Tuesday - 5/31

Okay I've been busy with the conference but I've been having some fun too.  Last night I had a fish dinner - the whole fish - in an ocean-side restaurant which was not prepared for a crowd, but the people were fun and the talk was interesting.

This morning I walked for an hour along the ocean and then I came back and took a dip in the ocean.  I attended some interesting panels; the one on education made me realize how much my work connects with a lot of progressive theory.

The breeze is just heavenly and I'm looking forward to a nice and relaxing evening.  I haven't taken any photos, but I'll have my camera tonight and tomorrow morning.

today's beauty

Today I took my camera places and met people.  I taped a fabulous woman entertaining a group of female teachers who were celebrating 55 years of teaching.  She was dynamic.  I then ate some local food ... uuuumm good... and then went on to meet and interview another great woman - an artist and a teacher.  It was all I could hope for.  Tomorrow I'll meet two more women.

This evening I spent interviewing a 104 year old native Curazolean woman.  Here is a photo of us two.

photos - Friday 5/27

Black history photos

I chose the photos because my students are often unaware of the stories of the slave trade and they often think that there was no resistance.  They also are encouraged by certain attitudes to see the slave trade as some sort of benevolent event that saved the poor souls from darkness.  These photos depict the use of almost unimaginable cruelty to break and control millions of people

tired and off to bed

Okay, I'm not able to find any more photos so it must be time to sleep.  I walked all over town today.  I visited the museum on black history and I was amazed at the information on show.  I do not think that I've ever found the information in the US.  It just makes me more sure of my work and much more convinced about the American attitude to the slave trade experience.

I'm drifting slowly.  I want to put up photos from the museum, but I might not last.

Tomorrow I visit town again.  I'm going to the markets.  There is a floating market.  What I've learned about Curacao is that many people come here to shop and to sell.  There are workers who come to work.

I also found out that they have a legal prostitution resort here.  On Tuesday nights women can visit. 

photo day

For Aunt May

Hello Aunt May, as I do this trip I'm keeping you in my mind.  I'm making a promise to upload something every day.  If I make a promise it will make me look deeper into the culture and focus more on the beauty.  Right now I'm sitting in the airport waiting for the plane.  I was early.  I bought a cheap pair of glasses to take with me because I lost an expensive pair of shades in Barbados and my glasses are expensive.  I can't afford to lose them.  Now, I'm jealous of you because when we sit down to chat I think you see me better than I see you.

Well, this is my first note to you.  I'll be in Curacao by 2 p.m. tomorrow.  I'll make my next entry.  Hopefully it will be some great photo.  You take care of yourself and tell Erin I will call when I return and I will bring the computer to show her the blog.

Here's a blog you will enjoy.  I took a few photos at the baby shower I attended Saturday.   Have fun.
http://bethbabyshower.blogspot.com/