There’s this woman who thought she could find paradise in Africa, probably wearing a grass skirt and strumming a ukulele at sunset. Spoiler alert: she was wrong! Turns out living in Africa isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, especially when you realize that scorpions are not a part of your welcoming committee. She’s learned the hard way that maybe, just maybe, living stateside—even with all the complaints about racism—has its perks. Who would’ve thought snuggling with big lizards wasn’t on everyone’s bucket list?
Our adventurous friend packed her bags, dreams of exotic wildlife filling her head, hoping for a new life in the motherland. Yet, instead of sipping coconut water on the beach, she’s dodging scams on the sidewalk—with potentially more than just her wallet at stake. Apparently, life outside the United States comes with unexpected surprises, like spiders that could easily join a wrestling league and electricity that plays hide and seek. Note to self: do not forget to pay the bill, because it might just not come back for 14 hours!
It’s like the lady packed a suitcase full of misconceptions about how life in Africa would be. When she realized that being surrounded by her “own people” didn’t mean a buffet of cultural delights, but rather fighting for snacks in a corner store that doesn’t stock snacks, the lightbulb must have flickered. The lady now finds herself longing for the safety of the dentist’s chair in America, avoiding the bribes and shady dealings like they’re a bad date. Turns out, not everyone is trying to be your friend; some folks just want your cash.
And then there’s the irony of it all. Many folks may think that moving back to a place that embodies their roots is the golden ticket, yet they forget they’ve been being conditioned by the comforts of American living. When you roll up your sleeves and head to Africa, you may not be prepared for the realities of life where the electricity doesn’t actually come with a “100% guarantee” sticker. Home is meant to be comfy and familiar—but if it’s filled with turkeys and cows outside your window, the culture shock can hit harder than a bad punchline.
Let’s face it; escaping racism in the U.S. is no picnic, but this woman seems to be realizing the hard way that racial tension back home is often managed with a side of convenience. While her sentiments about wanting to haul her business back home may be met with a collective “good luck!” from anyone watching her journey, one thing is clear: perhaps her visions of Africa needed a reality check—or maybe she just needs a solid Wi-Fi connection and a good dentist. Because in the end, whether you’re combing through the streets of Chicago or the hills of Africa, home is where the heart (and stable electricity) is.
