The Pot calling the Kettle 'black' !!!

I have always felt very strongly about this issue and I seethe with anger when people make insensitive remarks about a person’s colour. Racial discrimination is often associated with the western world but are we in a position to judge??? Aren’t Indians racists themselves??? We condone it, we don't have the strictures to punish culprits and we also encourage it. The Pot calling the Kettle black!!!

Living in Africa, it’s embarassing when I am looked at as White. That does not mean am respected for my colour. Like anywhere in the world, Indians belong to a group of intellectuals and traders here. However, we are known more for being petty, miserly and egotistical. We are also known to live unremarkable lives. Our own refer to their staff  and unskilled workers as 'Kale'. Do they not have names or occupations??? Don't they deserve some respect??? It makes me shudder everytime.

Back home in India, I am called ‘black’ by an extended family member, someone, who is a few shades darker than I am. If that is not called racism, what is??? I am asked to use ‘Fair and Lovely’, I refuse because my mirror says I am ‘fair’ and lovely. Has anyone become fair and lovely after use, I would like to know. I have had teachers in school sending me to the sidelines in favour of the fair and lovely. I didn’t realise it till someone pointed it out. I have never paid any attention to my colour or somebody else’s, have never wondered how different it would be if I were light skinned. Credit must be given to my parents for not making me feel any different.

The fact that India is divided into North and South India itself has racial connotations, is it not?? The social and political ethos of the country actually promotes caste, gender and racial discriminations and we are shamelessly not shameful. We have become characterised by reservations. I understand it is difficult to demolish caste systems. However, I see no effort being made in that direction either. Infact, the root of this evil is getting stronger and deeper. The only people who deserve concessions and reservations, in my opinion, are those belonging to the economically backward.

Let’s do a check on the matrimonial advertisements…a cry for a beautiful, slim and fair bride for a boy whose physical attributes don’t find a mention. He may not be Prince Charming but do they care??? I’ve heard eligible men proclaim ignorance when it comes to these advertisements. In my opinion, if they don’t stand up for what they believe in, they are guilty as charged. Ignorance is not bliss. At a wedding how many talk about the bridegroom and his physical attributes, the attention is solely on the bride, from what she wears, her clothes and jewellery, how close she is to that ‘yardstick’ and most importantly her colour. In a conversation, when a man or a woman is being described, one of the first characteristics that is talked about is his or her colour. In India, even in a Man’s world, is ‘tall, dark and handsome’ ever in use??? The ‘dark’ is always substituted by ‘fair’.

The racist attacks on Indians in Australia, sikhs being asked to take off their turbans at airports, muslims being given the dressing down, all of them have been condemned by the Indian Government in the strongest terms. How about starting from our own backyard??? I personally don’t like the term ‘Madrasi’. How can all South Indians be called ‘Madrasis’??? Doesn’t that carry a racial undertone??? What about ‘chinkies’ for North Easterners??? Haven’t they emphasised enough, they don’t approve of it??? How about treating foreigners of African origin right?? Most of them are students who come to India with a lot of expectations, the land of Mahatma Gandhi, the land of non-violence. How many have gone back home with happy memories?? They are ridiculed by adults and children alike, treated like animals and are victims of stares and nasty comments. On the other hand, 'Whites' are treated like Rockstars, people unabashedly patronise them from all directions, much to their annoyance.

The celebrities advocate liberalism, it’s a sign of modern India and they have to be part of it. Frontline Bollywood has a major stake in running the country. Their opinions from politics to sports are on the front pages. People want to see them and politicians exploit their status and vice-versa. A case of ‘you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’. What is to be noticed, one hardly finds these celebrities partnering someone dark skinned or unattractive, whether they are actors , models or cricketers. They are the same group of people who advertise ‘Fair and Lovely’ and also preach liberalism. How bizarre!!!

We live in hypocrisy, where treating another with respect is an assignment, a task, where gender, class, caste and racial discriminations flow in our blood. We learn what our parents teach us. I believe discipline and respect is taught at home, not in school. When kids are not taught to respect humanity, no amount of education or religious beliefs can make their lives right. It’s time to break the cycle and it should start now.

Stop Racial Discrimination!!!

Sunday, a Fun day...a 'Holi' day!!!

A day that began with a craving for South Indian Breakfast, for idlis, dosas and vadas, something that rarely gets made at home, something P and I love, in my case I prefer to have them at Restaurants, they are simply better, a day that ended with a flourish, at the Company’s apartment building.

