How did Sri Lanka get its name?

“Lanka” is thought to be the first documented name for the island, in Sanskrit, dating back to 5114 BCE. ”Lanka” simply means “Island.”  Another theory is that the name was derived from the Tamil word “Ilanku” meaning “to shine,” or “to glitter.”  This name makes sense due to the glittering of gold and gems found on the island’s surface.

To be honest this island nation has more previous names than can be counted.  I think it must be a record.  In 622 BCE, Arabian Persian Traders called it “Serendib” or “Serendivi” (in Arabic).  The name is believed to have led Horace Walpole to create the word “serendipity” for the English language. 

Back in 960 A.D. an Arab author referred to Sri Lanka as “Saheelan.”  When the Portuguese and Dutch arrived the name remained similar until the British called it “Ceylon” in 1796 which remained until 1978 when it was changed officially changed to the “Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.” “Sri” means “Resplendent.”  So, today Sri Lanka is known as the ”Land of Serendipity” or “Resplendent Island.”

Where is Sri Lanka located?

Another nickname of Sri Lanka is the “Teardrop of India,” which gives you an idea of the shape of the island, which is located just 21 miles at its closest point from the southeastern tip of India, in the Indian Ocean.  Sri Lanka is considered to be part of Asia. The Maldives lie to the southwest.  Sri Lanka is just slightly above the equator in the northern hemisphere and has a tropical climate.  It has two distinct monsoon seasons.  The capital city, Colombo, is known to be hot and humid.

A brief history of Sri Lanka

It is believed that Sri Lanka has been continuously inhabited for more than two million years.  The original inhabitants were hunters and gatherers from the Stone Age.  Somewhere around the fifth century BCE, immigrants from northern India arrived, forming the modern Sinhalese population.  The Sinhalese population was largely Buddhist and set up the first kingdom around Anuradhapura.  Early Buddhist emissaries brought a cutting from the Bodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.  This tree is still standing and is believed to be the oldest tree planted by human beings.  The tree remains an important pilgrimage site.

Tamils, from the south of India, arrived about two centuries after the Sinhalese.  Most Tamils are Hindu or Christian and are a minority in Sri Lanka.

The Portuguese arrived in 1505 and by 1518, having established good relations with the king, were allowed to build a fort at Colombo (the capital city today) for trade concessions, in exchange for the king’s protection.

Meanwhile, the Dutch established a trading fort in Galle, destroying the earlier Portuguese outpost.  Soon the Dutch East India Company controlled most of Ceylon.  However, after 300 years of colonial rule by the treaty of Amiens, Britain gave up control of Ceylon, just after the Napoleonic Wars.

Due to unrest during Colonial rule, the Ceylon National Congress was formed in 1919, uniting Sinhalese and Tamils.  Although some concessions were made, Ceylon did not gain independence until 1948.  Ceylon became the “Republic of Sri Lanka” in 1972. 

Unfortunately, tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamils erupted into a bloody civil war, lasting from 1983 to 2009.  It is estimated that the 26 year civil war resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.  After the fighting ended, a Tamil-nationalist, Catholic bishop claimed that 147,000 people, civilians and fighters, remained missing.  The war ended when the leader of the Tamils was killed.  Sri Lanka has been under scrutiny for war crimes against the Tamil. 

In 2004 Sri Lanka was also hit with a massive tsunami, killing 30,000 and displacing 1.5 million people.

Sri Lanka is a much different place today, as it has made huge strides in rebuilding their nation. The remaining Tamils and Sinhalese live relatively peacefully together.  Although Sri Lanka still has plenty of work to do, it is often on the list of the one of the best places to visit, due to the warmth of the Sri Lankan people and its beauty as a tropical paradise destination.  Unfortunately, there was a terrorist attack on Easter in 2019 that left 259 people dead and created travel warnings.  Most recently, the covid crisis will cause even more hardship in the rebuilding of the island.

Sri Lankan Culture

Sri Lanka was colonized by three different cultures all of which clearly left their influences.  The descendants of the Dutch settlers are called Burghers and they are still a considerably influential group.  The British brought over the ritual of high tea, which is still a custom in Sri Lanka today.  Tea plantations were established by the British as the interior mountainous region provided the perfect environment and climate.  Some of the world’s most famous teas still come from Sri Lanka; brands like Ceylon and Lipton.  Visiting tea plantations is a tourist highlight, as they are located in lush, green, picturesque locations.

The largest religious group remains the Buddhists.  The others are Hindus, Muslims and some Christians as well.  Visitors will find Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, Muslim mosques and Christian churches, throughout the island.

There are three official languages in Sri Lanka: Sinhalese, Tamil and English.  The street signs are typically in all three languages but sometimes, only in English.

There are many UNESCO world heritage sites in Sri Lanka.  Some of the most prominent ones include: Sigiriya, an ancient fortress built atop a huge granite monolith, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, the Sacred City of Kandy, which has the highly revered Temple of the Tooth, along with the Golden Temple of Dambulla and the old Town of Galle.

Sri Lanka celebrates some 30 holidays per year.  Many are religious holidays that are public holidays for all to celebrate.  One holiday that is celebrated each month is called Poya; an island wide celebration of the full moon.  

Sri Lankan Cuisine

The official meal of Sri Lanka is rice and curry, a complete meal of steamed heirloom basmati rice surrounded by all sorts of different curries.  Curry comes in many forms in Sri Lanka: meats, poultry, fish and seafood, vegetables and even fruit.  Jack fruit curry is a specialty curry. 

As a tropical island with an abundance of vegetation, the cuisine uses all sorts of herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables and especially coconuts, which are ubiquitous throughout the country.  As a country that was a hub in the historic oceanic Silk Road, Sri Lanka traders brought in many new food items and inparted cultural influences which all helped to shape Sri Lankan cuisine.  Some say it is similar to South East Asian cuisine as well as the cuisine of the state of Kerala, in southern India.  Sri Lankan cuisine is spicy and hot, with the heat coming from an array of chilies.

