Having visited Accra twice in a panoramic, I guess it’s safe to say that it is my second home. My top ten bars and restaurants to visit in Accra are spots I think serve fun, relaxation and good food at great prices…cause what else are we going outside for? Lagos Restaurants- ...

It is quite surprising, the number of people still willing to travel in a pandemic and to me, if you’re going to do it, you better do it right.

I happen to be one of those people that did it right by travelling to Ghana so here is all you need to know to make your trip a reality.

Travelling To Ghana In A Pandemic: All You Should Know

Documents

The two most important documents you need before travellings are your international passport and yellow card.

Your international passport is a given, I renewed mine in 2019 at the Ikoyi Passport office for N40,000 (it was fast-tracked, so I got it the next day).

For a yellow card, you have to pay a visit to the Ministry of Health at the airport road(Ikeja). I also did this for the first time in 2019 and I paid N2,000 for it.

The yellow card is a document that certifies that you are free of yellow fever and in some cases, tuberculosis. This document is compulsory for every traveller from an African country, visiting another.

The process is pretty straight-forward as you have to make payment online, here’s the website: https://yellowcardnigeria.com/users/adduser before going for the test.

I recommend that you go early because the crowd increases, but then again, it’s a pandemic so the crowd wouldn’t/should not be a lot.

The collection process is also simple, I remember I came back for mine the following day.

Book Your Flight

I hope you’ve secured a date and locked it in your calendar and with an airline. For African countries, I have only used AWA Airline to travel.

Their flight and process are pretty affordable and convenient. Here’s their site for your booking: https://www.flyafricaworld.com/

COVID-19 Test

Now, this is the hail mary. For the total of my trip, I did four COVID-19 tests, watch the process here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3r1s0oJr3k&t=3s

I had my first test taken a day before I left, my flight was in the morning so I went early. Results are sent/taken between 24-48hrs after the test is done.

Here is the process:
1. Register on Lagos Biobank: https://covid19.lagosstatebiobank.com/home
2. Select a clinic of your choice
3. Make payment- it costs N50,000
4. Get assigned a clinic and a date
5. Get tested
6. Receive result

FYI: You need to print out your Negative COVID-19 result as a part of your documents to show at the airport.

IMPORTANT: As an effort to ensure that travellers get tested, some countries have the COVID-19 test on arrival method and Ghana is one of them. This means that you would need to make payment at the airport before you can get tested.

At the time I travelled, this test cost $150 however, there has been some speculation about it being reduced to $50. Also note that you would be required to show your cash at the airport before you get boarded, so withdraw some dollars.

Once you are cleared at the airport, you only need to take another test 24-48hrs before your departure date and another 7 days after arrival to Nigeria. Don’t forget to read the instructions on the site and also upload your test results here: https://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng/onboarding/homepage in order to receive your permit to travel.

AirBnB/ Accommodation

My favourite part! I love me some beautiful houses.

Here is a tour video of the apartment I stayed at during my stay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ssBy8U2G04&t=166s

So if you do not have someone hosting you, you should definitely look into getting an AirBnB as you can find apartments within your budget.

Cost Of Living

I have lived in Lagos for almost 3 years and I can say that nowhere is this expensive, so trust me Ghana’s cost of living isn’t high.

For the most part, I ate the foods ordered in bulk from a vendor on Instagram that makes Nigerian dishes, here’s her page: https://instagram.com/tastypotghana?igshid=ixkap1xk8sa7 And also stocked the fridge with some snacks, so I was good.

FAQS

Do They Practice Social Distancing?

This is dependent on the establishment you walk into and also your personal practice I would say. However, your facemask has to be on every time you step outside, else you might be arrested.

Are The Restaurants Any Good?

I didn’t do a lot of restaurant hopping on this visit but I know in comparison to Lagos, there aren’t as many restaurants. And out of the handful you may find, only a few have a social media presence, so it was pretty difficult deciding on what their menu was like.

