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Phil There is a universal language, which I find myself using quite often: sign language. Now I'm not talking about ASL or anything like that. I mean those signals we use when we are desperately trying to comunicate with someone that speaks another language. That language barrier can really be a doosy! But that's why I'm here, to overcome the language and cultural barriers that separate me, at the moment, from French citizens living in Guadeloupe. I'm learning, slowly but surely. For you French speakers reading this, they don't really use the "vous" form here in Guadeloupe. That is really the least of my struggles here. One thing I'm really beginning to understand is how slavery affected people here, and I suppose other places where slavery existed also. The people here hold their abolitionist champion in high regard. Even the town square here in the small town of Sainte Anne is named for Victor Schoelcher, the great French champion of human rights and a large figure in the anti-slavery movement back in the 18th and 19th centuries. A few days ago we had the opportunity to take a little trek out to a particularly significant historical sight. We journeyed to what the French call a "trou" which is really a large hole in the ground leading down to the sea. The trou we visited was used to punish slaves centuries ago. The walk took us about an hour an a half. As I walked over the rugged trail forged through the volcanic rock that makes up the coast, I was struck with how horrific it would be to make that treck knowing that I would be walking to my death. It kind of gives me some perspective on my comfortable American life. In other news, the food I've had has been fantastic. The fish, the lobster and the octopus are extremely fresh. And the columbo, oh the columbo! C'est tres bon! Well, I'd elaborate some more, but I don't want to make you all too jealous. Au revoir!
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