READERWAYS

The Hausa Kingdoms were a collection of states started by the Hausa people, situated between the Niger River and Lake Chad. Their history is reflected in the Bayajidda legend, which describes the adventures of the Baghdadi hero Bayajidda culmulating in the killing of the snake in the well of Daura

“Get a move on honey! We’re going to be late!” My dad shouts up the stairs after my Mom. They’re going to a function for my Dad’s work again, some sort of formal dinner where they dress up like dolls.

As we make our exit off the bridge and into Lower Manhattan, there are upcoming signs for Chinatown and Little Italy. We still have a way to go, and a small part of me wishes it could last a lot longer. We come across what looks like a karaoke bar on Bowery and numerous groups outside including a group of girls stumbling towards us. A statuesque blonde points at Evan and whispers to her group of equally gorgeous

Walking up the pedestrian path of the bridge the lights of Manhattan come into view. Beautiful twinkling, the city that never sleeps at her finest. Evan tells me about a spot on Washington Ave. where you can take a great photo of the bridge but of course my camera is still in my condo, so that‟s not happening. How does he know so much about this city even though he‟s not from here?

Well this is not the way I thought this day would end up going when I left my hotel this morning. Exploring New York with a complete stranger I can‟t seem to let go of and now with complete irrationality I am in fear of never seeing again.

What in the actual hell just happened?  Silence has fallen upon the two of us as we avoid eye contact and stare at the sites. Turning on Flatbush Ave. I see a sign for the Zoo and Botanic Gardens. If only I had known about this place earlier I would have come here instead of going shopping for more clothes I don't need. I

Seeing ahead what I can now note as a huge tree line I know we're quickly coming up to the outskirts of the Park. I spot a sign to my right that says 'Parkside Donuts' and I can actually hear my stomach growl like a wolverine. I'm not the only one who notices because my walking partner turns and gives