Creating a community for Africans in the diaspora to share their stories | Founder, Day MyLane | Intellectual Property Professional | Visual Design Enthusiast | Attorney |
35,000 feet in the air. The pre-landing snack, a cheese on bread sandwich, the only option, was a stark reminder of the disconnect between the anticipation of reconnecting with my roots, the warm embrace of family and indulging in the rich, flavorful cuisine that makes our stomachs do a happy dance. Sadly, this brought back memories of the excitement I felt on a flight to South Korea where I got my first taste of a delicious bibimbap, a dish I had only seen in K-dramas. The buzz around Air Peace isn't just hot air. It speaks to a broader narrative that transcends mere aviation; it's about cultural representation through hospitality and the stories of the people behind the spread on the tray table. Traveling back home is a journey that should start the moment you step onto the plane. Why wait until landing to dive into a juicy snack of piping hot fluffy masa and pepper sauce, suya wrapped in old newspapers and “stepping it down” with a chilled glass of African velvet tamarind (Icheku/Awin/Tsamiyar kurm) juice. I can only imagine the mind blowing delicacies where/when airlines collaborate with African food enthusiasts, including chefs, "chop bar and mama put” cooks, bakers, chocolatiers and recipe developers. Picture menus curated to not only cater to dietary restrictions but to celebrate the continent's culinary diversity. From steaming bowls of Palava sauce, Egusi soup to refreshing Ikoyi Club style Chapman, Zobo and Kunu aya cocktails crafted from African fruits. The possibilities are boundless. Sharing stories that celebrate cuisine is not just about feeding the body but also nourishing the soul, making every bite a testament to the destination's rich culture. Air Peace's disruption in the airspace is a clarion call to airlines: The word on the street is that goat meat pepper soup, zobo and kulikuli were served on their inaugural flight from Lagos to Gatwick airport! The time is ripe to transform the in-flight experience, turning every journey into a cultural immersion. #storytelling #culturediaries What is one dish you are looking forward to on your next direct flight ✈️ to Africa?
Ugochi Onyewu
7mo
I LOVE this Chika. So beautifully captured 👏🏽
Well said. These surely are exciting times!!
Storyteller & Brand Architect | Helping Brands Transform Ideas into Stories that Inspire & Connect
7moYour reflection beautifully captures the essence of cultural representation through food and the power of storytelling in enhancing the travel experience. It's inspiring to imagine airlines embracing the rich culinary diversity of Africa and incorporating it into their in-flight offerings. From the excitement of tasting familiar dishes to discovering new flavors, such initiatives have the potential to create memorable journeys that celebrate the continent's heritage. As for me, I look forward to savoring a hearty plate of jollof rice on my next flight using Aur peace.