Finding the familiar in the unfamiliar: Marvin Gaye w/ Jollof Rice & Chicken
Picture this: I'm sitting in the breathtaking mountains of Ghana's Eastern region, devouring a plate of mouthwatering jollof rice and chicken, all while jamming to the smooth tunes of Marvin Gaye. It's a moment that transports me back to a family reunion when I was just a wide-eyed nine-year-old. But here's the twist - the surroundings and the food are completely unfamiliar, making this experience a thrilling adventure.
You see, my long-lost Ghanaian brother, William, and I were fed up with the lackluster options in our city. So, we embarked on a quest to find a new restaurant for lunch. As we hopped into a taxi and ventured further away from the bustling city center of Accra, my excitement mingled with a touch of anxiety. The deeper we delved into the mountains, the more rural the environment became. Suddenly, we took a sharp left turn onto a red-sanded, bumpy road that seemed to have a mind of its own. It twisted and turned, taking us through quaint neighborhoods where clothes were hanging on lines and delicious aromas wafted through the air. With no sign in sight, we decided to abandon the taxi and search for the elusive restaurant on foot.
Little did we know, we had already passed the restaurant as we descended down a hill. But hey, missing it didn't surprise us. Instead, we stumbled upon a hidden gem - a place with a small pond teeming with fish, chickens clucking away in their cozy cages, and cats doing their mysterious cat things. As we walked in, we were greeted by an open layout and the tantalizing scent of grilled chicken. We had found our restaurant, even if it didn't bother to greet us.
And then, the magic happened. As we settled at one of the tables, a familiar track started playing - "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye. I instantly felt at home. My mind transported me back to my nine-year-old self, belting out the lyrics without a care in the world, oblivious to the song's true meaning. My mom used to scold me for singing it, but come on, that song was just too good to resist.
The food arrived, and William and I were in for a treat. The chicken, jollof rice, and a refreshing Heineken were a match made in culinary heaven. The flavors were a delightful blend of the unfamiliar and the familiar, bringing me a sense of peace and grounding. It reminded me of my roots and inspired me to continue seeking new experiences, knowing that they would one day become cherished memories.
