  No?  Well, good for you, although I don't understand you at all.  I get those urges a lot, and Niek's suggestion to go eat a piece of fruit to stifle that craving is insulting.  Firstly, gross, fruit and lattés don't go together at all.  Secondly, I have tried that trick before and no matter what nutritionists say, an apple does not make my desire for cake go away.  If anything it leaves me irritated, because I feel full from that stupid piece of fruit but completely unfulfilled.

I'm trying to get myself into a bit of a re-writing frenzy (when am I not doing this?) so I can finish a chapter and send it to my advisor.  This means spending a lot of time at home willing myself to be productive and taking lots of "breaks" with housework and yes, occasionally baking.  There's nothing particularly Dutch about the scones I made for myself during one of these said breaks.  Regan could even make these in Nigeria if she could her hands on some chilled butter.  Fortunately the Dutch are plagued/blessed with a surplus of dairy cattle, so that's not a problem for me.

In fact, the price of milk and butter is shockingly low here, probably because they've been conditioned to consume dairy in large quantities.  It's the only place I've ever been where it is standard practice to serve milk and buttermilk as drink options during a conference lunch.  I've been to a few history conferences here, and it's always the same lunch: lunch meat sandwiches and cheese sandwiches (but never meat and cheese together) and your choice of milk or buttermilk.  You should have seen the look the caterer gave me when I practically had to beg for a glass of water instead.

So when I found myself needing a snack to go with my coffee, I went for quick and easy.  A few turns of the food processor and fifteen minutes in the oven later, I had dense scone topped with some sugar and cinnamon to complement the coffee and work.  So much more satisfying than an apple.

Coming Soon --

Guess what, dear readers?  Diana and I have been reunited (!) – and all of you are about to benefit because you’ll soon be reading awesome blog posts about the delicious food that she is making and I am eating.

You will also be able to read about drinking beer (or, in my case, prosecco) and about wearing long underwear (because I love being cold).  And about my attempt to make Nigerian food in the Netherlands.  Hmmmm . . . 

We are also planning to work on dissertation/book review writing, but we won’t torture you, dear readers, with such boring graduate student stuff.  Instead, we’ll drink more Liefman’s Goudenband and eat oilebollen and tell you about that!  Cheers!