Golden oldies, a must when in Arua

Many of us with regular 8-5 workdays (sometimes longer depending on what one does) need a little breathing room out of 'that box' called an office. It may be a spacious corner office with two 'bus-sized' French windows, but every now and then some of us need to get out and breath or taste the sanity (or insanity, which ever way you look at it) that is outside of the grind of the workplace - just to let loose or unwind!

I know of quite a few people whose preferred unwinding technique is to pick up a good book and read it from cover-to-cover. Others prefer to lace up their running shoes and simply pound the road (actually, this is recommended for the able-bodied for it has many physiological and health benefits). Some will unwind with music. They will play their favorite selections from CDs, phones, ipods and of course tapes (yes, those 'Side A and Side B' things still do exist in these parts, even in this dotage!). And then some, myself included, like some of both music and sports.

Arua, the town, is quite a unique place. It has a blend of people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, and not to miss a beat, Uganda - oh well, East Africa! I'm sure there are people from the other AU and UN nations as well. In short, Arua is a melting pot of sorts. And believe it or not there is a place for each and every folk in Arua to go and unwind, irrespective of their tastes, likes and preferences. There is certainly a niche for the noise lover, quiet lover (noise hater) and the in-between to hang out.

As for me, I'm an in-between kind of guy, leaning towards the quiet. I found the perfect niche that suits my senses not far from my place of abode. The place is called Heritage Courts, located in Anyafio adjacent to West Nile Golf Club. It is reasonably large with a spacious dinning room, exquisite lawn, two gazebo-styled shades, and one large mini conference-sized balcony. The place has multiple large flat screen televisions for sports fans and news fans alike. However, what takes me there is their live band, the Flamingo Band, that plays on weekends (Fridays-Sundays). Flamingo Band's specialty is the oldies, the sweet golden oldies! Amilo (Tabu Ley), Mario, Transpolo (Franco), De Mi Amour (Franco and Madilu), Frere Edourd, Fanta Rumba (Madilu) - remember those? These and similar hits help me unwind especially after a long week (by the way, each of them can take you on a 10-km ride when on the road - they are great for long distance trips). Did I mention that the core of the band is Congolaise? They know how to string their stuff, literally! 

As far as recommendations go, I would definitely recommend Heritage Courts to those oldies lovers who ever venture to Arua. I must add, I discovered this place with a very special lady who makes my heart beat and my globe rotate! This has become our place and our band. 

Ah, oldies never get old!

The entrance to Heritage Courts. Great avenue that is welcoming!

A portion of the garden with the performing stage in the background.

The Flamingo Band performing on stage.

A close-up of some of the band's members.