Saturday Kailu from Mambayya took me to Sabongari and Kuri markets and I’m finally starting to understand why Kano is known as the Centre of Commerce. Apparently people come from all over West Africa to visit the markets here, which are like huge bazzaars of shacks and rooms. It had just rained, so we trekked through the mud to stop here and there checking things out and saying hello to Kailu’s friends. I was surprised to come across a couple of shacks with modern, fashionable clothing with mood lighting and ambient music. Most things are from China, and apparently it’s not uncommon to see Chinese businessmen around the markets. Hence a few people asking if I was a “China Man”. I’ve heard Lebonese, Israeli, and Egyptian, but Chinese is definitely a first.

Kuri market is the linen market with stacks and stacks of cloth everywhere. I picked out a fabric I liked and took it to the tailer, where I had a proper Hausa outfit made. Maybe I’ll upload pictures later…just maybe.