One aspect of my stay here in Deutschland is to objectively observe the people and how they interact with each other. What I'm about to share with the world is not anything read from books but solely based on what my eyes and ears have captured since my arrival of less than 3 weeks ago.
As a modern educator, or having the hopes of becoming one, one important aspect of my professional being is to be able to instruct ANYONE despite their abilities, incapabilities, hue, socio-economic background et al. However, I have to confront my personal biases and expunge them if I am to embolden others to do the same.
So for instance, should I have a scornful attitude toward Guyanese when I go to the market to purchase produce,blaming them for inflated prices? Or should I take the Mickey out on all Nigerians, mocking them or their 'funny' accent? Should I still promulgate the stereotype that blonde topped girls will always be dumb? Is every single Jamaican violent?
So, having prefaced my proceeding rant, I may as well just speak my mind.
I've observed a tendency by Germans, irrespective of age, gender or social standing to 'turn up dey nose' or throw 'cut eyes' to people whom I've come to realize are of Turkish lineage. Scornful eyes pierce their darkened features relegating them to the peripheries of Germany's social space. It's an arduous task to translate the feelings of discomfort I felt as my heart sunk to deep, dark ebbs.
Funny enough, these kids who entered the strassebabahn (tram) and into my memory seemingly were en route to cash in what potentially could have been their only bite between sun-up and sun-down. You see they were laden with empty plastic bottles (and my guess being)to redeem them at a local grocery store in exchange fro 10cents a piece. With that meagre earning, it might permit them to walk away from the grocer's with some pasta or rice, a cucumber and some pesto maybe, not sufficient enough though for a quality cut of chicken or beef.
Loud and vivacious, they were creating a bustle of klacks and klicks and bellyful bouts of laughter, much to the displeasure of the predominantly prim and proper ridership.
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So while purposefully escaping reality while on the tram by transfering my thoughts on paper, a pleasant looking older couple enters. With them, a kid is accompanying- too young, I assume to be their's, maybe though, the playful Easter gift dropped off for the weekend by the elderly pair's posterity.
Between the kid and I, our eyes collide.
And within no more than three heartbeats, he flicks his hand pointedly toward me. Immediately the feamale kin puts her aged hands over his and regulates the situation. Ensuing the gesture of mere ignorance,I assume, (due to my lack of German)she gives him an impromptu lesson on diversity, equity, privilege and manners.
Oddly enough, today I don a t-shirt with the inscription:
"I am not a target for hate"
...and so are not the bottled children or the one loved by the two elderly persons or the person/persons whose eyes will read this.
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Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Homecoming
The proceeding poem is the format I chose to share this intense emotion of excitement with you on receiving the opportunity to go to France!
Homecoming
(Funny enough while writing this, a song that I love was playing on the radio. I suggest you play it while the poem is being recited.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZXjuka1VYI&feature=related
As feet descended upon earth,
Frenzied thoughts gushed internally,
Homecoming?
I was adopted not by my mother tongue
But by another one almost nearly 150 months ago.
She taught me how to express myself differently
With dignity and pure ecstasy, linguistically.
She opened up to me a world scarcely unearth by my fellow islanders
Never had I been to her home,
Dreams though slipped into reality, finally!
From tomes of consumed pages
Came an understanding of how they dress,
How they articulate, how they are recognized,
How they’ve colonized, ostracize, alphabetize
Others on site may or may not notice,
But I am like them? Right?
No second guessing!
You are.
No passport though, does that dictate my me?
I could probably expatiate theoretically the lingua franca
Or even better the literature, the food, I’ve an idea.
Lost, if I were, my words could compass me to desired destinations.
Tingly inside, I eaves drop tête-a-têtes ,
Listening and laughing
Learned I did, so hence.
I live in the light presently,
German worlds darken my light,
Because I don’t have their light,
here shines brightly My light
I have sight, from my tongue and lips and vocal chords et al
The people love me,
I do as well, since I met mom so long ago.
My navel string reconnects to the earth,
I’m home,
Finally.
Homecoming
(Funny enough while writing this, a song that I love was playing on the radio. I suggest you play it while the poem is being recited.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZXjuka1VYI&feature=related
As feet descended upon earth,
Frenzied thoughts gushed internally,
Homecoming?
I was adopted not by my mother tongue
But by another one almost nearly 150 months ago.
She taught me how to express myself differently
With dignity and pure ecstasy, linguistically.
She opened up to me a world scarcely unearth by my fellow islanders
Never had I been to her home,
Dreams though slipped into reality, finally!
