Salut!

We went to this really chic restaurant for dinner. There was a live band playing a lot of classic Cape Verdean tunes. Our lone Cape Verdean quipped that the music was from his parent's generation. I loved it. Aside from food, music is one of my favorite introductions to other cultures.

Happy Holidays

Holy Crap, I'm going to West Africa!!

Hello again,
My biggest concerns were over what to pack and what I was going to eat. Hello! Unless you're new to Mai Musings, you already know that my biggest, almost daily concerns are what I'm going to eat, and what I'm going to wear. Yes, shallow I know but we all have our vices and mine are pretty harmless, for now. The clothing concerns surrounded both the weather and the culture of Senegal and the different regions that we would visit. Although Dakar, the capital is a major bustling city; Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. I worried that I didn't own anything that was conservative, cute and comfortable. I didn't want to offend anyone's sensibilities but at the same time I didn't want to wear an overgarment/hijab/abaya/chador/burqa/jilbab just to travel without fear of harassment. This may sound silly to those who are familiar with Senegal, but as someone who didn't know more than 6 facts about Senegal. Yes, I counted. It really is 6:

1. They have a lake where the water is pink; Le Lac Rose
2. Dakar is the capital
3. It's in West Africa
4. French is the official language
5. It's a predominately Muslim country
6. Wolof is both an ethnic group (one of the largest I believe) and a language

My second concern was over food. I've eaten Senegalese food twice, count them 1 & 2. Once from a coworker's wife. I remember the meat being delicious and I attributed it not to the spices she used, but to it's halal state. Sidebar; when I become rich and famous am financially able I am going to only purchase halal/kosher meat. It is just so delicious. My second foray into Senegalese food was at a Senegalese restaurant in Boston, called Teranga, it wasn't the most pleasant. Although it's been almost two years, I distinctly remember not liking the flavors that assaulted my tongue. So back to the present day, can you understand my concerns? Thank goodness, the third time was really the charm. Stay tuned to see all of the delicious treats that tantalized my appetite for two weeks.

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.

Pa fwa mwen santi 'm aneve

Sometimes I find myself being Haiti's defender, particularly when in contact with Whites.  Regardless of how long they've been in the country, I still feel like I'm more of an insider than they are especially in regards to relating with the people.  I think it's because I'm Haitian by blood and birth.  That connects me to the land and the people more than a little blue booklet.   I know that we as people tend to prejudge and make a lot of generalizations, but for some reason that bothers me when those generalizations and prejudices are about Haitian culture, and her people.  It is especially difficult when these generalizations or stereotypes are coming from people who are currently living and working in Haiti.  It's weird being in my shoes, because although I'm very American in Haiti; I identify with Haitians when interacting with Whites.  Until I open my mouth they've already lumped me in with Haitians anyways; so why should I try to identify with them?

Vinn Manje Vandredi

Hi all,
I don't have a personal recipe for Vinn Manje Vandredi today.  Instead, I am posting a link to a blog that I've just stumbled upon.  It has really great recipes, and the accompanying stories are really good too.  Check out Cooking With Madame Sara.  This recipe is for Mayi ak Fey (Cornmeal and spinach).  I love mayi ak fey, especially with mori (pollock in sauce).  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Music Tuesdays

Hi all,

Today is Music Tuesday.  I will discuss a Haitian artist, band or genre, that I am really into and want to share.  You can all suggest music as well.  I always enjoy 'discovering' a new to me artist or song.  I will attempt to cover all genres.  

Today, I want to highlight a genre of Haitian music, souk.  Zouk, like Kompa is a relatively popular genre of music in Haiti.  Zouk is also very popular in Francophone Africa, and the Francophone West Indies, France and in the Cape Verde, known as Cabo Zouk.   Click on the song title, and you will be taken to the video on Youtube.

Vinn Manje Vandredi

Hi all, as is tradition; today is Vinn Manje Vandredi.  I will highlight a haitian dish/meal, along with general directions and pictures on how to make the dish.  I hope you enjoy.  Please feel free to share any of your favorite recipes as well.

Mizik Madi

Hi all,

Today is Music Tuesday.  I will discuss a Haitian artist or band, that I am really into and want to share.  You can all suggest music as well.  I always enjoy 'discovering' a new to me artist or song.  I will attempt to cover all genres.  

Today, I want to highlight a really great yet underrated singer, Jean Bernard Thomas.  He has a very soulful voice, and his songs and style is unlike many other Haitian artists.  His debut cd is called Ayiti Thomas.  There are two really hot songs that I have been enjoying since hearing the cd.  Click on the song title, and you will be taken to the video on Youtube.

Vinn Manje Vandredi

Hi all,
Per usual, Fridays is Come Eat Fridays.  I will share a Haitian dish and the general recipe and process to cook it.  Today's dish is Salad Kenskof.  It is a very simple yet filling meal.  Quick and easy peasy.

You will need potatoes, carrots, onions, crescents, cabbage, condensed milk, butter, salt, garlic, black pepper, 1/3 vinegar, mayonnaise, red peppers, scotch bonnet peppers

Kijan Pou'm Abiye? Update

Yea, remember when I wrote the post about being unsure how to dress?  Well ladies and gentlemen, life has a way of working these problems out for you.  I will be dressed like I do normally in the US (shorts, and summer dresses).  The only time that I will wear my "work" clothes, are when I have to go somewhere "important" or if I have an appointment.  This is what I wore today.