One of the restaurants I visited was Bistro22, and I highly recommend.

How Did You move Around?

UBER!

Did You Get A Ghanaian Phone Number?

Yes, I did but I really didn’t have to because I know someone who lives there. I think it depends on you.

What Does The Night Life Feel Like?

Crowded. It feels like everyone wants to go out but one of the few places I enjoyed being at was Allie Bar, you should try their pork and yam chips.

Is The Airport Really As Beautiful As People Say?

Darling, yes it is. It is absolutely gorgeous and obviously well maintained.

Well, that’s it and I hope you found this piece helpful. Do read more on my travel experiences here: https://goldgerry.com/2020/09/26/all-you-need-to-know-about-ikogosi-warm-springs-resort/

Holiday anywhere wouldn’t be complete without trying out different foods, menu and finding out cool new spots, and with the short time I had to spend in Port-Harcourt, Wood House Cafe was my first choice for a must visit.

In case you missed it, review on restaurants in Lagos: https://goldgerry.com/2020/10/08/6-reasons-soul-food-is-slowly-becoming-a-hot-spot-in-lagos-review/

My Thoughts On Wood House Cafe

Before we dive into this, I have to say that finding restaurants in Port-Harcourt takes a toll on you as there aren’t a lot of them (as opposed to Lagos) and not all of them have a social media presence.

Which brings me to my first point…

No Online Menu

A brand’s social media doesn’t just tell you a story but it gives you an idea of what to expect when you go into business with them, and this translates even more for restaurants.

I found that aside from the difficulty of finding restaurants in Port-Harcourt online, most of the ones that have social media profiles are not active, with the last posts dating from two months ago.

However, what I think is more annoying is the lack of an online menu on their profiles. I like to compare the prices of meals and view a menu beforehand, which saves me a handful amount of time when ordering.
This means that the absence of an online menu deprives me of that; so if you’re just like me, I think you should keep it in mind.

Interior

With a lot of similarities to Lagos bistros, Wood House Cafe reminds me why more restaurants in Port-Harcourt are needed.

The interior is exactly like half of the restaurants in Lagos, from Danfo Bistro, Ikoyi to Burg.co Ikeja, with a slight difference in the colour palettes and their chairs being too low which doesn’t serve for a good eating posture.

For pictures however, I think it is a great spot.

Make sure you read my other reviews if you haven’t already https://goldgerry.com/2020/09/16/review-the-orchid-bistro-restaurant/

Music

I thought the music was too loud, my goodness! I mean we aren’t in a club right? So I expect a restaurant music to add to the ambience by creating a cool mood, but I didn’t get that at Wood House Cafe.

…For context, I thought the music was too loud, I changed my seat thrice before settling at the back.

Food

To me, the food was my favorite part.

I had a beef burger, potato chips and a pack of Chi Exotic juice. The chips don’t come with the burger, so I ordered that separately.

The burger was juicy and this is honestly the best way to describe it. The menu doesn’t give the option of a single or double-decker but it was so big I could swear it’s a double.

On a scale of 1-10, I believe it is a solid 6.

Pricelist

Again, this is the beauty of having an online menu as it could’ve easily come in handy here. Anyway, the menu is fairly priced I would say, check out my expense below.

Beef Burger- N3,000
Chi Exotic- N1,500
Potato Chips- N500

They have an option of a platter that includes chicken wings and rice with a cost of N12,000 upwards. Cocktails and Mocktails are N2,500 & N3,000 respectively, while beers(can) are a thousand naira.

Customer Service

I hate it when I get to a bar or restaurant and I persistently have to wave down to the servers to come to my table…and this was exactly the case here.

Other than that, I loved the lady that attended to me. She was well mannered and very accommodating, which is one quality most Lagos restaurants lack.

Wood House Cafe is a restaurant I would love to go to with my girls or maybe for a casual date and considering Port-Harcourt is short of options, I definitely will be recommending this spot.

