Ok, so it's obvious I will be so excited and eager to share how my 3-day itinerary plan with you while visiting my state Bayelsa,Nigeria in my community okaka which is located in the heart of the state.
(The building behind is the Bayelsa state cultural centre)
Day-1: Arrival and eating cultural foods
You will arrive in yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa state, and obviously be welcomed by my family at my residence in okaka.
A traditional food will be prepared for you to enjoy, and yes you will be able to enjoy it even if it's your first time. Some of the traditional Bayelsa food include food like kekefie (made with plantain), okra soup, bitterleaf soup, fisherman soup, rice and chicken stew, ozuome (made with snail), and bole (roasted plantain and roasted fish).
Later, we will spend the afternoon relaxing and getting accustomed to the environment around my home.
In the evening, we will take a stroll around the neighborhood showing you some landmarks like the prison yard(correctional service) at okaka, which is very much close to my house.
I know you will be stressed because of the travel and probably jet lagged, so we won't do too much on the first day.
Day 2: History, Culture and Village site seeing
It's a good thing my uncle is the king of my community, so learning about history and culture from the elders will be so easy to organize.
Stories about the migration and settlement of how my community started forming todays customs and traditions.
We will Visit neighboring villages, where you will witness traditional fishing practices and also see how local boats are used for transportation and fishing.
(Students on a Palace visit for more insights about okaka community)
We will stop by a farm land by paddling through the river to get a glimpse of the community's agricultural practices.
( Photo with my nieces during a little agricultural adventure)
One of my most exciting to show you is cassava processing, where we will learn about how it is processed traditionally( to make our famous cassava flour known locally as garri).
Day 3: Cultural Festivities and Traditions
If you where to visit in August, you will get to experience the new yarm festival in my community(okaka) a very important cultural celebration in Bayelsa state.
(The beautiful women of okaka community with the king and Queen)
With this festivities, you get to see traditional dances, which involves movement of the hips for both men and women.
If there is a marriage ceremony happening during your visit, you will get to witness the bride price payment and gift presentation, an important part of Bayelsa cultural tradition.
It won't be fair for you not to enjoy local music and dances from some of our famous artist in Bayelsa like Izionebi, Perema and Asuekie which gives highlife music.
This full program I have set in place for your visit,I know that your visit will be an unforgettable experience that you will get to speak of wherever you go.
I await your visit ♥
All photos are mine
Thanks for stopping by.