Sri Lanka is famous for its cinnamon, which originated there.  It is often blended with black pepper, which is also indigenous.  Sri Lanka is most famous for its unique spice blends which include:  roasted and then ground coriander seed, cumin, fennel, clove, fenugreek and cinnamon, to name a few.  No doubt every cook in Sri Lanka has their own curry spice blend secrets.  Curry leaves are often used fresh, as are pandan leaves.

Sambols, especially coconut sambal, are served alongside just about everything, as are achars or pickled relishes.  It is not unusual to have multiple curries, sambols and achars served at one time.  Often a dhal (lentil) curry, is served as well.

Another famous Sri Lankan dish is the hopper.  It is a bowl made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk.  There are special hopper pots that they are steamed or fried to make the bowl shape and then are often served with an egg, and sambols. 

Obviously as an island nation, fish and seafood play an important role in the cuisine.  One ubiquitous ingredient is called Maldive fish, which is a cured skip jack tuna that imparts a wonderful umami flavor to their dishes.

So let’s enjoy a Sri Lankan meal:

The Menu

Starter

 Kadala Thal Dala (Spiced Chickpeas)

Main Course

Sri Lankan Roasted Curry Spice Blend

Prawn Curry with Steamed Basmati Rice

Served with

Pol Sambol (Coconut Sambol)

Dessert

Watalappan (Coconut Custard)

We set the scene with elephant statues, the national animal of Sri Lanka (and which happens to be my spirit animal.)  Sri Lanka has numerous national parks and is famous for the amount of wild elephants that gather in groups in the parks.  The island is also well known for leopards, monkeys, peacocks, and a whole array of birds.  Sea life is also a draw, and it is said you can see the largest land mammal, the elephant and the largest marine mammal, the blue whale, in a single day.  Tea was  placed in the décor, as it is Sri Lanka’s biggest export.  Cinnamon and black pepper were added as well as a coconut.  A Buddha statue was staged to represent the largest religion and a photo of a water lily, the national flower, of Sri Lanka completed the scene.

We began with spiced up chickpeas, which would also be considered a short eat (or snack) in Sri Lanka.  They were spicy with flavors of mustard seeds, cumin and curry leaves and spicy hot from the red chilies.  We loved them.

For the main course, we enjoyed the spicy prawn curry with steamed Basmati rice and the amazing pol sambal.  The prawn curry was full of flavor and  spicy hot too.  We scooped up the curry and rice using our right hand.  They eat with only the right hand in Sri Lanka.

The curry and rice were served with the coconut sambol, a perfectly balanced condiment with which I have fallen completely in love.  On its own, it is perfectly balanced, with sweetness from the grated fresh coconut, sour from lime, spice from chilies and umami from shallots and maldive fish.  A heavenly dish indeed! 

For dessert, watalappan was served.  This is has a coconut custard flavor with a kitul jaggery, which comes from the fishtail palm and has a lovely caramel flavor.  It was topped with cashews.  We savored it with a hot cup of Ceylon black tea.

After dinner we sat down to read “The Legend of The Ramayana,” an epic tale of Rama, who traveled to the teardrop island to save his princess bride, Sita.  It is a purely magical story that is part of the culture, the history and souls of the Sri Lankan people.

Until next time,

Be safe and well,

Darlene

How did Spain get its Name?

Spain is known as the “Land of Rabbits.”  It was named by the Carthaginians somewhere around 300 B.C.  They called it Ispania (sphan, meaning “rabbit.”)  Evidently, there was an abundance of rabbits that roamed the land back then. 

The Romans, when they arrived, decided to keep the name, calling it Hispania.  Eventually, the name was changed officially to Reino de España, in Spanish or the “Kingdom of Spain,” in English. 

Spain did go by a few different names over time.  Its earliest name was Iberia, named for by the Moorish inhabitants from North Africa.  Iber was the Iberian word for “river.”  The Greeks called the entire peninsula Hesperia, meaning “Land of the Setting Sun.”   (Interestingly, I currently live in a town called Hesperia, California.  Now I know the meaning of the name.) 

Where is Spain Located?

Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest part of Europe.  It shares land borders with Portugal to the west, France and Andorra in the north and northeast, and a small border with Gibraltar to the south.  It also has water borders, such as: the Mediterranean Sea to the east, the Strait of Gibraltar to the south and the Bay of Biscay to the north. 

Aside from the mainland, the territory also includes many islands on the Atlantic, the Balearic and Mediterranean Sea.  If you were to combine all the Spanish beaches into one stretch it would be almost 5000 miles long.  It is no surprise that the country and its islands are very popular beach destinations.  Its capital city is Madrid and is located in the heart of the country.

A Brief History of Spain

There is very early evidence that most of the Iberian Peninsula has been inhabited since prehistoric times.  Sometime around 4000 BCE much of Spain was settled by Iberians.  Then the Celts, the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Carthaginians all had settlements. 

It was the Romans that had the largest influence on Spain’s culture, as they ruled for nearly six centuries, until the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century CE.

Sometime, around 500 CE, the Visigoths arrived and drove out the Romans.  Then it was the Muslim Moors of North Africa, in 711 CE, that came across the Mediterranean Sea and conquered Spain, ruling for several hundred years. 

Meanwhile, Christian kingdoms in the north were gaining power and the Reconquista, the Christian re-conquest of Christian territory, began to retake Spain from the Muslims. 

Eventually, the Reconquista ended with the conquest of Grenada.  The Alhambra Decree expelled all the Jews from Spain that did not convert to Christianity, in 1492 CE.

In 1469, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon were married.  The Kingdom of Spain was formed and they were named the king and queen of Spain.  In 1492, Queen Isabella sponsored the expedition of explorer Christopher Columbus who then discovered the “New World.”

In the 1500s, during the Age of Exploration, Spain became the most powerful country in Europe, if not the world.  Spanish conquistadors, such as Herman Cortes, conquered the Aztec’s Empire in Mexico and Francisco Pizarro,  conquered the Incan Empire in Peru, along with others who conquered much of the Americas and made them into Spanish colonies.  This brought great wealth to the Kingdom of Spain, especially from gold, but from countless other treasures as well.

