As the 15th PANASA African Scrabble Championship (ASC) gears up, the excitement is as thick as a 9-timer score of CAZIQUES. This year’s destination? The serene and picturesque city of Kigali, Rwanda! But wait—why fly to Rwanda when you can turn it into an epic road trip? 🤔
West African Scrabble players, especially our friends from Nigeria, have toyed with the idea of hitting the road for a cross-continental adventure. The question is: what could possibly go wrong? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to find out! 😎
1. The “Maps” That Lead You Astray
Let’s kick things off with the universal truth about road trips: they never go exactly as planned. Even with Google Maps at the helm, you might find yourself on the typical “scenic route”—you know, the one that includes a bumpy ride through rural paths and a detour around a rowdy village market. Just imagine your bus/car accidentally joining a local shrine procession in one of the villages in Ivory Coast, instead of the highway! No worries, at least you’d learn the Ivorian words for “Lost” and “Help” 😂
2. The Border Crossing Hurdles
West Africans are pros at keeping their passports and traveling documents handy, but the real challenge is keeping your cool at multiple border crossings. Each checkpoint is a new level in this real-life game of bureaucracy. The Nigeria-Benin border is your first hurdle, followed by Togo and the rest. At every stop, expect a combination of stern-looking officials and an impromptu luggage search that feels like a game of “Guess what’s in the bag.” And don’t get us started on the “settling” culture—let’s just say, your driver might end up spending more on “officer settling fees” than what you paid for your actual ticket!
3. The ‘Comfort’ of Public Transport
Ah, the joys of public transport! Legroom is a luxury, and air conditioning is a rumor. But nothing builds camaraderie like squeezing into a bus seat designed for two with three other Scrabble players. The real challenge is keeping your fragile pro Scrabble board from becoming a casualty of the bumpy ride. Pro tip: Invest in a good and durable Scrabble set. One that’s strong and less likely to become airborne during those unexpected speed bumps that seem to materialize out of nowhere, as you make your journey.
4. The Babel of Languages
Crossing borders means crossing linguistic lines. With a mix of English, French, and local dialects, communication can be a delightful puzzle. Imagine trying to explain that you have a flat tire in French when the only French phrase you know is “Merci Beaucoup”! 😂
5. The Culinary Crossroad
One of the perks of this road trip? The food! 😁
Starting from Benin’s spicy amiwo (A traditional West African food made from millet or sorghum flour, shaped into small balls or patties and fried or cooked on a griddle.), to Togo’s beignets, your taste buds are in for a treat. Ivory Coast’s attieke (fermented cassava dough) and grilled fish, Burkina Faso’s riz gras (a flavourful rice dish with meat and spices), and Niger’s rich sosatie (grilled meat, usually lamb or beef, served with vegetables and spices) will keep you well-fed.
As you approach Rwanda, you might even indulge in Uganda’s famous rolex (rolled chapati (flatbread) filled with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat or cheese). But beware! Street food is delicious but can be a risky adventure. One wrong bite, and you’ll be in a race against time to find a restroom, having you shout “God abeg!” in various tones of voice, while letting out the steam 😁
6. The Wildlife Welcome Wagon
You’re nearing Rwanda, and suddenly the urge to see some wildlife becomes irresistible. What’s a road trip to Rwanda without a safari, right? Well, just remember: while “Lion” is an acceptable word in the CSW21, meeting one face-to-face isn’t quite as thrilling. Keep your windows up and your spirits high, the ASC 2024 is the goal!
7. The Grand Finale: Scrabble Glory and Reality Check
After surviving the ups and downs of this epic road trip, you finally arrive in Kigali. The city’s welcoming atmosphere and scenic views are your reward. But hold up, this isn’t just one random vacation—it’s the African Scrabble Championship! You’ve journeyed across half the continent, dealt with unpredictable roads, questionable food choices, and a labyrinth of languages and dialects.
Now, you must win the championship. Why? Because the thought of road-tripping back home without that trophy is too painful to bear! 😂
You can imagine explaining to everyone that you braved border crossings, bus rides, and sitting for long hours in a vehicle, only to not bring home the ASC Champion’s Trophy. It’s not just about the glory—it’s about making that long road trip worth every pothole and inconveniences you must have faced. So, you have to bring your A-game in Kigali, or you’ll be left with nothing but a long, reflective journey back home and the reality that you’ll need to use those Scrabble skills to recount your epic (but trophy-less) adventure. 😂👌🏽
8. Conclusion
So, what could possibly go wrong on a road trip to the African Scrabble Championship in Rwanda? Apparently, everything and nothing. It’s all part of the adventure. From the unpredictable roads to the diverse cultures and foods you’d find along the way, every twist and turn adds to the fun. Just make sure your gas tank is full, your playlists are ready, and your taste buds are accommodating.
Ready to hit the road? Pack your bags, grab your Scrabble set, and prepare for a road trip like never before. And also remember: in this game of life, every detour is a chance for a new story, and every border crossing figuratively connotes a new word in your dictionary.
And if after reading this, you brace up and decide to take that road trip, then we at Threads of Naija wish you safe travels, and may your journey be smooth and seamless!
But please, for the love of all things Scrabble, win the ASC CHAMPIONSHIP 2024—your return trip depends on it! 😂
