After a lively book club session at Club Rafiki, I needed a quiet corner to jot down the morning’s highlights—a little ritual in the Turning Pages reading program. My wheels led me straight to Torino Bar & Restaurant, on KN 168 Street.
It was early, Monday morning, and the place was almost empty. Just how I like it. I started with a sip of water while punching my keyboard, letting the words flow. When I finally got rid of my laptop, it was coffee time.
I plopped down at my usual table by the wall, facing the entrance, because yes, that’s how I like to keep an eye on the world walking by. Behind me, a counter flaunted a colorful assortment of beverages, alcoholic and otherwise, promising something for everyone. Soft ambient music curled through the space, adding a mellow soundtrack to my thoughts.
And right above my table, a buffalo head silently gazed down at me. Don’t worry, there’s nothing dramatic about it—it’s just a quirky decorative touch, perfectly captured in the photo I snapped for this story. Somehow, its presence added a playful, almost whimsical layer to the calm of the morning.
Small groups drifted in and out, grabbing a quick coffee or conducting brisk business meetings, while I lingered in my bubble of calm. It’s funny how the same space can feel completely different depending on the hour—Torino’s Monday morning mood is a gentle whisper, but come evening, it transforms into something livelier.
Amidst the hum of early risers, the scent of freshly brewed coffee, soft music, and the silent gaze of a buffalo, I found the perfect pocket of peace to reflect, write, and savor a little morning magic in Nyamirambo.