In 1588 in a battle of the world’s great navies, the British defeated the Spanish Armada, which began the decline of the Spanish Empire.  In the 1800s, many of Spain’s colonies started to revolt and wanted to separate from Spain. 

Spain continued to be in many wars but was losing most of them.  In 1898, Spain lost the Spanish-American War and with it, many of their primary colonies.

Generally, Spain stayed neutral during both World Wars, but did side somewhat with Germany, which made things difficult after the Second World War.  In 1936, there was a civil war in Spain.  The nationalist forces won the war and General Francisco Franco became Spain’s ruler and dictator until his death in 1975.  Since that time, the country has experienced rapid and remarkable, cultural, political and social changes.

 A new constitution was adopted in 1978, which has served as a means to democracy.  The country is now run as a constitutional monarchy in which executive decisions are made by the government.  The Spanish monarch is currently represented by King Felipe VI. 

Spanish Culture

Spanish culture is a true reflection of its crossroad’s location and influences from the different inhabitants over the centuries.  The country comprises 17 autonomous regions.  Each region of Spain has its own unique culture and even has some of their own official languages, such as: Catalan, Galician, Valencian and Basque.  Spanish (Castilian) is the official language of the whole country.  Spanish is a Romance language that is closely related to Latin.  It is the second most widely spoken “first” language in the world, with more than 400 million speakers.  (The most popular “first” language spoken is Mandarin.)

Spain has a population of about 47 million and is known for its relaxed way of life.  La siesta (the afternoon nap) was born in Spain.  Nothing happens in a hurry; life is slow and treasured.  Spaniards have an uncanny ability to be in the present and not plan every minute of the day.  Perhaps this is why Spaniards have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, at an impressive 83 years of age.  One statistic from the OECD, reported that the average Spaniard devotes 16 of the 24 hours of every day to leisure; including eating, drinking and sleeping.

Spain is home to 47 UNESCO world heritage sites, listed for their cultural significance or natural beauty; some are even entire towns.  These sites, along with hundreds of beaches, make Spain one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Spain also has many popular festivals throughout the year; from the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, to La Tomatina, where you participate in a giant tomato fight.  Las Fallas in Valencia is where giant paper sculptures are turned into bonfires and Carnival, is their Mardi Gras festival, plus there are so many others. 

I had the privilege of being in Spain for Semana Santa (Holy Week,) which was an experience I will forever treasure.  About 70 percent of the population identify themselves as Roman Catholics (although only about 13 percent of the population goes to church each Sunday.)  Despite that, religion has huge importance in Spanish culture.

Music and dance is at the heart of Spanish tradition.  Spain is world famous for its flamboyant flamenco and Spanish guitar. Flamenco dance is often associated with the passionate dancing and the colorful dresses worn by the performers but it is important to note that flamenco can also be performed without dance.  It does, however, always feature the cante jondo (deep song) of the gitanos (gypsies) of Andalusia.  It is of no surprise that Spanish guitar is also at the heart of Spanish culture.  It was actually invented in Andalusia in the 1790s when a sixth string was added to the Moorish lute.  It gained its modern shape in the 1870s.

Spain has a remarkable artistic heritage dating back for centuries. However, it was in the early 20^th century that the art world was influenced by a remarkable group of Spanish artists, such as: Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali, to name just a few.  The architecture throughout Spain, includes its massive Gothic cathedrals built in nearly every town square, as well as incredible castles and plazas. This includes the famous Alhambra palace and fortress and of course Gaudi’s, La Sagrada Familia, to name just a couple of the amazing sites in Spain.

Bullfighting is considered to be the national sport of Spain and is the most controversial of all Spanish traditions.  Some places in Spain have banned its practice due to the cruelty to animals. However, there is a long history of the bullfighting sport.  Matadors (those who fight the bull) are very highly respected.  The largest bullring in Madrid called Las Ventas  has a historical museum dedicated to the sport.  Actually, some would argue that soccer is truly the national sport of the 21^st century.   Spain won the FIFA World Cup in 2010.  Fútbol, as it is called there, is a beloved sport throughout the country.

Spanish Cuisine

Each and every region in Spain has its own history and cuisine. Generally speaking, the cuisine is considered to be Mediterranean.  Spain is the world’s largest olive oil producer.  You will find delicious green olives on every table in Spain.

They also have a very old viticulture.  Archeologists believe that some grapes were cultivated between 4000 and 3000 BC, long before the Phoenicians showed up.  Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world and has 2.9 million acres of vines planted.  Just like their cuisine, the wine differs from location to location.  Rioja and Ribera de Duero are known for their Tempranillo production.  Whereas, Jerez de la Frontera is home of the fortified wine; sherry.  Cava, a delicious sparkling wine, comes mostly from the Catalonia region.

There are many sumptuous foods for which Spain is famous but the one that stands out to me is what comes from the black-hoofed pig, known for its acorn diet.  These Iberian pigs are raised in the southwest.  Pork is loved in many forms and made into sausages, roasted, stewed etc.  However, jamon iberico, is a cured ham that is simply unbelievable.  You will see legs of pork hanging in nearly every market throughout Spain. One bite of this ham will simply melt in your mouth.  It goes perfectly with Spain’s cheeses, from the castile-La Mancha region, called Manchego.  Together, they are a perfect combination of flavor.

Interestingly, some of Spain’s most famous dishes would not have been possible without the discovery of the New World.  Tomatoes, potatoes, maize, peppers of all kinds, paprika, vanilla and cocoa are some of what was brought back to Spain.  Another famous dish is the tortilla Espanola or Spanish tortilla, which in Spain is a potato and egg casserole, not what you would likely think of as a tortilla.  Some believe that this should be the national dish of Spain.  

