April 09 in Trinidad and Tobago

Another trip in April... another island... but something very different from Hawai'i. Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands in the Caribbean chain. Situated only 12 kms east of the coast of Venezuela, the Republic of T&T consists of two islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad being the most populated and most industrialized, while Tobago has kept its original Caribbean and tropical charm. Trinidad and Tobago was hosting the Fifth Summit of the Americas, and I was there as a translator invited by the Organization of American States. Our accommodation was aboard two cruiseships anchored n the port of Port of Spain. I was on the Carnival Victory.

On April 17, when the Heads of State and government started to arrive at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Trinidad, I managed to meet Prresident Chavez of Venezuela, President Michelle Bachelet of Chile, President Evo Morales of Bolivia and President Felipe Calderón of Mexico. One of the highlights of my trip was a Hindu weeding in the village of Carapichaima, south of Port of Spain. Incredible traditions, lots of lively colours. Check the pictures at http://mpichard.smugmug.com/gallery/7990345_aq9fH#520165227_rufiu, and check my videoclip of a Hindu dance during the wedding ceremony.

March 09

March and April have come and gone... I got lots of aloha in Hawai'i in March and now know more than ever before that this is where I want to live ASAP... a truly magical place. We were there from March 14 until March 21, and stayed mainly on O'ahu. On March 16, I flew to the Big Island of Hawai'i for the day, rented a car at the Hilo Airport and drove up to the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Incredible... the moonlike landscapes, the volcanic fumes, the lava fields, the lava tubes, the gigantic craters, the rainforest... you can only marvel at nature's mysteries.

After spending a few hours in the National Park, I drove to Volcano Village, a mere 2 miles from the crater of the Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano on earth, and had an unforgettable Hawaiian lomi lomi massage (see picture to the left) provided by a Native Hawaiian healer, a kumu, a master, by the name of Mo'o Lono Ke Kumu'ola Leina'ala K. Brown-Dombrigues. It was an unforgettable experience based on century-old Hawaiian traditions and wholistic healing therapies with a strong spiritual component (the massage session always commences with a prayer and ends with a prayer). And there is a strong connection with Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. March 16, 2009, was for me the experience of a lifetime, and it strengthened the very close connection I feel to Hawai'i, to its people, to their spirituality, their history, their love of the land (aloha aina). This concept of totality with the land and with nature is essential to any understanding of Hawaiian culture and beliefs. Without an appreciation for this concept one cannot begin to understand the marvels of this unique and wonderful culture. Love of the land is at the heart of all Hawaiian customs, language, the hula, chants, mele (songs), popular music, art, history, geography, archeology, traditions, religion, and even politics.

During the rest of our stay on Oahu, we visited Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, we toured the island and went to the most beautiful beaches, we went snorkeling and swam with the dolphins, the green turtles and the most unique tropical fish three miles off the southwest coast of O'ahu. I also went sailplaning and enjoyed floating over the mountains and the coast of O'ahu's North Shore.

In need of aloha...

Only two days away from paradise... way too long to wait... I am so much looking forward to my upcoming trip to the Hawaiian Islands. Flying this Saturday, March 14, from Ottawa to Honolulu via Chicago. Let's meet at Lanikai Beach on Oahu's North Shore next Tuesday... deal?







O ke aloha ke kuleana o kâhi malihini
(Love is the host in strange lands)

In old Hawai`i, every passerby was greeted and offered food whether he was an acquaintance or a total stranger.

Beginnings

My first day on a blog... still so much to learn, but we'll get there!

"Be patient, for it is from doubt that knowledge is born."

Khalil Gibran