Search Results for: Jamaica

Xaymaca is what the indigenous, Taino, called their island. In their native language, called Arawak, it means, “The Land of Wood and Water” or “Many Springs.” Christopher Columbus discovered the island on his second voyage to the New World. He landed there on May 5, 1494 and Jamaica remained under Spanish rule until 1655. By the 1600s, the Spaniards managed to wipe out the Taino population through slavery, and disease. As a result, the Spanish then transported enslaved, West Africans to the islands to work the fields.

Christopher Columbus spent nearly a whole year on Jamaica after his ships were damaged by wormwood (which is actually a wood eating, saltwater clam), in mid-1503. While he was stranded, the Taino stopped giving him and his crew supplies, as they were torturing and pillaging the Taino people and the land. Columbus, being the navigator he was, had heard about a German astronomer, named Regiomontanus, who predicted that a full lunar eclipse would occur on February 29, 1504. He told the Taino that he would remove the moon and not return it until they gave him the supplies he needed. Needless to say, the plot worked, the moon went away and the Taino offered them whatever they needed to get the moon back. Forty eight minutes later he agreed, and the moon reappeared. From then on, he had all the supplies he needed until he was picked up by the caravel from Hispaniola, on June 29, 1504.

In 1655, the English invaded Jamaica, defeating the Spanish colonists. However, the African slaves seized the opportunity and fled to the island’s interior, forming independent communities, known as the Maroons. The English built a settlement at Port Royal, which became a base of operations for pirates and privateers. In the 18th century, sugarcane replaced piracy as Jamaica’s primary source of income and the English brought in hundreds of thousands more African slaves to work the plantations. By 1800, black Jamaicans outnumbered whites by twenty to one. When the price of sugar dropped, it was replaced as the leading export by bananas and coffee. After the emancipation of slaves in 1834, the plantations were worked by indentured Indian and Chinese workers. British rule lasted until their independence in 1962 but there were numerous, bloody uprisings throughout this period. Jamaica joined the Commonwealth of Nations, an organization of ex-British territories and continues to be, what is called a Commonwealth Realm, with the British Monarch as Queen of Jamaica and Head of State. Kingston became the capital city in 1872 and remains so today.

Jamaica is one of the islands known as the Greater Antilles, located 90 miles south of Cuba, and 100 miles west of Haiti, in the Caribbean. The island is made up of coastal lowlands, limestone plateaus and the beautiful Blue Mountains, in the east. The mountains get their name from the azure haze that settles around its peaks. Jamaica is known for its stunningly beautiful, white sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Although, many people say that if you never leave the all-inclusive resort, you have not really visited Jamaica. Still, Jamaica’s tourism industry thrives and she hosts numerous cruise ships from many ports of call.

Jamaica beckons to be explored: she offers incredible diving in the crystal clear, turquoise ocean, hiking the pristine plateaus and mountains replete with water falls, tropical foliage and wildlife, rafting through breathtaking rapids or floating along enchanting lagoons and discovering her underground caves, sink holes and underground rivers. Tourism accounts for thirty percent of Jamaica’s GDP. Some say the all-inclusive beach resorts hurt the locals who call Jamaica home. In Jamaica, outsiders can own the beach along with the property, stripping the land from its people. Efforts are being made to protect marine life, which seems like a noble cause, however, it forces the locals to go out further to reach the local catch, requiring more fuel, time and money. Jamaica has its challenges with high unemployment, poverty and a reputation for violent crime and drug trafficking, which is why the tourists are asked not to leave the resorts. If you do wander from the resorts, women will often be bombarded by merchants wanting to braid their hair into cornrows, as was popularized by Bo Derek, in the movie “Ten”. And you will often hear the locals say, “Yeah mon, no problem” in their kicked back Jamaican style, in response to almost any request.

The famous novelist, Ian Fleming, had a beautiful five bedroom villa in Oracabessa that he named “The Golden Eye.” All fourteen of his “James Bond” books were said to have been written there. Today his home is part of a place for tourists to enjoy. The resort is now owned by Chris Blackwell, who was founder of Island Records and who brought the spiritual sounds of Bob Marley’s reggae to the rest of the world. Bob Marley’s music resonated with humanity, as it identified oppressors and stirred social change, while allowing listeners to escape their troubles and sway to its rhythmic beat. After Marley’s death in 1981, he was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. His 1977 album, “Exodus” was named “album of the century” by Time magazine. He was bestowed the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Bob Marley’s music was rooted in his Rastafarian beliefs and he was known for smoking marijuana or “herb”, as it is called in Rasta culture. He was a believer of the herb’s medicinal, meditational and spiritual abilities. He once said “Rum, teach you to be a drunkard, and herb, teach you to be someone.” Bob Marley will forever be a Jamaican cultural icon. The Bob Marley museum is located in the capital city of Kingston.