To contact Wood House Cafe:
Instagram- woodhouse_cafe
Phone- 08184479600

More reviews on Wood House if you want https://www.lalesarchives.com/lifestyle/2018/3/29/wood-house-caf-my-first-impression

Have you visited Wood House yet? What was your favourite thing about the restaurant?

Thank you so much for reading and compliments of the season.

Love,

Gold.

Editor’s Pick: https://goldgerry.com/2020/10/08/6-reasons-soul-food-is-slowly-becoming-a-hot-spot-in-lagos-review/

Christmas In Port-Harcourt: My Activities Line Up

Bole Hunt

Personally, I think this is the best part of living in the south. It is so good that a whole festival is dedicated to it every year- Bole Festival and nobody does it better than Port-Harcourt.

I am looking forward to having some roasted yam, plantain, fish and utazi sauce…definitely having this tomorrow.

Movies

Christmas In Port-Harcourt, hell, Christmas anywhere isn’t complete without going to the movies and I have waited for this week for months now because I get to do it with my favourite girls- my sisters!

My must-watch movies this period are Wonder Woman and Kambilii: The Whole 30 Yards

Christmas Shopping

For me, shopping never stops and it skyrockets during festive periods. So, Christmas being my favourite season, it is only normal my addiction is tripled. And since it doesn’t look like my parents care enough to buy me even a slipper, I intend visiting shops and malls to get presents for my family, friends and lover.

Pleasure Park

I remember the first time I saw the Pleasure Park on Aba road, it looked so gorgeous and I have wanted to visit since then. This holiday seems like the perfect time to do just that.

My sisters have been and they swear it is a fun sight. Tickets are sold at the gate before entry, games are paid for individually and there are restaurants in the park as well.

Christmas In Port-Harcourt is only certified when you visit Pleasure Park.

Ice Cream Date

For the next week, I plan on making at least one new friend so we could have an ice cream date…I mean, it would be nice to have other plans that do not include my sisters and I think this is just perfect.

Since Cold Stone and a few others are in Port-Harcourt, I would be trying them out.

…maybe a review would come in handy? Check out my review on Farm City restaurant here: https://goldgerry.com/2020/09/20/review-my-farm-city-experience/

Pizza And Shawarma Hunt

There is nothing I like more than a good ole food contest.

My activities line up most definitely comes with visiting the hottest pizza and shawarma spots in Port-Harcourt. I would love to have an opinion on the most talked about pizza’s and shawarma in my city.

I’d be comparing Pizza’s from Pizzamore Italian Restaurant, Kilimanjaro, Salami Pizza and Pizza Jungle. Do you have spots you’d like for me to try? Please leave a comment below.

Check out this recipe for a homemade pepperoni pizza: https://www.recipetineats.com/pizza-dough-recipe/https://www.recipetineats.com/pizza-dough-recipe/

So far so good, as these are as many activities I would like to get into and I would love it if you could keep up with me by subscribing to my Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjwgIX5eEU_Tk0QOTVkMyQ

Thank you so much for reading, and have a beautiful holiday.

Love,

Gold.

…Because Detty December or not, we have to enjoy ourselves in the best possible way.

Looking to spend your Christmas at a resort? Then you should read this post: https://goldgerry.com/2020/09/26/all-you-need-to-know-about-ikogosi-warm-springs-resort/

Tropical Tiki Party

Hosted by Landmark Beach on December 4th and tickets are going for N2000, which is the standard gate fee on a normal day.

It is also a Hawaii themed party, so why not? Time is 6:00pm, and here’s the link to book your tickets https://www.landmarkbeach.ng/booking/

Ace House Party

If you are not into going to beaches, then a house party is definitely next.

Ace House Party is hosted by Debolex Global Concepts, and is set is happen on the 5th of December at Lekki. Tickets are N10-12,000.