I have always been fascinated with vibrant colours, on clothes, in houses, in gardens, around the city and on faces. This is precisely why am mesmerised by this small city, these colours are everywhere. When it comes to 'Holi', I love to douse people with colours, when it's my turn, I prefer to hide. Despite the fun and frolic associated with the festival, I choose to stay away and P is in tandem with me.

The Das’ and us decide to have a quiet South Indian brunch at ‘Royal India’. This place, in our experience has always been consistent with their ‘chow’ and their personal touch makes it more welcoming. We are the only ones around at noon, we walk around sloppily, laugh loudly, talk carelessly, all in gay abandon. We order our vadas, idlis, dosas and, mutton pepper fry for that hint of 'carnivourism'. We get talking about the day ahead, the day that has just gone by, to think we just met the previous day. I believe, it’s not what one eats but the captivating company that one shares during these food trips that makes it special. Yes, food is a very important accessory, especially for us. We take our own sweet time over this delightful brunch, the end is spiced up with a lovely cold cardamom milk, compliments of the Restaurant.

We decide to go for a drive, to this quaint little shack by the lake called ‘Riviera’. We reach 'Riviera' and find the place closed, we also meet a friendly colleague of P’s, whom he can't recognize. We drive back to the main road and towards the Golf area, we decide to go to Le Centaure, a small Horse Club, we check out the magnificent stallions in their stables and then go up to the watch tower to soak in the landscape that spreads out in front of us. The most prominent landmark in Lubumbashi is in sight, the Gecamines Plant. After a few pictures we drive to Cercle Hippique de Lubumbashi ( hope I’ve got the name right ). On our way we pass through a crowd, of people, vehicles and buildings, the view abruptly becomes panoramic, the road itself goes up and down. Among the cloud of trees is the picturesque Horse Club owned by the M Forrest group, vast, scenic and quiet. The Restaurant is charming and outdoors, with a view of their Show Jumping course and the stables on the side. A lovely gallery overlooks the course. Can’t wait to have a nice long lunch there. After going through the schedule of their show jumping events, we move away from the little ‘countryside’ on to the road again. We go around a few more residential colonies and head home to the Das’ for some ‘chai’.

We haven’t had our ‘chai’ yet, Das has a Eureka moment. We decide to visit the other apartment mates for some 'Holi' fun. All of them seem to be in deep slumber, even a cricket match involving India attracts no attention. We decide to wait until one door opens for us, the Patels are first. We welcome ourselves in with a palette of colours and smear the dazed faces with them. After a glass of juice, we  move on to the Agarwals with the Patels, some snacks and ‘chai’ this time, the Agarwals included, we move to the Modis, with the Modis to the Bhattacharyas,  after a few 'pakodas', we go to the second of the Das’ for coffee. We think we are done with the 'Holi' fun but not yet. The final stop is at Saishree and Das’s for some cut fruits. By now we are huddled around playing 'musical chairs', with the kids playing in the centre. P and I stay back for an impromptu ‘un-Holi’ dinner with them. Now the day ends.

Am still charged when we return home, when it is time to sleep I fight it. I want to talk about the day, I want to write about it, I want to relive it but hubby dear is already fast asleep. I go through the day on my own, over and over again, like a song in my head. I must have fallen asleep sometime, when I wake up I realise it’s Monday and it’s time for my blues.

A day that became ‘Holi’!!!

Women, take a Bow!!!

What a day it was, a day Women were celebrated all over the World. In DR Congo, March is their month, celebrations everywhere, festive, full of flavour and fervour. For me personally, it's a day I will always cherish, a day I dare not forget. I have never felt this experience back home and I have never felt this celebrated either. Before I start on my story, I have to thank the chairman of the organisation my husband works for. I will always be grateful for this opportunity.

It all began one afternoon in the 4th week of February, when I was invited to take part in the Women’s day march down the CBD with the Women employees of the organisation. I had no hesitation in saying yes, infact I stood up to say yes. Sharon, the affable receptionist at the organisation brought us materials to tailor our outfits and also took us to do them. My first Congolese outfit!!! Well, can’t really call it that, the material was traditional, bright and colourful but the outfit, not so, but am sure I will get one made soon.

