Saturday, June 16, 2012
Welcome to Paradise?
As I bear the beating sun and soak up a wealth of knowledge from our ancestors about living with the earth in harmony, I am integrating into the Haitian life with ease. What can I say? Haiti and it's people are the definition of resilience. They live with smiles and laughter as the days pass. Myself and the other participants in the Permaculture Design Course at Sadhana Forest in Anses-a-Pitre are welcomed as valued members of the community and interact in Creole, French and Spanish with the locals who are quickly becoming good friends. The day I reached the border a swell of young men on motos greeted us with smiles. Until now, I am constantly reminded of their kindness and positivity. We play music, dive in fresh water caves with no apparent bottom. We cook for each other using rocket stoves and fresh local produce (lots of mango and papaya!). We chew fresh sugar cane from the fields and walk about the town saying hello to every single person we pass. They in turn greet us with love in their hearts. I am especially captured by the naked babies who run after us with the most lovely smiles for a quick hug. The ocean is 10 minutes away as well as the border to the Dominican Republic who's stark contrast to Haiti provides me this tiny internet cafe where I can update the world via dirt bag style. I feel safe and at home here. In Haiti, I am reminded how simplicity can bring the utmost of joy.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Today is just as important as any other day
As it stands, the vagabond in me has risen to the surface and continues on her merry way, dirty dirt-bag feet a walkin'. It is the day before my journey. I have in fact been wandering for some time now, unable to tear myself away from the cabin in the woods - yes, the crooked cabin in the woods.
My ma has been living on Vancouver Island and I decided to make a pit stop for a few weeks while gathering a list of contributers for the summer edition zine from the kitchens of pinch and dash. This place is magical. Quick lil' bunnies and graceful deer visit my back yard daily.
Now in and about Vancouver, I am drawn to the pockets of communities and health-enriching organic veg movement. It may be my perception after living in Asia for the last 4 years with a quick 3 year stop in Mexico before that, but Canada has changed. Before I can take in all the reverse culture shock and the growing comfort of sleeping on friends' floors, couches and in cars, I must hasten off to Haiti to begin road trippin it once again.
Maybe I'll have a few hours to soak up the sun on Miami beach first?
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