From tomes of consumed pages
Came an understanding of how they dress,
How they articulate, how they are recognized,
How they’ve colonized, ostracize, alphabetize
Others on site may or may not notice,
But I am like them? Right?
No second guessing!
You are.
No passport though, does that dictate my me?
I could probably expatiate theoretically the lingua franca
Or even better the literature, the food, I’ve an idea.
Lost, if I were, my words could compass me to desired destinations.
Tingly inside, I eaves drop tête-a-têtes ,
Listening and laughing
Learned I did, so hence.
I live in the light presently,
German worlds darken my light,
Because I don’t have their light,
here shines brightly My light
I have sight, from my tongue and lips and vocal chords et al
The people love me,
I do as well, since I met mom so long ago.
My navel string reconnects to the earth,
I’m home,
Finally.
Friday, April 15, 2011
In the FULLNESS of time
Of late, I've been in my scribing zen! CAUTION: watch out world, extreme creativity is imminent!
So a common thread that has been holding together several WOW moments of my stay here has been this whole concept of time! On days like this, I would evoke a whirlwind of thought to blow into perspective everything that has happened thus far.
17 minutes is the average time it takes for me to leave Littenweiler, the name of my town where the school is to reach to downtown Freiburg (where all the cool canals are). I enjoy tramming it there because you see the uninterrupted livelihood of German folks! The clothes that wear them, the buildings they inhabit, the innocence of their children, or even the love between older couples who I've realized travel much more often than their peers in my home country.
1 & 3/4 weeks is the total time that I have been here. Prior to my departure from Toronto, the sappy person that I am, I, like an expert fish catcher, reeled in several goals that I wanted to take out of this experience and one of them being to amass as much German as I can. Truthfully, I failed my German course last year, because I dropped it! However, now that I'm here, I'm being given a second chance to redeem myself. Shout out to my dad, who, one day encouraged me to pick up more languages! [DAD I would never forget what you said]
40 minutes is the time I took on Sunday morning to simply spend quality time with my Maker. Pressed play on some of my best soul calming music, meditated on some key lines from the latter part of Ephesians 1, and made a list of things I wanted to pray about. It's not surprising that merely 4 hours later, one of them was answered. I implore you, with your time, to spend more, on God! :)
Last summer was the time when,not having a US visa in time or not having a good enough resume,a teaching internship at Columbia Uni slipped right through my fingers and my chance at an internship to Greece was averted. It's OK, I accepted that it wasn't my turn then. Only if back then, I could have seen a glimpse of my now, having a blast in this wonderful place and on a prestigious scholarship studying the subject that launched me into the international scene, I would have been less disappointed. I echo my own words: our disappointment is God's divine appointment.
Weeks (I refuse to be precise for this one) I've been trying to finish 2 outstanding essays for a French class that I took prior to coming here. Between, planting my navel string in Freiburg, course selections, absorbing the German language, marathon-ing (yup i just coined a word)around to organize my student card, registration, contract signing and the like, I've had no time to actually concentrate on writing something, I quite frankly 1) don't care about and 2)is so arduous to grasp. Have I resigned myself to failing a course, so that I can for a long time spend a half hour at the Titisee lake on a lazy Sunday afternoon or take a walk with newly made friends in the Black Forest, or have a meal prepared for me by a funny, Finnish friend, or enjoy a glass of champagne with some Brie and honey to celebrate the good times a friend's mom had while reconnecting with her daughter, or simply enjoying a 80cent ice cream cone beckoning summer to arrive? I don't know but we will see...
21 years ago, my grandmother succumbed to cancer (well more like to the train over to heaven to finally behold her Love), but before she did, wrote upon my life that I would be hardworking. As much, as I may try to deny it, I overwork myself! I cannot do things halfheartedly,( hence my prolonged time in trying to draft the insipid papers). While in a back to earth, feet in air, face to sky moment on the edge of a lake, I promised to myself that I would have more down time moments! A summer resolution it was indeed! Thinking about it, I spend 15 hours working my 3 jobs per week, 21 hours a week in classes or teaching and the other couple thousands of seconds dedicated to volunteering. If Christ rested after wording into being the world, then who am I?
And finally,(no pun intended! Did you get it? let me know in a comment if you did LOL) it's been 12 going on 13 years that I've been attempting to master the French language. And as I scribe this, my heart is smiling because of the excitement bubbling within me! Today, I, with a dozen others are heading over to Strassbourg, France for a day packed with sightseeing goodness, fun museums, Alsatian cuisine and French speaking wonderment! A dream fulfilled is about to occur as I've never really spent quality time on the soil of the people and language that I've come to call my own! Words cannot even describe how I feel! Can't wait to share my experiences with yall!