Please check the numbers on the flier to make a purchase.

Oyibo Juju & The Frames Of My Mind

Now, this is my favourite part, mostly because it is a solo exhibition happening in the heat of the party month. Let’s do something different for a change.

This exhibition would be hosted by Orunor from 12-13th December at Ikoyi. Time is 1pm (check the flier for details).

FYI: There’s small chops for everyone!

Check out the artist here: https://www.instagram.com/orunor/

Pop Up With Install

What is a Christmas event collation without a pop up event? A time to drink, dance and shop? Count me in!

The Funsho Install brand would be having a pop up at Caesar’s Lounge V.I on 12th December. Time is 12pm.

Check out his clothing store here: https://www.instagram.com/theinstallbrand/

The SociaLiga Anniversary Party

This holds a fond spot in my heart and as some of us know, there’s no party like SociaLiga’s party. I am super excited that the brand would be celebrating their 5th anniversary on the 19th at Upbeat Centre Lekki.

Tickets are going for N2000 and can be gotten on their website here: https://www.thesocialiga.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-socialiga-at-5-anniversary-party/

Mainland Block Party

Just as the name incites, this is arguably one of the best parties in Lagos and it is back!! Dates would be announced, so stay glued to their social media https://www.instagram.com/mainlandblockparty/

Ticket prices are usually between N1000-2000

Livespot Xclusive Concert

Who would’ve thought that with the year we’ve had, we would still get concerts? Because I never saw this one coming. However, I am not mad at it.

Livespot Xclusive would be hosting this concert on 20th December with Wizkid as the headliner and many of our favourites.

The venue is Eko Convention centre and tickets can be gotten on their site here: https://livespotnation.com/

So that’s about it for now, I would make an effort to vlog and write about my experience at each event, so keep visiting.

Don’t forget that the COVID-19 virus is still out so make sure you protect yourself by wearing a face mask and sanitise our hands as much as you can.

The way restaurants pop in and out of Lagos should be a special study and hardly do regular people get to enjoy the best part of it, this list is a breakdown of the services, cost and basics on all you should know about Soul Food.

Check out my review on Farm City if you haven’t https://goldgerry.com/2020/09/20/review-my-farm-city-experience/

6 Reasons Soul Food Is Slowly Becoming A Hot Spot In Lagos.

1. Soul Food Is Located In The Heart Of Lagos
   
   Maybe Lagos has more than one heart, but this isn’t the time to debate that, as I am mostly joyed that this restaurant is sitting right in my backyard. Soul Food is located at 55 St Finbarr’s College Rd, Yaba.
   
   To and fro ride is N1000 and it feels so good that I do not have to sit in hours of traffic just to go to a restaurant on the island, so yaay to mainlanders.
   
2. It Is An Instragrammable Place
   
   I mean why else am I writing about it? I have seen the pictures from this place about 20 times now, their signature background is definitely a major side attraction. However, what most pictures wouldn’t show you is the floral walk-way into the restaurant and a well-decorated ambience with a glass ceiling.
   
3. You Come For The Pictures But Stay For The Food
   
   Trying not to get your hopes up when visiting a restaurant for the first time is a tactic you learn over time in Lagos, and especially if you are like me. I did not have any expectations for the food here as I basically wanted to see what the faux was about.
   
   We ordered the Prawn Pasta and Triple Meat Pasta, and they both tasted heavenly!! I recommend you try the Prawn Pasta.
   
   The size of the food is definitely worth noting as the foods came in a big deep bowl, I repeat, a big deep bowl and I was both surprised and impressed. So not only would I be taking bomb pictures, but I would eat to my satisfaction? Sign me up every day.
   
4. Well Priced
   
   Remember the big deep bowl plates in the last point? Well, they cost N3700 and N4200 respectively. We were going to order for one of the platters called, Solo Enjoyment at N4000 if we weren’t filled up with the pasta but we were.
   
