French-Caribbean Revolution: West Indian Creolization

 Martinique: The Musician's Paradise

Martinique Flag Map by commonwikimedia.com

Have you visited Martinique before? No? I haven't either, so don't feel bad. Putting aside the comedic interruptions, please give me a moment of your time and let these rhymes take you to a location so sublime as to blow your mind. It is a country with a rich, sophisticated musical culture. Although you might not be familiar with some of the names, such as Bèlè, Zouk, and Beguine, after listening to these styles, you'll want to visit that location.

Martinique Flower of the Caribbean French & English

I found The video you see above on youtube which highlights some of the best of Martinique. it's a bit hard to follow but I'll do my best to explain what's happening as your fictitious pilot on this voyage throughout the French Caribbean you'll first learn about Martinique's landscape, which is similar to that of most other Antilles islands—hills and plains encircled by crystalline blue waters. Then, as you're being carried away by the music's rhythmic pulses, you'll get glimpses of people showcasing their cultures through dance and song. The timpani might be mistaken for a goat-skin drum if you're a Bahamian. I did at first, at least. The latter portion of the video takes you through Martinique's numerous splendors, including its gastronomy, animals, and other landscapes. 

Okay, so next, our journey through the french Caribbean takes us to a place that has experienced catastrophe after tragedy yet still manages to maintain its optimism.

Haiti: The Land of Revolutionaries

Haiti Flag Map by mapsland.com

blood and liquid. Rather, it is a representation of Ogou, the Voudon God of War. Yes, Voudon, as in Voodoo, the grotesque African religion practiced by the elderly neighbor who keeps you awake at night. If you tampered with her or her possessions, the same one about whom you've heard will transform you into a goat. This is obviously untrue, but is it really? Let's look and see what we can discover.

Haitian Voodoo | National Geographic

I realize what I just stated, but believe me when I say it's not as scary as it appears. The essence of Haitian voodoo is beautifully captured by National Geographic. It is extremely spiritual and emphasizes the bond between the living and the dead, like the majority of African religions. It is also a religion that embraces herbalism, also referred to as "bush medicine." Of course, Voodoo, like Creole French, is not limited to Haiti. In New Orleans, there are recognizable Voudon characteristics that have been emphasized in popular culture. My personal favorite is Marie Laveau, a New Orleans-based Voodoo practitioner.

Okay, now it's food time 😋😋😋!  and for that we head to Guadelope. PS don't watch on an empty stomach.

21 Recette Bokit 🍔, Sandwich Guadeloupéen 🇬🇵🏝, Pain frit, how to make a Bokit, Burger Caribbéan.

The Video above walks you throught the preporation of one of the most populor desk in Guadeloupe, The Racette Bokit. In Guadeloupe, bokit stands can be found everywhere. This street dish, which takes its name from the johnny cake, first appeared in the middle of the 19th century, when poor people were searching for a less expensive sandwich option following the abolition of slavery. Bokit is made out of two pieces of dough that have been deep-fried and are filled with cheese, meat, and vinegar sauce. Each of the bokit stands has their own variation on the meal, which may involve combining fresh fish with a fiery mayonnaise made with curry spice. Bokit is a well-liked option for lunch or late-night dining. If you feel like giving this disk a try, please reach out to me, I would love to try it 😋😋, Thank you in advance.

Now welcome back, how was trip through  the French Caribbean?