Often when we think of Spain, we think of paella being a representative dish.  However it is quite regional, coming from Valencia.  The original paella was made with chicken and rabbit, but seafood is now very common.  It is of no surprise that seafood (mariscos) is also very important to Spanish cuisine.  Fried fish is very common in the south and all around the coast.  Octopus is on nearly every menu.  I had the best seafood salad of my life at the La Boqueria market in Barcelona. 

Literally, books can be written about the different regional offerings in Spain.  One food that is popular throughout Spain and for what Spain is most famous, are tapas.  Tapas actually means “cover” and originally it was a little plate of small bites to cover the top of a drink at a bar.  In Spain tapas (little appetizers) are served everywhere and there are more bars in Spain per capita than just about anywhere else in the world.  (They rank 2^nd .)  Often times, when you pay for the drink, you get the tapas for free. 

Spain keeps some unusual hours and tapas are also used to tide one over as dinner is usually not eaten until around 9:00 or 10:00 pm.  After work, one would go enjoy a drink and have some tapas.  Today many people will make tapas their meal. 

So let’s enjoy a Spanish meal:

The Meal

On the table,

Olives and Bread

Tapas

Jamon Iberico (Cured ham) with Manchego Cheese

 

Gazpacho (Cold Tomato Soup)

 

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)

Championes al Ajillo (Garlic Mushrooms)

Tortilla Espanola (Potato and Egg Casserole)

Pulpo a la Gallega con Cachelos (Octopus with Potatoes)

Main Course

Paella (Rice and Seafood)

 Dessert

Crema Catalan (Creamy Custard)

We set the scene with fresh, red carnations, their national flower.  We placed ships, representing Spain’s exploration era, a fan, called a pericon and castanets, to represent flamenco, a pitcher of  sangria, for their wine regions and added food as well, so it was part of the scene.  We added, olives and pan (bread) typically called barra or pistolas, which is similar to the French baguette but a little shorter and wider.  We decorated in the colors of the Spanish flag; red and yellow, and put on some classic Spanish guitar music to color the mood.

We began with a toast, Salud, which means “Cheers” in Spanish and we clinked our glasses of sparkling cava.  Our first course was the famous jamon iberico and manchego cheese.  If you ever get the chance to try this, I hope you do.  It is simply heaven!

We then slowly went into the different tapas.

The first was a cold soup, called gazpacho.  It is a made with raw, blended, vegetables such as: tomato, cucumbers and peppers.  It is perfectly refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.

Next were the little garlic shrimps.  This is such a quick and easy tapa to make.  It is made in a terracotta dish called a cazuela, which goes from stove to table top while the shrimp are still sizzling.  Equally as good as eating the little shrimps, is sopping up the garlic sauce with the bread.

Since we just had a nice dose of garlic we continued the theme with the garlic mushrooms.  These have a different sauce, where Spanish sherry is the star.  These mushrooms were just another wonderful, simple tapa that you will also choose to soak up every last drop of the sauce with the bread. (Mushroom foraging is a popular past time in Spain, especially in the wooded and mountainous regions).

Our next tapa was the octopus on potatoes.  This dish comes from the Galicia region.  I absolutely love octopus and this dish highlighted the octopus beautifully.  Little pieces of tender octopus were placed on a slice of potato that was drizzled with Spanish olive oil. Perfect!

I simply had to include the Spanish tortilla.  This egg and potato casserole is considered by some to be the national dish of Spain.  It is a true comfort food and offers a very savory bite.  (This would be wonderful served for breakfast as well.)  When we finished the tapas, we took a siesta.  We were perfectly satisfied.

Several hours later, when we were once again hungry, we continued with a glorious dish of paella.  It is a true, one-pot meal.  Many places in Spain have paella pits set up in parks and on beaches, so you can just bring your paella pan and cook it right there.  Paella is a truly decadent dish, filled with seafood, meat and sausages.  Hidden in the paella is saffron seasoned rice.  Magnifico.

For dessert, we had citrusy flavored, creamy custard, often referred to as Crème Brulee’s cousin; Crema de Catalan. It was wonderful.

The Spaniards have a saying: Barriga Ilena, Corazon content, which translates to “A full belly and a happy heart”. 

Until next time,

Estar segura, “Be safe.”

Darlene Longacre

How did South Africa get its name?

South Africa was simply named for its geographical location on the southern tip of Africa.  Officially it is known as the Republic of South Africa.  It is also known as the Rainbow Nation, a name given by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, after its first democratic election in 1994, once apartheid ended.  It’s a metaphor for the coming together of all the different ethnic groups who live in South Africa.  There are officially 11 recognized languages in South Africa, each having a unique name for South Africa in their own language.

Where is South Africa located?

It is located on the southernmost tip of the continent of Africa. It has a large, 1759-mile coastline along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.  To the north it has several neighbors; Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.  Mozambique and Estwatini (Swaziland) are to the northeast.  South Africa also completely surrounds the little country of Lesotho.  Madagascar is just off the east coast. 

South Africa is blessed with diverse topography.  The great Escarpment forms the longest continuous topographical feature and provides spectacular scenery.  Table Mountain is a flat topped mountain overlooking Cape Town and is one of its most recognized landmarks.  It is a popular tourist attraction with about 900 routes to climb or hike.  It is one of the oldest mountains on the planet, estimated to be over 260 million years old. 

South Africa has beautiful beaches with epic marine life, desolate deserts, massive nature preserves, bush, grasslands, mountains and subtropical forests and even a floral kingdom.  South Africa is home to magnificent Safari parks, like Kruger National Park, which is one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa and also an UNESCO site.  There you can find the notorious big five: lion, leopard, elephant, black rhinoceros and African buffalo.  There are also over 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 species of mammals.  

A Brief history of South Africa

Somewhere between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago, modern humans began to evolve throughout Africa. They became known as the San. They met up with south bound Khoi pastoralists from the north and became known as the KhoiSan. 

