Admittedly, I am lost when I hear Patwa. My American socialized ears are unaccustomed to the West African accent and British English that is sprinkled with Spanish and expressed in a complex tone. The Western media exposes us to British, Australian, and New Zealand English, but not to Patwa and other varieties of Caribbean English.Continue reading “Understanding the Hive, Understanding Jamaica”
Author Archives: y s
Reading the Hive
A beehive is a book and each comb is a page in the book Once I gained a basic understanding of the Italian honeybee, I was ready to read the hives. My beekeeping instructor Kwao explained that a beehive is a book and each comb is a page in the book. We must read eachContinue reading “Reading the Hive”
Physical and Mental Endurance
Someone once recounted to me that Samurai warriors in ancient times underwent intense physical training and learned how to play a musical instrument. This training was combined to strengthen their mental and physical tenacity to maintain left / right brain balance, which ultimately helped them develop into well-rounded warriors. This concept parallels beekeeping, as beekeepersContinue reading “Physical and Mental Endurance”
The Magic of Beekeeping
There is something enchanting about beekeeping The vibration from thousands of bees humming at the same time metaphysically syncs up to your brain Your mind is not concerned with problems of the world, but at last, what is happening in front of you
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Kwao—Thank you for allowing me to pick your brain on drives to and from the hives. Thank you for your kind patience when I was nervous and overheating. I cherish all of the stories you recounted to me about your experiences with bees. I’ve been sharing them with people in my life who are equallyContinue reading “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!”
Pre-departure Information
It’s a month after graduation and I’m packing a bulky headlamp and an elaborate first aid kit into the crannies of my suitcase. Unlike my pals, I am not uprooting my life to a glamorous new city and entering a consulting job with the promise of a great future. I am going to the WestContinue reading “Pre-departure Information”