   The Solo Enjoyment platter comes with chicken wings, yam fries, beef kebab, dodo sticks, pepper gizzard and sauce.
   
   Drinks cost from 1500 for Chapman and lemonade, while mocktails, cocktails and milkshakes are 2000-2500.
   
5. It Is Small And Quiet
   
   You know how it is an Instagrammable place and people worry about being in a crowded place or maybe bumping into people they know? Well, Soul Food isn’t the scenario, or at least it wasn’t on the day I went.
   
   Soul Food Restaurant is quite small and you would definitely miss it, if not looking too hard. There are tables for 2, 4, 3 and a large group of 6 and more.
   
6. Customer Service

I definitely feel like everything about this restaurant was well-thought-out and planned. From the decor to the menu, food, and even more importantly- their services.

The service we received was polite, in time and he offered to take some pictures of us.

This is a spot I would make my a my go-to for small dates, relaxation or maybe a girls night.

To Contact Soul Food:
Instagram- @soulfood.lagos
Phone- 07041585082

Have you visited Soul Food yet? What was your favourite thing about the restaurant?

Thank you for reading and I hope you found this helpful.

Love,

Gold.

Why You Should Visit Ikogosi

1. 2020 has been a mess and you deserve a break
2. A beautiful tourist attraction
3. It is so quiet and way more peaceful than being in Lagos
4. It is both perfect for Work or just Me time
   
   Editor’s Pick: https://goldgerry.com/2020/09/20/review-my-farm-city-experience/

All You Need To Know About Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort

1. Transportation
   
   I left for Ikogosi Warm Springs from Lagos state and bordered a cab at Ojota park for N4500. It was a Sienna car with two people on a roll. If you would be leaving from anywhere other than Lagos, you should look for a cab heading towards the west, Ibadan is the closest city to Ikogosi.
   The cab stopped me at Aramoko bus stop, where I was able to get a bike for N500 to the resort.
   
   P.S: The ride from Aramoko to the resort is at least 30 minutes and if you are not comfortable with bikes, you should definitely get a taxi. It is also a hilly road so be prepared.
   
2. Distance
   
   My cab left at 6:50am and we arrived at the nearest bus stop to Ikogosi Warm Springs at 12:15pm. it is approximately a 5 hours ride, so pack some snacks and have your music/movies ready.
   P.S: There were multiple checkpoints on the road at least every 20 minutes after we passed Ibadan.
   
3. Accommodation
   
   Since Ikogosi Warm Springs is a resort, there are two categories for the accommodations and they are:
   a) Executive
   b) Deluxe
   I stayed in a deluxe room for N12,500 per night.
   Every room comes with a mini fridge, an aircondition and a standing fan, and there’s also a shower in the bathroom.
   
4. Food
   
   I had gone to a grocery store a day before my trip, so I got a lot of chocolates, cookies and sweets…mostly for the road and in between meals but guess what? They finished on day 2.
   A plate of food at Ikogosi Warm Springs ranges from N1000 to N1500 and their kitchen offers from eba, soups, rice, eggs, plantain, etc. A bottle of water is N100 and a Chivita juice box cost N1000. So in a day, I spent at least N3000 on food.
   
   Personally, I am wary of eating at just anywhere so I had prepared to eat little to nothing at the resort and honestly, the food isn’t great. So if you are just like me, make sure you are packed up on snacks, bread, and juices from home.
   
   P.S: The kitchen takes at least 2 hours to prepare food so call in early.
   
5. Electricity
   
   Since my stay here I haven’t seen NEPA light however, they turn on the generator at 7:00pm and turn it back off at 7:00am. The guy who also attended to me said they leave it on for later if they have a full house which consists of about 20 guests upwards.
   
   The latest the generator has been left on in the morning is 10:00am
   
6. Wi-Fi
   
   There is no Wi-Fi at the resort.
   I however use an MTN network on my phone and it worked on 3G and my router worked just fine as well. My network disappears entirely when at the poolside by the way, so keep that in mind.
   
