“Hotel FoEyes”

As I was saying, contrary to what people used to say (that Kigali is a very small place), Kigali is really a very big city! In spite of having always seen the sign for the FoEyes Hotel, and never having given it a second thought, this time round, I was visiting the place and not only that, I would have more fun than anyone could bargain for!Normally, people expect fun at the likes of SERENA, Milles Collines, Car wash, e.t.c but here was a jewel neatly tucked away in the sleeping suburb of Remera Bibare! Car Wash has become a ghost of its self; its glory has come to pass; maybe because the likes of the Wahomes of this region had packed up their bags and moved camp! On the approach, one is left wondering as to the reception, the road is in a poor condition, going by Kigali standards, that is not a road! We turned off at the Remera Engen Petrol Station and headed upwards as if heading to the Taxi Park, only to make a right turn; the road crosses another two roads till the junction with Mushumbamwiza road, there, youcontinue straight and make a sudden turn that leads you into what looks like a residential house. Once inside the gate, the aura totally changes. Inside the compound, there was a multitude of 4X4s parked; many have the IT, UN and foreign registration number plates. Going by the looks of the place, it is most frequented by foreigners than locals as evidenced by the abundance of Kiswahili language spoken by many of the patrons! The atmosphere is very good, no eavesdropping whatsoever, there is a huge open Bar that is comfortably furnished, you can chose to sit here all night and when the cold thinks it’s getting an upper hand on you, the hosts quickly bring in some freshly laundered wrappers to keep the cold out. The bar opens all night, it is up to you and your pocket, either your head runs out or the pocket (whichever comes first)! I decided to take Justein & Brooks (J&B ) because, this stuff does not leave one’s mouth smelling foul! By the way, just a couple of months ago, a friend of mine was stopped by the Traffic Police guys and asked to step out of the car, he was really cut, they could see it but could not prove it, they tried using their noses to see (read smell)if he had drunk but all they got was the sweet smell of J&B! That’s why I love it too! Apart from the plentiful drinks, the place has some of the best roasted goat ribs, this place leads and others follow! Let nobody think that I am trying to advertise the place, no way, these guys do not even know that, the villager dined and wined in their midst, lest they would have killed me with drinks! These days, I have learnt to visit barsincognito. I hate people trying to think that they know me so well and then they end up ruining my evening out! That is why I keep a low profile while out there; you know, celebrities like us are rare, everyone wants to make friends with us so that we cannot write objectively! That said and done, I found FoEyes a place more than what Ihad bargained for. As for Agurre, the opinion is not different; the Diaspoman has been calling me time and again demanding for an appointment to the same! Maybe we could have a sitting on Christmas Eve! mfashumwana@fastmail.fm