Dinner and a Dance

In the United States the term dinner and a dance would mean something different than our experiences last night at the Marist International Center (MIC).  Here the food and festivities were distinctively African.

After a tour of the MIC - the formation center and university for young, African Brothers - we were ushered into the gathering space by Nigerian dancers - and invited to dance, as well.  During the opening remarks we were told that this dance is one used to greet a king.  In true Marist hospitality, we were treated like kings and queens.  A program of traditional dances from several African countries was followed by a feast complete with meat on a spit and a variety of dishes representing the continent - and a lot more singing and dancing.  And this wasn't the official welcome - that comes tomorrow! 

Here are a few pictures to help you to visualize the events...