Patido's: In Location

We decide to go to Patido’s while in New Brighton, a township in Port Elizabeth. It isn’t a surprise since we always end up there at some point. It is a very festive and vibrant place. The first time I drove by I loved it immediately. It always has loud music blaring out of the speakers and you can count on this place to have good energy any day of the week. During the weekends people spill into the streets. They dance and jive to music blaring from Patido’s or from a car. A couple of street vendors call this place home and one can expect to get deliciously braai’d meat for a few rands at any hour of the night. It’s the kind of place I love to go. But coming to a place like this in location (which means in the township) has its price, too.

But I know the drill. Peruse the street until a parking spot opens that is close enough to the joint so that it can be checked on regularly. Get out of the car- all at the same time. Head in and immediately find a table. All the tables are wooden with bench seats. If one isn’t available, which is often the case, we’ll find one with one square inch of it isn’t being used and establish home base there. I always have to have a seat, though. The best tables are corner tables because they have two walls on either side. I always have to get in first, so I’m against the wall and facing the exit. One or more of the guys sits next to me and then others will sit facing me. All for security reasons.

Going to the bathroom is the worst. For what ever reason I am usually with all guys, who clearly have no clear understanding of the time it takes to use the restroom in a busy, public place. African bars and America bars have at least one thing in common: long lines to the women’s restroom. Can somebody PLEASE solve this international crisis! My journey to the restroom is usually an ordeal. It often requires an escort, which I’m not real fond of. If people are feeling secure, and the beer has properly loosened up their anxieties, then I go alone. The unfortunate case is when one of them pushes through the line of women (who already look at me suspiciously) calling my name to make sure I’m still there. “Yep! I’m still here!” Reddened in the face I usually try to say something quickly to my cohorts in the bathroom like: “they worry too much”. But I don’t dare say more or my accent gives too much away.

I have never felt unsafe while at Patido's. The worst I have ever encountered are some drunk guys trying to pick up on me. If they are being rude, it is usually in their mother-tongue-- so I don't really understand it anyway! I don't want to underestimate the importance of being safe in a country like South Africa, but honestly, I think I'd be in more danger at the Buckaroo!

However, all the while I remain in the inside of the fortress of African’s shielding me from any potential wrong-doers. I’m never really thrilled with the assigned seating or the bathroom check-in’s, but I’m appreciative of them for ensuring that my experience is always a positive one.