Somewhere around 250 CE the Bantu people began to migrate into South Africa from the north bringing with them iron tools and knowledge of farming.  Many of the people that live in South Africa today speak some form of a Bantu language. The oldest human remains, believed to be 160,000 years old, were discovered in South Africa. 

The first Europeans to come to South Africa were the Portuguese in 1488.  Bartolomeu Dias sails around the southern tip of Africa and names it the Cape of Storms.  John II of Portugal changed the name to the Cape of Good Hope as he felt its discovery that India could be reached by sea from Europe was a good omen.

It wasn’t until 1652 when the Dutch East India Company established the Dutch Cape Colony.  It was meant initially to just be a small port town for ships traveling to India, but eventually became a full settlement.

The British arrived in the late 1700s and many battles for control happened between the Dutch and the British.  In 1814, the Dutch formally agreed that the colony was part of the British Empire.  In 1833 slavery was abolished by the British. The Great Trek was begun by the Dutch settlers called Boers, as they moved inland and formed their own Boer Republics, called the Orange Free State and Transvaal.  Labor was brought in from Asia and India.

In 1866, diamonds were discovered at Kimberley and in 1886 gold was discovered.  The city of Johannesburg grew rapidly due to the gold rush.  Today, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa.  During this time there were two Boer wars.  The second war in 1889 was won by the British and they took over the two Boer republics.  Also during this time many more Europeans moved in, including Germans, French and English settlers who became known as the Afrikaners.  About 1/5 of the world’s gold comes from the mines of South Africa.

In 1934, the Status of the Union Act declared South Africa’s Independence from the United Kingdom.  In 1939, when World War II began, South Africa served as a valuable sea port for the Allies.

In 1948, the National Party was voted into power.  They started a policy called apartheid.  This is where people were separated based on their race, particularly whites and blacks.  The white people ruled the land, even though they were only about 20 percent of the population.  In the 1950s, the African National Congress, (ANC) and other groups protested against apartheid.  These protests almost always ended with brutality and widespread massacre by police.

In 1961 South Africa was declared a Republic and an ANC leader, named Nelson Mandela, formed an armed branch to fight against apartheid.  In 1962, Nelson Mandela was jailed and sentenced to life in prison.  He became a worldwide symbol against apartheid.  He spent 27 years in prison while fighting for equal rights.  In 1993 Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace prize.  In 1994 apartheid was abolished and black people were finally allowed to vote.  Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa.  He was beloved throughout the country and the world.  The whole world mourned his death in 2003. 

Despite improvement since the end of apartheid, poverty and unemployment still remained high.  South Africa is just now considered to be a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources.  Their stock exchange is Africa’s largest and among the top 20 in the world. 

South African Culture

South African culture is complicated, dubbed the Rainbow nation, due to so many diverse cultures coming together.  It is the unification of these cultures that contributes to its uniqueness.  As South Africans have become increasingly urbanized and westernized, aspects of traditional culture have diminished.  However, the South African majority still has a substantial number of rural inhabitants and this is where the cultural traditions thrive most strongly.

South Africa has a population of about 57 million.  Eighty percent are black African, about nine percent colored, (a term used in South Africa for persons of mixed race, ancestry who developed a distinct cultural identity over several hundred years) eight percent are white and the balance are Indian or Asian.  HIV/AIDS hit South Africa extremely hard, affecting about 20 percent of the black population.  Life expectancy plunged to less than 43 years in 2008 but has since recovered to almost 63 years, and continues to improve.

Christianity is the main religion in South Africa, with 86 percent of the population devoted to it.  Ancestral, animist and tribal African religions make up about six percent, with the balance being Muslim, Hindu or atheist.

There is a great diversity in music that stems from South Africa.  Many black musicians developed a unique style called Kwaito.  This grew in popularity after apartheid died and when musicians began to sing in traditional African languages.  South Africa has also produced world-famous Jazz musicians.

South African Cuisine

South African cuisine is heavily influenced by the Dutch, British, Indian and Cape Malay immigrants.  The famous South African Braai is what we know as barbecue throughout the rest of the world.  Meat is common and popular; sheep and goat are loved but beef is the most prized.   Ostrich is a consumed meat, as is Springbok; both low in fat and high in protein.  However, you usually won’t find a braai without their famous boerewors (coiled shaped sausage) sizzling on it.  Biltong, a dried meat snack, similar to a beef jerky, is beloved.  Seafood and fish are also main ingredients in dishes along the coastal cities and rivers.

Other famous South African dishes are Bobotie; a curried meat dish with a custard topping and considered to be the National dish.  It is always served with yellow rice, called geelrys.  Stews are also very popular, called potjiekos, literally translated this means “small pot food.”  This stew is often cooked in a three legged, cast iron pot, outdoors.  Bunny chow, of Indian origin, is another unusual dish.  It is a quarter of a loaf of bread, stuffed with curried meat and cheese, and is popular throughout the country. 

More traditional cuisine includes pap, a porridge somewhat similar to grits, along with chakalaka, a vegetable dish.  Many stews and desserts are made from vegetables like pumpkin and squash as they are easily grown in local gardens.  The mopane worm, which is actually a caterpillar, is a unique treat that is either dried or fried and considered a delicacy.

The French brought their wine techniques to South Africa and now they have become a leader as wine producers.  In fact, they have the longest wine route in the world, which stretches over a span of 620 miles.  A major tourist draw for South Africa is their variety of wines.

South Africa also grows a surprising amount of fruit, especially exotic fruits, in the sub-tropical region of the country.  Desserts are also loved, with malva pudding and melktert and koeksister (fried dough) being just a few of the most popular.

So let’s enjoy a South African meal:

The Menu

Starter

Biltong (Dried Cured Meat)

Main Course

Bobotie (Curried Minced Meat Casserole)

Served with

Geelrys  (Yellow Rice)

Dessert

Melktert (Milk Tart)

We set the scene with a photo candle featuring the national flower, the King Protea, then added a few statues of safari animals as well as a penguin. Yes, they have penguins in South Africa and you can even swim with them near Cape Town.  A gold and diamond ring were added to represent South Africa’s robust mining. Grapes were placed to represent their wine industry. 