No real work today, aside from chatting with the two main girls who will be staying here longterm about what my role will be and can be, and setting down some rules.

Mizik Madi

Hi all,
In keeping with tradition.  Today is Music Tuesdays, where I will highlight a Haitian artist, band or song.  I will attempt to cover all genres.  Feel free to suggest any songs or artist that you would like to learn more about.  I love discovering new to me music.

Vinn Manje Vandredi

Hi again,
In keeping with specific topics on particular days, I am designating Fridays as Come Eat Fridays!  Yummy yummy.  I love to eat!  It is amongst my top three favorite activities.  I particularly love Haitian food. On Fridays, I will share a Haitian dish with you, accompanied by pictures, and general directions on how to make said dish, and I will also post a link to a wonderful site that has a plethora of in depth recipes. 

Today I want to share with you, the deliciousness that is fried plantain and chicken.  Some might ask what is decidedly Haitian about this dish.  My response is always: "It is a Haitian dish because of the seasonings, and how it is prepared."  

Gason Ayisyen

If I had $100 dollars for every time a Haitian woman complained to me about how she hates Haitian men and refuses to date them, I would be pretty well off.  The word around town is that Haitian men are inconsiderate, unfaithful, ungrateful, expect to be treated like a king when they are really paupers, and the list goes on.  I have heard so many stories about how horrible Haitian men are, that I'm surprised I still date them (I jest).  It never made sense to me though, why all Haitian men were lumped together to be held accountable for the actions of their fellow countrymen.  I don't like to generalize too much, and when I do, it's done half jokingly, because I have not encountered everyone in that group in order for the generalization to hold water.  I think that all men act (insert list of grievances), to their respective partners; regardless of their ethnicity.

Vinn Manje Vandredi

Hi again,
In keeping with specific topics on particular days, I am designating Fridays as Come Eat Fridays!  Yummy yummy.  I love to eat!  It is amongst my top three favorite activities.  I particularly love Haitian food.

On Fridays, I will share a Haitian dish with you, accompanied by pictures, and general directions on how to make said dish, and I will also post a link to a wonderful site that has a plethora of in depth recipes.  A lot of people, Haitian Americans included think that all Haitians eat is rice accompanied by a meat dish.  That is a fallacy fair friends.  I think many people, particularly busy professionals who are managing a household and a full time job maybe two, get stuck in a rut.  Therefore they stick to the tried and true, rice and beans.  There are so many delicious root vegetables, grains, and animals in Haiti, that there is no reason to eat the same predictable boring meal.  So I invite you to vinn manje ave m (come eat with me)!

Mizik Madi

I'd like to start posting about specific topics on specific days.  So I'll start today off as Music Tuesdays.  I'm going to highlight a Haitian band or song that I'm really into and want to share.  You all can suggest music as well.  I always enjoy 'discovering' a new to me artist or song.  I will attempt to cover all genres.

Kijan Pou'm Abiye?

Hi, I hope you all are doing well.
Throughout my time planning for my trip to Haiti, one issue that has consistently come up for me, is my wardrobe.  I have no idea what kinds of clothes to bring for when I'm on the clock.  I've primarily worked in daycare, after school and office settings.  Although my last job was an extremely casual environment, I dressed pretty business casual.  I was always the most dressed up.  That is just my thing, I mean I have a fashion blog for goodness sake.  Maybe it's also a Haitian (or immigrant) thing, because Haitians are always notoriously overdressed.

Ayiti P'am

Hi everyone!
While brainstorming post topics, I realized there was nothing pressing that I wanted to address. So if you don't mind, I put together some pictures from my numerous trips to Haiti. These pics are a glimpse into the Haiti that I know and love. Hope you enjoy. I love your comments, so let me know what you think or if you have any memories of Ayiti cherie.

Eske atizana ayisyen se atizana vre?

Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved the arts. I love music, paintings, poems and the theater. However, I've grown to realize that not everyone's art is represented, and not all art is considered art. In the case of Haiti, I've seen people describe her art as "primitive" or "naive" which to me implies that Haitian art is fixed/stagnant and that there will not be any growth or movements to inspire a new wave of painting or the ingenuity to work with different mediums.

*Updated---> Pale Franse pa di lespri pou sa

I'm part of several social networks, including Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook, I'm a member of a Haitian Facebook group. A couple days ago, I suggested that if people are posting documents in French or Kreyol, that they should also provide an English translation or a link for people to translate it themselves. I surprisingly received mixed reactions. Below are screenshots of the convo. That post is what brought today's topic to mind.

 French was the primary and only official language in Haiti for a very long time. However there was a movement to recognize Kreyol as an official language as well, partly because the majority of the population does not read, speak or write French. Kreyol was legally recognized as an official language in 1987. French is the language of instruction in Haitian schools however I think there is often a disconnect because most students are not using the language in their home lives.

Poto Mitan

*Pic taken from Google