I think the idea is that there is a lot of space (and I mean a lot) in the middle so that people can dance. So they like to set up the sitting arrangement in a large square. Despite the fact that we host the parties, the national staff likes to organize it. I’ve been here for one month and I’ve been to two parties already.

Not too long ago, one lab tech came into work in one of these pieces: white with red roses all over – top to bottom. Not only can they be very bright (or very pink), but also very flowery. But what really stands out is the pattern on these pieces. I must say very similar to pajama pieces. As for the men in traditional wear, it comes in this combination shirts-pants thing. The colors of these outfits are often quite bright. The style usually rests upon the top piece but at times, the bottom piece is a true skirt (rather than a piece of material). The ladies often wear a “panne”, which is basically a piece of material wrapped around as a skirt (but wrapped like a bath towel), with a matching top. Then there is the traditional Congolese wear, which varies as well. What actually is more common are the random pants and shirts, marketing for L’Oreal or Lexmark, tattered and worn out usually. I must admit it does seem a little odd, since all these people are better dressed than you are (and smell better than you do). However, I must say, these people are mostly from the city working in the village. Track pants, Nike hats, Puma shoes, you name it. You will see people in the latest footwear (at times covered in mud), ladies with very fashionable purses, wearing very nice perfume. You’d think people living in villages would be wearing “village” clothes (whatever that may be) but not necessarily. The clothing on people that you come across really does vary.

Pikka in english