How did Slovenia get its name?

The word Slovenin is a derivation from “slovo” meaning “word,” denoting people who speak the same language.  Slovenia is officially known as the Republic of Slovenia but is called Slovenija by its people.  The name comes from the Slovenes; the group of South Slavs who originally settled the area.  It is also known as the “Land of Hayracks.”

Where is Slovenia located?

Slovenia is a small country, situated in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.  It is bordered by Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, Croatia to the southeast, and Italy and the Adriatic Sea to the west.  It is a mountainous and forested country and sits in the foothills of the eastern Alps; making it a skier’s destination.  It has a small coastline along the Adriatic Sea, between Italy and Croatia, which enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate.  It is also home to the Kras Plateau, which is a unique area of unusual geological formations; underground rivers, caves and gorges.  Its capital city and largest city, Ljubljana (pronounced lub-lee-yana,) is located in this area.  Ljubljana means “the loved one” and was voted the “Green capital of the world” in 2016. 

A Brief History of Slovenia

The Slovenes created their first state back in the 600s, which lasted until the eighth century when it was absorbed into the Frankish empire.  In the tenth century, Slovenia fell under the control of the Holy Roman Empire.  It then became part of the Austrian Hapsburg Empire, from 1335 to 1918. 

At the end of World War I, Slovenia joined with other Slavic nations to form “the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.”  It was renamed in 1929, “the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.”  Slovenia and its neighboring states fell under Nazi Germany’s control in World War II.  Under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito, they fiercely resisted the German, Italian and Hungarian occupation, which led to a socialist Yugoslavia at the end of the war.  During the post-war communist period, Slovenia was the most prosperous region of Yugoslavia.

After Tito’s death in 1980, serious disagreements between the states began to grow.  On June 25, 1991 the Republic of Slovenia declared Independence after a relatively bloodless ten day war.  Since Independence, Slovenia has worked hard for economic stabilization and government reorganization.  Today, Slovenia is a member of the EU and the UN and NATO and is a thriving nation with a renewed focus on tourism.

Slovenian Culture

Slovenia is home to about two million people; half live in urban areas and the other half living rural.  About 50% of the population is Roman Catholic.  The large majority of the population is Slovene, with a few, Croatians, Hungarians, Albanians, Serbs and Italians in the mix.  The official language is Slovene, or Slovenian, and belongs to the Slavic languages.  Despite its small size, there are over 32 different dialects spoken in the country.  Many Slovenians are multi-lingual, and they have a 99.7% literacy rate.

Slovenia has a very strong cultural heritage and is proud of hosting over 100 festivals each year, to include music, dance, film and food traditions.  Many Slovenians are beekeepers, some 90,000 of them.  That is, nearly one in nine souls take care of the calm, Carniolan, honey bees, that are native there.  Many Slovenians also grow grapes for wine. There are over 28,000 vineyards in Slovenia, making it a wine haven.  This includes the oldest grapevine in the world, that grows in the Maribor area and is estimated to be 400 years old.

Speaking of old, Slovenia is home to some of the oldest artifacts in the world.  The oldest flute, made from a bear femur, is estimated to be 60,000 years old, a needle was discovered believed to be 30,000 years old, along with a 5200-year-old wooden wheel. 

Slovenia has much to offer especially for those who love nature and the outdoors.  Its highest peak is Mount Triglav and is featured on their flag.  The picturesque lake, in the Julian Alps, called Lake Bled, is a very popular tourist destination, with an island in the middle of the lake and an old church, very popular for weddings.  The church dates back to the 17^th century but houses Gothic frescoes go back to 1470.  Slovenia is home to many castles and also is home to important Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture.

Whether it is skiing in the Alps, exploring massive caves, kayaking along one of their beautiful rivers, or visiting the Venetian Gothic Mediterranean town of Piran along the Adriatic coast, it won’t take long for Slovenia to be the next major tourist destination in Europe.

Slovenian Cuisine

Slovenia, with its small size and many neighbors, has had many influences on its cuisine.  It is said to have 24 distinct culinary regions.  Generally speaking, Slovenian food is whole and hearty.  They do have many specialties, such as their famous karst prosciutto, cured with the cold winds of the region.  Buckwheat is made into several dishes and its white flowers are a favorite of the bees, who produce buckwheat honey.  Whole arrays of mushrooms are found throughout Slovenia and are favorites for foraging. 

The European walnut tree is native, but many were destroyed for their beautiful wood.  There has been a resurgence of the walnut tree and Slovenia is now home to some 100,000 of them; wonderful news for potica (a Slovenian nut pastry) nut lovers and bakers.  Dandelions, harvested in spring, are a nutritious green often used in salads.  Potatoes are ubiquitous and cooked in all varieties of ways.  Seafood is plentiful along the coast, however trout from the Soca river is the most beloved.  Carniolan sausage, made with pork, and beef is beloved. Soups are also extremely popular, one called Jota, is considered a peasant dish which is made with turnips, beans and onions and found throughout the nation.  Cheeses and dairy are also very popular. 

So let’s enjoy a Slovenian meal:

The Menu

Starter

Karst Prust (Karst Prosciutto)

Main Course

Stefani Pecenka (Meatloaf w/Hard-boiled Eggs)

Served with

Prazen Krompir (Roasted Potatoes)

Dessert

Potica (Nut-filled Pastry)

We set the scene with a honey jar, (featuring a bear with a honey statue.)  Slovenia is an important home to bears in its forested areas.  Walnuts and grapes were placed, along with a picture of their national tree, called the Linden tree, whose canopy has been a gathering place in Slovenian villages for centuries.  A picture of the famous Lipizzan horse was also added.  This is a breed that originated there.  Finally, we added a carnation; their national flower.

We began with a toast of a Slovenian white wine and said, “Na Zdravje” or “Cheers!”  We savored the appetizer course of prosciutto, sheep’s cheese and a bit of sweet melon. It was a lovely plate to begin a meal.

Our main course was called Sefani Pecenka; a simple meatloaf-style dish, spiced with vegeta, paprika, thyme and parsley, with a surprise of hard-boiled eggs in the middle.  The Stephanie roast was served alongside decadent roast potatoes, called prazen krompir.  These potatoes were topped with pork cracklings that had been cooked with pork fat and onions.  The combination of these two dishes was superb; hearty and comforting.

For dessert, we enjoyed one called potica.  Pope Francis made this dessert world famous when he mentioned it after he met Melania Trump  at the Vatican in May of 2017.  Melania Trump is the second-ever first lady to be born outside the USA.  She was born in Slovenia.  He said to her, “What do you give him to eat? Potica?” The sound-byte went viral and put potica on the world map.  It is not hard to see why.  It is a delicious, nut pastry that is frankly, unforgettable.  Although the walnut filling is typical, it is also made with other fillings, like raisins, tarragon, cheese, poppy seeds and chocolate.  There is another saying in Slovenia, “A potica a day keeps the sadness away.” Just another testament to its popularity.

As we say good bye to this lovely, little country, called Slovenia, I leave you with a few Slovenian proverbs:

Pray for a good harvest, but keep on hoeing!

Who is forced to go to church, will not pray.

and

Politeness costs nothing, but yields much.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Slovakia get its name?

The native name, Slovensko, is derived from the older name of the Slovak people.  Sloven was what they were called in 1791.  The name Slovaks stems from the Czech word, Slovaky.  The Germans called it Windischen landen and Windenland, back in the 15^th century.  Today the official name is the Slovak Republic, although it is generally referred to as Slovakia.  The Slovakians still call their country Slovensko, in their Slovak language.

Where is Slovakia located?

Slovakia is a landlocked country located literally, in the center of Europe.  It has many neighbors, the Czech Republic on the northwest, Poland to the north, Ukraine and Hungary to the east and Austria to the southwest.  The capital city is Bratislava, which lies in the extreme southwestern corner, close to the border with Austria. 

This small country boasts an astounding variety of scenery, from mountains, canyons, and caves (about 6000 of them), to lakes, forests and lowland meadows.  Slovakia’s natural beauty makes it an ideal year-round destination, for outdoor enthusiasts.  The country enjoys four seasons and belongs to the northern, moderate climatic zone.

A brief history of Slovakia

Slavs settled in what is now Slovakia, back in the sixth century AD.  They were taken over by the Avars, until they drove them out at the end of the eighth century.  In the ninth century, they became part of what was known as Great Moravia.  During this time, St. Cyril and St Methodius converted Slovakia to Christianity.  However in the 10^th century, a people called the Magyars destroyed the Moravian empire.  They settled down and formed the state of Hungary but they still ruled Slovakia.  Hungary would rule Slovakia for the next 1000 years!

