Taste of Ms. Alexander

Chapter 3 - Taste Of Home

Amanda Alexander

As the journey unfolded, the landscape stretched before me like a masterpiece painted by time itself. The winding roads twisted through the hills, covered in lush greenery. Though, time had left its quiet imprints. New buildings had risen, new roads had been constructed, and clear signs of progress had settled in. Yet, the soul of this place still remained untouched. This was home.

No matter where I wandered in the world, nothing ever came close to the feeling of returning. I longed for this moment from the day I left, right up until my ticket was confirmed, and now, here I was. Back on the soil that has always cradled my heart. It was bittersweet to think of those who left and never looked back, as if the very roots that grounded them had withered. However, that could never be me. No matter my circumstances, St. Vincent and the Grenadines would always be my happy place.

The crisp air, the lush vegetation, and the fruit trees laden with nature's sweetest gifts. The unspoiled beaches, the cascading waterfalls, and the ever-flowing rivers that weaved through the land. The mouthwatering food, the rich culture and the warmth of familiar smiles. What more could one have ever need? Island living offers a simple, sustainable way of life, free from the pollutants and pressures of the outside world. Here, time moves at its own pace, urging you to slow down, to breathe and truly embrace each moment.

Too often, people become consumed by the relentless rush of life and fail to appreciate the beauty right in front of them. The sweet aroma of roasting breadfruit, the infectious rhythm of Soca music, the spirited banter in rum shops, the lively hustle of roadside vendors or even island hopping on a speedboat. The heart of it all in the simplest of moments. Especially the moments spent gathered by a river, awaiting a bubbling pot of soup with friends and strangers alike. The aroma drifting from the pot mingled with laughter and the warmth of Sunset Strong Rum, heightening the anticipation of that first delicious spoonful of a rich medley of goat head, cattle skin, and tripe.

I was so caught up delving deeper until Anthony pulled over in front of a roadside fruit stall. It was there a colorful spread of fresh produce spilled across a wooden table. We stepped out and were immediately greeted by the fruit vendor's infectious smile. He approached with an easy stride and the first thing that caught my attention was his waist length dreadlocks. Thick, well-formed ropes of hair, each a testament to time and patience, were streaked with graceful strands of gray that framed his face perfectly, enhancing his presence. There was something about him, an air of wisdom and ease, as if he carried the rhythm of the island in his very being.

With a practiced ease, he brought his spliff to his lips and struck a flame. The flame flickered briefly before settling into a soft glow. I watched as he took a deep pull, then exhaled and released a steady stream of smoke into the air. The rich, earthy aroma filled my nostrils, far more pleasant than the harshness of cigarettes. There was something familiar and comforting about the scent, a reminder of the raw, unfiltered essence of life in Vincy.

"Ras Benn, gimmie ah coconut fi sweet girl, nah?" Anthony said to him.

It was almost as if he had read my mind. The thought of that sweet liquid quenching my thirst was all I could've focused on. Especially if the jelly was soft? That would've been heavenly.

"Spragga, u kno I got yuh. Anythin fi de empress," Ras Benn said with a warm smile.

"U war anythin else or yuh good?" he asked as he turned to me.

I scanned the table, which was overflowing with a vibrant array of fresh, irresistible fruits and vegetables. Each one more tempting than the last. There were mangoes; Julie, Palova, Dibique, and Horsea, that tempted me with their sweet, ripe scent. Beside them, golden pineapples, hands of perfectly ripened bananas, golden apples, soursop, plantains and plump juicy oranges. Also, vibrant tomatoes and fragrant flavor peppers added splashes of fiery red, deep orange, and lush green to the colorful display. Anything you could have imagined, Ras Benn had it and more.