A week ahead of March 8th, I could talk nothing other than ‘Women’s Day’. Can’t believe the day used to pass off in a hurry back home. Am sure P must have thought, "the already talkative woman has just gone on an overdrive". Thankfully, from his point of view he was buried deep for the whole week. I was most certainly talking to myself, am sure, all my talk fell on deaf ears. The outfit looked remarkable and fit perfectly, despite the tailor not paying too much emphasis on the measurement process. He definitely deserves praise. Back home the tailors make such a hue and cry over measurements, only to get it wrong at the end. My accessories were all laid out a day before. I only had to make sure I got showered and dressed in time.

The D day arrives finally. P has never wished me before, this time he seals it with a kiss. I try hard not to make a joke of it. I pause for a moment and tell myself, "what the heck, I‘ll take it". We complain if they don’t wish us and we complain, if they do. We have been asked to assemble at the meeting point at 9am. We talk about taking pictures together, my friend Saishree and I. We do our solo shoots but completely forget the one we are aiming for. On the road we realise we are in a maze of sorts. All roads don’t lead to Rome today. We finally manage to reach on time and find no one from our group has arrived. Is it April already??? We see Women everywhere, in groups, dressed in Women’s day finery, none from ours. When we call, we are told we are at the right place. After waiting for about half an hour, we feel something is wrong, we look around to see one woman from our group ( from the outfit she is wearing ) screaming on the phone. It seems we are not where we should be. Miscommunication is called out.

At the next meeting point, we still don’t see the numbers the group is supposed to be made of. Some of us are annoyed at the lack of organisation. Where is the organiser??? She seems to be available only on the phone. After a while we decide to move again to another place. We end up standing right in the middle of the roundabout close to where the event gets underway, we are still in 'No Man’s' land but are thrilled at the vantage point. The numbers slowly add and now we have a larger group. We finally move to our starting block, we wait our turn under the sun, then slowly move into a bakery for some shade. We see a sea of colours now. We start identifying groups based on clothes and what a display it is. Taking in every bit of it despite the hot sun and fatique slowly catching on!!!

A few more than required want a hold of the banners, I couldn’t care less. Am happy am there and am happy to take the pictures. The organiser is still missing in action. Am sure there is a deputy around, but where??? Intriguing!!! We start marching, can’t do justice to what am feeling in words. Am engulfed in a rush of emotions, of pride, excitement, happiness, expectations, hope, I feel an adrenaline rush, am completely overwhelmed. We march past the roundabout, amidst people rooting for us, we take a right turn into the road leading to 'Poste', we walk through a corridor created by the citizens of Lubumbashi, watching us with admiration from both sides of the road. I now see a VIP podium at 'Poste' on my side and the band playing on the other. We walk past them, Photographers flashing their cameras, TV crews all round, journalists talking on their microphones. Once past the VIP arena, we sight our finishing line. We are all exhausted from the heat but I don’t see a single Woman who has her mouth shut. I see even the quiet ones busy narrating their accounts of the event.

We are now in the Company bus, which would take us to the next Venue…a place to unwind, a place for some piping hot lunch and some ‘dirty dancing’. Cool drinks and ‘Simba’ served, the girls slowly begin loosening up. They should be called the ‘Movers and Shakers’. The rhythm, synchronisation, the sensuality in their style of dancing makes me just sit and watch wide eyed, it’s something to behold. Soon more follow. Before it gets out of control ( in a good way of course ), lunch is served. Typical Congolese fare, I must say I thoroughly enjoy it. Am also called to say a few words on camera for the waiting journalists. I don’t remember what I said, but I do remember fumbling around to find words to express what I have been witness to. Just before the afternoon ends for us, the organiser turns up. Credit to her for putting together a good party. By the time I get back home, it is time to prepare for the evening. No time for a snooze, there is actually but am too excited to spend that time snoring.

The evening comes, we hurtle to ‘La Plage’, the venue for the Cocktail party. The husbands dutifully drop us, before heading back home for a poorer dinner. One attribute the Congolese share with us Indians, a complete lack of respect for time. People walk in at their convenience and make no apologies for it. We find a nearly empty venue, despite being informed the programme would start on dot. We are ushered to our table, which would seat ten of our friends from the march. We sit waiting, sipping our choice of liquor. We are still talking animatedly about the scene from the afternoon. The programme begins and there is not a dull moment after that. An extremely popular singer from Kinshasa is around to perform and what a fantastic performance that is…and interactive. Ms Miriam Katumbi, the sister of the Governor of Lubumbashi must be credited for the fabulous show she has organised. Absolutely down to earth and refreshingly unassuming, it is a pleasure to see her go about the business of the evening.

