Nigeria, June 14 -- This past weekend, my wife and I made our way to Winnipeg, a sleepy town nestled in the Canadian province of Manitoba. The occasion? A family celebration. My niece and her husband had just welcomed a beautiful baby girl, and they insisted, almost reverently, that my wife become the godmother. It was a request we could not, and frankly, did not want to, refuse.

Winnipeg or "Winterpeg" as some Canadians jokingly call it, is cold enough to make you question global warming, even in the summer. But despite the chill, we were warmed by the lavish hospitality of our hosts. For a few days, we were indulged and pampered, made to feel like visiting royalty. The trip also happened to coincide with my wife's birthday, so if you'l...