Foot Meet Mouth

We didn't sleep because we had to leave the hostel at 4am. Our flight was super late and I was so tired. While at the Nelson Mandela Airport, speaking of which, my idea of Cape Verde has improved because of this homage to Mandela. I'm used to Cape Verdeans not acknowledging/embracing their Africanness. It was so awesome seeing the Senegalese men in the TCAV airport. I am in love with their traditional garb called boubou, especially the grand boubou. I just think it looks so regal and refined. 

So I made a major faux pas while waiting for our flight. I saw a young lady in the bathroom and I congratulated her. She said "Oh for what?' I said 'Your pregnancy". Wonder what her response was? Say it with me class. "Um I'm not pregnant". Cue to me stuttering and making a hasty exit out of the bathroom. Keep in mind this conversation is in French so it was even harsher. Leave it to me to put my sassy size seven and a half foot in my mouth.

Authenticity

We went to a hole in the wall restaurant to eat authentic Cape Verdean food. It took us over 20 minutes to find the restaurant. We walked by it several times, but when we finally made it we were psyched. The food took so long to come out, which my I'mHaitianandthereforeusedtospendinganexorbitantamounoftimewaitingforfoodsothat'snormal. 

Fresh from the sea

Seeing Santiago

We drove around the town of Santiago and also stopped to visit Sidadi Velha, a former slave market.

I am always oddly fascinated by cacti, I'm not sure why

Forgive Me Father For I Am In Awe

I am simply awestruck by Praia. I can't say that I had any real preconceived notions of how Cape Verde would look, but I did have some coworkers/friends who told me that it was dirty. I always try not to let the experience/ideas/opinions of others color my views but I'm sure they crept in like a thief in the night anyway. Take a looksey at the wonderful sights.

Man Can Not Live on Bread Alone

We went to a bakery down the block from our hostel. Local cuisine is always a plus for me. Cape Verdean bread reminds me of Dominican bread. I had a flaky pastry that had chicken and cheese with fresh squeezed orange juice. Tropican-who? 

I am a huge flour fan. Bagels, baguette, croissants, muffins and rolls. The more gluten the better. 

This looks like a Haitian chicken patty. Different flavor but tasty nonetheless.

I told y'all about my love for flour products. I had to get some more bread to satiate my appetite.

Wait, Why Are You Going To West Africa?

Hiya,
So as you may have already read from my previous post, I'm going to Senegal, by way of Cape Verde. I have been interested in Africa, specifically West Africa for many years. The first country that I really wanted to visit was Ghana. Then I became interested in Benin, because of the connection with Haitians. Most slaves that became known as Haitians were purchased in Benin. I've been told that many of our traditions, particularly our Vodoun practices are derivatives of Beninese vodoun culture. There's also a town in Benin called Ayitine (sp?) which some believe is why Haiti claims that name. I was determined to make it to Africa, it was just a matter of picking a specific country and going with a specific purpose. I figured a francophone country would be the best introduction as I have a francophone background (Haiti is a former French colony), and I reasoned that it would be a great way for me to be forced to practice my elementary French. When I realized that the African Studies department at UMass Boston was hosting a two part conference in Cape Verde and Senegal, I knew that it was now or never. The conference in Senegal was on Leopold Senghor and his legacy. Senghor was the first president of Senegal and he was also a renowned poet. Cape Verde's conference would focus on Amilcar Cabral, a freedom fighter who led the fight to liberate his African country people from the clutches of Portuguese imperialism. Today marks the 40th anniversary of his assassination. I didn't know a thing about either man prior to the trip and I was excited and eager to learn about these two great thinkers who sacrificed so much for the betterment of their respective people and countries.