Jamaica was made famous on the world stage with its showing at the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. There, the Jamaican Bobsled Team competed against all odds in the Olympics. This was quite extraordinary for a team from the tropics who had never seen snow, let alone a bobsled. Since then, they have qualified multiple times in the Winter Olympics and were the inspiration for the movie about the trials and tribulations of the team, called “Cool Runnings". Then there is Usain Bolt AKA Lightening Bolt, a Jamaican sprinter regarded as the fastest person ever timed.

The small island of Jamaica is home to nearly 2.8 million people. The majority, about 80 percent, is overwhelmingly from African descent; many from the Akan tribe from Ghana and the Igbo from Nigeria. The balance of the population is Afro-European, East Indian, Caucasian and Chinese. The official language is English, however, it is a unique, creole dialect, called Patois.

Religion is an important part of life for Jamaicans. More than 80 percent are Christians, practicing all forms of Christianity. There are also Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Bahai religions represented. A very small percentage of the population is Rastafarian. According to the Rastafarian belief, the only true God is the late Ethiopian emperor, Haile Selassie and Ethiopia is the true holy land. Rastafarians are known for wearing their hair in dreadlocks, having beards and carrying bibles, as a sign of a pact with God. Rastafarians place great emphasis on spirituality, meditation and the individual. Ganja or the “herb’ is used in their religious rites.

As we look into the cuisine of Jamaica, we can see it is influenced by the island itself and its rich history. It is a smorgasbord of sorts, yet there are many local ingredients that the island nation has made their own. The island’s motto is “out of many, one people” and it could be said for the food as well. They are probably most known for their fiery, hot, scotch bonnet peppers that are the key ingredient to any good “jerk” dish. Although Jamaica is famous for their jerk chicken, it is saltfish with ackee, which is considered their national dish. Typically served for breakfast, this salted, cod fish is served with a most unusual fruit, called ackee. The fruit must be handled properly or it can be toxic. It is somewhat bland, yet has a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the saltfish. This is often combined with onions and peppers and served with callaloo, (a leafy bitter green) for a memorable meal. Plantains are often fried and served as a side dish.

Another popular item, is the Jamaican patty; a street food loved all over the island. It is much like an empanada or samosa, but seasoned with the distinct flavors of Jamaican cuisine. Curried goat is also an extremely well-liked dish and rice and pigeon peas are the mainstay of the Jamaican diet. The rice is simmered in fresh coconut milk for a sweet, tropical taste. In Jamaica, tropical fruits are abundant and one is often greeted at the airport with a glass of tropical fruit juice mixed with rum (another island specialty) while reggae music plays in the background. It’s a lovely way to be welcomed to Jamaica.

Allspice, is what ultimately embodies the flavor of Jamaica. There, it is known as pimento or Jamaican pepper. The pimento tree is indigenous to the Caribbean Islands. The wood from the tree is used to slowly cook their meats and fish to give them that distinctive Jamaican flavor. The fruit (or dried, unripe berry) evokes a blend of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Allspice has a unique and unforgettable flavor.

So let’s eat Jamaican style:

The Menu
Starter
Hot Pepper Shrimp

Main
Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Served with
Jamaican Coconut Rice

Garden Salad

Dessert
Key Lime Pie

We set the table in the colors of the Jamaican flag; black, green and yellow. We put reggae music on the stereo to set the Caribbean mood. We decorated with bananas and coffee beans; two of the most important agricultural products of the island nation. Orchids were also on display, as Jamaica is home to over 400 varieties.

Our first course was a hot pepper shrimp that was light and refreshing. It was served with fresh mango slices and red onion. This dish was plated cold and dressed with a jerk marinade that added the perfect amount of spicy heat to the dish. We enjoyed it with a hibiscus, iced tea.

For the main course, we prepared their famous jerk chicken. We loved this intensely flavored but oh so tender chicken and now completely understand why Jamaicans are known for this treasure. Served with the sweet, tropical flavor of the coconut rice with peas, it was superb. Jerk chicken is made in a couple of stages and requires making a base (or jerk) before the sauce is made, after which, the chicken is marinated in it overnight. While the chicken is grilled, it is also basted with the sauce, which is then placed as a condiment on the table. The base was what was used in the dressing for the appetizer course as well. (I love it when you can use a recipe for a number of different applications.) I can see many wonderful uses for the base called “jerk”.

