The first stop of the evening walk is to throw garbage (dry and wet trash, as we separate it). One can see the 'radi wallas' driving round on motorbikes or cycles who meticulously go through the garbage and take cardboard, paper, and recyclable things. I can also also see people rummaging through the dumpsters on the main Agha Nasir/East Service Road we live on. In blistering heat or shivering cold, you'll see poor people going through our trash , to go sell it for a mere buck, to go and eat. What a contrast, what a pathetic view of life.
Kavita and I prepared to go for our stroll. Kavita insisted to take the scooty along and, I insisted she be wholly responsible for it for the entire duration of the evening walk.
Next point of rage was the digging up by cable companies. You will see photos of them having dug up streets, sidewalks , even the Markaz to lay cables. I have a huge rage against this. How the heck are these cable companies given permission to dig up the city without any signs, advance notice and sense of organisation. Why are streets being ripped up? Best part is they work at night so it's plainly some kind of a racket. One of our neighbours raised a hue and cry like me and warned the diggers not to dig up his front lawn. I was on the look out myself , warning the guys not to dig up our front lawn. But of course, they still dug up huge parts and destroyed flower beds, landscaping which we had had done.
We managed to enjoy some glorious views of the sunset. Looking out at Major Road towards F-11 Markaz, the light was a golden dust. From the Park, we saw deeper shades behind some of the streets going in.
On the way to the park, we bought some popcorn and made small talk with this lady I know who has a 'rairee'. I know her since Ramzan days. She used to sell fruit in the summer and , now sells dry fruits. She is very embarrassed that a woman has to be on the side of the road to sell. It is a stark contrast to Monrovia where so many petty traders and fruit /veg sellers are women.
I met a few girls who were playing on the slide and, they indulged Kavita. They turned out to be cute little teen girls. Hard to believe I was also 11 once upon a time whose only concern was homework and collecting stickers.
One local improvement I have to say in the CDA's defence is they have been revamping the same park. Slides and benches have been painted over and broken slides have been replaced. They also seem to be repaving the walking/jogging path and, levelling it.
We moved on to F-11 Markaz and randomly decided to go for Chikachino. It was a nice change from the usual Burning Brownie we go to. We had 2 steaming cups of tea and a plate of gol gappas, don't know why they are served cold though. We are now reviewing places we go to and/or make videos there. So, you can check out 2 videos we made at Chikachino: Kavita reviews Chicachino, F-11 and Should kids be allowed to drink tea? Kavita never really answers the main question of Should kids be allowed to drink tea and avoids the issue completely.
Kavita and I delved into a lengthy argument before setting off.
The cable guys who have been digging up the whole city, without visible permits,
warning signs or any display of professionalism. Love how this city is managed.
This is Major Road , towards F-11 Markaz. The photo doesn't do justice but the horizon
was just a glow with the most glorious evening sunshine. Magical gold dust.
We have constant 'other peoples' perfectly manicured gardens' envy.
And this corner has been like this for the longest time.
I love this frangipani and cactus plant . In the night, they look so freaky cool.
These are opposite Silk Bank, next to Standard Chartered.
I don't know why Olympus Mall never took off but it has become coffeehouse central.
It has Burning Brownie and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. And, behind it there are more coffeeshops all in a row.
Kavita reviewed Chickachino
The digging up has happened all over the place, in Markaz, streets, sidewalks, front lawns. Sick.
Favourite section of the supermarket
