Short story: Bought my first bike (so) goal of first jet takes off

When our channel, Africanews, decided to close early this year, I started planning my exit from Congo, it had been a thrilling topsy turvy last four years.

The life experiences, the professional growth, the holiday flights, the money, the good life, the peace of mind, the friends, the dynasty and of course, the police harassment. I had loads to be grateful for.

For every possession I had from my relocation package back in 2016, I was gifting it 100%, wasn't selling a pin from that. My mattress, sofa, fridge, utensils, plastic chairs and table etc. Sorry, I was keeping the laptop - just that.

But my landlord, Yannick and his family, my four years neighbours. I don't remember troubling them I can't recall the opposite. In fact, what I can best recall is the 30% rent slash after three and half years. I owed him, his wife and two kids a lot. I was around when the two kids were born.

So from advice of Hajia Fati to be good to people who are good to you. I decided I needed to sign out properly with the family. During discussions with Yannick on my exit, I asked if his son had a bike, he said no. I said I'd get him one.

But the company didn't close, new talks with government and then coronavirus meant we had to stay on and work. But by mid-March, I was choking. How did the closure not happen? I needed my payout and to be back in Ghana - not that I missed Ghana, no!

Miracle? The COVID-19 coverage gave me something to long for. Following the developments cross continent and working at home (story for another day) was the boost to keep working and earning my decent pay. I love the pay.

I had planned money for the bike and other exit gifts and Ramadan meant I made big savings because during lockdown, all transport to and from office was on the company. That money needed be spent on purpose - the bike.

I set out on Tuesday May 26, 2020 and found what I wanted. At the STE Regal shop opposite Hôpital Adolphe Sice, I paid 25,000 XAF and 1000 more for transport back home. The record will have it that I bought my first bicycle today. I did, proud me.

 Oneday if I graduate through all the other locomotives to a jet, remember where I started out from. That very normal day in Pointe Noire when I paid for Fred's bike. Fred, that is Yannick's son's name. That one can make his mother shout.... jeeeez!

Now, I'm thinking what to get the little girl. I might just go to the clothes shop and get her something girly. I was thinking about a train but the rail line is a bit far from our house. Can't stress a girl and a jet too, naaarh, the airspace is closed.

Whatever..... (imagine me rolling my eyes, yes; I can do that.... daaaarh)

Good to fulfill a promise made. Bike handed over. Thanks for wasting your time with my useless story. Next time, do better, or you say I'm crazy?

Shawwal 4, 1441 = May 27, 2020.

April 2020: How a virus lockdown ramped up my reading

The month of April was unlike any other in the last few years. A lockdown thanks to coronavirus and a crazy work schedule, one that badly blurs the lines between a weekday and a weekend.

Natacha, our planning officer, had decreed that I work five days and "rest" another five in that exact order. Getting to and from the work required being shuttled by office car.

Most public transport are banned and even with private vehicles, they need strict permits. So roughly i get 15 days off in a 30-day month.

I recorded a jumbo leap in reading for the month, thanks to the first five days that I was off duty in late April. Prior, I had found my way to the office to build on coronavirus coverage despite being off duty.

But Ramadan meant that, I could not exert myself unnecessarily  and that was motivation enough to remain home. I turned my focus onto reading, sleeping, writing and rewarding myself with time on social media.

Ordinary, I would set out the month with a list of maximum five books. Hoping to complete three at least. In April, i literally run riot in those five days off.

Here is the list of how April 2020 went down....

1 - Dictatorland (Oil) Stories of Gaddafi, Sani Abacha, Obiang Nguema by Paul Kenyon
2 - A Gift of Ramadhan by Shaykh Abdul Raheem
3 - 30 Hadiths for Children by
4 - WHO guidelines on COVID-19 in Ramadan
5 - Ramadan at Home by Muslim Council of Britain, MCB
6 - Weep Not, Child by Ngugi wa Thiongo
7 - The Continent (COVID-19 newsletters) by Mail and Guardian
8 - Shifts in the Low Touch Economy, COVID-19 report by Board of Innovation
9 - General Islamic Guidelines for COVID-19: European Council for Fatwa and Research
10 - COVID-19 in Africa: A Mo Ibrahim Foundation report

Riding on the crest wave into May, with an opportunity to work from home on days off, I'm hoping to keep the spirit and energy whiles juggling light work and a reading routine.

By all means read pals. Read!
I'd be back with how May goes.
May May go well.
I wish myself well.
I do!

13 Ramadan, 1441
06 May, 2020