The chicken and rice were accompanied by what is known as a garden salad but it contains cabbage and carrots, as opposed to the usual lettuce. This was a lovely complement, typically served with Thousand Island dressing.

For dessert, we enjoyed key lime pie, which had a ginger snap crust and was decorated like the Jamaican flag, using bananas and chocolate on the lime green pie. We savored the dessert with a rich cup of Jamaican coffee from the Blue Mountains. Some say it is the best coffee in the world. I am not enough of a coffee connoisseur to answer that question, but it was delicious!
As we say goodbye to Jamaica, I leave you with a verse from Bob Marley’s song called “One Love” His song was named “Song of the Millennium” by the BBC.

One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
Hear the children cryin (one love)
Hear the children cryin (one heart)
Sayin, “Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right”
Sayin “Let’s get together and feel all right.”

Until next time,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

How did Trinidad and Tobago get its name?

Christopher Columbus gets the credit for naming Trinidad, calling it, "La Isla de la Trinidad" ("The Island of the Trinity "). Previously, it was believed to be called “Lere,” meaning, “Land of the Hummingbird” named by the Arawaks, an Amerindian people who inhabited the islands long ago.  They are home to 17 different varieties of hummingbirds.

Tobago, on the other hand, was named after “tobacco” either for its shape or because they grow it there.  

Where are Trinidad and Tobago islands located?

Trinidad is located just 6.8 miles off the northeastern coast of Venezuela and is the largest of the two-island nation.  Tobago lies about 35 miles off the northeast of Trinidad.  They are the furthest, southeastern islands in the Caribbean Sea.  They share maritime borders with Barbados, Grenada, Guyana and Venezuela.

The capital city is Port of Spain, on Trinidad, however, the largest city is San Fernando.

Trinidad has three, large mountain ranges, which is why Columbus most likely named it, “The island of Trinity.”  The islands have several small rivers, streams, waterfalls and beautiful coastlines replete with bays, and beaches.

Trinidad and Tobago are an eco-tourism dream.  On the south of little Tobago there is a popular dive spot called the Kelleston Drain, that houses the largest brain coral colony in the world.

It is also home to the second largest number of leatherback turtles (about 10,000) who arrive each year on Trinidad beaches to lay and hatch their eggs. 

They have the world’s oldest protected rain forest, dating back to 1776.  It is also home to one of the highest densities of bird species in the world, with over 400 varieties.  

They have an unusual, natural deposit of asphalt called the La Brea Pitch Lake that holds and replenishes around ten million tons of the asphalt that paves roads all over the world.

They are also home to a sand bar that is right in the middle of the ocean, where you can literally stand on top of it.  It is called Nylon Pool after Princess Margaret said the water was as clear as her stockings.  It is a popular tourist destination.  

A Brief History of Trinidad and Tobago

The Islands were originally inhabited by the Arawak Indians, who were sadly killed off by early European settlers.  Columbus discovered the islands on his third voyage, in 1498 and they were later colonized by the Spanish in 1592.  This lasted for the next 200 years on the Island of Trinidad, until the British captured it and it was formally ceded to the United Kingdom in 1802.

Tobago, however, changed hands 33 times over that same period, between the Spanish, Dutch, English, French, Jamaicans, Swedes, and Great British.  Ultimately, it was joined with Trinidad in 1889 as one colony.  They gained their full independence in 1962.

The government is run as a parliamentary democracy, modelled after that of the United Kingdom.  The monarch was replaced as head of state by a president, chosen by an electoral college.  The country has remained a member of the commonwealth.  Tobago was given a measure of self-government in 1980. 

Culture of Trinidad and Tobago

The two-island nation has a large, diverse mix of cultures that have influenced its evolution.  They are Indian, African, Portuguese, Amerindian, Spanish, Chinese and others.  The country’s history with the United Kingdom has left a major impact on its culture as well.  English is the official language, although Creole languages are spoken as well.

There is also a distinct difference between the two islands, because of their unique histories.

Africans were brought in to work on the plantation economy, as were Indians, Portuguese and the Chinese, after slavery was abolished.  Today, Africans and East Indians make up the largest ethnic groups on the Islands.  Africans are the largest group on the smaller island of Tobago.

Sugarcane and cacao were the Islands’ main crops.  However, petroleum was discovered in 1857 and eventually became the most important export for the nation’s economy, making it the richest and most developed in the Caribbean.  It also has the third largest GDP in the Americas, after the USA and Canada.

Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam are their three main religions. 

Festivals are many and celebrated on both islands, with Carnival being the biggest celebration in the nation. They call Carnival the greatest street party in the world.  It originated during slavery when the slaves were banned from attending their masters’ fancy balls and parties.  The slaves would improvise by staging their own costumed event in their quarters.  After emancipation, the slaves challenged the plantation owners to attend their parties.  Carnival is now is week-long event that brings in over one billion dollars in revenue each year.

Christian, as well as Hindu and Muslim holidays, are all celebrated and are official holidays.  It is special that everyone takes part in each other’s celebrations.  It makes for a harmonious and more understanding society.  It may also be why they have been ranked as the happiest Caribbean nation.

The two-island nation is responsible for many unique and important styles of music.  Afro-Caribbean music spread from the country to other parts of the Caribbean and Venezuela.  Its origins stem from the arrival of the African slaves with the French plantation planters in the 18^thcentury. 

Soca is another style of music that is a blend of Indian music, with the rhythms of calypso.  Parang and Picharkaree are other forms of music that originated on the Islands. 

Steelpans, also referred to as “pans,” are steel drums acoustically tuned, percussion instruments, made from oil drums, lids, frying pans and trash can lids. These instruments were made after percussion music and stick fighting were banned following a riot in the 1880s.  The musicians that play them are called “pannists.”  Steelpans are the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidadian and Tobagonian Cuisine

It is no surprise that the cuisine of these Caribbean islands is as diverse as its history.  It has many influences, with the most prominent being West African and Indian, with some Caribbean, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese in the mix.  This creates a wonderful fusion of flavor.

One popular dish is callaloo, which has African roots and is made with dasheen or taro leaves, okra, crab, pumpkin, onions and coconut milk and a green sauce made from culantro, which is locally known chadon beni.  It is typically served with a cornbread called coo coo.  Curried Duck is beloved and made from Muscovy ducks that are bred on the islands.  There are curried duck competitions held throughout the year.

Pelau is another popular dish, that is rice based.  Stewed chicken, macaroni pie, oxtails, and dahl are the more staple dishes.  Typically, the dishes are curried, stewed or barbecued. 

Being an islands’ nation, fish and seafood play an important role in the cuisine.  Flying fish, king fish, red fish, bonito, tilapia, as well as shrimp, lobster, crab and conch, are loved.  There is a delicacy called cascade which is made from a seasonal freshwater fish, which is curried and served with lagoon rice.

Soups and stews, known as blue food, are made from taro roots, sweet potato, cassava and yams. Fish broth made into a bouillabaisse, is also popular.

Trinidad is home to the second hottest pepper on the planet called the Moruna scorpion.  It measures over two million on the Scoville Scale for heat. This along with other peppers and herbs like culantro and lime, are made into pepper sauces that are ubiquitous there. 

Chutneys, made from mango, cucumber, tomato, coconut and tamarind, are a condiment that comes in an array of flavors and seasonings. Green seasoning is the most popular.

Achar is also a popular condiment, which is made from a variety of pickled goods.

There is also a huge array of street foods like doubles, bake and shark, aloo pie, pholourie, roti wraps, kebabs, wontons, and souse, to name a few.

Roast corn and boiled corn on the cob can be found day and night, when in season.

For desserts, they like them sweet and made from coconut, guava, nuts and of course chocolate, as they claim to grow the best cacao on the planet.

So let’s enjoy a Trinidadian and Tobagonian meal:

The Meal

Starter

Doubles (Flat bread with curried chickpeas)

Served with

Chadon Beni Sauce  (Cucumber & Culantro chutney)

Main Course

Macaroni Pie

Dessert

Coconut Roll

We set the scene with the colors of Trinidad and Tobago; red, black and white.  We placed Spanish ships to represent the colonial presence of Spain.  A little, black drummer boy was added, for the creation of the steel pan, plus a photo of the national bird; the stunningly beautiful scarlet Ibis. Finally we added seashells, as it is an Islands’ nation.

For our first course, we devoured the very popular street food called doubles.  They get the name because they are served on two pieces of soft baras (little flat, fried bread.)  These are topped with channa or curried chickpeas and then topped with an amazing cucumber chutney called Chadon Beni Sauce that added spicy heat, coolness and an amazing flavor of culantro to this dish. These are served for breakfast and also as snacks, throughout the day. 

For the main course, we loved the macaroni pie.  It is basically a firm mac and cheese, mixed with creole flavors that is baked in a casserole dish and served with  ketchup. 

