#walker pearson

Dambele | Zanbira Marketplace

O: We should try to make this at home.

W: *mouth full* I’d rather leave it to the pros. *Obie laughs* There are a few paintings that caught my eye, that I’d like you to look at before we go.

O: Sure. There’s also a pair of chairs I think you’d like.

W: By the basket stall?

O: Yeah. You saw them?

W: Just in passing. But I’d love to take a look.

O: Maybe we should start a travel collection like the Kunals.  

W: Let’s!

O: It’s official… Dambele is now my happy place.

W: *chortles* Not Sulani?

O: Sulani’s a close second, but Dembele hits differently.

W: Interesting…

O: I said what I said! *both laugh*

W: No argument here. Aww… Look at that cutie over there.

O: He is cute. Of course, ours will be so much cuter!

W: No doubt!

W: Ok! New favorite restaurant unlocked!

I: *laughing* I told you!

O: I wonder what’s going on up the hill. I could barely hear you guys during dessert.

R: You read my mind.

Turns out, it was the African Heritage Festival up the hill. Meeting the Kunals that morning made for a very entertaining day. Obie and I would likely have never heard about the restaurant or stumbled upon the festival were it not for our selfie shenanigans that morning.

We arrived just in time to see the artist, Adéṣínà, put on the performance of a lifetime! I am officially a fan! We stayed through her set, took a few pictures to commemorate our new-found friendship and picked up some souvenirs for our family before heading home. After such a diverting day, we were completely spent.

Dambele Royal Palace

W: Maybe, if you put the tripod on the ground?  

O: The angle would be too weird. This one might work—

???: We can take the picture, if you’d like.

O: Uh, yeah, thanks! Are you also taking the palace tour?

???: We are. I’m Raheel and this is my bride, Iosefina!

I: *shaking head, amused* Really?

R: *fake innocence* What?

*Obie & Walker laugh*

O: Nice to meet a kindred spirit in the wild!

I: *chuckles* You too?

W: He announced our marriage to the airline ticket agent. *everyone laughs* I’m Walker and this is, Obie.

R: Honeymooners? *Walker & Obie nod* Nice!

Tour Guide: GOOD MORNING! EVERYONE HERE FOR THE 11AM GOVERNANCE TOUR PLEASE GATHER AROUND!

O: Where are you visiting from?

I: San Sequoia. Anchorpoint Wharf.

W: Oh! Neighbors! We’re in Del Sol. Mirage Park by Langerak Commons.

R: Wow! Crazy, small world!

The tour seemed to go buy in a flash. The palace was just as over-the-top as you’d imagine a palace to be. Well, the parts that were open to the public. The tour ended in the National Gallery…

R: Well, that was… something.

I: Oh, stop!

W: I enjoyed it. It would have been nice to see the residential quarters, but, I get it.

R: Same. What are you guys doing for the rest of the day?

O: We were going to have lunch and maybe check out Zanbira Market. Haven’t agreed on restaurant yet, though. You?

I: We were going to have a lunch at this cute little restaurant on the beach. It came highly recommended. You’re welcome to join us.

W: That would be lovely. Thank you.

Courtney: Looking good! Alright! Everyone other than the happy couple, please meet Kalista outside of the reception hall in about 10-15 for the procession. Penny? — *Penny nods assent*

One Quick Change Later…

Obie: *soft gasp* Sweet Watcher, and all of her gnomes! How did I get so lucky?

Walker: *giggles* I take it you approve?

Obie: Approve? We’re married now. As far as I’m concerned, we can skip the reception and just go home!

Walker: *chuckles* And miss out on all the festivities we spent months planning? I think not.

Obie: Must you be right all the time?

Walker: Isn’t that why you married me?

Obie: *whispers sincerely* One of the many, many reasons… Come! Let’s get this show on the road! *Walker chortles*