You're WELCOME (by Slyph)

In every society throughout the world, there is an array of customs and practices that are unique to the people of that society. So for instance, only a trinbagonian can identify when I say there is nothing better than a roti and a red solo, or a drink of coconut water around the savannah, or going to Maracas just to enjoy a Richard's bake and shark, or to Store Bay for a curry crab and dumpling. In Trinidad and Tobago, there is no christmas without ham, turkey, sorrel, pastelles, ginger beer, parang, wild meat, black fruit cake, the smell of fresh paint and vanish and lots of spending and merriment. Right after christmas we rush full speed ahead to carnival. As Trinidad and Tobago is the home of carnival, bachannal and steelpan......

A common trinbagonian phrase is "we going an buss a lime...." Now trust me, this phrase has nothing to do with the small citrus fruit that is commonly used to make juice or served with seafood. We are referring to going out with friends and have drinks in a social setting.... "We go buss ah lime friday nite", simply means a groups of friends plans to get together on friday, probably for a few drinks. Another favourite of ours is "We goin an fete", fete meaning party or dance....... In each country there is that one particular phrase, activity or dish that everyone can identify with. In Nigeria, the phrase is "You're welcome."

In Trinidad and Tobago and most countries that I have visited, the phrase "you're welcome" is used as a form of appreciation or to extend best wishes/invitation to someone.... For example, the remark of 'Thank you' is usually followed by 'you're welcome' or it is common to hear someone say 'you're welcome to join us and share in this experience'.

On my arrival to Nigeria, I was greeted by the words "You're welcome" and have been hearing them ever since. Apparently, in Nigeria, "You're Welcome" is commonly used as a greeting. So on entering any building, or meeting someone for the first time, or leaving a building/room, or requesting assistance, any encounter or attempt to engage in a conversation with a Nigerian you will be certain to hear the words - you're welcome. It's alarming..... If you ask a question, the response is 'you're welcome', you say good morning or good afternoon, you get 'you're welcome'. I can certainly assure you that Nigerian people are extremely welcoming..... Whether that's the greeting you were looking for or anticipating, you will most certainly be welcomed by any Nigerian you meet.

It was also very delightful to observe on my arrival that not only the warm, welcoming Nigerian spirit was awaiting me, but I was also graced with two brown doves ready and waiting to hatch on my window sill. Just two short days after my arrival these two birds were welcomed into the world and became a pleasant addition my morning routine. Well that was short-lived, as they quickly gained their strenghten and flew away. However, they presence brought a glimmer of hope to my new situation. Because just like them, I had hatched into a new world and was grasping at straws in an attempt to gain enough strenght in my wings and learn how to fly.