Dessert was a delicious coconut roll, made with fresh grated coconut, brown sugar with a hint of nutmeg, rolled up in a buttery crust.  It was divine!

After dinner we decided to put on a little Calypso music and try the limbo.  Did I mention the limbo dance was created in Trinidad and Tobago?  You know the dance, it is where the stick keeps getting lowered as you pass under it leaning backwards, without touching it.  How low can you go?

As we say goodbye to these intriguing islands, I leave you with a few popular sayings:

“Better belly buss than good food waste” - which means, it is better to eat and stuff yourself than to let good food go to waste.

“Every bread has a cheese” - Everyone, even someone unattractive, is bound to find a soul mate.

“Any time is Trinidad time”- a common saying, used as an excuse for being late.

Until Next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Sierra Leone get its name?

It was a Portuguese explorer by the name of Pedro da Cintra, back in 1492, who named the area, “Sierra Lyoa” meaning, “Lion Mountains.”  There is some question as to whether it was named for the shape of the mountains or because the thunder sounded like a lion’s roar, upon his arrival.  In 1808 when it became a British Crown Colony, the name was misspelled to Sierra Leona and then later modified to Sierra Leone.  Sierra Leoneans call their country “Salone,” a Franco Krio name.   A nickname for Sierra Leone is “The Little Jewel,” as it is known for its gold and diamonds.

Where is Sierra Leone located?

Sierra Leone lies on the west coast of Africa.  It is bordered by Guinea to the north and northeast, Liberia to the south and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.  It has a tropical climate with two seasons; the dry season is from Nov-May and the rainy season is June-Oct.  It has a coastal belt of mangrove swamps, a wooded hill country, an upland plateau and mountains.

A brief history of Sierra Leone

Archaeological findings show that Sierra Leone has been inhabited for thousands of years.  Different tribes and invaders organized themselves in small political units of kingdoms and chiefdoms.  Muslim traders brought Islam to the country.  It was the Portuguese sailors, who were the first Europeans to detail their adventures along the coast of Sierra Leone.

Located near the capital port city of Freeport was the Rokel estuary, which was established as an important source of freshwater for sea traders.  Initially, it was a place to trade for swords and kitchen items, in exchange for beeswax and fine ivory works.  By the mid 1550s, it was the slaves that were traded.  The English, French, Dutch and Danish all had interests in the area.  Trade was established through African rulers who prohibited European traders from entering the interior of the continent. 

In 1787, British philanthropists founded the “Province of Freedom.”  It later became known as Freeport and was the principal base for the suppression of the slave trade.  Some 1200 slaves were relocated there from Nova Scotia in 1792, along with a group of slaves from Jamaica.  By 1855, over 50,000 freed slaves called Freetown home, and they became known as the Krios.

Sierra Leone gained independence on April 27, 1971.  Since independence it has experienced many changes politically, economically and in their social norms.  The 1990s brought a horrific civil war that led to intervention by the International community.  The war ended in 2002 and the process of rebuilding continues to this day.

As if recovering from civil war is not hard enough, Sierra Leone was hit in May of 2014 with the deadly Ebola virus.  The Ebola virus transmission was deemed  to be stopped in 2016, however there was a new strain found in bats in 2018 that once again alarmed scientists.  Although there are many travel warnings about visiting Sierra Leone, some bloggers say they have the most beautiful beaches and friendliest people in all of West Africa.  Despite its diamonds and gold, due to fighting and the skimming of resources, it is a poor country, one of the poorest in the world.  It is however, making strides and one day may become one of the world’s hottest, new travel destinations.

Sierra Leone Culture

The majority of Sierra Leoneans still live a traditional life, including subsistence agriculture, with ruling chiefs and religions which preserve social stability.  They also preserve local music, customs and traditions.

One interesting feature is the secret societies of Sierra Leone.  They are a fundamental part of the culture. There is the men’s secret society called the Poro and the women’s secret society is called Bundu.  These are where life lessons are taught and essential skills and knowledge concerning reaching puberty are passed on to contribute to the important roles of their society.

They also practice an interesting way of settling disputes called, palaver.  You may see two or three people yelling at each other quite aggressively and then immediately stop and hug each other like they are best friends.  This avoids anyone holding a grudge.

There are 16 different ethnic groups in Sierra Leone with the Temne in the north and Mende in the south, which is the largest.  The official language is English but Krio is the most universal.  Animist and Muslim are the two most practiced religions, followed by Christianity.

