Life's Spice!

An exotic story

After last month’s edition, Gizelle, one of our subscribers and avid foodie, said; “Chris, all this travel and adventure is all well and good but what about the food?”

Which got me thinking about food and some of the most memorable meals I’ve had, which reminded me;

I had been seconded to Dar es Salaam to fill in for a colleague that had gone down with malaria. Not having been there before, I had a lot to absorb in those first few days. Not being able to get much information from my colleague who had since been hospitalized, I had to learn on the fly. I won’t bore you with the tiresome details of dealing with bureaucracy and governmental departments in a third world country, but my leisure experiences were rich and rewarding and weekends were my own to explore.

One acquaintance, Roland, was an old expat who had lost count of the years since he had made Tanzania his home. He was quite a unique fellow with a glass eye and only a single ear. The other having been blown off in a hunting accident.  Being an avid hunter, he loved exotic animals and kept a massive African python as a house pet that he had to ensure was kept well fed.

“What do you feed it?” I naively asked one day. “ Oh, stray dogs and goats.” He said.  He must of noticed the shiver run down my spine as he was quick to add that he’s never had a problem with theft or security at the house.  Now Roland was also a collector of precious stones and his Ruby collection alone amounted to well over two thousand carats.  His Tanzanite collection hovered around a thousand carats and he had a couple of choice Sapphires and Emeralds thrown in for good measure. I slowly began to appreciate his unusual approach to security.

His love of the exotic didn’t end there though. He was completely in love with a local Muslim beauty and was desperate to marry her. The only trouble was neither of them would convert so they were in a bit of a stalemate.

One Friday evening they picked me up and we went to an Indian restaurant in the Diplomatic quarter.  It was a non-descript building from the outside but the moment I stepped into the cool dark interior it felt like I had stepped into another universe.

The warm tropical air was heavy with the smell of exotic spices. We quickly ordered a few beers as a thirst quencher and settled down to some good conversation.

I didn’t hear the sandaled feet creep up to the table; I only became aware of the waitress when I heard a jingle of bracelets and looked up to see patterned henna hands place down a spread of exotic dishes. With a shy smile our waitress retreated and we were left with rich aroma’s steaming up from the table.

(Photo credit: Azmaan Baluck, Unsplash)

 I cautiously took a taste and something strange happened. My mouth exploded in a taste sensation that I had hitherto never experienced and just for a moment, it felt like the world was spinning twice as fast as I tried to catch up with this sensory stimulation.

I tried in vain to identify these delightful new tastes dancing on my palate but had to give up and just flow with the experience.

It was such an unexpected and surreal experience and certainly the best Indian food I’ve had despite having traveled extensively through India. Of course the mood, the company, the balmy tropical air and the freshest of spices from the Spice Island all contributed to the rich experience but I’d love to go back and experience it once more.

Perhaps I’d opt for a good glass of wine this time to compliment the curry.

Which reminds me, I have recently re-discovered Camberley wines which are out on the Helshoogte pass. This boutique estate is a gem well worth the visit and winemaker Johnny Nel will regal you with you with fascinating stories of his own.  My current favorite in the range is the Shiraz and if you order wine online now you qualify for a 20% Discount! They deliver to most countries if you aren’t local. Its also well worth booking a cellar tour and tasting when you are in the area. Best to call ahead before hand: +27 21 885 1822 or drop Johnny a mail directly john@camberly.co.za

Get your order in before Lufthansa buy up their complete stock for their first class which has happened before.

Here’s the Link to Camberley wines.

If you enjoyed this story you can help me by forwarding it on. Or you could hit the like and subscribe buttons if you haven’t already done so.  If you have friends that you feel will benefit from Camberly Wines - share the story with them too. And if you feel the need to hear a good story and do some fine wine tasting - go visit Johnny in the wine cellar. You won’t regret it.

Drop me a comment below, I’d love to hear about your experiences at Camberly.