Sometime after 1526, Hungary was dismembered and Slovakia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  In the late 19^th century, the Hungarians tried to “Hungarianize” Slovakia.  To escape oppression may Slovaks emigrated to the USA.  In 1918 Austria collapsed and the new Czech, Slovak, state was born.  It was called Czechoslovakia.  Many Germans lived in the border region of Czechoslovakia, called Sudetenland.  On March 15, 1939, the German army occupied the rest of what is now known as the Czech Republic.  Slovakia became nominally independent.  The new Slovak government was led by Jozef Tiso who introduced a repressive regime.  During World War II about 73,000 Slovak Jews along, with Romas, were deported to be murdered.  In 1946 the communists emerged as the largest party in the region.  

In 1993 Slovakia and the Czech Republic separated and became independent.  Slovakia performed poorly at first, suffering from high unemployment in the beginning of the 21^st century, but she has recently made good strides.  They became part of the EU in 2004, and joined NATO in 2009.  Zuzana Caputova was elected the first woman president of Slovakia in 2019, and serves a population of 5.4 million Slovakians. Today Slovakia is run as a parliamentary democracy.

Slovakian Culture

Slovakia has a rich, folklore tradition with nearly every region, city and municipality, having their own unique character.  Costumes, music, songs, architecture, customs and dances are preserved in festivals that are held all over the country.  They even have the first architectural village in the world, featuring all original gingerbread houses.  The first mention of this village dates back to 1272.  Many Slovak folklore traditions relate to birth and dying, and several in the fear of the unknown and an inability to explain natural events.  With the arrival of Christianity, new customs and traditions took hold, with Christmas and Easter being two of the most important holidays.  Christianity is the predominant religion in Slovakia with 66 percent being Catholic and about 10 percent being part of the Protestant religion.  There are a total of 18 religions and churches registered there. 

Namedays are another important part of Slovak heritage, with each day of the year representing one or two names.  When your name comes up on the calendar it is a party just like a birthday would be.

The official language is Slovak and it is a Slavic language like Russian, Polish and many other East European languages.  It is very similar to Czech and they can readily understand each other.  Slovak is said to be one of the most difficult languages to learn.

Slovakia is home to the largest number of castles and chateaus per capita in the world.  They are also famous for their many natural, thermal spas.  The healing water is said to be very therapeutic.  Kings, politicians and famous people, swear by it.  The water is said to treat the sick, regenerate the tired and bring out a person’s natural beauty.

Slovakian Cuisine

Slovakia takes its cuisine’s cues from its neighbors.  It features a hearty cuisine, similar to many Eastern European nations.  Their most famous dish is called halusky, which is a potato type, dumpling that is smothered in cheese, but not just any cheese.  It is a sheep’s cheese called bryndza.  This decadent dish is topped off with bits of bacon and is the ultimate example of a true, comfort food.   

Nearly every meal in Slovakia will begin with a soup as a starter.  They enjoy soups made from beans, tripe, chicken and noodles.  Their most famous, sauerkraut soup is often served in a bread bowl, called kapustinica.  Goulash is another staple made from various vegetables, potatoes and meat. 

Pork, beef and poultry are the main meats in Slovakia, with pork being the most popular.  Every part of the pig is used and made into dried meats as well as delicious sausages, some made with pork blood and rice.  Chicken Paprikash is another very popular dish.  Most meat dishes are either breaded or fried in oil, like a schnitzel.  

The traditional food of Slovakia can be traced back to times when the population lived self-sufficiently in villages with very limited imports.  This gave rise to a cuisine dependent on staple foods like wheat, potatoes, milk and milk products, pork, sauerkraut, onions and wild mushrooms.  Spices are not widely used in their cuisine.  

The main meal of the day is typically lunch and consists of a soup, main dish and dessert.  Beer is their most popular drink. 

So let’s enjoy a Slovakian meal:

The Menu

Starter

Kapustinca (Sauerkraut Soup)

Main Course

Bryndzove Halusky (Sheep Cheese Dumplings)

Dessert

Jablcka V Zupane (Apples in a Bathrobe)

We set the scene with colors of the Slovakian flag; red white and blue.  We placed a few potatoes in the décor, as it is a true staple ingredient, along with a cross to represent Christianity and a hockey stick to represent one of their most beloved sports.  A candle with a picture of their famous Orava castle on it, dating back to 1267, completed the setting.

We began the meal by saying, “Do brou chut” which is the cue to begin eating.  We then toasted with a beer and said “Naz dravie” which means “To your health.”  We ate continental style, which is customary there.  We also left our napkins next to the plate as we ate, as opposed to putting them on our lap.

Our first course was the famous sauerkraut soup, Kapustinca, served in a bread bowl.  This is a hearty soup dish that could easily be a meal unto itself.  It was superb with pieces of sausage in the mix.  We savored every bite and loved the pieces of bread that naturally ended up in the soup from the bread bowl.  Kapustinca is a perfect dish on a cold, winter day.

For the main course we served the hearty, Bryndzove Halusky.  This dish is made of little potato dumplings that reminded us a little of gnocchi.  It is drenched in a sheep’s cheese for which Slovakia is famous.  It was topped with bacon drippings and bits, which made this a truly decadent bite. 

For dessert, we had apple slices that were first covered in a batter of egg and flour, fried in oil and then dipped in cinnamon and sugar.  I guess it is the batter covering the apples that gives it the name, “Apples in a Bathrobe.”  They were a true delight.  We enjoyed the apples slices with a cup of robust coffee, which is another beloved drink in Slovakia.  This was another perfect ending to our International Cuisine meal.

As we say goodbye to this intriguing little country in the middle of Europe, I leave you with a few Slovakian proverbs:

Consider each day as your best day.

Not he who begins, but he who finishes is the master.

Don’t praise what is yours; don’t belittle what is another’s.

and

The truth rises to the surface like oil on water.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

New Year’s Eve traditions around the world

It is always fascinating to learn a little something about how other places and cultures celebrate special days.  New Year’s Eve, (or Old Year’s Day) is celebrated in many parts of the world, although it has many different names.  Countries in Europe call it St. Sylvester’s Day.  Malam Tahun Baru is what it is called in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.  It is called Hogmanay in Scotland and Reveillon or Wallonia in Brazil, and Portugal.  This special evening is held on the last day of the year of the Gregorian calendar, which is December 31^st, and rings in the New Year at midnight.

Fireworks are a common way to celebrate the New Year in many countries around the world.  Festivals and celebrations also include song, dance and of course, great food.

Here are some fun and quirky things people do around the world to say goodbye to the old year and bring in the new:

In Australia, people run out into the streets and bang on pots and pans.

In Denmark, they shatter dishes and plates against the front doors of friends and family.

In hope for good fortune, in Ecuador, giant scarecrows are made of paper and burned, along with photographs of the past year.

Speaking of South American countries, many believe that, your fate in the New Year is determined by the color of the underwear you wear that night.  If they are red, they will bring you love, wealth if they are yellow, and peace if they are white.

In Peru, there is a festival in a small village called the Takanakuy Festival, where at the end of the year people settle their differences with a fist fight, so they can start off the year without holding any grudges.

An easier way to ring in the New Year is practiced in Argentina, where at the stroke of midnight they take their first step with their right foot, thereby, “Starting the year off on the right foot.”

In Romania, people toss spare coins into the river for good luck.

Dropping ice cream on the floor is what they do in Switzerland.  (We are not sure how this tradition emerged.)

In Puerto Rico, people throw buckets of water out of their window to drive away evil spirits.

In Turkey, they smash pomegranates. The more pieces it breaks in to, the more good luck will come.

In Belgium, even the livestock get in the spirit as they are decorated and paraded around town with bells ringing.

Columbia believes that if you carry around an empty suitcase, travel will come your way in the New Year.

Many places including Bolivia, like to bake a coin into their sweets.  Whoever finds it in the treat will have good luck for the next year (and hopefully not a broken tooth.)

In Spain, they eat grapes, one for each chime of the church bell at midnight.  It is believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.  The grapes enjoyed along with some Cava of course.

In Finland, they cast molten tin into a bucket of water and then predict what’s in store for the coming year by the interpretation of the resulting shape.

In the Philippines, they turn on all the lights to ward off evil spirits.  They also wear polka dots, as anything round is considered to bring luck and prosperity in the New Year.

In Japan, the Buddhist temples strike the gong 108 times to expel 108 human weaknesses. The Japanese also have a tradition of eating soba noodles on New Year’s Eve, the long noodles represent longevity.

In Brazil, everyone wears white to scare away bad spirits and in Chile they sleep beside their loved ones in the cemetery.

Lentils and black-eyed peas are popular in many places to welcome in a full year of work and money.  In fact in Texas, black eyed peas are called Texas caviar.

Pork in many forms is another way the New year is celebrated, pigs root their food in a forward motion, so pork represents looking forward in the New Year.  My sister makes pork and sauerkraut every New Year’s day. 

Also in the United States, watching the giant crystal ball drop in Times Square (formerly called, Longacre Square) in New York City is a favorite at midnight, along with a toast of champagne, a kiss, and singing the Scottish classic called Auld Lang Syne which means, “old long ago.” According to Scotland.org, “The song is about love and kindness of days gone by, but it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take with us into the future.”