7. The Resort

Aside from the deluxe and executive rooms, there are other attractions at Ikogosi Warm Springs and they include:
a) Swimming Pool
b) A Tour Guide
c) Serenity
d) Hills and Valleys
e) Warm Springs
f) Arinta Waterfalls is 20 minutes away (talk about killing two birds with one stone)

Some reviews if you may https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g8588726-d5960380-Reviews-Ikogosi_Warm_Springs_Resort-Ikogosi_Ekiti_State.html

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort has got to be one of the best places I have experienced in Nigeria. The resort would definitely look/function better if it is taken care of with some repairs made here and there. It is a clear example of what most tourist sites in Nigeria look like today- abandoned and forgotten.

However, I would definitely still come back.

I think it is a great spot for a group trip or maybe just wanting to get away for a few days. Be sure to take hid of my tips and you would have a beautiful stay.

I would be uploading a tour video of the Warm Springs on my YouTube channel, please subscribe to get notified – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjwgIX5eEU_Tk0QOTVkMyQ

If you would like to pay a visit to Ikogosi Warm Springs and not sure how to, then please reach out to me on thegoldgerry@gmail.com for assistance.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you found this helpful.

Love,

Gold.

This post is for you if you’ve never been to Farm City, or maybe looking for restaurants to visit in Lagos or just in search of a review.

In case you missed it, My Review on Orchid Bistro: https://goldgerry.com/2020/09/16/review-the-orchid-bistro-restaurant/

Fridays are probably the worst day for a date night and I found this out immediately I walked into the building. I couldn’t help but wonder if they had no limits on guests they admitted into the restaurant considering the climate we are in. So if you are very particular on keeping to NCDC guidelines in public places with regards to crowded spaces, then Farm City isn’t the place for you.

Here Is My Experience And What You Need To Know About Farm City

1. Farm City has two locations
   
   Lekki- 15 Admiralty Way
   Ogudu- 36 Ogudu Road
   
2. Reservations
   
   As is customary with most restaurants at the moment, you must call in to make a reservation before coming in. I made a reservation online at least four hours before, which was pretty easy by the way.
   
3. Making A Reservation Doesn’t Guarantee You A Spot
   
   Shocker! Remember that reservation I had made four hours before going to the restaurant? Yes, that was not in existence when I got there. I had told them I made a reservation online and in the words of the guy who attended to us “It wasn’t communicated to them, else they would’ve reserved a spot”. There is obviously a break in their communication channel because we really wanted to stay by the waterfront but that couldn’t happen.
   
4. Service
   
   This has got to be the most annoying thing for me about Farm City. Aside from food, customer service is the next rating for me and it sucks when people do not take it seriously. We sat and waved down at least 5 different attendants before getting someone to attend to us after 20 minutes. So patience is needed if you choose to go here.
   
5. About The Food
   
   I ordered the Nkwobi and Sex On The Beach while my boyfriend had Nkwobi, Peppered Gizzard and Farm City Special drink. I enjoyed the Nkwobi thoroughly but the Sex On The Beach did not have enough alcohol in it for me.
   
6. Cost
   
   Other than what we had ordered in, we asked for the Ofada Rice and Sauce with Assorted Meats as protein. All these summed up to N14,100.
   Their drinks start from N1500 and a plate of food from N2000.
   
   Overall, I think Farm City has the best prices for foods and drinks, and the quantity isn’t shabby either. I would love to experience the restaurant during the day and by the waterside…until then, let’s make do.
   
   To Contact Farm City:
   Instagram- @_officialfarmcity
   Phone- 07001000700
   
   Need more details on Farm City? Check out: https://foodienationng.blogspot.com/2018/03/farm-city-restaurant-review.html
   
   Thank you for reading and I hope you found this helpful.
   
