Posts tagged Caribbean

A little Sweet Micky to set the mood.

This one reminds me of my first communion; it’s called “Ayiti Bang Bang” by Carimi.

Recently, all I’ve been wanting was to have a piece of Haiti with me. I’ve never felt like this before. I’ve been on google for a few hours now trying to find any West Indian community here in Jo’burg (I realized quickly that searching just for Haitians would never yield any good results.) When at Wellesley, just the knowledge that I was a 4 hour bus ride away from home and the Haitian environment that I grew up with or alternitavely a 45 minute ride away from a Haitian community that I wasn’t familiar with was more than enough.

Here, I have a growing feeling that I’m alone. The only thing I got when I searched for a Haitian community in Johannesburg/South Africa was information about Aristide (UNHELPFUL) and the fact that he was leaving the country. “West Indian community Johannesburg” only results in information about the Indian (from India) community and I get nothing if I search “Caribbean”.

When I walk around and hear black Africans speaking in their native languages, I perk up with the hope that I’ll understand what they’re saying: I never do. Now, I’m finding myself speaking in Kreol even though I know that no one will understand me. I’ve lost the ability to care about the fact that I’m talking to myself, I just need to hear the language. I feel like I’m losing my mind by not having any piece of my culture with me.

I just want a piece of Haiti. A while ago, I asked my mother to send me some spices (for Haitian food) because I haven’t been able to find any here, but I think I’ll have to settle for music on YouTube: since she’s really busy (and there’s the whole Haitian time thing) I don’t think I’ll be getting them until the day before I leave South Africa. 

I feel like there’s a hole in my gut, and I never thought I’d feel this way. A very big part of my soul (is that too dramatic?) is missing. Give me Kompa or Zouk, some Diri ak Pwa Kole and legumes (le vert pas le marron)…give me some Pikliz…something! I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long without Haitian-ness.

Beck, if you’re reading this, please tell mom to step on it. I’m jonesing here.

Also, if anyone knows something I don’t, like if there’s a hidden Haitian/West Indian community in Jo’burg that I don’t know about,  please please please send that info my way.