What a wonderful day!!! I have never felt so celebrated before, am also extremely glad to have shared the day with the Women employees from P’s work place, people I would have never met otherwise.

The hope is to have Women celebrated everyday and hope it doesn’t end with just a party.

From one Foodie to another - A list of Restaurants in Lubumbashi

When I say, my Husband and I are Foodies, it's an understatement. We love to experiment, and trying out exotic food is one of our favourite pastimes. The simple logic...How do we know if we don't try? We find it mundane to visit the same places repeatedly. That is exactly what we were doing here, for lack of adequate and authentic information. I decided to get cracking on this subject a couple of days ago. Not much is available on the net, I must admit. However, after some stubborn research, I have been able to compile some information. Please pardon me if you find incorrect addresses and phone numbers or incomplete information. I would love for readers to help me correct them, post suggestions and comments and provide me with more information if available. Have fun!!!

Restaurants we have dined at

Le Bonne Table Restaurant

The Grand Karavia

55, Route de Quartier, Golf

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 815583058

Incredible property to start with, away from the main road, in the midst of landscaped gardens, with the lake on one side, is a treat. The restaurant serves French Mediteranean cuisine tempered with local influences. They boast of Indoor seating, as well as outdoor by the pool. The buffet is priced at USD50. Although passé, the Xmas spread was worth every penny and the New Year brunch on the 1st day of the year was everything a food lover could ask for. Their cold starters are simply out of the world.

Les Artistes
Route du Golf
Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 998538049

Les Artistes is an upscale restaurant  by the lovely Karavia lake. This beautiful Belgian restaurant is sophisticated and large, boasting of beautiful decor and lovely furniture. This place can be accessed via the gate to La Plage or by the road immediately after.  There is nothing about the place that is ordinary. They have a deck by the lake too. A lunch in my opinion might be a better option, to be able to soak in the scenary. One could take the pedalos or motor boats out on the lake as well. Might be a good idea to make reservations in advance, to avail seating by the lake. On the food front, Les Artistes is a gourmet's delight. Our 1st taste of wild boar.

Bush Camp

33, Avenue Kapwassa Kampenga,

Lubumbashi

Phone no : +243 814032161

Not within the city and not too far out, it screams ‘Game’ from all directions, it's as beautiful in the dark as it is in the day. They serve steaks, grills, salads and Congolese fare, all on the buffet. Sundays are special with various other meats like alligator and nntelope available, one pays on the weight of the meat. The buffet comes along with the meat selected. The décor is very African and resembles a hunter’s paradise. A nice place to lounge on a lazy Sunday afternoon. They also have some cottages, add a small animal  farm and a lovely garden. We loved the pork sausages and the antelope steak. Bush Camp is also responsible for my 1st taste of Congolese cuisine.

Cercle Hippique de Lubumbashi ( The Horse Club of Lubumbashi )
Lubumbashi

Beautifully green and scenic, this sprawing club is again situated in the Golf club area. Owned by the M Forrest group, it paints a very pretty picture. On one side are the stables and the other, a Show Jumping Course with a small gallery overlooking it. The lovely outdoor restaurant forms the 3rd angle of the triangle with a nice view of both. The cuisine is French-Congolaise. They also have a Congolaise buffet for $30 on Sundays. An afternoon over a pub meal with cool breeze blowing all the time, cannot be more relaxing.

Tony and Tony
Forrest Square
Lubumbashi

Run by a lovely Greek couple in a home setting, a beautiful garden outside, a few tables on the verandah, simple yet pretty inside with pristine white walls and crisp clean linen covering the asymmetrically arranged bamboo chairs and tables, surrounded by green plants and a few blue artefacts, completes the fabulous restaurant serving authentic Greek food with menu covering all my favourites from the Greek cuisine. I simply can't wait to go back there, not just for the food but to meet the lovely husband-wife again who make home cooked meals truly a treat to savour. 

Taverna Communate Hellenique ( The Greek Club  )

3000, Avenue Lubumba

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 816070539

The restaurant serves a variety of starters and main courses, Greek and French, they also serve Chinese cuisine out of a separate kitchen. The Chinese fare from the earlier chef was one of the best I had ever had. The ever simple egg fried rice was unbelievably tasty. They also have a bar and a very large seating area apart from a childrens play area, a football pitch and a basketball court. This place may be now more popular for the space, rather than the food.

