Nostalgia

I was strolling along First Street, Harare CBD the other day and I couldn’t help but be overcome by a sudden surge of nostalgia. I recall being woken up early on Saturday mornings by my mother when I was about 7 or 8 years old to get ready to go to town. We would then drive into town and park along Jason Moyo street, opposite Africa Unity Square where there was a colourful display of a diverse array of flowers on sale. This display always mesmerized me as if it were my first time seeing it. In my childlike mind at the time, that was probably one of the most beautiful things I had seen. The vibrant hues of the flowers on display always lit up my face. Even now as an adult, flowers bring me a kind of joy I can’t quite explain.

We would then walk towards First Street, arm in arm, and enter Barbours Departmental Store (now Galaxy Mall) Little tables, stalls and booths now line the various floors filled with different wares on sale from clothing to food – a stark contrast to what the luxurious store was once known for.

I remember vividly how the ground floor featured a line-up of gift ideas on display, ranging from chocolates to perfumes. Well-dressed and friendly shop attendants stood at various stations eagerly waiting to assist. There were elevators providing access to the different floors and inside each elevator stood a smartly dressed gentleman who would announce the arrival at each floor and the items available there. I recall that one floor was dedicated to school uniforms, another to clothing, yet another to kitchenware/household items and another to children’s toys.

Most of the time, my mother would indulge me and we would window-shop on the different floors. On good days she would buy me something. Our main reason for going there was actually to have breakfast or brunch. I can’t quite remember the exact floor but I do remember that there were different sections- a fancy restaurant set-up, an American style diner and an outdoor sitting area which was my personal favourite.

The menu items were tantalizing, ranging from English breakfasts to pastries to cakes and hearty meals- one was really spoiled for choice. My mother gave me free rein to choose what I wanted to eat. Looking back, I realise now that experiences like that nurtured my decisiveness and eagerness to try out new things without any fear. She really enjoyed their chocolate cake.

Tables and chairs were set up by the balcony, and the decor mimicked that of a serene garden space. A lot of my Saturday mornings were spent in that tranquil environment; the gentle breeze of fresh air on our faces, the soft murmur of voices engaged in various conversations, and the strong scent of coffee and food all contributed to a memorable experience still etched in my mind 20 years later, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia each time I think back to that period. This is why, out of all the changes which have taken place in the CBD, this one seems the most dramatic to me and my mind still can’t fathom it. Of course, change is inevitable, but as humans, we sometimes try to hold on to certain things.

I also recall that during the festive season, ‘Santa would come into town,’ and the mayor would switch on the Christmas lights, officially marking the start of the festivities. This event would take place at Greatermans Departmental Store (now Pick n Pay), which was part of the same chain as Barbours. After the event, Santa would be in the store every day until the end of the festive season. He or she would sit in a photo booth surrounded by wrapped boxes mimicking gifts, with a Christmas tree nearby full of decorations. My mother always made sure I got a picture taken with Santa each year, and I still have those treasured photos to this day.

Those born a couple of years after me will never know that the CBD once had places like that. As an introvert, it irks me that there are hardly any quiet places one can enjoy some alone time, over a cup of coffee, even just for an hour during lunch break. The hustle and bustle seems to be everywhere.

I could go on and on about the changes that have taken place over time but they never cease to amaze me. All that’s left are memories of what the Sunshine City once was.