Our first course was the famous biltong, a dried cured beef that was flavored with coriander, sugar and vinegar.  It was quickly devoured and it is clear to see how you can never get enough biltong. 

For the main course, we savored the national dish called Bobotie; a flavorful, curried, minced meat casserole with an egg topping.  It is a true comfort food that is always served with a yellow rice called geelrys, that gets its color and flavor from turmeric and curry.  It was a wonderful combination.

For dessert, we enjoyed the famous melktert.  The milk tart was light and not too sweet.  We loved it!

After our delicious South African meal, we watched the documentary film called, Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation.  Nelson Mandela has been a true inspiration.  I leave you with just a few of my favorite Mandela quotes:

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

“When people are determined they can overcome anything.”

Until next time,

Stay safe!

Darlene

How did Somalia get its Name?

Ancient Egyptians called it the “Land of Punt.” Punt is also mentioned in the Bible, and ancient Romans called it, “Cape Aromatica.”  They valued its trees, which produced the aromatic gum resins, frankincense and myrrh.  Somali is an ethnic group so, it is believed Somalia means, “Land of the Somali.”  It is the most homogenous country in all of Africa, with Somali making up 85 percent of the population.  Bantu and other non-Somali make up the balance.  The official name is the “Federal Republic of Somalia” and the people there call it “Soomaaliya.”

Where is Somalia Located?

Somalia is the eastern most country of Africa; located on the strategic Horn of Africa.  It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Somali Sea and the Indian Ocean to the east, and it also borders Kenya to the southwest.  It occupies a strategic geopolitical position between the countries of Arabia and southwestern Asia.  Its capital city is Mogadishu, located just north of the equator on the Indian Ocean.  It has the largest coastline of any African country.

A Brief History of Somalia

The origin of the Somali people is not certain but it’s believed that they originated in the southern Ethiopian highlands and migrated into northern Kenya during the first millennium, BC.  Later they migrated onto the horn or peninsula.

Due to its strategic location, influences from both Africa and Arabia are present.  There were multiple Somali empires during the middle ages that had a large impact on trade.  Some of these empires included: the Sultanate of Adal, the Warsangali Sultanate and the Gobroon Dynasty. 

Arabs introduced Islam to Africa beginning in the seventh century and by the tenth century, Arab trading posts thrived in southern Somalia, along the Indian Ocean.  Most Somalis converted to Islam by about 1100 AD.  They fought multiple wars against the Ethiopian Christians and became the dominant people in the land.  Their capital, Mogadishu, was at its height of influence and wealth during the 13^th century, when it controlled the gold trade along the East African coast.

In the 1800s the British and Italians arrived and established British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland.  The Dervishes fought off the British from the interior for years under the leadership of Muhammad Abdullah Hassan, until they were eventually defeated in 1920.  The Italians controlled most of the area until after World War II, when the British took it over completely.  In 1960, Somalia gained full independence from Britain.

Unfortunately, in 1991 civil war broke out.  Since that time, the country has been in anarchy with no real central government.  It is also home to the jihadist terror group known as Al-Shabaab.  As a result, it is one of the most violent and one of the poorest countries in the world.  They have suffered mass casualties from war, disease and famine and many Somalis live as refugees in their own country or in neighboring ones.  In the north there is an autonomous region known as Somaliland but it is not recognized as such by the international community.

Somalia Culture

The population of Somalia is a guesstimate of about 14 million.  The official language is Somali however, it did not become a written language until 1973.  Arabic is also an official language and is spoken and read for religious reasons.  A small percentage of Somalis speak Italian and a growing number speak English.  The official religion is Sunni Islam; traditionally Somalis practice a moderate form of Islam, influenced by Sufism.  However, the Salafi movement, a reform branch, has gained more political influence in recent decades.

About 3/5^th of the population are nomadic herders, the others are city dwellers.  The Nomads spend nearly all their time outdoors. The traditional shelter of the herders is called the aqal, which is a dome shaped, collapsible hut, made from poles and covered with hides or woven, fiber mats.  It is easy to take down and reassemble and is the responsibility of the women of the family.  It is carried by camel.  Typically only a bed is inside the aqal, made from wooden stakes and covered with hides.  They have few possessions and just enough household items for cooking.  Many nomadic camps are surrounded by a fence made from thorn bushes to keep out predators.  Animals are kept in corrals, also made from thorn bushes.  They typically will make camp near a shade tree which is used as a gathering place and class room.

Clan groupings of the Somali people are important social units.  Clan membership plays a central role in Somali culture and politics.  They are patrilineal and are divided into sub clans, resulting in extended families.  Unfortunately clan rivalries are one of the problems they face in establishing a central government for the nation.  Somalis have a very high fertility rate, an average of six children born per woman.  However, they have a very low life expectancy, with only 51 years for a man and 55 years for a woman.

Somali Cuisine

Somali cuisine is varied with different local foods in every region of the country.  Its main influences come from East Africa, Arabia, Turkey, India and Italy.  

The camel was first domesticated in Somalia and there are more camels in Somalia than any other country in the world.  Camel milk is to Somalia what cow’s milk is to the west.  They even have a common phrase which is uttered to guests, “soo maal” which means, “go milk” (the camel.)  Camel meat is also consumed however, goat is much more popular.

Goat meat is often cubed and seasoned with a spice blend called xawash, similar to Ethiopia’s berbere.  They make the cubed meat into what is called suqaar, a common dish like a stew which is often eaten with rice or anjero, a flat bread, similar to Ethiopia’s injera.  Spiced rice called bariis iskukaris, which is similar to a pilau, is beloved.  Sambusas, little fried pastries stuffed with meat or vegetables, are a go to snack.  Generally speaking, the cuisine of Somalia has many spices with cardamom being extremely prevalent.  They like to buy cardamom in pods and grind it, just before use.  Cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, ginger and fenugreek are all common spices.  Somalis also like their food spicy hot, from chilies.  However, they like to put it on the side, so they can add heat to their liking.

