Party On

My party in Mylomin at the weekend went well.  Some photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30047150@N02/ About 1 km from Abi Adi, it would probably be described as a hamlet in the UK.  However, when anyone refers to the place here, they are always talking about the bar.  I am not exaggerating when I call the setting "paradise".  The sort of place that in different circumstances could bring in huge amounts of money.  There is no need for a hotel even though the structure exists.  Anyway, I believe that is my Western head talking.  Everybody here just appreciates the place for what it is. 

 

The party was attended by a few volunteers and many colleagues.  I spent the morning buying vegetables, beer and purchasing a goat for slaughter (more later).  With the one local mini-taxi hired, tables and chairs ready organised and the bonfire built – everything was set.  It is traditional for all the chairs to be arranged into a circle like a large AA meeting.  Although reserved at first; it does not take long for the beer to be drunk, the goat meat to be cooked and faces to be stuffed; before the dancing begins.

 

Dancing here is an art form.  Every region (sometimes each village) has their own style.  Most northern versions resemble a group of chickens strutting their stuff.  Anyone wishing to replicate should, place both hands on their hips; and with their back straight and from the waist down, bounce up and down, while shaking their shoulders about (see photo 3). This transcends the Indian dance for anyone lucky enough to witness.  All participants then circulate, which is occasionally interspersed by an exuberant member who wishes to show why he is the best dancer.

 

The other format that is saved for elongated songs consists of a man and woman in the centre.  The man's duty being to dance around and entice the woman I guess, while she folds her arms and looks unimpressed.  This is followed at random intervals by another man stepping up to have a go.  With dutiful respect the first dancer sits down and provides the new contender an opportunity. (see photo 4 for a fine example from Kashau)

 

All in all, a fun evening

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