However you and your loved ones celebrate this New Year’s Eve, be safe, and why not do a little something special for good luck, travel and prosperity.

I would love to hear how you celebrate the New Year, Please do let me know in the comments below.

Happy New Year my friends!

Warmest regards,

Darlene

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How did Singapore get its name?

Singapore is a tiny country that has had several names.  Originally it was known as Temasek, which is believed to originate from the Malay word for “Sea town” or a piece of land surrounded by water.

Later the country was renamed Singapura, which is a Sanskrit word for “The Lion City.”  It was a Sumatran Prince who named it this, because he thought he saw a lion when he landed on the island.  However, there have never been lions on Singapore, only tigers. 

Although the names were used interchangeably from the 13^th to the 15^th centuries, when Portuguese traders arrived in the 16^th century, Temasek was no longer used and Singapura remained.

Singapore is also known as “The Little Red Dot”, a term coined by Indonesian President Habibie who referenced the country’s appearance on a map, where it always showed up as a red dot.  Singaporeans do not like this term as it serves as a reminder that their small size makes them vulnerable.

Where is Singapore Located?

Singapore is an island city-state, one of only three city-states in the world; the others are Monaco and Vatican City.  It is located at the end of the Malayan Peninsula, between Malaysia and Indonesia.  It has no land borders and has a total land area of only 278 square miles.  However, Singapore is not just one island.  It has 62 small, outlying islands, nearly all uninhabited.  The mainland of Singapore measures 31 miles from east to west and 17 miles from north to south, with 120 miles of coastline.

Singapore is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor and from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait.  Singapore is one of the few nations that is growing in size, as it reclaims land with earth obtained from its own hills, the seabed and sand from neighboring countries.  It is expected to grow by another 62 miles by the year 2033.

Despite its small size this country packs a large punch on the global scale.  It is one of the richest countries by GDP, the cleanest, the most honest and yet heavily urbanized.

A Brief History of Singapore

It is believed that the history of Singapore may date back as far as the third century.  It became a significant trading settlement by the 14^th century.  In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles negotiated a treaty to allow the British to locate a trading port on the islands.  This led to the establishment of The British Colony of Singapore in 1819.  During the subsequent decades, Singapore grew to become an important port in the region.  It was set up as a free port, which was a great advantage to the other nearby ports of Manila and Jakarta who levied tariffs on trade.  It allowed the introduction of the Chinese market, which greatly reduced the time and cost of shipping goods to Europe, after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. 

By 1880 over 1.5 million tons of goods passed through Singapore each year.  The Chinese, mostly Peranakans, who were descendants of early Chinese settlers, became the largest ethnic group in Singapore.  Malays were the second largest ethnic group but they were eventually outpaced by Indians as the second largest group. The Indians were brought in to carry out public works projects.  Despite its growth, Singapore was mismanaged with a predominantly male, transient and uneducated society.  Prostitution, gambling and drug abuse (mainly opium) were widespread.

During World War II, the Japanese occupied Singapore.  The fall of Singapore was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history.  Singapore was renamed by the Japanese to “Syonan,” which means “Bright Southern Island”  and was under their control from 1942-1945.  However, this three year period was not at all bright, but rather a very dark time in Singapore’s history. 

After the Japanese surrendered to Allied forces, the British returned to Singapore.  The failure of Britain to defend Singapore had destroyed their credibility in the eyes of the Singaporeans.  This led to the beginning of self-governance.  After many trials and tribulations and alliances, Singapore gained Independence on the morning of August 9, 1965, after the Parliament of Malaysia voted 126-0 to expel Singapore from the short lived federation. 

Singapore wasted no time to seek international support and recognition of its sovereignty.  The new state joined the United Nations on September 21, 1965.  Although Singapore is a top country in many categories, it is rated one of the worst for freedom of the press and not so great on the level of democracy.  Generally speaking, Singaporeans have imposed the “surveillance” of its citizens to protect them. Today, Singapore’s economy is one of the best in the world.  The current president of Singapore is a woman, Madam Halimah Yacob.

Singapore’s Culture

One of the most beautiful things about Singapore is the way in which so many diverse people with varying religious beliefs, live in harmony.  This can be attributed to Singaporeans’ learning early on, the religious customs and traditions of each others religions.  They celebrate each other’s holidays as public holidays including Christian, Muslim, and Indian holidays, to name a few.  I happened to visit Singapore during the Chinese New Year, which was celebrated in large pagentry by all.  The state is home to ten major religions including: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. 

There are four official languages; English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin Chinese.  Despite this, most people speak what is known as Singlish, another reflection of Singapore’s diversity.  It is a Creole language made up of local slang and expressions from the various official languages.  You will hear it spoken right away when visiting there.

Despite Singapore’s fast paced and rapid growth, it remains a very conservative and religious society.  Here are a few things you should know about how to stay out of trouble when visiting Singapore.  Respecting elders is of the utmost importance and you should never call someone older than you by their name.  They  should be called Auntie or Uncle or Grandmother etc.  Homosexuality is still illegal there.  Smoking in a non-smoking area is strictly enforced.  Don’t even think about trafficking drugs, it is punishable by death.  Littering or vandalism can result in hefty fines including  caning, and public shaming.  Chewing gum is against the law, as is not flushing a toilet after using it.  Perhaps it is these laws and punishments that make it one of the cleanest cities in the world, with one of the lowest crime rates.

Singapore has become a major tourist destination with several famous landmarks.  One of the newest is the Jewel Changi Airport, which opened in April 2019 and has a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex adjacent to the number one rated airport in the world.  The Marina Sands Hotel is one of the most Instagram-able hotels in the world; famous for its boat shaped infinity pool that overlooks all of Singapore. Another landmark is a giant observation Ferris wheel known as the Singapore flyer, that held the record as the largest from 2008 to 2014.  They have the second largest Aquarium in the world, which is part of the Adventure Cove Park.  A botanical garden, that is a UNESCO world heritage site, houses their beloved orchids, which are also a symbol of Singapore.

Aside from new attractions you will also find older establishments such as: the old Buddhist and Hindu temples, shop houses, mosques and areas like Little India, Haji Street and Chinatown.

Singapore Cuisine

Singapore imports nearly all of their food, as they only have 6% arable space.  They do try to grow what they can and recently put an emphasis on building vertical and growing roof top gardens.  Being a wealthy metropolitan city-state, you can find just about any type of food in Singapore.  I would argue the best can be found in what are known as hawker centers.  These are food stalls where you will find inexpensive but authentic cuisine of the people.  These food centers dot the country.  There is one food center that boasts a Michelin star which serves their famous chicken rice for only $1.42 per serving.  A few of Singapore’s favorite dishes are: chili crab, a spicy and delicious treat, laksa, a thick noodle dish often served with prawns and fish cakes, and a pulled tea, called Teh terik, made with black tea and condensed milk.  Make no mistake, you can find authentic Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Indonesian food all over Singapore.  You can also enjoy a traditional Peranakan meal by the famous Violet Oon, who is hailed as the Julia Childs of Singapore.  She has been the food ambassador of Singapore since 1988.  Also a trip to Singapore would not be complete without a stop at the famous Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented and is still served with warm peanuts.  Culinary excellence is an integral part of the culture of Singapore.

So let’s enjoy a Singapore meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Singaporean Chili Crab

Main Course

Hainanese Chicken Rice with Sauces

Dessert

Pandan Chiffon Cake

We set the scene with orchids, as that is their national flower, along with a candle, decorated with the merlion, (the official mascot of Singapore, a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish.) The colors used in our décor were red and white, to represent their flag.  A crab shell and other seashells were placed to represent the island’s seaside.  We also added symbols of the different religious faiths represented there.  Finally, a little F1 race car was placed, as Singaporeans were the first to introduce a night time Formula one race in the series.

We sat down with our Singapore Slings and said  “yumseng”, which is how you say “cheers” in Singlish.  Our first course was the amazing chili crab.  I had the privilege of eating this dish while in Singapore at the famous Jumbo’s restaurant.  I can attest that this recipe is just as wonderful.  It is spicy, rich and simply sensational.  It was served with steamed buns, as is customary there.  This could typically be a meal unto itself but I felt like it had to be only part of the IC menu.

For the main course, we savored the national dish called Hainanese chicken rice.  This dish can be found in all the hawker centers and is a true specialty of Singapore.  It is unique way to cook chicken, by poaching it.  The result is excellent, especially when served alongside seasoned rice.  The sauces that accompany the chicken and rice are what makes it truly extraordinary;  a chili sauce and another sauce made of ginger and spring onion oil, as well as a dressing, made with sesame oil, soy sauce and the poaching liquid.  Per their tradition, cucumber and tomato was served alongside the main dish.

For dessert, we enjoyed the pandan chiffon cake.  Pandan is a leaf, also known as screwpine, which is a very common ingredient in Singapore and Southeast Asian cooking.  It adds a nutty flavor and scent, as well as a bright green color.  This cake was light, fluffy, but not too sweet.  Delicious.