So let’s enjoy a Somali Meal:

The Menu

The Meal

Muufo (Somalia Bread)

Main Course

Baasta Iyo Suugo (Somali Pasta)

Made with Xawaash (Somali Spice Blend)

Served with

Somali Salad with Bizbaz (Jalapeno Dressing)

Dessert

Kac Kac (Somali Doughnut)

We set the scene with a leopard print cloth to represent the national animal of Somalia.  A white star, which is prominent on the flag of Somalia, was placed along with a photo of a camel.  A banana was added because they eat them with almost everything, and we included their national flower, the King Protea.  We used incense with the fragrance of frankincense.  The meal was served all together, which is customary there, except for the dessert.

The pasta dish was made with small cubes of beef and seasoned with their famous xawaash spice blend, which was excellent.  Somalis eat bananas with all sorts of things and this Somali Pasta was served with a banana on the plate.  I was skeptical at first but oh my goodness, it was delicious.  It provided a wonderful sweetness to the dish which perfectly balanced the flavors.  We also loved the thick bread called muufo which was made with fine semolina and flavored with fenugreek.  It was perfect to soak up the spicy sauce. 

A basic salad of lettuce, tomato and onion was served as well but the jalapeño dressing called Bizbaz was out of this world.  I have made the spicy, creamy dressing many times since I cooked this dish and it goes great as a dip for grilled meats or as it was intended, as a salad dressing. 

For dessert, we enjoyed kac kac, a delicious fried dough, gently flavored with a hint of cardamom.   We had them with a cup of Somali tea, known as shaah bigays; a simple black tea that is served after heavy meals.

Afterwards, we sat down to watch a film called, Black Hawk Down, a war film about the true story of the U.S. military’s 1993 raid in Mogadishu.

I pray the people of Somalia will find their way to rid the country of radical ideology and  can finally live in peace.

“Rajada ugu fiican!” which means, “Best Wishes!”

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Solomon Islands get its name?

It was 1568 when the Spanish Navigator, Alvaro de Mendana, discovered the islands.  He named the archipelago, “Islas Salomon,” believing this was the area of the South Pacific where King Solomon got the gold  he used to build the Temple of Jerusalem.  The name was changed upon their independence to “Solomon Islands,” removing “The” from the official name.

How did Tuvalu get its name?

Tuvalu used to be called, “The Ellice Islands” or “Lagoon Islands.”  Tuvalu is an old name meaning “Eight Standing Together.”  Although Tuvalu has a total of nine islands; three reef islands and six true atolls, only eight were inhabited, as one has very little land that is above sea level.   The name reverted back to Tuvalu when it gained its independence.

Where are Solomon Islands located?

Solomon Islands consists of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands, located in Oceania.  They lay east of Papua, New Guinea, northeast of Australia and northwest of Vanuatu.  The islands cover a land area of about 11,000 square miles.  The country’s capital is Honiara, located on the Island of Guadalcanal.

Where is Tuvalu located?

Tuvalu is also located in Oceania, in Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean.  It lies about 2500 miles northeast of Australia and is approximately half way between Hawaii and Australia.  It lies east-northeast of the Santa Cruz Islands, which belong to Solomon Islands.  Also, it is southeast of Nauru, south of Kiribati, northwest of Samoa and north of Fiji.  It is a tiny, country, covering only ten square miles of land. However, they are spread out over a large, economic zone of 289,500 square miles.  The highest elevation is only 15 feet above sea level.  Global warming and rising sea levels are major concerns for this country.

A brief history of Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands are believed to have been settled by Austronesian people, sometime around 2000 BC.  For centuries, many self-governing villages speaking separate languages lived on the six, big, volcanic islands and scores of atolls in the Melanesian archipelago.  They lived largely unbothered by foreigners until the 1800s, when traders and missionaries from Europe, America and Australasia arrived to barter food, labor and goods. 

In 1886, a German protectorate was established over the northern islands.  In 1893, the southern islands became a British protectorate until 1899, when all of it was transferred to British control.  The British interest was in the supply of workers to fuel the sugar estates in Queensland and Fiji, much more than it was for the protection of the islands.  Disease and tribal wars followed and many areas known as “waste lands” were leased to foreign companies to produce rubber, copra (the dried kernel of the coconut) and vegetable oil.

Solomon Islands had only their land and labor to sell.  For years, young, fit men were taken forcefully by “Blackbirders” (Slave Traders)  to Fiji and Queensland.  They were often brutally treated but by the 1920s conditions somewhat improved.  Living together on plantations gave men the chance to learn a common language known as “Pijin English.”  By the mid-twentieth century, many Chinese had come to settle, displacing European traders and plantation owners.

During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Solomon Islands.  The counter attack was led by the US Marines who landed on Guadalcanal and Tualgi in August of 1942.  Some of the most brutal fighting of World War II took place on the Islands for nearly three years.

Solomon Islands eventually gained independence on July 7, 1978.  Like many newly, independent nations, there has been ongoing ethnic violence.  In July of 2003, the Governor General issued an official request for international help.  Australia committed the largest number of troops to restore order and police the islands.   Although things have gotten better on the islands, ethnic tensions remain.  The government is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. 

A brief history of Tuvalu

It is believed the earliest settlers on the islands were Samoans, Tongans and settlers from other Polynesian islands sometime around the 14^th century AD.  A couple of the islands were then discovered by the Spanish, in two separate expeditions, in 1568 and 1595.  

In 1819, a ship owned by Edward Ellice of Britain visited Funafuta and named the islands “Ellice islands.”  From 1850-1875 there was a dark period where “Blackbirding” took place; the kidnapping of islanders for forced labor on plantations in Fiji and Queensland.  Between this and European diseases brought there, the population diminished from about 20,000 down to 3,000. 