So I leave with this thought for you to nibble on! No matter how long it may take, or how much years it will take to repay your student debt, or how far-fetched your dreams may be, sucker punch doubt, depression, fear in the face, take back your dignity and with chin up, an ear to ear smile, and a heart of gratitude, walk into your destiny.
Heart smiling,
B
Monday, April 11, 2011
Hodge Podge of Goodness
So within the span of less than 24 hours I had been air chauffeured from Toronto to London to Switzerland to France and then from France to Germany-where I currently will be residing for the next four months of my life.
I am excited! (to say the least)
Funny fact before I spill the thoughts speeding in my brain! Arriving in Switzerland then simply walking to the other side of the airport (like literally 30 footsteps across unto French soil) was simply mind blowing for me. It was a particularly exhilarating moment of pleasure for me since by now you understand that my blog is about global citizenry. I transcended borders merely in seconds!
Ok so here are the experiences, sounds, smells, thoughts, fulfilled dreams, shocks, people that I’ve encountered thus far:
Swiss Besel Airport, French immigration officers who loved Ato Bolden, pizza making machine in France, everyone riding bikes, mountains and many of them, cool bus driver from Airport into Freiburg, tram station nightmare, no Deutsch, at the last station having a finger conversation with the conductor of the tram about me wanting to pay his fare, he let me off saying not to bother paying, being lost at the PH( which is short for my school’s name), being lost behind some parking lot and a familiar face, David shouting out my name welcoming me, watching the mountains from his balcony, getting my keys to my flat, meeting Johannes the director of the International office, bringing chocolate chips, baking soda and vanilla essence for Clara in his office, meeting friends from Slovenia, Luxembourg, a German speaking Colombian,a really nice Sweedish room mate who bakes, a library that once was a concert hall, milk for 29 cents, cheeses galore, hearing about some libraries being so vast that librarians need a tricycle to get around, cream cheese and toast for breakfast, bank PINs 15 numbers long (to avoid identity theft i hear), course selection where you have to email your prof and ask to be enrolled, train rides through the mountains, a lake that is surrounded by lush mountains,no food spicy enough for my adoration, 80cent ice cream cones,chilly evenings, though fragrant with the scents of nocturnal blossoming flowers, people staring at you unashamedly, maybe because I look good/have dreads/speak English with a cool accent/am one of the few Black persons you see per square mile, offices being opened only for 4 hours of the working day, beer with sprite in it, having the option of getting beer instead of a coke with combos at restaurants, beautiful cemeteries, pollen gingerly dancing in the wind, a friend's room mate who sort of like his mother ensures that he does everything right-thing is she doesn't speak an ounce of comprehensible English (frustrating much),bikes, bikes and more bikes, the silent roar of a train every half hour or so, a stone's throw away from my window, windows that open downwards,shopping at the grocery store where images are your guide in what to buy instead of the language, inviting my four friends who accompanied me to that adventure to the grocery, those four guests turning into an all out cook out-potluck style, me and my new friends liming out at the pond till ridiculous hours in the morning amusing ourselves with song and stories and satisfying food!
These are but a few of the things I've experienced thus far...my hope is that you may vicariously enjoy them as well!
Alles klar!
B
I am excited! (to say the least)
Funny fact before I spill the thoughts speeding in my brain! Arriving in Switzerland then simply walking to the other side of the airport (like literally 30 footsteps across unto French soil) was simply mind blowing for me. It was a particularly exhilarating moment of pleasure for me since by now you understand that my blog is about global citizenry. I transcended borders merely in seconds!