As we say goodbye to this intriguing little country of Singapore, I leave you with a few Singaporean proverbs:

Where there is a sea, there are pirates.

A given excuse that was not asked for implies guilt.

Never take a quiet person for granted.  He might have great qualities underneath his quiet nature.

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

How did the Seychelles get its name?

Just hearing the name Seychelles conjures up dreamy, white sand beaches and oceans of every shade of green and blue.  It is known to be an island getaway and is very popular as a honeymoon destination.  It is pronounced, “Say-shells.” 

The name of one of the islands, Mahe’, was renamed by the French in 1776 after King Louis XV’s Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Sechelles, named it “Isle de Sechelles.”  The name has since been anglicized as Seychelles and is applied to the whole archipelago.

Where are the Seychelles located?

The Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 islands.  The islands are located in the Indian Ocean, about 1000 miles off the coast of Kenya in East Africa, and northeast of Madagascar.  The Seychelles are considered to be part of Africa but they do meet at the crossroads of Asia as well. 

The capital city is Victoria, which is on the largest island of Mahe.  About half of the islands are of granitic origin, with narrow coastal strips and ranges of hills.  The highest range is Morne Seychellois, which rises to just shy of 3000 ft.  The rest are coral atolls, many of which are uninhabited.  All together the islands are about the size of the tiny country of Andorra.

A Brief History of the Seychelles

The beautiful and bountiful islands were a must stop for early Islamic traders and they were known to be a sanctuary for pirates in the early 17^th century.  In fact, to this day, it is thought the famous pirate known as The Buzzard, hid his treasure there, which still remains undiscovered.  The Seychelles were charted by both Portuguese and Asian explorers.  However, it was the French who originally inhabited and colonized the islands, having laid claim in 1756 to establish spice and coconut plantations. 

The first settlers were slaves and French planters who arrived in 1770.  When they arrived, one of the biggest problems they faced were saltwater crocodiles.  It is believed they became nearly extinct around 1819.  It was ultimately the British who ended up with the Seychelles in 1814 as part of the Treaty of Paris, after the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.  The Seychelles became a crown colony, separate from Mauritius in 1903.

The British transformed the islands economically with the establishment of cinnamon, vanilla  sugar cane, coconut and tea plantations. They also built up the capital city of Victoria (renamed after the Queen).  There are many landmarks that remain today which were built in the early 1900s.

The Seychelles gained independence in 1976, which was then quickly followed by a coup and eventually socialist rule.  It has been a newly established, free country since the 1990s.  Tourism is the main industry, making up most of the country’s revenue.

Today the Seychelles is known for its pristine beaches, fishing, birding and scuba diving as well as a honeymooner’s haven.

Seychelles Culture

The locals are called Seychellois and are a melting pot of cultures, mainly from Africa, Europe, India and Asia.  They speak Creole, English and French, all of which are official languages.  The Seychellois’ government is heavily invested in protecting the integrity of the Creole language.  The national newspaper is printed in both Creole and English.

The main religion is Roman Catholic, practiced by about 90 percent of the population, but there are members of other Christian denominations as well.  There are also Hindi Muslims and adherents to the Baha’i Faith.

Many Seychellois believe in ghosts.  In fact, there is an entire island, Moyenne Island, that is believed to be haunted, (many believe that is where the buried treasure is hidden.)  Shaman, known as bonom di dwa or man of the woods, are regularly consulted for solving problems through supernatural guidance.

The Seychellois family unit is matriarchal.  Institutional marriage is not widely practiced and unwed mothers are the societal norm.  The law, however, does hold fathers accountable for financial support for their children.  Nearly 75 percent of the children are born out of wedlock.  This structure is known as en menage and it carries no negative social stigma.

Under the constitution women enjoy the same status as men and comprise 45.8 percent of the total number of delegates; having one of the highest numbers of women in parliament in the world.  Despite the country being a land of many colors, racism is non-existent.

Music is very important to the Seychellois and has evolved over the years.  African influences dominate, mainly in the moutia and sega music, that are often accompanied by dance.  The moutia dates back to the days of slavery and is a slow, erotic dance that was actually banned by the British.  Sega has a Calypso like rhythm and is also very popular in Mauritius.  This is the dance where your feet are not lifted from the ground. 

Seychelles Cuisine

The original French settlers arrived with their legendary skills in the kitchen.  Their ability to blend spices and herbs was adapted to island living, where seafood is particularly abundant.  Coconut, mango, papaya, banana, pumpkin and the golden apple are often used to make tangy salads.  It is said that if you eat breadfruit on the Seychelles it will guarantee your return.  Pork, chicken and beef are available but seafood remains king.

When the British arrived, they added their influence to the Creole cuisine with tea, cakes, custards and crumbles, as well as corned beef.  This influence however was mild compared to what the Chinese brought with their love of noodles and rice, the Indians who introduced, curries, beans, chilies and dahls, and the Africans  who contributed their use of creamy coconut milk, cassava and bananas.  Add in the local spices such as: vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemongrass and you get a fusion Creole that is simply mouthwatering.  Fruit bat curry is considered one of the Seychelles specialties along with boudin, a blood sausage, sausage rougay (pork sausages in a rich tomato sauce.)  Freshly barbecued fish and kebabs can all be found in the night markets. 

So let’s enjoy a Seychellois meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Molouk (Crispy Fried, Flavored Dough)

Salad

Smoked Fish Salad

Main Course

Octopus Curry over White Rice

Dessert

Daube de Banana (Caramelized Bananas)

We set the scene with the national flower, an orchid, called tropicbird.  We included other tropical things like palm leaves, coconut and bananas to the décor, as well as cinnamon bark and the vanilla bean, as they remain huge exports.  A bit of sea life and shells were added, (after all it is the Seychelles.) 

We lit two candles, one of which had a picture of the famous tortoise, named Esmeralda, who is still living at 170 years of age on Bird Island.  He is the biggest and heaviest, free-roaming tortoise in the world, weighing a whopping 670 pounds.  Bird Island is home to the largest wild Aldabra tortoise population in the world and is a UNESCO world heritage site.  Speaking of large, every visitor to the Seychelles will learn about the Coco de Mer or “Love Nut.”  It’s the largest seed in the world and stands out due to its voluptuous shape.  The other candle we lit had a picture of the black parrot, the threatened national bird.  With candle light glowing, we put on Calypso music to set the island mood.

For the first course, we loved nibbling on molouk, as it is called there.  In India it is called murruku.  Molouk is served in most bars on the islands as a popular snack.  They are made with rice and chickpea flour with added spices, such as hot chili powder and cumin.  The dough is drawn through a noodle press to shape it into thick noodles with curves.  We enjoyed them with an icy cold beer, which is also quite popular there. 

For our next course we had the smoked fish salad.  Salads of all types are served in the Seychelles.  This one was made with smoked marlin, shredded cabbage, carrots and onions.  It was served with a lime and olive oil dressing.  I think I could savor this salad every single day.  A true keeper recipe from the Seychelles and I am certain any type of smoked fish would be equally amazing.

For the main course, we served octopus curry and quickly learned why some consider it the most famous dish in the Seychelles.  It is a creamy curry made with coconut milk but so flavorful as it is spiced with masala and chilies.  Octopus is one of my favorite seafoods and we absolutely loved this curry over steamed white rice.  The original version comes from the island of Praslin and is a must try recipe.

For dessert, we wanted to enjoy something with bananas.  The Daube de Banana was perfect.  Bananas are loved and abundant on the islands.  What an absolute joy to savor this dish with all the special flavors that come from the Seychelles like: vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and of course, coconut.  This was yet another perfect ending to an International Cuisine meal.  The Seychellois cuisine was reminiscent of delicious Mauritius, which makes sense since they share much of the same history. 

As we say goodbye to the beautiful island nation of the Seychelles, I leave you with a poem written by  Terry Brewer called, Thoughts from the Seychelles Islands:

The sun carresses this granite isle

Where quietness rules the day.

The other world is sometimes grim,

here we smile, it is the Seychelles way.

Morne Seychellois stands tall, touching his cloud

Guarding, watching, massive and proud.

While flying foxes, sea birds, giant tortoises roam

Making this peaceful green island their home.

Red earth roads scurry through verdant hills

Clinging to mountains with desperate wills.

Sometimes destroyed by furious rains,

Making cataracts where there are no drains.

In Victoria, the Cathedral clock strikes twice at noon

Reminding time – move on, slowly, well soon!

Why hurry, there’s time to do what is to be done

And time goes slower if you stand, so much quicker if you run.

We trade with the world, who know not quite where we are

Vanilla, salt fish, green snails, beche de mer, copra

Go to far distant lands with a skilled sailors ease,

In schooners creaking slowly through fickle green seas.

Praslin Island is not too far away

The Garden of Eden, General Gordon did say

With the Coco de Mer in the Valley de Mai

Black parrots, peace and the silence of creation day

No airstrip yet intrudes and defiles

These untouched, unique, so, so beautiful isles.

