Shopping in Awka: From Local Markets to Luxury Malls (and a whole lotta confusion)
okay, so like, i just got back from Awka. seriously, it’s… something. i’d been avoiding it for ages, you know? everyone’s like, ‘oh, Awka’s so authentic!’ and authentic usually means ‘mosquitoes the size of my thumb and a distinct lack of decent wifi.’ but my auntie Ngozi needed me to pick up some fabrics for her granddaughter’s wedding, and honestly, i needed a change of scenery. plus, the flight was cheap - like, ridiculously cheap. $80 round trip from Enugu. you can’t beat that, right?
first off, the weather. it’s this… sticky heat, you know? like, you’re sweating before you even think about sweating. it’s called ‘sun-soaked humidity’ - i just made that up, but it’s accurate. it’s basically a constant 88 degrees, with a 90% chance of feeling vaguely unwell. it’s a short drive from Onitsha, which is… intense. like, a sensory overload of traffic and shouting. and then there’s Nsukka, up north, which is all mountains and quiet. total opposite vibe. i’m telling you, this place is a gradient.
so, the shopping. let’s break it down. i started at the main market - Oko Market. it’s… a lot. think a thousand stalls crammed together, overflowing with everything from fabrics and shoes to electronics and questionable meat. it’s chaotic, loud, and you’ll definitely get hustled. i managed to snag some gorgeous Ankara prints for a steal - like, $15 a yard. but i also almost got swindled on a phone charger. learned my lesson. don’t trust anyone offering you a ‘special deal’. that’s drunk advice, 100%.
Then, i hit up the Palms Shopping Mall. complete 180. air conditioning, polished floors, and a surprisingly decent selection of international brands. it’s where the expats hang out, mostly. i grabbed a smoothie - $8 - and just people-watched. it’s weird, right? going from the absolute madness of the market to this sterile, air-conditioned bubble.
*Cost of Living (Rough Estimates - as of Oct 26, 2023)Item Local Market Palms Mall Rent (1-Bedroom) $300 - $500 $600 - $1200 Food (Weekly) $70 - $140 $150 - $300 Transportation $30 - $60 $50 - $100
Overheard Gossip: I was chatting with a guy selling phone cases at the market, and he said, “The Palms? It’s for tourists and people who want to pretend they’re important. Real Awka life is here.” Then a woman in a designer dress rolled her eyes and muttered, “Honey, you haven’t lived until you’ve haggled for a bolt of fabric in Oko Market.” Seriously, the drama.
Safety Note: Awka is generally safe, but like any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and don’t flash expensive jewelry. I heard a rumor from a local Reddit user (r/AwkaLife - check it out: https://www.reddit.com/r/AwkaLife/) about a few petty thefts around the market, so keep your valuables close.
Pro-Tip: Learn a few basic Igbo phrases. It goes a long way. “Mugu” (thank you) is a good start. Also, be prepared to bargain. Seriously, always bargain.
Local Recommendation:* Try the Egusi soup at Mama Ada’s - it’s legendary. You can find her stall near the entrance to the market. Just follow the smell of pepper. https://www.yelp.com/ (search for Mama Ada's in Awka)
Overall, Awka is… an experience. It’s not pretty, it’s not polished, but it’s real. It’s a place where you can find incredible bargains, experience a vibrant culture, and maybe even get a little lost (literally and figuratively). Just bring bug spray. And maybe a translator.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298384-Awka_Anambra_State-Vacations.html
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