The Limba tribe plays a very important role in Sierra Leonean culture as they are the only people who can tap palm wine, also called poyo.  Other villages will put up signs trying to recruit good wine tappers in hopes that their village won’t run out of the naturally fermented, alcoholic drink.

Sierra Leone Cuisine

Sierra Leone’s cuisine is influenced by West Africa, in general.  Rice is considered a staple and they have multiple words in creole to describe the many ways it is consumed, like: pounded rice, steamed rice and the crusty part that forms on the bottom of a pot.  There is a saying there that, “If I haven’t had my rice, I haven’t eaten today.”  The rice is served with all sorts of stews and sauces, typically made with greens from cassava and potato leaves.  Other popular ingredients include: palm oil, onions, tomatoes, yams, ginger and chili peppers.  Protein is usually derived from ground-up nuts and beans, but also from fish, chicken goat meat and pork.  Being along the coast, oysters, lobster and crab are also frequently consumed.  The majority of the calories however, will almost always be from rice.

Fruits are also abundant in the lush, tropical regions of Sierra Leone and include: oranges, bananas, limes, lemons, pawpaws, avocados, watermelon, mangoes, guava and pineapples.  Fruit is typically consumed as a snack.  Plantains are fried and served as chips.  The stock cube, maggi, is also prominent in the cuisine, adding an umami, salty flavor, for which West African cuisine is well known.

Food is typically cooked over firewood or charcoal in large pots, placed directly over the flame.  It is only prepared by women or girls.

So let’s enjoy a Sierra Leone meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Grilled Oyster with Lime

Main Dish

Cassava Leaf Stew with Rice

Dessert

Ginger Cake

the meal served with:

Ginger Beer

We set the scene with colors of the Sierra Leone flag; green white and blue.  The green is symbolic of the agriculture and natural resources of the country.  White symbolizes justice and the blue is for the ocean and harbor of Freetown.  A lion figure was placed to represent the name of the country, as well as a coconut and a few palm fronds.  Rice, ginger and peanuts were added, as these are the staples of Sierra Leone.

Our first course was fresh, grilled oysters.  I have always eaten oysters raw and this was my first experience to grill them.  They actually open up on the grill and are incredibly succulent and delicious. They are simply served with a fresh squeeze of lime juice.  Grilling is a perfect way to enjoy oysters for those who are squeamish about eating oysters raw.  Oysters are abundant in the swampy mangroves that line the coast.  They are also an important source of income for the locals who harvest and sell them.

Our main course was cassava leaf stew, with sauce and served with steamed, rice balls.  It had a bit of beef in it, which is a luxury ingredient in Sierra Leone.  Cassava leaves were bought already pounded and the addition of eggplant, maggi, peanut butter, onions and smoked fish made this dish rich and flavorful.  It was a delight to the palate.

We set our plate in the center of the table and made little balls with the rice, which were then dipped into the sauce.  Food is to be eaten only with the right hand.  Typically, the men get the best pieces of meat, then the boys.  The women and girls get what is left.  It is important however, to only eat what is directly in front of where you are seated.  It is considered rude to reach over the platter.  It is also considered rude to talk during the meal.

For dessert, we enjoyed what is called, ginger cake.  I found it more like a bread than a cake but it was very tasty and a lovely way to end our meal; a sweet bite, topped with powdered sugar.

We enjoyed the whole meal with a very popular drink that is loved all over West Africa called, ginger beer. This was the non-alcoholic version and we loved it.  The ginger adds a surprising amount of heat to the drink.  The ginger settles on the bottom of the glass and can be added to your desired level of heat.

After dinner, we sat down and watched the adventure movie called, Blood Diamonds.  The movie depicts Sierra Leone during the civil war when diamonds were traded for weapons.  It was a tragic and violent time in this country’s history. 

As we say goodbye to Sierra Leone, I leave you with a few proverbs:

“A black cow gives white milk”

“To try and fail is not laziness”

and

“It is better to be loved than feared”

Until next time,

Good bye in Krio, “a de go”

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

UPDATE: we are heading to Cuba on January 10th for a month of exploration in support of the Cuban people.   Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.  I thought a repost of  Cuba was in order, enjoy and watch for new exciting recipes to follow!

Cuba gets her name from the Taino people, an abbreviation of the word Cubanacán, which means “where fertile land is.” She is a long and narrow island nation, affectionately called El Caiman or El Cocodrilo, as the aerial view resembles an alligator or crocodile. The republic of Cuba is made up of the Island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth and more than 400 small islands and cays. Cuba is located about 90 miles south of the Florida Keys and 125 miles east of Cancun and Jamaica. The Cayman Islands lie to the south and Haiti to the east. Cuba is the largest and most populated Caribbean island.

