I love age old traditions that are
rich in culture and designed to bring people together. I particularly enjoy
those that are grounded in the ‘breaking of bread’ (which basically means
anything that involves food! Lol!). Hang on I have a reason beyond gluttony for
this preference, food and drink are basic needs but soul food goes that one
step further to warming the heart while nourishing the body and all the more so
if shared with others.
Being from the African continent I can
identify a few “food focused” traditions that are inspired from this premise,
the Braai (BBQ) being one of the most important (because meat is a critical
element to soul food if you are African!). There is nothing like laughs shared
around an open fire be it at the Gotch Gotch spot or a posh upmarket venue to
bring people closer together. And whilst I am a firm meat loving African, I have
to say that my travels across Europe have inspired me to appreciate a different
kind of ‘food focused” tradition, if you are English you would call it High Tea but if you are from mainland
Europe you would call it FIKA! The subtle difference between the two is that Fika needs no occasion, it can happen at any time anywhere just add coffee and something sweet if you have a sweet tooth!
I first had Fika in 2015 as I
travelled in Europe and met some awesome Swedes... "Fika is considered a social
institution in Sweden” the idea of dropping whatever you are doing (including
switching off your technology) in order to have a coffee with a colleague or a
friend, even family – Giving and getting that affirmation of attention and time
investment, its priceless.
I prefer the concept of Fika to that of the English
High Tea because the former suggests no pomp and ceremony, no overproduction
and status, simply the act of togetherness and genuine and honest
interaction.
A reminder that life is indeed time and time well spent is time
invested in others, those you love being at the top of that list….
Let’s share Fika sometime…sometime soon…