Ok so here are the experiences, sounds, smells, thoughts, fulfilled dreams, shocks, people that I’ve encountered thus far:
Swiss Besel Airport, French immigration officers who loved Ato Bolden, pizza making machine in France, everyone riding bikes, mountains and many of them, cool bus driver from Airport into Freiburg, tram station nightmare, no Deutsch, at the last station having a finger conversation with the conductor of the tram about me wanting to pay his fare, he let me off saying not to bother paying, being lost at the PH( which is short for my school’s name), being lost behind some parking lot and a familiar face, David shouting out my name welcoming me, watching the mountains from his balcony, getting my keys to my flat, meeting Johannes the director of the International office, bringing chocolate chips, baking soda and vanilla essence for Clara in his office, meeting friends from Slovenia, Luxembourg, a German speaking Colombian,a really nice Sweedish room mate who bakes, a library that once was a concert hall, milk for 29 cents, cheeses galore, hearing about some libraries being so vast that librarians need a tricycle to get around, cream cheese and toast for breakfast, bank PINs 15 numbers long (to avoid identity theft i hear), course selection where you have to email your prof and ask to be enrolled, train rides through the mountains, a lake that is surrounded by lush mountains,no food spicy enough for my adoration, 80cent ice cream cones,chilly evenings, though fragrant with the scents of nocturnal blossoming flowers, people staring at you unashamedly, maybe because I look good/have dreads/speak English with a cool accent/am one of the few Black persons you see per square mile, offices being opened only for 4 hours of the working day, beer with sprite in it, having the option of getting beer instead of a coke with combos at restaurants, beautiful cemeteries, pollen gingerly dancing in the wind, a friend's room mate who sort of like his mother ensures that he does everything right-thing is she doesn't speak an ounce of comprehensible English (frustrating much),bikes, bikes and more bikes, the silent roar of a train every half hour or so, a stone's throw away from my window, windows that open downwards,shopping at the grocery store where images are your guide in what to buy instead of the language, inviting my four friends who accompanied me to that adventure to the grocery, those four guests turning into an all out cook out-potluck style, me and my new friends liming out at the pond till ridiculous hours in the morning amusing ourselves with song and stories and satisfying food!
These are but a few of the things I've experienced thus far...my hope is that you may vicariously enjoy them as well!
Alles klar!
B
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thinking Aloud
In less than 72 hours I will be saying hi from another location in the world! How intense is it to fathom the fact that people move beyond borders completely immersing themselves into something that they've never been into, seen, smelt or ever discovered! I sent a futuristic welcome message to a pal of mine who was to arrive at the destination in which i will be spending the next four months of my life! Kinda cool huh?
Anyhoo, couple things are resonating within me that I believe should be thought aloud.
1) Never underestimate the power of words! In my case, they have been like secret injections that have cured my insecurities, doubts, loneliness and other not-so-good-things! My mother spoke to me almost everyday this past week her words blanketed my fears and reassured me that everything was going to be fine. My sister eloquently planted the seeds of encouragement when she said "Delayed but not denied!". Or my dad saying that EVERYTHING will work out in your favor! I kid not these seemingly minor exhortations have carried me through many high waters.
2) Keeping being you! While attending a Trini event last night, I had a friend disclose how much I've impacted her life. [picture me holding my hands over my mouth....with the usual expression of OMG LOL Brendon] WHOAAA! She had said that she was inspired because of how inspirational i was! What did I do?
**I be me!**
That's what I say. Aim high, Dream big, Laugh jovially, forgive often, and sing your vocal chords out when stressed!
3) Have faith! What is faith? i think the Bible does justice when it defines it to mean the evidence of things hoped for, for those things that are unseen! My evidence was feelings, words, joy, loyalty and the like! A friend of mine, over some Japanese dinner asserted that faith loves the fearless. I acquiesce.
As I embark on this portion of my destiny, I shout from the mountain top, a great THANK YOU to all the people who've stolen a piece of my heart! Too many to name but you know who you are. To the people who've played instruments of encouragement, my song goes out to you. May it be sung over dancing, smiling, warmth and a good glass of Merlot! :)
Anyhoo, couple things are resonating within me that I believe should be thought aloud.
1) Never underestimate the power of words! In my case, they have been like secret injections that have cured my insecurities, doubts, loneliness and other not-so-good-things! My mother spoke to me almost everyday this past week her words blanketed my fears and reassured me that everything was going to be fine. My sister eloquently planted the seeds of encouragement when she said "Delayed but not denied!". Or my dad saying that EVERYTHING will work out in your favor! I kid not these seemingly minor exhortations have carried me through many high waters.
2) Keeping being you! While attending a Trini event last night, I had a friend disclose how much I've impacted her life. [picture me holding my hands over my mouth....with the usual expression of OMG LOL Brendon] WHOAAA! She had said that she was inspired because of how inspirational i was! What did I do?
**I be me!**
That's what I say. Aim high, Dream big, Laugh jovially, forgive often, and sing your vocal chords out when stressed!
3) Have faith! What is faith? i think the Bible does justice when it defines it to mean the evidence of things hoped for, for those things that are unseen! My evidence was feelings, words, joy, loyalty and the like! A friend of mine, over some Japanese dinner asserted that faith loves the fearless. I acquiesce.
As I embark on this portion of my destiny, I shout from the mountain top, a great THANK YOU to all the people who've stolen a piece of my heart! Too many to name but you know who you are. To the people who've played instruments of encouragement, my song goes out to you. May it be sung over dancing, smiling, warmth and a good glass of Merlot! :)
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