My first time: Mami-Wata in Congo

In Congo (Brazzaville) where I come from, Mami-Wata stories are among the scariest tales. “Mami-Wata” is derived from “Mummy water” which is a direct description of a “mermaid”. In other words, mami-wata means “mermaid”. So, Mami-Wata is one of the most famous restaurants in Brazzaville right by the Congo River 15 minutes away from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I have always believed that the two countries probably share the same name due to the river between us. The Mami-Wata restaurant looks to DRC – Kinshasa. When in Brazzaville and at the restaurant, if you are keen enough, you can see cars in DRC. It is that close.

I took a break from work this month and because I am spending the time in Congo, I wanted to go to this restaurant. Ever since I was about 10 years old, it has always been “the reference” to Congo Brazzaville. Brazzaville has a strange obsession with mermaids, the airport is a famous mermaid’s name. Maya-Maya. Legends say she was a mermaid royalty. In Pointe-Noire the economic city, people have testified seeing mermaids at the beach. There are also countless tales about mermaids.

The food is not the best. I went there with a friend, I was not hungry, so as you can see, I ordered plantains and a glass of wine. The wine was great, the service was good, the environment is chilled and very relaxing. No wonder its a very famous restaurant. Right after you eat, you can Jet-Ski. If you don’t mind paying $270 for a one hour ride. To me, it’s ridiculous and unnecessary. Brazzaville has a strange reputation with overpricing monopoly businesses. It’s discouraging at times.

“Wine and airplanes make me happy”.

Sitting by the river, I thought of all the things I have done so far in my journey to “Things to do before I am 30”, remembered all the memories and lessons I have learned so far and those I am yet to make, one thing I am grateful for is “self-sufficiency”. With every activity, I realize how “enough” I am. If you know me on a personal level, you know I have had this burning desire to be accepted and loved. I am so much of a pleasure and a perfectionist, rejection puts me into depression. But that is changing. I look forward to the woman I will become at the end of this journey.

Brazzaville was amazing. I am off to Belgium. See you next month for another adventure article.