Though there will be one soon, I’ver heard them say

Sadly, progress will change the quiet Seychelles way

Until next time,

Oo-rer-vwa  (“Goodbye” in Creole)

Darlene

How did Serbia get its name?

Serbia is the name for “The Land of the Serbs,” although, the actual origin of the name is unclear.  Serbia has historically had several different names: “The People’s Republic of Serbia,” “The Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes,” “The Socialist Republic of Serbia,” and from 1992 to 2006 Serbia was part of “The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”  Today her official name is, “The Republic of Serbia.”

Where is Serbia located?

Serbia is a Balkan nation located at the crossroads of central and southeastern Europe.  Serbia sits on the southern Pannonian Plain, known for its thriving agriculture, which accounts for nearly 60 percent of the land.  It is also home to mountains and forests. 

It was once the core of the much larger territory of Yugoslavia.  However, today it is landlocked, surrounded by eight neighbors, with which they still hold a few land disputes.  Serbia’s neighbors are: Hungary to the north, Romania to the northeast,  Bulgaria to the southeast, Macedonia is south, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina  lie to the west and Montenegro to the southwest.  Serbia also claims a border with Albania, through the disputed territory of Kosovo. 

The Danube River, the second largest in Europe, passes through Serbia and is an important fresh water resource for the country.  Serbia  is also the home of Europe’s largest gorge; the Derdap Gorge, through which the mighty Danube flows.  The capital city is Belgrade and it is one of the oldest and largest cities of southeastern Europe.  It is a lively capital city and known for its party atmosphere. 

A Brief History of Serbia

Serbia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age.  By the sixth century, several regional states were established by Slavic migrations.  It was part of numerous kingdoms such as: the Byzantine, Frankish and Hungarian Kingdoms.  In 1217 the Serbian Kingdom was recognized by Constantinople, until its fall in 1346.

During the 16^th century the entirety of Serbia had been annexed by the Ottomans, with a few interruptions by the Hapsburg Empire.  In the early 19^th century, Serbia became a nation-state, following the Serbian Revolution and was the region’s first constitutional monarchy. 

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo, by a Serbian member of the Young Bosnia Organization, led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia.  This is considered to be the start of World War I.  Serbia suffered mass casualties during the war with estimates as high as ¼ of the population at large and 57% of the male population. 

In 1929 King Alexander, the son of King Peter, established a dictatorship and changed the name of the country to Yugoslavia.  In 1941, Yugoslavia, which tried to remain neutral in World War II, was invaded by the Axis powers.  During this time, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Serbs fled the Axis puppet state, known as “The Independent State of Croatia” and sought refuge in the German occupied Serbia. 

Historians estimate that there were over one million war related deaths in Yugoslavia.  The Ustase regime (The Croatian Revolutionary Movement) was accused of systematically murdering somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 Serbs. This mass killing of Serbs, Jews and Romas, was considered genocide.

After the war, Yugoslavia became a one party state known as, “The Communist Party of Yugoslavia.”  Tito ruled there for nearly four and a half decades.  Eventually, due to ethnic tensions and wars, Yugoslavia broke up.  After many changes in leadership and rule, Serbia finally gained independence, (even as the last holdout of what was known as Yugoslavia,) on June 5, 2006.

Today Serbia is a parliamentary republic, and they are trying to become part of the European Union.   In 2008 Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, although the government of Serbia does not recognize the declaration.

Serbian Culture

Serbia is home to just over seven million people, which includes the autonomous region of Vojvodina, but not the population of Kosovo.  The ethnic makeup of the country, over 80%, is nearly all Serbs.  The remainder are Hungarians, Romanis and Bosniaks.  The official language is Serbian, however other languages, such as Hungarian and Romani, are spoken.  There is now freedom of religion in the country, but most, (85%) are members of the Serbian Orthodox Church.  The next largest religious group is Roman Catholic and a minority of Serbs are Muslims and Jews.

Serbia, being at the crossroads of eastern and western halves of empires for centuries, has been greatly influenced by those cultures.  Serbia is believed to have provided nearly a fifth of the Roman Emperors, the most famous being Constantine the Great.  He is credited with the introduction of Eastern Christianity or Orthodoxy, in the early middle ages.  Serbia has five UNESCO world heritage sites, all of which are monasteries.   The most famous might be the Milesseva monastery, where the fresco known as the White Angel (1235) was chosen as the first satellite broadcast signal from Europe to America. It  was a symbol of peace.

Icons and fresco paintings are considered the best of Serbian art.  (Serbian art during the Ottoman occupation was non-existent.)  The country is still dotted with many well preserved castles, medieval fortifications and monasteries.  There are several important museums in Serbia, including the prominent National Museum of Serbia, founded in 1844, which houses very important Balkan works of art.

Pirot carpet is known as one of the most important traditional handicrafts in all of Serbia.  It is made in the town of Pirot, in southeastern Serbia.  It is considered to be a national symbol of Serbian culture and uses the skill of making rugs on a vertical loom.  Music, dance, theater and literature also play important roles in Serbia’s history and culture.

Serbia’s Cuisine

Serbian cuisine is influenced by the surrounding Balkan nations, especially those that were part of the former Yugoslavia.  These include a mixture of Byzantine-Greek, Mediterranean, Turkish and Oriental as well as Medieval Slavic influences.  

Food preparation is a big part of Serbia’s family traditions.  Many items, such as rakija (their famous fruit brandy), jams, jellies, avjar, pickled foods and sausages, are all made at home.  They have several national dishes such as: gibanica, (an egg and cheese pie made with filo dough,) pljeskavica, (a ground beef and pork patty), karadordena snicla, (a schnitzel,) as well as cevapi, (grilled ground meat.) 

Generally speaking, the cuisine is made up of rich meats, vegetables, breads, cheese, fresh pastries and desserts.  The flavors are generally mild, fresh and natural.  As Serbians love to eat fresh produce, the seasonality dictates what is on the menu.  The cuisine is typically only lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika.  The national drink is the famous plum brandy, called sljivovica or their homemade rakija.    There is also a strong coffee culture.

So let’s enjoy a Serbian meal:

The Menu

Apertif & Appetizer

Meze (Assorted prosciutto with cheese and hard-boiled egg)

Served with: Šljivovica (Plum Brandy- the national drink)

Salad

Šopska Salata (Serbian salad with cheese)

Main Course

Ćevapi u lepinja sa kajmakom (Ground meat kebabs in flat bread with Kaymak)

(Also called Ćevapčići, this is one of the national dishes of Serbia)

Dessert

Suva Pita sa Orasmima (Walnut Pie)

We began to set the scene with raspberries and plums, as Serbia is the second largest exporter of each.  Also a jar of paprika was added and a statue of a vampire, representing the two Serbian words that made it into the English language.  We set the table with gold silverware, as an old Serbian legend says that in the 14^th century, meals in the Serbian palace were eaten with golden forks and spoons.  A cross was placed in the scene, to represent their Eastern Orthodox religion.  Finally, a tennis ball was added to represent the number one tennis player in the world; Novak Djokovic.  (Interestingly most Serbians last names end in “ic.”)

We began our meal with a toast, “Ziveli” which means, “Cheers” in Serbian.  It was accompanied by music, laughter and the clinking of glasses filled with plum brandy.  We enjoyed the aperitif along with meze, which means “little bites” and is similar to an Italian antipasto.  Our meze consisted of prosciutto, cornichons, pickled onions, olives, hard-boiled eggs and feta cheese.  We love meze, it was the perfect appetizer.

Next, we enjoyed a typical Serbian salad that is also popular all over the region called, Šopska Salata.  This is a basic salad made with cucumber, tomato, bell pepper and onions and topped with Serbian white cheese.  It is dressed with a simple, sunflower oil and white vinegar dressing and garnished with chives.  Excellent.

For the main course we savored one of Serbia’s national dishes, Ćevapi u lepinja sa kajmakom (Kebabs in flat bread with kaymak).  Everything was made from scratch, from the bread, called lepinja, to the grilled meat kebabs that were ground using lamb, beef and pork.  I even made up my own version of kaymak, which is a creamy dairy product that you smother on top of the lepinja.   We loved it all!

For dessert, we had this walnut pie called Suva Pita sa Orasmima, which is similar to baklava.  It is a sweet bite of heaven made with ground walnuts, which Serbians consider an aphrodisiac.  We enjoyed the dessert with a strong cup of coffee to end our fantastic Serbian meal.

As we say goodbye to this intriguing country of Serbia, known for their hospitality,  I leave you with a  few Serbian proverbs: 

The wound heals, the scar remains.

He who drinks on credit, gets drunk twice.

Peace pays what war wins.

and

A good deed is the best form of prayer.

Until next time,

“Zbogom” which means, “Goodbye,” in Serbian.

Warmest Regards,

Darlene Longacre

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How did Senegal get its name?