Cercle de la Communaute Belge de Lubumbashi ( The Belgian Club )

3, Avenue Kilela Balanda

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 0815050728 / 0815050756

No fanfare, the club is all in one. They have a football pitch, tennis courts, a 2 lane bowling alley, even a dart board, a small bar and a dance floor, the restaurant serves continental food mostly from Italian and French/Belgian cuisines. They are well presented and well done. The french fries, something so simple are to die for, have never seen them so visually appealing before.

Ristorante Italiano La Casa

2900, Avenue Lubumba

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 997025756/ 813331157

A lovely Italian place resembling a diner, green outside, never short of crowd and good food, it boasts of a casual atmosphere with a bit of formality looming over. Good food!!! Helps when am a sucker for Italian desserts. Their Menu is not very different from that of Planet Holly-bum.

Las Cara ( formerly Le Piccolo )
Avenue Sombesombe
Quartier Golf
Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 998502646

The restaurant is situated off the terminus in Quartier Golf, beyond Hotel Karavia. They serve authentic Italian Cuisine. They also host corporate parties and banquets. They undertake home delivery after prior agreement with companies and individuals. They also home deliver pizzas upto 9pm. They have a restaurant/bar as well as an outdoor seating area by the pizza oven. We went for pizzas and pastas the first time, the food tasted lovely, although the pizzas tasted a tad salty but was done perfectly, not too crispy and not soggy. They also boast of a lovely garden and ample parking space, peace and quiet too.

Planet Holly-Bum

975, Avenue Kilela Balanda

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 997030256 / 990082013

Why is it called Holly-Bum??? Anyway, before I write about the food, I must tell you the restaurant is beautiful, love the artefacts, the furniture and the lighting. the décor is not expensive but done up very tastefully. They seat inside and outside. The food served is French/Belgian and Italian, worth the price and experience. This is a must try if you haven’t. The garden is beautiful as well but the approach is very unappealing. They must be credited for our 1st frog legs, sautéed in butter and garlic.

Les Tropiques
Avenue De La Justice
Lubumbashi

An outdoor restaurant, lots of trees and dimly lit, I was thrown back by the darkness that engulfed the restaurant. However, it's a completely different experience during the day, bustling with people with greenery and hutments all around. Food is lovely but the service is extremely slow.

Royal India Multi-Cuisine Restaurant ( called Swad now )

1446, Avenue Kilela Balanda

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 993355330

The best Indian restaurant in Lubumbashi in my opinion, consistent always, there's plenty of space for parking, a neatly manicured lawn ushering guests in, earning them the top spot for parties. A place where parents can have a good time, leaving the wards on their own. Their Mutton Biriyani is finger licking good. They have renovated recently, giving away their bar area to Cafe Latte Lounge, converting their space inside for banquets and corporate parties and the space overlooking the garden has been retained for casual dining. The menu is the same.

Hotel Lubumbashi

Avenue du 30 Juin at Avenue Djamena

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 819777111

A nice looking hotel, I am not sure how good it is as a hotel, I love their courtyard. They have a multicuisine restaurant, which serves Indian and Belgian/French cuisine. Among the better Indian restaurants, there is not much on the menu, they can throw a nice 3 course dinner though. Their kulfi is awesome. Men, listen up, their salon can do good to your hair while you wait for dinner to be served. Must say this lady goes there once in a while too.

Maharaja Indian Restaurant

Avenue Lomani

Lubumbashi

A dhabba-ish atmosphere inside, they also serve chinese, but it is better to stick to their Indian fare. They also serve chats and sweets. They do outdoor catering and also undertake orders for sweets and paneer. They should concentrate on the toilet facilities, they are losing out on in-house parties. Their hot Jalebies are yummy.

Belle Maison
Off Trente Juin
Lubumbashi

A spacious Chinese restaurant off Trente Juin, this place definitely attracts a lot of crowd even during weekdays, albeit most of them are Chinese. The food is great and is kept piping hot on the table from the mini stove provided. The sore point however is the 'smokey' atmosphere and the noise from the boisterous crowd. Absolutely the right place for an awesome chinese meal and absolutely the wrong place for a quiet meal.

La Perla de Oriente

De La Justice Road

Lubumbashi

A Chinese restaurant we go to, when are absolutely hungry and want to have junk Chinese food. They serve a buffet at USD18 per person on Saturdays, hot food and availability is not guaranteed. It could get very crowded and smokey too. A perfect place for the hungry. On other days, there's plenty of space, there is a large variety to choose from the menu card, the portions are large and it's simply good Chinese food.

