Divali itself is preceded by a week of prayer, fasting and feasting. Also known as "The Festival of Lights", for the symbolism of the return of the light of God into the world. Celebrants light hundreds of votive candles in their homes, along outside walls, courtyards and driveways. It looks a bit like Christmas in the US, except with candles instead of strings of colored lights. Devout households hold open house, offering sweets and other tasty treats to their friends and neighbors. On the day of Divali, non-Hindu Trinidadians prepare a wonderful family dinner, which reminds us a bit of Thanksgiving.
Sam Haynes invited Susan and me to attend the celebration at his sister's home in San Fernando. Sam and his girlfriend Wendy picked us up at Coral Cove at 11:00am, and we drove South for a couple of hours. Sam's sister Thelma greeted us as honored guests, and we enjoyed a sumptuous meal at her table. Thelma cooked traditional Trinidadian foods: Roti, roasted chicken, stewed goat, potatoes, mashed pumpkin, mango chutney, curried rice, and and ice cream for dessert. Ice cold Carib beer was plentiful.
After this feast, we enjoyed conversation with the family regarding the upcoming US Presidential election, only days away. Our hosts were really excited that Barak Obama appeared likely to win. They expressed great hope for his presidency and for the world.
In the afternoon, Sam invited Susan and me to go with him on a tour of the area. We stopped and picked up Sam's old boyhood friend Michael. Michael is a long-time employee at the huge oil refinery at San Fernando. His security pass enabled us to tour the grounds of the facility, which is truly impressive. On the grounds, in addition to the refining equipment, there is a health and safety clinic, lovely housing for senior staff, a golf course and pool, and a sports complex set up for cricket and soccer.
We then drove up to the top of a large hill overlooking the bay and the city. I fail to recall the name of this mount, but it was a lovely park, with lots of picnic tables open to the magnificent view.
On the way back to Thelma's home, we stopped for a beer in town, at what Sam calls a "typical Trini Sports Bar". In fact, it was named "Sports Bar". We "limed" for a bit with a retired tugboat captain until it was time to head for home and a bit of music.
Back at Thelma's, the courtyard was now set up with an enormous wall of speakers, playing some of the best Caribbean music we had heard so far in our travels; mostly Calypso and old-school Reggae. The extended family had arrived, and were served their evening meal. Everyone was stuffed, and were mostly "chair dancing", except for me. I could not sit still, and so I be-bopped and shuffled around the courtyard like a slightly crazed muppet, moving to the beat that was now imbedded in my entire body, along with the food, rum and beer.
Night fell, and we gazed at the array of lights, and fireworks began to loft into the sky. We walked some of the neighborhood chatting with residents and enjoying the cool of the evening.
Thelma's Divali Feast - Thelma (our host) at right, Sam, Susan, and Wendy
The boys "liming" at the Sport's Bar in San Fernando
from left - Walt, Sam, Tugboat Captain (retired), and Michael
Sam, Susan, and Michael in the overlook park
View of San Fernando bay and city
Susan and Sam's Niece - liming at Thelma's
Sam and Wendy at Thelma's
Susan and our host - Sam's sister Thelma
Thelma and Sam's nieces - and their little green friend
That reminds me... a large flock of these beautiful green parrots fly over our boat every morning at daybreak, and back again just before sunset. While it is technically a flock of birds, they fly as pairs, male and female, side by side. It's like they're going off to work each morning, and returning home in the evening. We've noticed that as each pair goes over, one of them is quite verbal, and the other is quiet. Not sure, but we speculate that the verbal one must be the female! Susan has named each pair Lucy and Ricky!
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