I went to Guadeloupe for about 2 weeks with my mom and amazing cousin Louann.
It was definitely a life-changing experience for both Lu and me. We experienced things there that neither of us will ever forget. We were actually only supposed to spend 10 days there, but on the Thursday that we were supposed to leave, we started crying, so my cousin pulled some strings and got us seats on the Sunday flight back. Needless to say, we could not have been happier :)
I did a lot of new things while I was there...maybe a bit too many to talk about, but I'll mention the important things :)
I pretty much met my family. My whole family. Which, in case you didn't know, is pretty damn huge. It was amazing to get to know them and spend my time with them....I'll never forget them.
The first Saturday that we were there, I went to a Hafli! Which is basically a big Arab party haha. It was so fun! I got to learn how to Dabke (traditional dance), I got to enjoy the food and music, and I definitely got my fill of zaitoon! :)
I will never forget all the little daily adventures in Le Moule with Lulu, walking through the streets, checking out swimsuits (I bought 2!) and visiting all the cousins. It definitely was an experience. And I must say, I am now a pro at buying things from French bakeries. Les boulangeries FTW! :)
Being in Guadeloupe was also a little bit of a culture shock for me. All the Arabs there know Arabic, whereas I do not. I mean...even my 6 year-old cousin knew some things. It kind of hit me that I should get to know more about my culture, and I've been working on that since I came back.
One of my favourite places in Guadeloupe was Pointe des Chateaux. It was a hill with a huge cross, and one of the most spectacular views I've seen. One of the most glorious things was being able to stand at the top and look down at the sea, feel the wind blowing through my hair, and smelling the salt-watered mist engulfing the air.
Saying goodbye to Guadeloupe was officially one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through with, but my heart knows that I will return.
Infinite Xs and Os,
Faerie.