Golden Sun
Avenue Mama Yema
Near the Hindu Temple
Lubumbashi

Our friends and us had decided on Chinese dinner at the Greek club. Sadly, the kitchen was closed. We were craving Chinese, so decided to try out this place. They have a casino on one side and a restaurant on the other, with a nice garden seperating the two. The owner tell us he's been here for 4 years, has travelled to Lubumbashi after putting a stamp on Sri Lanka and South Africa. He admits he makes more money from the casino. The food I must say was lovely, simple, yet tasty and authentic. So, if you want to play Black Jack or American Roulette and celebrate your money with Chinese food, this is the place to be.

Luana

Avenue Lubumba

Lubumbashi

Lebanese Cuisine is one of my favourites, it’s also known to be one of the healthiest, borrowing influences from the Mediteranean cuisine. This place, albeit owned by a Lebanese group, only carries influences from the Lebanese cuisine. They specialise in comfort food or fast food, namely shawarmas, pizzas, burgers, KFC style chicken ( pales in comparison ), sandwiches, eggs, rice and gravy Chinese style and fries. I love their grilled sandwiches, especially the one with the labneh filling. Labneh is hung curd mixed with olive oil and a dash of salt, is healthy and is one of my favourite spreads. These days, sadly, they don’t stock them, it is available at the Nazem grocery store on Mondays.


Cafe Lattelicious
Golf de Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi
Phone no : +243 998126503

Owned by the Governor's family and nestled in a corner among their various properties, diagonally opposite the Horse club in the Golf club area, this cafe/bar is a fantastic place to relax over a nice cuppa coffee or a drink and good conversation. They serve breakfast, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, burgers, other short eats and dessets, apart from coffee and alcohol. They also offer home delivery and have a very exhaustive menu. They levy USD 5 for the same. They also have a gym and spa attached but the price tag is way over a regular budget. We are pretty sure we are going to be regulars. Did I mention the service is very good???

Cafe Latte Longe
No 1446, Avenue Kilela Balanda ( same compound as Swad )
Lubumbashi

This cafe/bar shares management with Cafe Lattelicious, the menu is the same barring a few additions. The music is pretty loud for dinner time. The place serves as a dance lounge post midnight. We happened to dine there and found the place too cramped for comfort, add heavy rains and the 'outsiders' turned to cover inside. Would certainly prefer Cafe Lattelicious for just a meal or snack but if  one's priority is to enjoy music and dance, should give Latte Lounge a try 'after dark'.

La Plage
Lubumbashi

La Plage is a lovely property by the Lake, meaning 'The beach' in French, it has a restaurant/bar, a cafe ( Cafe du Lac ), bakery ( Vanille & Chocolat ), a supermarket ( Hyper Psaro ) and a huge sand pitch by the Lake, with provisions to play football, volleyball or just chill around. They also have pedalos and motor boats if one is ready for an adventure on the lake. On the side is an entrance to their swimming pool and an area to host parties. Les Artistes can be accessed via La Plage too. This place is situated right after the the waterfall on the Golf course road. The place is hip and happening.

Cafe du Lac
Lubumbashi

Cafe du Lac is a lovely cafe which doubles as a Cafe and a Bar. They have two outlets, one in Karavia and the other in La Plage. The one in La Plage is open on one side to the sand pitch with a view of Le Artists just beyond that and the lake. From what we ate, food was pretty average but who is going there for food??? It's a wonderful place to just lounge and meet with friends.

Vanille & Chocolat
La Plage
Lubumbashi

A small place selling different kinds of breads, sweets, desserts, particularly chocolates, there is just enough space to pay and collect one's order, simply because it's extremely popular. Situated right next to Cafe du Lac.

La Brioche

75, Laurent Kabila Road

Lubumbashi

Phone no : +243 97021780

This one sells all kinds of baked produce, also attached is a cafe, which serves as a good hang out over a cuppa joe. They also serve croissants, cookies, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and chocolate desserts. Our Birthday cakes come from La Brioche.

Nazem Boulangerie

Avenue Lubumba

Station des Champions

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 0819882222

A place for all kinds of breads except brown, am not sure if there is another place here, which sells the local version of the kubooz or pita bread, called chapatte locally. I cannot however figure out why these bakeries don't sell brown bread.