There are a few stories about the name Senegal.  Some believe that the country is named after the river of the same name that runs along its northern border, before entering the Atlantic Ocean.  Some historians believe the name may come from a Saharan Berber people called the Zenega, who lived north of the river.  In the Wolof language, “Sunugaal” means “Our Canoe” and the story goes that there was a miscommunication with a Portuguese captain and a Wolof fisherman over a canoe. This is the etymology of choice accepted by the Senegalese people, due to the charming symbolism of a nation, “all in the same boat.”

Where is Senegal located?

Senegal is located on the Cap-Vert peninsula in West Africa on the Atlantic coast.  Its vibrant capital city of Dakar, is the westernmost city on the African mainland.  Senegal has many neighbors: Mali, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and she wholly surrounds the small country of The Gambia.  This oddity makes the country look on a map like a big mouth taking a bite.

A Brief History of Senegal

It is believed the first humans in Senegal were hunters but sometime, around 3000 BC, they learned to farm.  By 500 AD a sophisticated society arose to make intricate iron tools and buildings made out of stone circles.  Towns and trade flourished.  In the 13^th century Senegal was part of the Empire of Mali, which lasted until their decline.  In the 15^th century, Senegal was broken up into several small kingdoms.

The first Europeans to arrive there were the Portuguese in 1544.  They began to trade with the Africans.  In the early 16^th century, the Portuguese started taking slaves from West Africa in large numbers to work sugar plantations.  The English, Dutch and French all established slave trading stations along the coast.  The Ile de Goree was taken by the French from the Dutch in 1677.   During the 18^th century, the slave trade flourished.  Europeans persuaded Africans from the coast to attack neighboring tribes and take captives.  Millions were shipped across the Atlantic in appalling conditions.  Today there is a museum called the House of Slaves with the “Door of No Return” that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.  It is a solemn place for contemplation and reflection.

The French took over Senegal and made it the headquarters of their growing West African empire.  This gave the Senegalese people education and healthcare that many other nations did not receive.  They also were a prosperous colony exporting ground nuts.  The French ended up giving independence to Senegal on June 20, 1960 as part of a union with Mali.  That was short-lived and Senegal became a separate nation on August 20, 1960.  Leopold Senghor, a catholic, became the first leader and is considered to be the founding father of the nation.  He introduced a new constitution in 1980.  Senegal is a poor country but unique in the world in many respects.

Senegalese Culture

The Sengelase have a motto, a way of life, called “Teranga,” which basically means “Hospitality.”  “The more I give, the more I have.”  This simple philosophy has shaped the nation in profound ways.

The country is made up of about 16 million people coming from about 20 ethnic groups.  The largest is the Wolof, however each ethnicity is important in the political, social and cultural spheres of the country.  The Wolof language is spoken by the majority of the people in Senegal and what you typically hear in the streets.  French and Arabic are considered to be the official languages, used in schools and government.

The country is 96 percent Sufi Muslim, a more mystical sect of Islam which was introduced in the 11^th century.  Christians, mostly Roman Catholics make up the balance.  They are a peaceful nation.  Western clothing is common in the urban areas of Senegal.  It is a choice however and many women prefer to wear a long, loose fitting, dress called boubous, with a matching headscarf.  

Like most African countries, Senegal has an age-old tradition of storytelling.  Written literature of Senegal is considered to be amongst the most important in West Africa.  Leopold Senghor, the founding father, is one of the most globally recognized poets.  Crafts such as glass painting, basket weaving, mask-making, wood carving, and textile painting are just a few of their specialties.

Music also plays an integral role in society.  The traditional music of the country has been influenced by the Malian Empire but it is faster and livelier.  Each ethnic group brings their own unique sounds and dance styles to the fusion of the nation.

Polygynous marriages are common in Senegal.  Households are often large and consist of a man and his multiple wives and children. The social structure is based on kinship.  Children and elders are highly regarded and children are taught social values at an early age.  In fact, the communal plate of food is a way to teach values.  The children have to wait, and only eat around the edges.  Adults get the triangle portion in front them and the women leave bites of protein for the children to enjoy.  With Teranga however, there is always room at the table for a guest. 

Senegalese Cuisine

Some say Senegalese cuisine is the best in the whole of Africa.  It has been influenced by North Africa, the French and Portuguese.   Being a nation of mostly Muslims, alcohol and pork are not consumed by the majority, but still available.  It is common to see a Senegalese enjoying a glass of bissap (a purplish juice made from the hibiscus flower) alongside a friend enjoying a local beer.

Because Senegal has rivers and borders the Atlantic Ocean, fish are very important to their cuisine.  Peanuts are the primary crop of Senegal.  In fact, they are one of the world’s largest exporters of peanuts.  Couscous, made of millet, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas and numerous other vegetables, are considered staples.  Meat, fish and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices and then served over rice, couscous or enjoyed with a French-style baguette.

Some of Senegal’s most popular dishes are: thieboudienne, which translates to the rice of fish, thiebou yapp, which translates to rice of meat and is typically made with beef or lamb. thiebou guinar is the rice of chicken and thiebou guerte is the rice of peanut.  Yassa, maafe and dibi are also popular which were made for neighboring countries.  Desserts like cinq centimes, aka the five cent cookie, is a peanut cookie that is quite popular as is thiakry, a millet pudding, or banana soup.

So let’s enjoy a Senegalese meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Ndambe (Spicy Bean Sandwich)

Main Course

Thieboudienne (Fish and Rice)

Served with

Saladu Awooka Ak Mango (Avocado and Mango Salad)

Dessert

Thiakry (Millet Pudding)

We set the scene with the colors of the flag; red, yellow and green.  Peanuts started the decor, as that is their main crop.  Cotton, which is another important crop, along with millet were placed.  A soccer ball was added to represent the national sport.  A photo of the famous Baobab tree was placed which is also called “the tree of life” and is a national symbol of Senegal.  These massive trees are in danger from drought and population growth but you will find them in the center of many villages, and always serve as a gathering place.  We put on Youssou N’Dour music.  In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine described him as “ the most famous singer alive.” You should check him out.

Our first course was a famous street food that can be found all over the country.  It is called ndambe, a spicy bean and beef mixture that is slathered on a French baguette.  In Senegal, you first buy your fresh bread and then find your favorite ndambe vendor.  Sometimes they are made with lentils and have no meat.  It is a wonderful sandwich that is often enjoyed for breakfast.

The main course was the famous thieboudienne, pronounced “ceebu jen,”  the national dish of Senegal.  The classic Senegalese dish is a fish stew with vegetables, served over rice.  It is no ordinary fish stew as it is bursting with layers of flavor.  The fish is first stuffed or marinated with a puree of parsley, green onions, garlic, chili and Maggi.  (Honestly, this puree can be used as a marinade on so many things, I fell in love.)  The fish is then fried and set aside, the vegetables are cooked until tender with the left over puree, along with chopped onion and tomato.  Smoked fish and a unique ingredient called Netetou is added, which is made from a seed and then fermented.  It adds a unique, almost umami flavor.  It is a staple spice used in many West African countries.  The rice, typically made with broken rice kernels, is cooked until tender.  Then the whole meal was plated onto a communal dish, which was eaten using a spoon.   Alongside the main course, we enjoyed a refreshing avocado and mango salad.  This was the perfect accompaniment to the hearty main dish, as it had a lovely, fresh, citrusy flavor.

For dessert, we loved thiakry.  It is a sweet pudding, similar to a rice pudding but this was made with millet.  It was flavored with vanilla and nutmeg and topped with raisins and pistachios.  We enjoyed it with mint tea, which is served in three varying concoctions, as is done in neighboring countries Mali and Mauritania.

As we say goodbye to this most intriguing country of Senegal, it is my hope that we can all implement more Teranga into our lives. 

 I leave you with a few Senegalese proverbs:

“There can be no peace without understanding.”

“An empty belly has no ears.”

and

“A lobster loves water, but not when he’s being cooked in it.”

Until next time,

“Jai-rruh-jef”  (“Thank you”) in Wolof

Darlene

How did Saudi Arabia get its name?

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world named after a family.  The Al-Sauds have traced their origins back to the 1700s, when Saud bin Mohammad ruled as a local sheikh on the central Arabian peninsula.  The official name is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Where is Saudi Arabia Located?

Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East.  It is a desert country that encompasses most of Arabian peninsula. It is large, about 830,000 square miles, and is the 13^th largest country in the world.  It has two coastlines, with a total length of 1640 miles; the Red Sea and the Persian or (Arabian) gulf coastlines.

It has many neighbors: Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast and Yemen to the south.  It is separated from Israel and Egypt by the Gulf of Aqaba.

Despite most of the land being an uninhabited desert, which includes the world’s largest contiguous sand desert, called the Empty Quarter, it also has hills and mountains in the west and southwest along the Red Sea.  The highest peak is Jabal Sawda which rises 9,843 feet above sea level. The country has no natural lakes or rivers.