“Juana” is the name given the Island by Christopher Columbus in 1492, in honor of Queen Isabella’s son, but that name never stuck. The Taino people came to the island from Venezuela about one thousand years ago. The original inhabitants were Native America tribes, the Ciboney and Guanahatebey. In 1511 Spanish forces took over the islands and declared them a Spanish Territory. The Taino people were forced into slave labor and most died from overwork and diseases brought by the Europeans.

The Spanish then brought hundreds of thousands of slaves from West Africa to plant and harvest sugarcane and tobacco. (Cuban cigars are still world renown.) The population today is mostly mulatto (a mix of European and African descent) the balance is 37 percent white, 11 percent Black and one percent Chinese. The official language is Spanish and the dialect is similar to other Hispanic Caribbean Islands but the highly expressive use of hand gestures are distinctly Cuban.

Cuba was under the control of Spain until 1898 when the treaty of Paris was signed. The United States claimed ownership of the remaining Spanish Colonies: Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. By 1902, the Cubans were not happy with another colonial power taking control and after many protests, the United States agreed to withdraw militarily from Cuba. One of the conditions included a 99 year lease to a naval base at Guantanamo Bay. The lease was extended into perpetuity in 1934. After several dictators and coup attempts, Fidel Castro’s Revolution toppled the previous dictator on January 8, 1959, who fled the country. Castro spoke to the masses and claimed true independence for Cuba, the first time since 1511.

Cuba became a communist state, which caused some of the elite to flee. Having a communist country so close to United States (U.S.) shores became a major issue. This led to the failed Bay of Pigs and then the Cuban missile crisis, which then turned into a 50 year long embargo. (Rumor has it, U.S. President Kennedy purchased 1200 Cuban cigars before the trade embargo was enforced).

Cuba was trading with the Soviet Union and Venezuela as its major trading partners. In 1989 when the cold war ended and the Soviet Union broke up, Cuba entered a very difficult period known as the “Special Period.” The country lost 80 percent of its imports and exports. They lost their oil connection, which caused severe hardship in the ability to operate transportation, industrial and agricultural systems. This period was especially hard on the Cuban people. They were hungry and had to drastically change their way of life.

One good thing that came out of the “Special Period”, was organic agriculture. Cuban producers turned the declining availability of pesticides and fertilizers into an opportunity to shift toward organic production, which ended up having numerous environmental, social and economic gains. The government allowed 80 percent of their farmland to be turned over to workers. Once they met the government quotas for their crop, they were allowed to sell the excess to the local farmers’ market. Havanans transformed their vacant lots, backyards and even roof tops into small farms and grazing areas for animals. This change had huge positive impacts on the peoples’ livelihood as well as on their health, as chemicals and pesticides used in farming are often linked to increased cancer risks.

Like many communist countries, Cuba is officially atheist. However, many Cubans are Catholics and in 1997 the government allowed Christmas to become an official holiday, in preparation for Pope John Paul II’s visit. Cuba holds one of the highest literacy rates in all of Latin America and they have the highest doctor to patient ratio in the world. Cuba is known for sending doctors abroad when the need arises. A couple of perks to a communist society is free healthcare and education.

Baseball is the national sport of Cuba and loved there! They have special squares set up just so credentialed citizens can discuss baseball and discuss they do. They are so proud of their national team. One problem that Cuba faces is defection by their best players. They are typically paid around $2000 annually there compared to six figures and more in the U.S. Even Castro admits, that makes it hard for Cuba to compete. By the way, Fidel Castro led the country since the revolution in the late 1950s until 2008, when he passed the baton to his younger brother Raul, due to illness.

The country of Cuba has two currencies, the Cuban peso and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC). The Cuban peso (CUP) is known as the national currency. This is what the population uses for necessities. Luxury Items and most tourist destinations use the CUC. One CUC buys about 25 CUPs which often confuses tourists, by seeing government controlled item prices that they perceive as too cheap.

There is a system set up in Cuba where tourists can stay in what are called casas particulares (private houses licensed to offer lodging to foreigners.) All the restaurants had been government owned and run by employees until the economic crisis of the Special Period. Now, in Cuba the best food will be found in your casa paladares (locally owned restaurants in private homes and made legal in the 1990s.) Seating is limited and there are many restrictions for the homeowner regarding staff and such, however this is where you will savor the delicious, homemade Cuban cuisine. Eating or staying in state owned hotels and restaurants is significantly more expensive. Visitors can choose casas particulares and paldares as alternatives and a great way to benefit the people and get a true cultural experience. Just make sure they have the proper licensing, as Cubans are forbidden to host a foreigner without a license and the punishment is severe for both parties, if caught.