   Love,
   
   Gold.
   

My boyfriend and I went through the list of restaurants we wanted to go have dinner at and most of it was on the island and we wanted somewhere closer to home(the struggle that comes with deciding on a location is another topic). So I surfed the web. I found Orchid Bistro in one of my searches, went through their Instagram, loved their menu and decided to call in for a reservation.

Editor’s Pick: https://goldgerry.com/2020/08/27/6-signs-you-need-to-quit-your-job/

Here are my observations and all you need to know about Orchid Bistro Restaurant

1. Orchid Bistro also offers catering services
   
   This realisation came when I had to make a transfer for my order and the account name didn’t have the restaurant name on it. I had to call to confirm that I had received the correct details.
   
   
2. They have two locations- Ikeja and Ikoyi
   
   Ikeja Address- 58a Isaac John Street
   Ikoyi Address- 40b Raymond Njoku Street
   
   
3. They are not open for sit-ins
   
   Although the lockdown has been eased and restaurants are opened with a limit on guests, Orchid Bistro is yet to be opened to the public. Their Ikoyi branch is temporarily closed
   
   
4. They offer pick-up and delivery
   -This is only fair considering no sit-ins
   
   
5. Delivery fare is expensive
   
   Delivery charges in Lagos range from 500-2000 (depending on your location). However, Orchid Bistro delivery cost N3000 and they delivered from Ikeja to Yaba. This means delivery to the island from their Ikeja branch would cost up to N4000 if not more.
   
   
6. Delivery takes up to two hours
   I placed my order at 3:10 pm and received it at 4:54 pm
   
   
7. Their foods are well priced
   
   Orchid Bistro food prices range from N6000 upwards, cocktails are N1500 and soda is N500. I ordered for Prawn Stir Fry and Juicy Lamb Chops which summed up to 13,500 excluding delivery.
   
   
8. Small Sized Foods
   
   For foods that cost N6000 upwards, the portions were very little. The braised rice that came with our foods finished after four spoons. So if you are looking to fill up a satisfaction, I suggest you look elsewhere.
   
   About The Food
   1. The prawns were heavenly
   2. The lamb wasn’t slowly cooked, which made it was hard to chew on
   3. The lamb sauce tasted a lot better than the prawn sauce, highly recommend.
   
   To contact Orchid Bistro Restaurant:
   Instagram- @theorchidbistro
   Phone- 08125848463
   
   Read more: https://www.eatdrinklagos.com/blog/orchid-bistro-ikeja-lagos
   
   Thank you for reading
   
   P.S: I would be writing a review about restaurants I visit and/or order from and I hope you find it useful.
   
   Love,
   
   Gold.

It’s a few days to my 25th birthday and although I am elated by this day with the gifts, texts and calls, it is usually a day of reflections on my journey, failures and accomplishments.

This year is a bit different as I would be telling you a little bit of my biggest lessons so far, I mean it’s my silver jubilee so why not? And by the way, I got the inspiration to write this from a Blogger I found out about last week called Emma, check her out here: https://www.emmasedition.com/2020/02/biggest-lessons-of-27.html

I am amazed at how much I was able to do this year. Finally moved into a new apartment. I travelled to Ghana for the first time, I fell in love. Became a freelancer and launched my blog as a full-on website. Pretty good huh

Well, with all the highs, came moments I thought were my lowest which made me cry so much. I got angry at God and screamed loudly out of fear.

HERE ARE MY BIGGEST LESSONS OF 24

1. I AM STRONGER THAN I THINK

My theme for the just-ended year would be ‘strong and perseverance’. Because I really showed myself that my capacities and strength are much more than I ever imagined. and that really is my biggest reflection.

2. I WEAR MANY HATS AND THAT’S OKAY

I used to feel really guilty when I first noticed my interest in entertainment. I’m multi-talented and developed an interest in art since I was a kid, so I love music(started off writing music a few years ago), I love telling stories, I love acting, I’m an activist and I am very vocal about my thoughts(which is why I started my blog).

