Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Lunch at Moyo

'Moyo' is a loose translation of the Swahili word for soul. Moyo is far more than a just a restaurant; it is a experience of sense saturation, as you are immersed in African culture.

Authentic dishes from the north, south, east and west of the continent fill the air with their aromas and entice your taste buds. Artists of every description are showcased; from face painters, musicians and dancers who provide the entertainment to the feast, to a wide variety of handmade goods made from recycled products, available for sale. It all takes place in an enormous Bedouin-style tent, with an abundance of rought-iron furniture, lanterns and sculptures. Blankets and cheery braziers are provided to keep you warm, until the various spices kick in. Outside there are unusual water features made from wood and metal, little tree houses and large sofas for use in the summer or for gazing up at the starry sky on a clear night.

This was our treat on Sunday and despite the cold and showers of that particular day, we were not disappointed.


Here are the patterns painted on our faces. There seems to be an infinite variety of patterns.

Some of the entertainment was very energetic drumming and rythmical dancing ( I liked the bright materials sewn onto ordinary jeans)....


...some of it was quirky, like the these people who danced around with glasses piled up on trays

...and some of it was very touching; a small group moved around the tables and sang gentle songs in tribal languages.

These photos do not really show it off, but I hope they give you a little taste...


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