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A bustling street in downtown Addis Ababa
Jane Baldwin, YCI’s CIDA Intern in Ethiopia, has just returned to Toronto from Addis Ababa. Read about her first impressions of the city she calls home…
January 2009. Upon arrival in the wondrous city that is Toronto, the first impression is bleak, gray and cold. Literally and physically cold. In the winter, Toronto, on street level, is a quiet place, seemingly dead to the world.
I love Toronto. Toronto is my home. I have talked up the virtues of Toronto to many a foreigner, defended it zealously to many an Ottawan and I have supported the Toronto Argonauts, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Toronto Raptors, the Toronto Rock and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During my travels, I have missed perusing Queen West with a big cup of coffee and good friends in tow, I have missed big, greasy spoon breakfasts, I have missed proximity to New York City and I have missed Street meat.
Yet, now that I’m home, in my beloved city, I feel disconnected. The city is missing something; the liveliness of people chattering in the streets, the noise, the hustle and bustle of a big city. What happened to the city I love? Do I really feel more at home in cities of squalor, that continually bombard the senses, without the luxuries of modern plumbing, consistent electricity or water than in a clean, sterile, aloof first-world city? The TTC is full of lifeless faces, resigned to inaction unless a chance encounter with an acquaintance or friend sparks the seeming rag-doll of a passenger into a life-filled being with thoughts, opinions and a smile. This transformation takes mere seconds, the catalyst only a familiar face. Perhaps harking back to an animal instinct, the people of Toronto tend to hibernate in the winter. I’m not use to this. I’d forgotten this defence mechanism existed.
Then, this weekend, something wonderful happened: temperatures soared to above zero. And the sun came out. Suddenly, the grey, bleak quiet dissipated and there was chatter, and there were people, and it was busy. The Toronto I knew, and the Toronto I love, is still here, just hidden, retreated into a big fur-hooded parka and a pair of sorrels. It took over a month to find it, but with a little sun and the remembrance that spring will come, and the city will come back to life.
- Jane Baldwin
I have plenty of favorites when it comes to Georgetown, and Guyana on the whole.
It’s a place that, for me, always revives. And a place I have had many new experiences.
One experience well worth noting has been in exploring the many different tastes Georgetown has to offer. Yes, this one is about food. Guyanese style. Keep in mind I’m only talking about Georgetown here. A taste of Guyana’s countryside will have to wait for the next blog…
Here are my top ten picks:
1. The Eggball, With Sour
Hands down favorite. It’s like a kinder-surprise, but of the breakfast sort.
Place to get it: the little shacks by Cheddi Jagan Airport (possibly soon to be bulldozed!)
2. Pepperpot
Sweet, tangy and stewed for days – this one is a Christmas treat in Guyana.
Place to get it: Arawak Steakhouse
3. Pouree & Curry
Pouree is a bit like a roti on steroids.
Place to get it: Shanta’s
4. Salt Fish & Bake
Looks a bit like packman with a head cold in this shot, but trust me – it’s good.
Place to get it: Hotel Ariantze does a nice one.
5. Callalou
If there’s a popeye in Guyana, he’s eating this.
Place to get it: most family-owned food bars
6. Ital
Possibly the most all-around rewarding dining experience you can have in GT.
It’s vegetarian, salt-less and cooked by sound of mind (and heart) rastas.
Place to get it: Steppers or House of Flavors
7. Cookup
Rice, beans, coconut and assorted meat. You can’t go wrong.
Place to get it: This one can be a little tough; best to visit a friend’s house.
8. The Mango – ‘Buxton Spice’
A staple in Guyana. Just don’t cut your hand trying to be fancy with it.
Place to get it: Bourda Market
9. Sugarcane
Guyana almost wouldn’t be Guyana without sugarcane.
Just be sure to spit out the fibers when finished, otherwise it’s a little rough going down.
Place to get it: The seawall on a Sunday night.
10. Sorrel
For those who have had ‘brio’ and usually drink coke, sorrel offers that same, weird first moment of ‘oh….OH……hmm. Yup, I like it!’
Place to get it: Juice Power
If you have just returned from Guyana and are missing it dearly (I’ve been there) or even if you’ve never been and want a taste then try making your own!
For all of the above and more check:
http://www.guyanaoutpost.com/recipes/recipes_alpha.shtml
Enjoy!
- Ryan Tucker, International Partnerships & Development Director
