Lucy's Pearls Travels: Lagos, Nigeria

Yesterday was my bestie boo's two year wedding anniversary. It's been two years since my first visit to Africa in 2012. This post is two years LATE. I kept procrastinating because I didn't really know how to process that amazing experience. But now is a good a time as any to share with you all the beauty that I saw in Lagos, Nigeria.When I first arrived to Lagos, a man was waiting for me. I felt all special. Before he could swift me away, I had to go through customs. After being asked a barrage of questions, I realized the guy was giving me a hard time on purpose because he knew I was American. Cute, but I needed to go. I picked up my luggage quicker than I ever did from Hartsfield airport. Exiting the airport was a whole new world. I mean, people everywhere asking me questions, asking for things. I was so relieved when I saw my "second parents".From the airport, we traveled to what would be my home for the next week or so. I observed and absorbed so much while there. So much of what we see of other countries pales in comparison to what you actually see in person. Wedding traditions in Nigeria are different for each tribe. My friend is from the Yoruba tribe and their wedding celebration is three-fold. The first part is the traditional marriage which consists of two parts: the Introduction and the Engagement. The last part is what we are familiar with, the wedding ceremony. Instead of me butchering the meaning of each, here is the best description I found online.During the Engagement, the groom and his groomsmen lay prostrate before the bride's parents and friends to ask for the bride's hand in marriage.Shortly after all the formalities, the bride and her bridesmaids enter.I loved the design I created for my Aso Ebi. My gele (head piece), on the other hand, was way too tight. I could not.I legit wanted to take my makeup girl back to America with me. My eyebrows have not looked the same since.The wedding day was so beautiful. When they say you forget about all the stresses that go into wedding planning once the big day arrives, it's so true. I've never had so much fun in my entire life.Seriously, I'm glad the real turn up was not photographed. Too. Much. Fun.I would do it all over again for her. Happy Anniversary! (Day late)More pictures on my Facebook page.