Day 14: Two Weeks!

I cannot believe that I've been in Guadeloupe for two whole weeks! Time really flies when you live as basically a professional tourist!

Today, I decided to go back to Ste. Anne as today marked the actual first day of the youth reading festival.  The day's events merited the return trip-- I met an author and spent the rest of my time relaxing on one of Guadeloupe's most pristine beaches.  (And no rain this time!)

At first, I felt a bit awkward about sitting in on story time when I clearly am not youth nor was I visiby attached to any youth.  (And we can all give a big hooray for the latter part!).  But one of the librarians recognized me from the other day, and waved me in when she noticed I had positioned myself awkwardly on the edge.  She even went and grabbed me a chair so I didn't need to crouch over a child size bean bag! The author wore a more traditional style dress: long, loose, and in a lightly patterned fabric.  She read aloud to the kids (and me) from three of her books.  One of these books featured French on one page and Creole on the next.  This immediately piqued my interest: especially when she asked the children if they knew a particular Creole saying, and all the children shook their heads no.  She shook her head in return and lamented the loss of this particular form of heritage. 

Afterwards, I was able to talk to her for a minute before she set off to do whatever cool Guadeloupean authors do in the afternoons.  She discussed the loss of the Creole language with me.  I found her perspective especially interesting, as she was a French teacher by trade before she retired. 

Afterwards, I took advantage of the beautiful day by sitting on the beautiful beaches! At this particular beach, man- made rock structures create small lagoons.  This way, the water stays clear and warm while breakers remain in the distance. 

Some of my favorite photos:

Not a bad way to spend the afternoon.  A kind man renting kayaks offered to take a picture of me-- this quickly turned into multiple pictures ('Touch the tree!" he demanded. "okay now walk towards me" when I hesiatated he added "come on, it's an action shot"). 

I touched the tree

~action shot~

Yesterday, I caught wind of a Gwoka dance competition happening nearby tonight.  Gwoka refers to the traditional music and dance of Guadeloupe, so I figured it may merit a visit!

Tomorrow, I am actually headed back to Basse Terre.  In extensively searching for a local poet's email address (to set up an interview), I discovered that he and several other local writers will be at a shop there tomorrow.  If this pans out as I expect, this will be a gift from the research gods dropped into my lap with a glittery bow on top. (You know I just jinxed it, right? I bet he feels a cold coming on or is eating some questionable meat right now.)  Afterwards, I may just head over to the zoo! (or the Parc of Mammels as the name translates literally-- but more than mammels appear to be housed there! Including insects which I will most definitely not be looking at. I hate bugs.)

So, that's about all from me! I am excited for tomorrow and hope that I have more exciting nouvelles to share with you tomorrow.