The Cuisine of Cuba is a fusion of the Taino; the Spanish, West African and Caribbean. The tropical climate and fertile land produces fruits and root vegetables used in many Cuban dishes. Pork is the most commonly eaten meat. There are restrictions on seafood and beef, which are reserved mainly for the tourist industry.

So let’s eat Cuban style:

The Menu
Appetizer
Tostones (Fried Plantains)

Salad
Ensalada Cubano (Typical Green Salad)

Main
Lechon Asado (Roast Pork)

Served with
Moros y Cristianos (Rice and Beans)

Sofrito (Base for Moros Y Cristianos)

Dessert
Churros con Chocolate Caliente (Fried Dough with Hot Chocolate)

We began our meal with a Mojito, a popular lime and rum drink served with mint and a Cuban toast, “Salud.” The Mojito was known to be the author Ernest Hemingway’s favorite and he enjoyed them while writing two of his most famous books there: “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The rum maker, Bacardi, had its headquarters in Cuba until the Revolution when they moved it to Puerto Rico. Needless to say, rum is very popular in Cuba.

For ambiance, we put on “the Buena Vista Social Club”, a wonderful showcase of Cuban music performed by elderly men who have played music all their lives. Son Cubano is a type of Cuban music, as important to Cuba as the Tango is to Argentina and the Samba is to Brazil. Cuban music is often considered one of the richest and most influential regional music genres of the world. (Here is a link, you can check it out for yourself: http://youtu.be/HaerapRPS64 )

We decorated the table with colors of the Cuban flag; red, white and blue and with pictures of old American cars. Cubans are only allowed to own pre-1959 cars. It is an amazing site to see how they have maintained and restored these vintage treasures. If the day ever comes when the Cubans can sell them, I hope they won’t, as they add such charm and uniqueness to their country.

For our first course we enjoyed hot fried plantains, always a delicious treat and best eaten right out of the fryer, a popular snack in Cuba.
Next we had the main course served family style. Lechon Asado was served with white rice and black beans in a sofrito base. Together it’s called Moros y Cristianos. Honestly, I think it is the best combination of rice and beans I have ever had and I will include this recipe in my favorites. We added a simple but delicious organic Cuban salad. The salad, light and refreshing, with a citrus and garlic dressing, complemented the flavor of the pork.

The main dish, Lechon Asado, is usually reserved for special occasions where the whole pig would be roasted in the ground, covered in banana leaves. They also sell hog roasting boxes that many Cubans own and have become a popular alternative to roasting the pig in the ground. What makes the pork so wonderful however, is the marinade called Mojo. This is a blend of citrus and garlic that is unforgettable. I roasted a whole pork shoulder that I found with the skin on. It was superb!

For dessert we had hot chocolate and churros. The churros are basically fried dough rolled in sugar and served with a nice big cup of hot chocolate to dunk them in. I know we shouldn’t but, YUM!

You will notice on my cover shot is a pamphlet called “Nassau Cuba & Mexico.” This pamphlet was written by the author Zane Grey for the New York Cuba Mail Steamship Company. It is very rare and one of the prized possessions of our Zane Grey collection. We also have his diary of that trip he took. I would like to quote from the pamphlet, what he said about Havana back in 1909. “Havana is a magnificent city of white-walled avenues, of green-foliaged plazas, of gray-towered cathedrals and monasteries; and its wonderful coloring runs sheer into the blue waters of the harbor. It is bright, attractive, full of life. Tourists of all nations are there giving the city a cosmopolitan atmosphere. A walk or drive down the Prado from Central Plaza to the Malecon is one of the most enjoyable that can be imagined. Streams of carriages and automobiles, going and coming, giving an air of New York or Paris.”

As we leave this country Cuba, we do so with hope, as the U.S. Embargo has just been lifted. Recognizing that the decision to lift the embargo is controversial, as things in Cuba have not changed in decades, I see both sides of the argument. With that said, we can only hope that things get better for the Cuban people. Selfishly, I am hoping to get a chance to visit and stay with a Cuban family in a casa particular and dine with them on the incredible cuisine!

Until next week,
Warmest Regards,
Darlene
P.s. What do with all those pork leftovers? A Cuban sandwich of course. Here’s a delicious bonus recipe!

Cuban Sandwich