Trinidad and Beyond
Anticipating Places
The flight to Port of Spain was early, and got me landed in plenty of time for some fun happenings within the range of devotional yoga. I’m looking forward to the next ten days which will include a quick trip to Tobago. We have been contemplating for years on doing a visit to this touristy island. Also, on the list, is my second journey to Suriname where everyone speaks Dutch.
Google tells me that the first permanent settlement of Europeans in Suriname was established by a group of British planters and their slaves in 1651. In 1667, Suriname was seized by a Dutch fleet, and that year it was ceded to the Netherlands in exchange for New Amsterdam, now New York City.
When I visited Suriname, about five years ago, I was astounded not just to find mostly Hindustani persons (East Indians), but that the Dutch language prevails. It is expressed from their tongues, and that’s the language of my ancestry. It makes me feel kind of at home. While winter bleakness will dominate the Canadian homefront, I’ll be soaking in some sun and rain.
Which reminds me, just before I left for this trip my friend, Gaura, and I chatted, and brought up the subject of my favourite pop artist, voice-wise. It goes to James Taylor, and his song, “Fire and Rain” with such poignant lyrics as: “Been walking my mind to an easy time my back turned towards the sun/ Lord knows when the cold wind blows it’ll turn your head around." https://youtu.be/N4E9MKbOFAY
I anticipate a good time with walks, chants and various services.
May the Source be with you!
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