Nairobi, Jan. 6 -- The new-ish Gastro Bar in Westlands is a decor porn, no doubt. It's a bar that begs to be photographed.

It's breathless in its beauty, yes, but beauty fades. It becomes commonplace. You are no longer wowed by it at some point. Besides, the most beautiful bars have yet to be built.

But what remains after the bar's beauty has faded is the software of the bar. What's your bar's soul? What is left when it no longer glitters?

For me, it's always the barmen. Or the waitresses. Or the music.

Enter Suji, the barman. I first met Suji when he was working at Beit El Selam as a barman. He stood out because he was dutiful and very warm and friendly.

I told him I have a cousin called Suji who plays football. "I also played footb...