Someone had told me a few years back that I needed to focus on one ‘you cannot be all, you’re just forcing it at this point’ and the sad part was believed that…but not anymore. I am who I am and I am striving today because of all my talents so I cannot dim my light for anyone.

3. IT IS CRAZY SCARY TO TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A BUSINESS

This year I resigned from my first paying job as an Administrator to become a Writer. It was scary getting hired for the first time as a writer as I’ve only done and written for myself and personal blog. Not only did I get employed as a Writer, but a few months ago, I became a freelancer and I’m joggling over two jobs presently.

This is my business now. Writing and Creating Content and every day I am learning out of fear but because I enjoy it so much, I am sticking with it.

4. PEOPLE WOULD ONLY TAKE YOU AS SERIOUSLY AS YOU TAKE YOURSELF

One thing I’ve learnt about being a creative and a businesswoman, it is the power of branding. It shows prospective clients that you value yourself and this also translates to my personal relationship. However, I treat myself and other people would be used on me as well, so creating boundaries is very essential.

5. SELF LOVE ISN’T ALWAYS PRETTY

We hear a lot of relationship coaches say “love yourself, be yourself”. And then you think that’s a good thing, must be nice to repeat those words and sound brilliant right?

Well, I tried that, I have tried to love myself by getting to know what ticks me off, what I enjoy, why I enjoy them, my toxic traits and all that makes me who I am and let me tell you, it isn’t pleasant.

It is so easy to preach self-love but what if you do not like what you find out in the process?

So if you’re planning on joining me on this journey, please be prepared to find some hard truths about yourself because you would get to see just how shitty of a person you are. But you know what? I am loving myself regardless because I would rather be me than any other person.

6. GOD IS MY EVERYTHING

I have gotten closer to God in the past year that the lockdown of churches really affected me. There’s something magical about being in the same room with people who believe in the same thing as you. God has been there for me even in moments I had the darkest thoughts and couldn’t stop crying.
God is literally my everything.

7. I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO CONTROL MY EXPECTATIONS

On the condition I had died this year, Lagos vendors and delivery services most definitely would’ve been responsible. I got so disappointed at some point that I couldn’t utter a word and that is something I need to control. I shouldn’t have to pay physically and emotionally for things that are out of my power.

I’m also learning how to control my expectations other people in my life as related to how they act and it is helping me manage my anxiety even better

8. I’M NOT THE BEST AT HANDLING FINANCE BUT I AM GETTING THERE

It takes a lot to admit your weakness especially openly. I have written about my experiences with finance and how I am overcoming it. Here it is in case you missed it https://goldgerry.com/?s=financially+reckless

This year, I have made two investments so far, I have little savings and I’m on the right track. Still learning how to spend less but that’s okay.

9. I NEED TO CUT MYSELF SOME SLACK

If you have met me, you would know I am not in competition or comparison with anyone. Except for one girl and her name is Gold Gerry. That girl really be doing too much and I can’t keep up at times.

Some days I feel like I’m not doing enough, other days I just feel lazy. Sometimes this helps me get out of bed but not acknowledging my work, and effort has become an unhealthy practice.

Looked at my 2020 goal list a few days ago and I had accomplished over 70% of what is on my list. So this is a reminder that even little victory is a win and I need to appreciate myself enough.

10. I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT MY FUTURE

Now if you ask me what is your future about, I don’t know. I’ve never quite been able to answer the ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years question’. But what I know for sure is I’m going to be doing what makes me happy.
Constantly creating content for blogs and tv, and I would be surrounded by love.

I am excited about my potential. I am excited about new collaborations. Really looking forward to how much I have to offer using my platform for my 25th year.

Thank you for reading.

Please share with me some of your lessons of 24 or the age you are celebrating this year