THE JOURNEY FOR AFRICAN MASQUERADES, page 1 of chapter 2

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Page 1 of chapter 2

Chapter Two: The Road to Eyo

It was only the first day of the week—barely the second of her five-week academic recess—yet Janet already brimmed with anticipation. The time had come, she decided, to sit with her father and meticulously review the particulars of her intended travel itinerary.
“I’ve no objection to your masquerade expedition,” Okon said, his voice composed, a measured smile softening his features. “You’re twenty-two now, and you’ve always been capable of fending for yourself.”
At his words, Janet’s face blossomed with delight. Her cheeks lifted, faint crow’s feet etched delicately at the corners of her eyes, and her lips curved into a sincere and radiant smile.
Without delay, she plunged into detailed planning—jotting down notes on essentials to pack, potential lodgings, countries to explore, and most crucially, the masquerade festivals aligned with her holiday schedule.
With her characteristic persuasiveness and a spark in her eye, she secured not only her father’s financial backing but also the curiosity of a few intrigued colleagues, eager to receive photographs, video clips, and vivid narratives from her impending cultural pilgrimage. She designated the Friday of the second week as her day of departure.
As Janet meticulously organised her travel essentials, she mentally ticked off her checklist: luggage, footwear, jeans, T-shirts, and outfits for ceremonial appearances. A professional-grade camera—soon to be acquired from the supermarket—was the final item on her list, a vital instrument for capturing the layered textures and fleeting moments of masquerade traditions.
She resolved to commence her journey with Nigeria, the nearest stop on her cultural itinerary.
Whilst perusing a series of cultural event listings online, Janet happened upon a  heritage archive that illuminated the forthcoming Eyo Masquerade Festival in vivid detail. She confirmed the date: Saturday, the final day of her second week of recess. It felt almost preordained.
Yet Janet was not one to rely solely on digital hearsay. With her father’s guidance, she reached out to a retired cultural studies lecturer residing in Lagos—a venerable family friend and long-standing observer of the ceremonial traditions. He affirmed the venue  and advised her to arrive a day in advance to witness 

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