Three Beaconites unite

Being a journalist gives you access to places and events around the world, and former coworkers sometimes cross paths while on the job. At the Pan American Games in Peru, a Beaconite was happy to meet his former Beacon colleague Luis Andres Henao, who now works for the Associated Press in South America. Also at the games was Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway, who got his start in journalism at this newspaper and still contributes on occasion. The three were happy to reunite.

 

History-making idea

A Beaconite who thoroughly enjoyed the August Emancipation Festival has an idea for next year: a whole day dedicated to the history of the celebration. She can imagine children performing skits, adults sharing stories, teachers imparting knowledge, and much more. She hopes this notebook will catch the eyes of some, inspire some thought about celebrating history, and hopefully be brought to fruition next year. Though she was heartened to hear that Carrot Bay kept culture alive and well throughout their festivities, she thinks there could be a territory-wide day dedicated to education and appreciation. The parties and games will always continue.

 

Eating out

A good way to experience a country’s culture is through its food. A Beaconite covering the Pan American Games in Peru did just that when he sampled some of the South American nation’s cuisine. The first thing he tried, like any good journalist, was a pisco sour made from grape liquor. The drink tastes similar to a margarita, but packs a stronger punch. One is enough. Two is time for bed. Grilled alpaca loin was delicious, and he found it tender and less gamey than goat. But the most interesting dish was guinea pig, or cuy. The dish, which is popular among Peruvians and Brazilians, is typically grilled and served whole, including its head, teeth and claws. The Beaconite was underwhelmed and found the animal to be lacking in meat, but he was glad he tried it.

 

Celebrating

Though a Beaconite has lived in the Virgin Islands for two years, before this month she had yet to really experience an August Emancipation Festival in all its glory. Her first year, much of the event was cancelled due to flooding, and during her second, though she did visit the Festival Village, she wasn’t around for the main parade or either of the Rise and Shine Tramps. This year she enjoyed observing the parade up close, and two days later she rose reluctantly at 4 a.m. to drive to East End for the village’s Rise and Shine Tramp, which was a decidedly messier, less glamorous affair (but no less fun). Though she didn’t know quite what to expect, she’s glad she finally got to experience these two iconic parts of festival the way they were meant to be experienced. Even for one who has had a rough few weeks, the joy and exuber