 In 1877 the Ellice Islands become a British protectorate.  In 1916 the Gilbert islands joined the colony, until 1974 when 90% of the Polynesians voted for separation.  In 1975 the islands were renamed “Tuvalu” and full Independence was given on October 1, 1978.  In 1989 the UN  listed Tuvalu as one of a number of island groups most likely to disappear beneath the sea in the 21^st century, due to global warming.  It remains the country’s number one concern. 

Due to salinization of the soil, subsistence farming became extremely difficult.  Thankfully, the country got lucky on two fronts;  in 1998, it began leasing its 900 number to a foreign company, and then it established its TV revenue.  The TV agreement with a US company generated enough funds for Tuvalu to apply to join the United Nations in 2000.  The lease expires in 2020 but will have proven to be highly lucrative.  They also make money with their postage stamps and coinage, both of which are sought by collectors.

Solomon Islands Culture

The population of the Solomon Islands is about 690,000.  The majority of the people are ethnically Melanesian, but there is a small percentage of Micronesian and Polynesian, as well as ethnic Chinese.  The official language is English, but there are 63 other distinct languages.  Most people speak pidgin known as “Solomon’s Pijin.” 

Most islanders live in close knit communities of extended families, and while largely Christian, many still follow traditional systems of beliefs.  Land ownership, they call Kastom, refers to their traditional Melanesian roots.  Although nearly 70,000 people live in the capital city of  Honiara, the majority still live in rural villages, based on a subsistence economy of fishing, hunting and growing crops.  People still barter and use shells for money, although they do have their own currency.  Most houses are built on stilts to keep their homes cooler and most don’t have electricity, telephones or other modern amenities. 

Music and art play an important role.  Traditional music uses instruments such as the slit drums, panpipes and the conch shell.  Solomon Islanders are also known for their handicrafts, like intricately carved, dark ebony hardwood with inlaid mother of pearl.  Basket weaving and wicker weaving are also traditional art forms. 

On the islands about ten percent of the indigenous dark skinned people have strikingly, blonde hair.  Some islanders theorize that it was due to a diet rich in fish or excess sun exposure or from distant European ancestors.  It turns out, a geneticist discovered a gene variant responsible for blond hair on the islanders, that is distinctly different from the gene that causes blond hair in Europeans.

Tuvalu Culture

The population of Tuvalu is only 11,000 today.  The tiny islands’ nation is the second least populated and fourth smallest, landmass of any country.  It is listed as the least visited country in the world.  It has strong Polynesian culture with a laid back and friendly attitude.  Pacific island traditions are commonplace in Tuvaluan culture.  This is most evident in their dance.  Fatele is the traditional dance that is performed to celebrate leaders and was performed when Prince William and his wife officially visited the islands in 2012. 

Each family has skill sets known as salanga, which are performed within the community. The typical trades are fishermen, house builders, and boat builders and these trades are passed on from parents to their children.  They have community halls known as falekapule  where villagers gather for general meetings and celebrations.  The Tuvaluan community is extremely close knit.  Nearly the entire population is Christian which was the religion brought to Tuvalu with the earliest European settlers.  The official language is Tuvalu which is similar to Polynesian.  English is also spoken and taught in schools.

Solomon Islands and Tuvalu Cuisine

Solomon Islands have more land mass to grow food and therefore have a bit more variety in their cuisine than Tuvalu.  Both countries rely on imports from neighboring countries.  The main staple of Solomon Islands is fish, which is cooked in all sorts of ways from grilling, to boiling, to frying.  The fish is served with an assortment of side dishes which include coconut, sweet potatoes, rice, taro roots, taro leaves, cassava, bananas and their very famous breadfruit called ulu.  Poi, is made with fermented taro root and is considered the national dish of Solomon Islands.

In Tuvalu, they also have an abundance of seafood choices and therefore fish, crabs and even sea birds are the typical protein.  Coconut, in one form or another, is used in nearly every dish.  They have a different sort of taro that grows which is called “swamp taro” and the root and leaves are used to make side dishes along with bananas and breadfruit.

So let’s enjoy a meal from the Islands:

Menu

Appetizer

Taro Root Chips

Main Dish

Tuna Coconut Curry

Served with:

Palusami  (Corned Beef with Taro Leaves and Coconut)

Dessert

Coconut Pudding

We set the scene by displaying staple ingredients from both islands, on top of a tapa cloth. We added palm fronds and shells for a little island flair.

For the first course, we nibbled on some fried taro root chips that were simply lightly salted.  Taro root is a resistant starch and is considered to be good for the gut. 

For the main course, we had a tuna coconut curry, that was served with rice.  It was fantastic.  We absolutely loved the flavors; with spice from the curry powder and hot chilies.  Of course, you must use very fresh tuna, like you would get on the Islands.  If you wanted to be adventurous, you could make your own coconut milk as they would there. However, the recipe can easily be made with canned coconut milk.

The tuna was served alongside a favorite dish; popular in both countries, called palusami.  It is a surprisingly easy to make dish.  Although some people may shy away from canned, corned beef, (aka spam) one can imagine how much the taste of meat, an occasional break from fish, is a welcomed flavor on these remote islands.  It would typically be made with taro leaves, which you likely can find in a good Asian store, otherwise you can substitute spinach, which is also very tasty.

For dessert, we enjoyed a simple coconut pudding that reminded us a bit more of jello than a pudding.  The pieces were served in a coconut shell.  It was a sweet treat to end our Island meal. 

To be honest, finding recipes for these incredibly, remote Oceania islands was challenging, to say the least.  I am certain my recipes from Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Samoa would all be applicable to these island nations as well.  We loved our last experience on Christmas Island in Kiribati.  Perhaps a fishing trip to these remote islands is in order as well.  One thing is for certain, the ocean is a truly spectacular paradise for divers, snorkelers and fishermen.

As we say goodbye to these islands, I leave with a hope of peace for Solomon Islands and a prayer for Tuvalu, that it remains above sea level. 

Until next time,

Tofa   (Goodbye in Tuvalu)

Lukim iu. (Goodbye in Pijin)

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

 

 

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

 

 

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