Out-of-town Daytrippin’
15 Feb
VSO Guyana took us on a mini trip to get away from the office for one day. We headed to Madewini Gardens for a swim in a pool and the blackwater creek (a very literal name). It wasn’t all play – we had to do some learning first on the status of disability in Guyana. VSO programs dedicated to improving the status, and about common vegetables. I know, that last topic doesn’t seem like it belongs but it was a necessary lesson!
Because they don’t call an eggplant an eggplant…they don’t even call it an aubergine. They actually call it a “Boulanger” or a “Baigan”. huh.
A Guyanese saying is that if you eat labba and drink black water while visiting Guyana, you are bound to return.
- Labba is a small agouti or South American rodent that can be eaten in a dark stew called “pepper pot”
- “Black water” is the water of muddy streams…it’s self-explanatory, really.
No, I did not drink black water, but I guess I don’t need to since I’ll be living in Guyana for at least a year. I’ll let you know if/when I try labba.
why didn’t you try the black water?!!! did you try the Labba?
Labba doesn’t sound good at all. Why would you want to try a rodent ? yucks !
My family calls eggplant baigan too. I love that pic of the boat BTW!
“Let baigans be baigans.” (not-yet-famous Guyanese proverb)