Riyadh is the capital and home to more than 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the country.  It is located in the center of the Arabian peninsula on a large plateau.

A Brief History of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia can trace its roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian peninsula.  Over the centuries, it played an important role in trade but it is best known as the birthplace of Islam; the world’s second largest religion after Christianity.  Prior to the 7^th century, most of Saudi Arabia was inhabited by nomadic tribes.  It was Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, who was born in Mecca that united many of these tribes.  After his death in 632, his Arab followers began to expand the area of Muslim rule well beyond Arabia.

In the 16^th century, the Ottoman Empire took over, taking control of both coasts along the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.  It was in the 18^th century when the House of Saud began to emerge as a power.  Muhammad bin Saud started the dynasty along with Muhammad ibn Adb-dl-Wahhad, a religious leader and the founder of the Wahhabi movement.  They stayed in power until the Ottomans regained control in 1818.  This alliance, formed in the 18^th century, provided the ideological impetus to Saudi expansion and remains the basis of the dynastic rule today.  At this time, another family, the Al Rashid, also came into power.  In 1902, Abul-Aziz bin Saud returned from exile in Kuwait and seized Riyadh, ousting the Al Rashid and uniting the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia became an independent nation after the Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I.  Abdul-Aziz bin Saud regained power.  In 1932 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established with Abdul-Aziz as king.  He set up Saudi Arabia as an absolute monarchy and has remained in power with six of his sons in succession, poised to reign over the kingdom. The king of Saudi Arabia is also known as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.  Saudi Arabia is home to Islam’s holiest shrines in Mecca; one where the prophet Muhammad was born and Medina, where he was buried.

Saudi Arabia struck oil in 1938 and by 1949 was in full production.  This began under the US-controlled Aramco (Arabian American Oil Company.)  The discovery of oil reserves made Saudi Arabia one of the richest nations in the world.  They are the world’s largest oil producer and exporter of oil, controlling the world’s second largest oil reserves, and the sixth largest gas reserves.

In February 1945, King Abdul Aziz met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the USS Quincy in the Suez Canal.  A historic handshake, agreeing to supply the US with oil in exchange for guaranteed protection to the Saudi regime, is still in force to this day.  This agreement has survived seven Saudi Kings and twelve US presidents.

In 1960 Saudi Arabia became a founding member of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.)  In 1973, Saudi Arabia led an oil boycott against western countries that supported Israel during the October, Yom Kipur War with Egypt and Syria.  Oil prices quadrupled.  In 1980, Saudi Arabia took full control of Aramco from the US.

In 1994 the Islamic dissident, Osama Bin Laden, was stripped of his Saudi nationality and started the terror group known as Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.  On September 11, 2001 they staged the worst terror attack ever committed on US soil.  Planes were purposely flown into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.  Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers involved in the attack were Saudi nationals.

In 2011, the whole area in the Middle East was dealing with unrest, known as the Arab Spring.  In an effort to keep the unrest at bay, King Abdullah announced increased welfare spending and more rights for women, including the right to vote and to run in municipal elections.  This made Saudi Arabia the last country in the world to give women the right to vote.

The current leader is King Salman, however, his son, Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is next in line to the throne, is believed to be the driving force behind Saudi reforms.  He has recently allowed women the right to get a driver’s license, and has allowed the return of public cinema.  However, the world was recently horrified over the killing and dismemberment of a reporter named Jamal Khashoggi, that occurred in the Saudi consulate in Turkey.  There has been an international outcry as a result and we are waiting to see what happens next.

The Saudis have also been funding a war in nearby Yemen.  Saudi Arabia is supporting the coalition (which is also supported by other nations, including the United States of America,) in fighting the Houthi rebels, which, since 2015, has resulted in a horrific civil war.  Yemen remains in the middle of a humanitarian catastrophe, yet it has been dubbed the forgotten war.

Saudi Arabian Culture

Saudi Arabia has a population of about 33 million people.  Its primary ethnic group is Arab and the main religion is Sunni Islam.  The country’s currency is the Riyal, which is tied to the US dollar.  The official language is Arabic.

The rich culture of Saudi Arabia takes its cues from its Islamic heritage.  Its historical role is as an ancient trade center and it upholds its Bedouin traditions.  The country is run by Sharia law and all of its holidays are based on the Islamic religion.

The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan, a time in which they fast from dusk till dawn and which ends with the Eid-Al-Fitr, a holiday where families and friends exchange gifts.  Additionally, the hajj (pilgrimage) season, culminates with Eid-Al-Adha, when families slaughter a sheep in memory of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, and then they share the meat with the poor.  The hajj is a mandatory, religious duty for all Muslims to visit the holiest city of Mecca.  This must be carried out once in their lifetime.  The pilgrimage is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam.

The country is 100% Muslim, except for the foreigners who are brought there for work, which accounts for some 9 million people.  There is no freedom of religion.  The Islamic teachings and Arab customs are taught in schools at an early age.

As the birthplace of Islam, the Kingdom places a special emphasis on preserving its Islamic archeological heritage.  The two most important sites are the Holy Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.   Minarets are the most visible, man-made, structures in Saudi Arabia.  They jut from the skyline of every urban center.  The minarets are meant to be a Muslim society’s bond with God.  The reason they rise above all other structures is to allow the call to prayer to be heard, which occurs five times per day.

Poetry, folk music and dancing are a living piece of the country’s history, which has been shaped by the nomadic Bedouins for centuries.  The national dance is the men’s sword dance, known as the Ardha.  Men carrying swords stand in two lines or in a circle, with a poet singing in their midst, while they perform the traditional dance.

Saudis prefer traditional clothes to western styles.  The loose flowing, traditional garments are practical for the Kingdom’s hot and windy climate, as well as in keeping with the Islamic ideal of modesty.  Men wear a typical white, ankle length shirt called a thawb.  On their heads they wear a large square of cotton that is folded over a skull cap and held in place with a cord.  Women customarily wear a black outer cloak, called an abaya, over their dress, which very likely is modern.  On their heads they wear a black, gauzy scarf that is wrapped around the head and called a shayla.  Some women wear veils made of sheer material, which has been a tradition even before the advent of Islam.  The thin veil provides protection from constant exposure to the sun.  Today, a veil is also a sign of modesty and virtue.  Jewelry has also been part of the Arabian dress for thousands of years.

Saudi Arabian Cuisine

Nearly all types of cuisines, including fast foods, are available in this wealthy nation, but the Saudis prefer traditional foods.  Also, despite the area only receiving about 4 inches of rain per year, they have managed to become food independent, and have developed a strong agriculture sector, producing all their own dairy and vegetables. They have built very deep wells and desalinization plants to provide for an ample water supply.

As Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state, pork and alcohol are forbidden.  Animals must be butchered according to Islamic law and blessed before they are eaten.  Saudi Arabia is the largest importer of live sheep and ranks as the highest consumer of broiler chickens.  Lamb is traditionally served to honored guests and for special occasions.  Camel is also consumed, as is its milk, which has long been a staple of the Bedouin diet.  The largest camel market in the world, selling a 100 head of camel a day, can be found in the capital city of Riyadh.  Yogurt is used in sauces, eaten alone and made into a drink called lassi.

The main ingredients in their diet are fava beans, wheat, rice, yogurt and of course dates.  Saudi Arabia has over 18 million date palms that produce 600 million pounds of dates each year.  Flat breads, called fatir or kimaje, which are similar to a pita, are used as utensils to scoop up their meal.  Thick soups are popular, as are stuffed vegetables, bean salads and tabbouleh, a salad made with bulgur wheat.

Often times, dates, dried fruits and nuts, along with sweet tea, are served as appetizers or snacks and sweet desserts are enjoyed at the end of meal.  Coffee, called gawha, is a centuries old tradition and served in tiny coffee cups.  It is considered very rude to refuse a cup of coffee and it should always be enjoyed in odd numbers.  Coffee houses are gathering spots for many Saudi men.

Spices such as cardamom, saffron, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and cloves are all prevalent in Saudi cuisine.   They also enjoy eating foods with a serving of a super spicy sauce, called shattah.

So let’s enjoy a Saudi Arabian meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Akkawi Manakeesh (Arabic Cheese Bread with Nigella Seeds)

Main Course

Al Kabsa (Spiced Rice and Chicken)

Served with

Shattah (Spicy Hot Sauce)

Dessert

Ma’amul (Short Biscuits, Stuffed with Dates and Nuts)

We set the scene by placing a rug on the floor, as it is tradition to eat on the floor in a cross-legged position.  To decorate, we added palm fronds, dates and a sword, to represent the fight of Abd-al-Aziz.  A traditional coffee pot, along with a calligraphy pen was added, as calligraphy is a beloved art form there that dates back some 1400 years, to the first century of Islam.  Because its primary subject matter has been the Holy Qur’an, calligraphy is considered to be the quintessential Islamic art form.  An Arabian horse figurine was also placed, as they have a long history of breeding horses there.