Restaurants, which got to see us, their culinary skills waiting to be tested

Cercle Hippique le Centaure  ( The Horse Club )

Lubumbashi

A small place off the Golf club road with neat looking stables and a Show Jumping Course with a restaurant/bar sandwiched in-between. Nicely located with a lovely view on both sides, the menu is Continental, but one gets slightly put off by the smell from the stables. It feels nice to just stand there and bird watch, adds a very romantic touch.

Hotel La Rose

Lubumbashi

Some say it’s a good place to stay, am a Resident here, so that's not going to interest me. They also have a small swimming pool open to the public. Have been to their restaurant just to take a look, the menu is Continental, yet to try. I would prefer Holly-Bum and restaurant Italiano to La Rose, simply for the visual effects.

Le Riviera

Lubumbashi

This beautiful outdoor restaurant is located by the lake. One of the 1st places we visited in Lubumbashi, one could just get carried away by the pristine lake that is in view. There are huts which one could take cover under or, one could just take a table by the lake. Unfortunately we landed there after coffee elsewhere, and hence did only a photo shoot. They might want to spruce up the place a bit.

Park Hotel

50, Avenue Munongo

Lubumbashi

A small Restaurant, lovely décor and a neat Menu card.

Restaurants, we have heard and read about, waiting to be visited

Hotel Cosmopolite

15, Avenue Lomami

Lubumbashi

Hear, it’s one of the best hotels here, I haven’t heard about their restaurant but am looking forward to visiting soon.

Hotel Sabrina
Off Trente Juin
Lubumbashi

A Chinese joint on the 1st floor, on one of the main roads off Trente Juin, this place carries good reviews, yet to visit though. Parking could pose a problem. It is situated diagonally opposite Belle Maison.

Alilac Café

50, Avenue Bundi

Lubumbashi

Sports a very nice open terrace, serves food and drinks at reasonable prices.

Restaurants, we would love more information about

Chez Robert
Villa Munua
1722 Quartier Golf
Lubumbashi
Phone no: +243 819331241

Heard a while ago, look forward to visiting, it's on my wish list. This place is situated in one of the finest Guest houses here, Chef Robert from Liege, is the man behind the place. One could choose to enjoy dinner outside, facing the Garden and Swimming Pool.

Oxy Lac

Kalubwe

5, Avenue Chemin Public

Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 997012775

Lakeside, overlooking Hotel Karavia. meals are served in huts. grilled tilapia is a speciality. We had a look at the place one night, couldn't see much but the place cried for crowd, maintenance and information.

The Brussels

Hotel Palace Beau Site

500, Avenue Lomami

Lubumbashi

Serves French cuisine with a Mediterranean accent.

Taj Tandoori

Avenue Lubumba

Lubumbashi

An Indian place on Avenue Lubumba, am not sure why we haven’t tried it as yet or why people don’t talk about it very often. Heard from a contact that food and service are below standard.

Le Perroquet

588, Avenue Kasavubu

Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 997022930

Serves local fare.

Joliety

Avenue Kapenda

Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 997020664

Serves quality local cuisine. The walls are adorned with aphorisms.

La Calebasse

78, Avenue Sendwe

Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 997026625

Specialises in Congolaise cuisine, with a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes

Le Petit Brussels

1045, Avenue Kabalo

Lubumbashi

Serves Congolaise food

Le Village

Avenue 30 Juin

Lubumbashi

Run by a Family, Le Village serves local Congolaise cuisine inside huts.

La Grignotte

Laurent Kabila Road

Lubumbashi

Located near La Brioche, known for their sausages and meatballs.

Super Ebene

294, Avenue Maniema

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : + 243 995922222

New Relax – Le Bamboo Restaurant/Bar

Quartier Golf
Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 996023210

Bon Appétit!!!

The good, bad and the ugly...Lubumbashi, am part of you now!!!

No, I don’t feel negative today, in fact I feel very positive, hence this piece. Lubumbashi may pose a lot of challenges, but life here has been extremely rewarding, happy and content. A nice collage of everything, what we have learnt so far is to go with the flow. Lubumbashi, bring in the good, bad and the ugly, am part of you now.

The decision to set shop at Lubumbashi was BIG, we had no idea what was in store. I am normally consulted a great deal on every decision we take. I didn’t take much part in this one. It was career related and as always I took it for granted P would take the right one, his future seemed more important at the moment. I knew mine would be taken care off automatically. I also knew, I could always say ‘No’, I knew we could always go back if we were not happy, I knew my happiness was always taken into account. We arrived here without expectations. That does not mean we didn’t have any. We did look forward to a comfortable life and one without too many risks. The 1st few months were not easy, especially for someone who had lived her life on her terms, with everything laid on a platter. Comfort and ease of movement was of utmost importance and I got that without lifting a finger, back home. Credit to the husband! Here, I realised I had to be more dependent than I was before and getting to learn the ropes was not easy.

