Mosa Mosa!

Every few years, some song comes along in some unknown foreign language, which you can't understand, but it just won't get out of your head. Its easy on the ears. Its catchy. And very hummable. For example: Remember this song?

Simarik. By Tarkan. The song was catchy. It was hummable. Slightly middle-eastern sounding. And the kiss sounds had their very own shock value. At least for 1997, when the song was released and I was in school. Then they took this tune and made various songs out of it. One of the more forgettable versions was this. Ok, I can't bear this whole song (although I love Urmila), I'm closing the window.

Speaking of earworms, there's this song that I've discovered recently that is really popular in Liberia, for some reason. Listen to it.

I first heard it as the caller tune of one the people I used to call frequently for work. Again. It was nice. It was hummable. Strong instrumental interludes, just like Simarik. In fact, up until yesterday, I didn't even know what language it was in. Actually, I still don't know for sure what language it is. Yesterday, at our trusty ole Sajj (remember Sajj? I posted about it here), I discovered that its a Brazilian song. The DJ just went 'There any Brazilians in the crowd?" followed by the obligatory "Yay!" from some very drunk non-Brazillians and I think, some real Brazilians. And he put that song on. Today I googled "brazil song" and, thank god for predictive text in google, the 8th option was "Mosa". I clicked on it and lo and behold. The song that I wanted. Gosh! I was feeling lucky today (wink, wink). But I haven't told you the best part yet. The star of this song is not the singer or the lyrics (which I'm told translate to borderline offensive words) but the beautiful instrumental interlude in between. Its an accordion that keeps playing in between. And its magical. Makes you feel like you're on the beach. A very easy, relaxed feeling creeps into the soul. Yes. Go back. Listen to it once more. And more.

By the way, I forgot to ask, what's your earworm these days? I'd love to hear.

Golden Beach Cafe / Salsa night at Saaj

So, incorrigible as we are, we've been going out for dinner for the last two days. Two new places in the last two days. Sajj on Friday (for Salsa night) and Golden Beach Cafe yesterday. 'Twas fun!

Of Sajj we again heard of from our trusty Liberia expat google group. Its a Lebanese place and they had Salsa night on Friday. Well, tell you the truth, I'm not much of a dancer, but then, one's gotta have fun. So, I forwarded the invite to one of the young new guys in office, and then two more people joined in. And before I knew it, the 4 of us were in Sajj. It was nice. Good hummus and babaganoush with yum pita bread. And the pizza's not bad either. They even have club beer on tap! Oh and they had Salsa night, which basically constituted a very talented dance instructor type fella demonstrating the moves and some not-so-talented trying their best to keep up. One of the guys from our group even joined in for it. All in all, it was a great Friday night out! Didn't take any pictures though. I should have, no?

And yesterday, we'd gone for a walk (or a Wakabo, as they call it in Liberian English) with our trusty friend and colleage N. And instead of the usual walk along Payne Avenue in Sinkor, we found ourselves walking along the beach. And before we knew it, we'd decided to walk all the way up to the Golden Beach cafe (it had actually something to do with the fact that N hadn't joined us at Sajj the night before, and wanted to go out. And well, you know me, I could go out for dinner at the drop of a hat). So, we were just in time for the sunset. Photo dekho:



At the Golden Beach Cafe, Monrovia


Ok, don't grimace. That's the best photo quality I can get on a Blackberry. So, that's the Golden Beach cafe at sunset. Right on the Atlantic Ocean. The waves on this beach are, well, huge. Violent, if I can exaggerate a bit. Oh and the food here is okok. They do a decent Veg. Samosa and the Veg. Pizza wasn't bad either (Green Peas was one of the toppings, by the way). So, we ended Saturday by the beach with samosas and pizza (accompanied by a bit of Savannah). It was fun! Better than sitting at the compound watching Blood Diamond. That too in Hindi. Yes, LOL! Exactly my thoughts right now.

So, all in all, we're working hard and enjoying ourselves on weekends. We told you we'd go out. The cocoon is slowly unravelling, readers! Behold!

PS: I've changed the background picture. Would love to hear your thoughts on it!