April 30 - May 30, 2010

This month I:

Conducted HIV/AIDS awareness sessions, wrote a grant, and designed a website.

Went to an art show, a book launching (breadfruit recipes), and a choral speech contest.

Saw the crew of a dugout canoe paddle in from Bequia, the opening of Vincy Mas, and Parliament in action (inaction?)

Attended a funeral, a Confirmation, and Whit Monday fete.

Witnessed a stabbing, a near drowning, and corporal punishment to the excess.

Played tennis, American football, and snorkeled.

Celebrated Mother's Day, my 22nd anniversary, and Indian Arrival Day.

So this weekend... me jos lime!

Indian Arrival Day!

Was in Trinidad May 30th, a national holiday commemorating the 165th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to her shores. From 1845 to 1917, over 143,000 Indians traveled 14,000 miles to become indentured laborers. The first ship was Fath al Razak ('Victory to Allah the Sustainer'), that brought over 200 adults. Many passengers did not survive the 103 day trip, but those who did worked for about 20 cents a day in conditions akin to slavery. Their descendants trace their ancestry to Uttar Pradesh, the place of my own paternal roots.

At first I thought the idea of celebrating our enslavement was so ludicrous that I had to see it for myself. It is certainly in keeping with the stereotype that Indians celebrate everything...they say there is an Indian festival for every day of the year.

As it turns out, I enjoyed acknowledging the indelible mark that Indians have made in Trinidad, from foods like Roti and Dalpoori to the Chutney style of music.