To start with, I had to depend on P’s car which was not always at my disposal. Once I got a feel of the stores here, I thought life would become easy. Dealing with arithmetic has always posed a problem, I still use my stubby fingers like a kinder garden student and converting dollars from Congolese Franc and vice-versa was painful. I shamefully admit, I pretend am counting, while I see white, I also hope the cashier is good at his or her arithmetic. Absurd but true! These are no lifestyle stores or malls. Oh, how I missed my shopping, which included lunch, coffee and aimless walking on my own. In time that has been forgotten. Lucky P!

I never had a housekeeper back home because I was picky about spots, I was sure I would always find some after she left. I was also happy to clean them on my own and at my pace. I had pride and joy imprinted on ‘housework’. The company P works for here provides a housekeeper, it feels good to have someone take charge of one's housework, but am still not very comfortable with it. Am not sure I can take care of it on my own either, the house presents its own challenges, being old and wrinkly. I had to find ways of spending time during those hours as well. Not easy, the TV is always on but that does not mean am watching anything. Sometimes I do not know what is going on. The noise it produces is engaging and this ‘large-ish’ place does not feel eerie anymore. Then comes another past-time, browsing.

How do I go about doing it? I had no net connection, it took about 2 months to get fixed. I did think I was addicted to Facebook, but no, I wanted my net connection for my browsing. What do I browse??? recipes, current affairs, Wikipedia and a variety of websites that are of interest to me. Must tell you, we do not have a daily newspaper here and the cable provider had not given us access to Indian news until August. We do get NDTV now. I realised it was not easy to forego the early morning newspaper. So no Indian news on TV, no internet and no newspaper…I went by what P told me on a daily basis from work and what friends and relatives relayed from home.

The social life has shifted gears from activity packed weekends, back home, to just looking forward to having my husband at home during the period. Am enjoying it, we get out when we feel like it, no pressure, must confess it is still every weekend. We do not have the 'Saturday' we used to get back home. I understand this is a factory atmosphere and the other a corporate world. It’s a small world, a lawyers world, what one says and does could be used against them, one of the earliest things we were warned about. Definitely a difficult proposition for someone who is yet to learn what keeping her trap shut means. There are a lot of things one has to reluctantly go through, obligation takes precedence over happy choices.

We suffer the lack of a good beauty parlour. Lack of privacy in there is another problem. I have lost my sense of shame now. I had decided to colour my hair a while ago, had asked for brown streaks, what I got in return was humour at its best. A mop of blonde hair and uncontrollable laughter at home, courtesy the husband. I could not step out of the house and had to just go for the safe black after two days. I depend on P’s barber for a haircut in-between my visits to India.  A couple of weeks ago, with my regular beautician vacationing in India I decided to try a new nicer looking place. What I ended up with was a set of eyebrows which resembled a chain of the letter Z. Well, have also got them done in a home run grocery store once.

Yesterday, for the 1st time since our arrival, there was some violence reported near the airport, in which one person was killed and one wounded. It is still not clear if they were militants or men from the military. Some even reckon, it was an organised attack to postpone elections, which is scheduled to take place later this year. Panic did grip the city yesterday, for some reason it didn't scare us enough to take confinement. We managed to have a lovely dinner at a restaurant nearby. Some might call it foolish, we were together on the plan though. Life is back to normal today. We would like to believe it was a stray incident.

Despite all the challenges, our life in Lubumbashi after 9 months has been happy and secure, a great ride so far. Love the heart and soul the city embraces, love the warmth of the people, their happiness is infectious despite being pitiably poor. Love what is available at the grocery stores, am able to indulge in my passion…cooking and baking. The expatriate population mainly from Europe, China and South Africa have made sure these stores are stocked with goods that are not readily available in Indian stores back home. The restaurants, expensive they may be, are inviting  and we love the variety that is on offer for 'foodoholics' like us. The cost of living is high. At the risk of sounding pompous, we are paid to incur that. We came here to work and enjoy life. We have found a nice balance and we shall live upto it till the time is up. We are on full throttle. Thank heavens, P and I are on the same page here. Regret not in sight, Excitement galore!

The journey is definitely more important than the destination!