Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears. ~ John Lennon
In February, we embarked on a marathon journey of over 15 hours, traversing through Amsterdam and Mexico City to bask in Cancun hospitality for my friend’s 55th. It was more than a royal occasion.
The Hilton all-inclusive resort transformed into three days of lavish indulgence and fun, hosting over two hundred guests, primarily esteemed doctors from America, Europe, and Canada.
The days melted away in a cascade of laughter, lively group trips to theme parks and ancient Mayan ruins, and nights alive with pulsating music, endless drinks, and sumptuous feasts. The black-tie gala was electric. My man Indabosky showed up in style, and I was amazed to see nearly every lady mouthing his lyrics in unison.
It was a memorable and well-planned event because the WhatsApp group my friend had created a full year earlier buzzed with excitement, contributions, and coordination. But the highlight for me was reconnecting with pals I hadn’t seen for decades..it felt like we had stepped back in time.
At the end of the trip, I figured I could do something like that for my own 55th. But reality hit quickly. My birthday was only three months away. I didn’t have a year to plan, rally two hundred people, or build the momentum that made his celebration legendary. The grand vision evaporated as fast as it appeared. I told myself I would settle for the usual quality time with my family.
But Wifey had other plans.
She revealed a trip to Marrakech for just the two of us, as the kids have grown into their own adventures.
Our first daughter would be heading to a concert in London, the second was preparing to visit Ios, and our son, as always, would happily anchor at home behind his screens.
So for yet another year, it would be just us.
The gifts were assembled..the cake was cut early on the day..and off we went!
Marrakech didn’t disappoint. We stayed at the magnificent Pickalbatros Sungo Club, a 24hr all-inclusive paradise boasting an aqua park and an unbelievable 16 swimming pools!
The place felt like a dream. I mean, you could as well not step out of the premises and enjoy all the 5-star perks of a complete chill-out.
But of course we had to feel the local pulse, so we spent some days exploring the vibrant city. I aced the Agafay desert safari. The combination of vast golden dunes, thrilling motorbike and camel rides, and the profound silence of the desert left us utterly speechless. The tour culminated in a sunset feast paired with a traditional dance show
The entire day stirred memories of my university days in Maiduguri. Believe me, I once considered settling in northern Nigeria. Maiduguri was serene and tranquil..the people warm and welcoming. The only challenge was the relentless heat. But all other wonderful qualities more than compensated. I nearly drifted into Nigeria’s insecurity woes as I pondered the damage to our tourism potential. But I quickly ditched the negativity to focus on my beautiful environment and the soft life ahead.
The next day was spent lounging, eating, and resting until it was time for fine dining at the exotic La Trattoria restaurant, where Italian cuisine is elevated to an art. Steak, goat cheese, fresh leaves and spicy flavours exploded on the tongue as we feasted in a romantic atmosphere.
On the 3rd day, we visited the expansive Medina Souk for Wifey’s perennial holiday fixture..buying locally made gifts and souvenirs.
We saved the best for our final night. At the Buddha Bar, surrounded by stunning decor and hypnotic music, we were treated to the best spectacle I’ve seen in years. I was wowed as various performers displayed their talents, including a performance of “shake body” by Skales.
9ja to the world!
The ambience surged until the night climaxed in an all-out party. My Instagram stories overflowed with clips of the revelry, but none could capture the feeling of pure contentment..every guest in that hall danced!
Lying in bed that last night, I thought about how life comes full circle.
I had envied my friend’s grand production, yet here I was, living something more intimate and perfect.
This is why I always advise people to choose their partners wisely.
You need someone who shares at least one major passion with you. Someone whose joy resonates with yours. My wife and I both love travelling. I’m not even sure who loves it more. Over the years, that shared passion has gifted us memories that no grand party could ever rival.
I reached the halfway horizon in the most unforgettable way, not through crowds or spectacle, but through presence, partnership, and love. As we boarded the flight to Dublin, I whispered a quiet prayer of gratitude for journey mercies and for a woman who still knows how to transform life into an adventure.
As it is written in Proverbs 18:22, we will continue to find favour from the Lord well into our golden years.
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