Sundowners, Books, and a Party

We will be hosting a party at Ike's bookstore in Durban to celebrate our matrimonials in South Africa. Ike's is on the second floor of a two-story colonial building, with shelves of books all over, books laid out on tables, many old and rare, especially from/about countries and lands in Africa. It's not packed with serpentine towers of books facing you at every step, like bookstores in Mumbai or Delhi, but has broad walkways and much mulling space between bookcases. There's a little room off the main one, with a lovely old table and nicer bookshelves with some of the more precious finds. But the best part is stepping out of the large french doors onto the balcony that encircles the store. There, there's ample room for a sofa, chairs, table - calling out for marrying the cocktail hour with a good sunset, conversation or perhaps that simplest of pleasures - reading a good book. Very civilized. Ike's is now owned by Vishnu Padayachee, professor and head of the school of development studies at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, influencer of South African national finance, and all around rennaissance man, with an ability to combine social analysis with a subject even dryer ... cricket. He and his co-owner bought the bookstore from Ike when he was forced to sell it. In this way, they've done a national service, and given us a place for a party. We all shared a drink on the balcony the first time I was in Durban, and indeed considered the option, even then, of hosting our reception at Ike's. I was elated then - and am elated now - at the prospect. More on Ike