We began the meal with a hand washing ritual, which is customary.  We then said, “Sahtain” which basically means, “Bon appetite” and “Bismillah,” which means, “In the name of God.”  Our first course was a scrumptious little cheese bread.  It was made with a flat bread and a salty cheese called akkawi.  The cheese comes in a brine and is rinsed to remove the salt before serving.  It was topped with nigella seeds and baked in a hot oven, similar to a pizza.  I also made another version that was topped with a spice mixture  called za-atar.  We loved them both!  We ate the bread with just our right hand, which is the socially acceptable tradition there.

For the main course, we savored the national dish called Al Kabsa.  It was reminiscent of other rice dishes I have made previously from the region; such as machboos, from Bahrain or murabyan, from Kuwait.  This was a spiced rice, with chicken dish but what made this one special, was the very, spicy sauce called shittah.  The sauce was served on the side.  To me, it truly elevated the dish and I will make that spicy sauce accompaniment often.

For dessert we had a very popular Arabic cookie, called Ma’amul.  It is a bit dry, like a short biscuit, but with a lovely nut and date interior.  They were baked in a ma’amul mold, which makes a lovely decoration for the cookie.  They were then covered with powdered sugar and rose petals.  The cookies went great with a robust, little cup of Arabic coffee.

When we finished our meal, we said “Diamah,” which means “May there always be plenty at your table.”  The Saudis are known for their generous hospitality to guests and strangers.  If you ever get the opportunity to experience this hospitality, you should definitely take part.

Until next time,

Darlene

How did Sao Tome and Principe get their names?

The two, uninhabited, volcanic islands, that formed this nation, were founded by Portuguese navigators who arrived on Sao Tome on the feast day of Saint Thomas, in 1471.  Principe was originally discovered on St. Anthony’s Day, in 1472 and initially was named Santo Antao.  In 1502, the name was changed to Ilha do Principe or Prince’s Island, after the Portuguese prince who received the islands’ sugar crop duties.  The rich volcanic soil was ideal for setting up plantations to grow sugar.

Where is Sao Tome and Principe located?

The two islands are about 31 miles (or 50 km) apart and are located in the Atlantic Ocean, in the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the equator.  The closest neighbor is the West African nation of Gabon, about 186 miles or (300 km) away to the northeast.  The islands are part of the Cameroon volcanic, mountain line.  Sao Tome is about 30 miles long and 20 miles wide and is the more mountainous of the two islands.  Its tallest peak reaches 6,640 feet but its most famous peak is Pico Cao Grande; a landmark, skyscraper like, volcanic plug, which is also known as the Great Dog Peak.  It rises over 1000 feet above the surrounding terrain, with the summit being 2175 feet above sea level.  The islands feature striking rock and coral formations, lush tropical rainforests and beautiful beaches.  The climate is hot and humid, with an average temperature of 80 degrees.  The rainy season is between October and May, and annual rainfall can vary from 40 inches to 196 inches.

A Brief History of Sao Tome and Principe

The islands were discovered without any inhabitants.  The Portuguese discoverers felt the islands would be good locations for bases to trade with the mainland.  The first successful settlement of Sao Tome was established in 1493 by Alvaro Caminha, who received a land grant from the crown.  Principe was established seven years later, in 1500.  One problem they faced was attracting settlers.  So the first inhabitants, who were deemed “undesirables,” sent from Portugal, were mostly Jews.  Slave labor was brought in later, in large numbers, from the African mainland to work the sugar plantations.  By the mid-16^th century the Portuguese settlers had turned the islands into Africa’s largest exporter of sugar.  The islands were taken over and administered by the Portuguese crown, in 1522 for Sao Tome and then in 1573 for Principe.

Competition from other sugar producing colonies began to hurt the islands.  Sugar cultivation started to decline over the next 100 years.  In the 17^th century, the islands economy changed and was instead a transit point for ships engaged in the slave trade between the West and the African mainland.

In the 19^th century, two new crops, coffee and cocoa, were introduced.  It didn’t take long for numerous new plantations, called rocas, to occupy almost all of the good, rich volcanic farmland.  The rocas were mostly owned by Portuguese companies or absentee landlords. By 1908, Sao Tome became the world’s largest producer of the highly sought after cocoa, which remains an important crop today.

Unfortunately, the system of rocas, led to abuses against the African farm workers.  Although slavery was officially abolished in 1876 by the Portuguese, the practice of forced paid labor continued.  Years of uprisings eventually culminated into what is known as the “Batepa massacre,” which was a clash between African workers and their Portuguese rulers.   Several hundred African laborers were killed in the massacre.  This was a major turning point in 1953, which later became a memorial, observed each year on February 3^rd, by the government.

Sao Tome and Principe achieved peaceful independence on July 12, 1975.  In 1990, Sao Tome became one of the first countries to undergo democratic reform.  They held non-violent, free and transparent elections.  Although the country has had a few uprisings since that time, it has a reputation for being a safe and democratic society, that functions under a multi-party system.

Sao Tome and Principe Culture

The population of both islands is currently about 213,000.  All are descended from various ethnic groups that have migrated to the islands since 1485.  There are six different groups:  Mestizo, or mixed heritage is the first group, and are descendants of Portuguese colonists and African slaves.  They are considered the “Children of the Land.”  Angolares, are descendants of Angolan slaves, who survived a shipwreck in 1540.  Today most Angolares earn their livelihood as fisherman.  Forros, are descendants of freed slaves.  Servicas are contract laborers, who lived only temporarily on the islands.  Tongas, are the children of Servicas, who were born on the islands.  Europeans, mostly Portuguese, and some Asians, make up the balance of the population.

Due to its diverse population Sao Tome and Principe have four official languages: Portuguese, Portuguese creole (called Forro), Angolar and Principense.  French, however, is learned in school and the country is a member of Francophonie.  Almost the entire population belongs to either Roman Catholic or Evangelical Protestant religions.  However, there are others religions practiced there because of the Freedom of Religion Act.

It is no surprise that music plays an important role.  Santomaen’s are known for ussua and socope rhythms, while Principe is home to the dexa beat.  It is believed that Portuguese ballroom music played an integral role in the development of these rhythms and dances, as well as musical traditions from various regions of Africa.   They are also known for tchiloli; a dramatic story told through music, dance and theatre.

Sao Tome and Principe Cuisine

The two biggest influences on the cuisine are their location and from the origin of the inhabitants.  African and Portuguese cuisines blend together into a wonderful fusion of flavors.  Of course, being islands, seafood plays an important role.  Fish is their main source of protein, which is often eaten with indigenous root crops.  Breadfruit and jackfruit are both very popular.  Other staple foods are beans, maize and cooked bananas (some seven varieties.)  Tropical fruits like pineapple, avocado, mango, bananas, soursop and things you have never seen, even in the most exotic produce section of your local market, also play significant roles.

Being a small, two-island nation, most of their food is imported from Portugal.  Calulu, is considered the national dish, which comprises smoked fish, palm oil and vegetables, along with peppers, to add spice.  Generally, they like their food with a little kick.  Many of their dishes are also flavored with local coffee; used like a spice, in sauces.  The national drink is palm wine, but they make a few beers and local rum as well.  Sao Tome, the capital with the same name, is home to the main market where imported items from Portugal such as sausages and salami stuffed in bread rolls can be found.  It is common to see grilled corn on sticks served as a popular street food.

So let’s eat a Sao Tome and Principe meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Sanduiche de Salsicha (Sausage Sandwich)

Main Course

Matata (Clams in Port Wine)

Dessert

Banana Bolo (Banana Cake)

We set the scene with several of their staple ingredients: bananas, avocados, coffee and cocoa.  A palm leaf was placed to represent the tropical rainforests, along with a few exotic flowers and seashells.  A soccer ball was added, since soccer is the national sport, and a religious cross completed the scene.

The first course was one of my favorite things; a sausage sandwich.  Grilled linguica, is my “go to” Portuguese sausage and paired with a little mustard and bread, makes for a wonderful appetizer.  We enjoyed it with the famous Portuguese, Super Bock beer.

Our main course was called matata; a lovely clam dish cooked in port wine and served over steamed, white rice.  The dish was really quick and easy to make and was so delicious.  It was flavored with onion, tomato and spinach, with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.  It also had a nice crunch from peanuts in the sauce.  It was a super easy, delightful dish that I will make often.

For dessert, we enjoyed banana bolo, or banana cake.  It is the topping that makes this dessert so amazing.  It is basically caramel, topped with banana pieces.  This was served slightly warm and was an absolute delight.  (Fair warning, you will want more than one piece.)  We savored this dessert with a robust cup of hot coffee.

As we say goodbye to this tiny, two-island nation, called Sao Tome and Principe, I leave you with  a saying that is heard all over the islands;  “Leve’ leve’,” which means, “Easy easy.”  It’s a simple saying that is good reminder to us to slow down, take our time, and enjoy all that life has to offer.

Until next time,

Leve’ leve’

Darlene Longacre