Island In The Sun

I am going to visit my family in Barbados.  I've never had the experience to meet any of them in person.  The climate in Barbados regulates an average of 80 degrees year round and the food is remotely different then that of the U.S.  Usually when I travel there are a few things I like to bring with me.  A camera, journal, laptop, and tons of music.  Considering it's Barbados, I would first assume that I  don't know anything about their culture.  I would research everything that there is to know about the Island.  As an outsider, I definitely don't want to offend the natives.  My father is from Barbados so I received most of his genetics which will keep my skin from burning and blistering.  Maybe a small bottle of sun-screen just in case.  To make my experience the best it can be, I would tell myself that I would try everything at least once.  Whether it's an outdoor adventure or trying food that didn't appeal to me, I wouldn't turn it down.  Everyone speaks English, but there are a couple twists about the language.  I know there aren't any books for how they combine words on the Island so it may just have to be an experience that I have to deal with.  I would learn about the different religions and government along with every aspect of the geography.  Since I would be very busy, the end of the trip is where I gather all my pictures, notes, and memories and compile them into some sort of book or mini-film.  

Exploring the New World

I am traveling the Caribbean to Haiti and the Dominican Republic where Columbus first arrived with his Spanish soldiers and explorers from Spain sent by Queen Isabella. My reason for visiting Haiti, which what was originally the island of Hispaniola is to witness the remaining native culture that has been most likely influenced and changed by the mixing of African, Indian, Mestizos, and Indigenous peoples.

Seeing the origin of the Spanish Conquest would be as important of a historical site as the battle ground of the American Revolution. Because I have heard word of atrocities in the region of the Caribbean, I feel I would like to see these farm workers face to face and exchange with them about their working conditions, standard of living, and civil rights. It would be very humbling to be amongst people who have survived massacre, disease, slavery, and indentured servitude under the Spanish conquistadors. This experience should bring me a perspective on how a people’s race relates to its class as well as how culture differs based on these factors in these countries.

I will need to take Spanish language courses because, although there was an enormous African Diaspora, Spanish is the predominant language because of the region’s Spanish occupation. I will be prepared to speak at least conversational Spanish, so that I do not offend anyone by requiring them to accommodate for an English speaker or have them struggle to interpret by body language and me theirs.

I may need to have a check up at the doctor for any diseases or infections I may have the capacity to spread to the people of that country and, reversely, be vaccinated for any diseases native to the Caribbean. Even before having the check-up, I plan to research potential diseases, food borne illnesses, or other health concerns including any social unrest that could conflict with my safe return to the United States.

Because I am not deeply attached to my American Culture, I feel I will be willing, as I am here in the United States, to keep an open mind at all times by willfully immersing myself with the people and their habits and practices. I will actively participate in and/or curiously observe celebrations, rituals (safely), meals, etc.

I will take a notebook in which to journal and a video camera (electricity provided) or recorder (with extra batteries) as my guide as I travel and interact with the people I meet and cultural activities I attend.

I am not concerned about my preferences or opinions being translatable. If I meet the class of people I would like to meet, those being the working/lower class civilians, I will let them be my guide and listen more than speak. By keeping my opinions, cultural stereotypes, tastes, etc. to myself, I will learn more and impose as little as possible.

Taino Indians...Here I come.

You are about to leave for another culture (you may specify the one you are going to or would like to go to) for a stay of at least 6 months.

If I was going to visit another culture for 6 months, I would travel to Puerto Rico and adapt to the Taíno Indians culture. Before I arrive, I would go to Barnes and Nobles or the library and education myself in this culture. I would purchase a book called “Taino Indian Myth and Practice: The Arrival of the Stranger King.” This would definitely give me a good insight on other items that I could bring. I would also invest in a Taíno -English dictionary. I feel that I would gain respect by learning and embracing their native language, as well as, communicating to them in it.

What do you think that you’ll need to take and why?

While I’m living in this culture, I do not plan on taking anything with me. Like an Anthropologist, I wouldn’t want to endanger or take away from the cultures identity. I plan on embracing their culture by wearing what they wear, eating what they eat and engaging in their activities.

What do you think will sustain you while you are there – here you may think of favorite books or other items as well as certain psychological capacities.

The only thing I need on a psychological aspect is cigarettes. All other items I can do without.

Do you think that the things that you like will be translatable or understandable in this new culture?

I think that my cigarettes would be understandable. Considering, smoking was already a ritual of theirs. However, the name and packaging of Marlboro Lights might confuse them.