Freedom Schooner Amistad,  will arrive in Charleston for Harbor Fest and Spoleto Festival USA on May 15th.  Charleston will be the first US port called by the ship since her departure from New England in June 2007.   Since than the Amistad visited many ports during her Atlantic Freedom Tour, allowing many communities to interpret the Tour's motto : "Confronting The Past - Transforming  The Future".

Amistad's vist together with the premiere of a newly revised version of Anthony Davis' opera "Amistad" at Spoleto Festival USA will give another chance  for Lowcountry and Charleston to confront its history as a slave-trading city in a slave-owning state.

Here are more events related to Amistad, the ship, and "Amistad," the Spoleto opera:

• - Amistad (the ship) will be anchored off Sullivan's Island during an afternoon remembrance ceremony there May 15. It'll then be escorted to Charleston Maritime Center by three tall ships, including Spirit of South Carolina, and will be open for tours May 16-18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $5-$15.

• - Amistad (the ship) will be at dock for the Spoleto opera premiere and remain here until May 27.

• -- "Amistad" (the opera) composer Anthony Davis and director Sam Helfrich will talk with College of Charleston music professor Trevor Weston on May 22. 5:30 p.m. Recital Hall, College of Charleston. Free.

• - May 25, Martha Teichner will interview Davis and "Amistad" librettist Thulani Davis. 5 p.m. Recital Hall, College of Charleston. Free.

• -- May 26, Anthony Davis and Thulani Davis along with author Josephine Humphreys and historian Bernard Powers will talk about creating works of art based on historic events. Noon, Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, 125 Bull St. Free.

• - May 31, attorney Robert Rosen will lead a roundtable discussion of the Amistad (the ship) court case. 3 p.m. Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, 125 Bull St.. Free.

• - Gibbes Museum of Art will mount "Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American Art."

• - Tours of the Old Slave Mart Museum and walking tours will be led by historian Harlan Greene at 10 a.m. May 24, May 31, June 2 and June 7. $10. Call 579-3100.

• - Charleston County Public Library's Main Library will show a series of films related to Amistad (the ship) on the big screen. Free.

We finally arrived in Barbados after 18 days across the Atlantic. We anchored for a week off of Port Saint Charles, an exclusive part of the island's west end. We looked longingly at sandy beaches, palm trees and people enjoying banana boat rides as we made Amistad look beautiful in preparation for opening to the public. One night I waited on shore for the ship's laundry to return. The heat of the day cooled slightly as darkness came. The thick sound of tropical frogs peeping in the lush flora was magical. A warm rain came and I found shelter under a palm tree. I had barely placed two feet on Barbados and I was in love.

Once we officially arrived in Barbados we were welcomed by amazing drumming and dancing performances and various government officials. Carla and I became friends with a man named Solly who drove us all around the island, took us to a polo match, and brought us to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. He told us that most Bajan's enjoy their island and love to show it off. We enjoyed banana daiquiris and flying fish sandwiches (the same creatures that flew onto our deck at night across the Atlantic now pleased our pallet as they decorated out plate). We also had dolphin fingers (actually Dorado or Mahi Mahi, not dolphin except in local name, but the nicest fish I have ever eaten, served with a lime and lovely dipping sauce). Solly, his wife and daughter had us over for a barbeque one night, and their hospitality was mind blowing. My friend Rodney later told me that locals are often denied entrance to some of the hotels on the island. Two worlds of this paradise.

One of the highlights of the trip was clearing brush at the Slave Burial Grounds of Newton Plantation. It was a gorgeous field surrounded by sugar cane. What stories, what pain are buried under the growth of sugar cane and the weight of the beauty of the land?

After our work we sucked on freshly cut cane.

Toward the end of the trip we were invited to brunch by a lovely family: Ron, Serena and Liam. They had toured the ship and wanted to offer thanks to the crew, as well as offer us a treat before we set off to sea. The brunch was at the Hilton hotel, one of the most popular brunch spots on the island. I had the most amazing omelet of my life accompanied by a delicious hot pepper sauce. A few nights later Ron and Serena had us over to their house for a barbeque. They have the most beautiful, open air dream house I have ever seen. Their hospitality was amazing and much appreciated. Their generosity was all the sweeter because they have clearly been blessed in life, but choose to remember to bless others with kindness as well.

We ended our time in Barbados again anchored off of Port Saint Charles. We prepared to leave, and sadly had to leave Sam, one of our shipmates, behind until he could rejoin us in the States after working out a visa issue. We were joined by new crew in Barbados: Tiny (a ball of positive energy), Haley (Nina's sister and a former student from the Fall trip whom I hadn't yet had a chance to sail with) and Michael (who was one of our most fabulous students as we sailed across the Atlantic this summer, whom I am so excited to sail with again). We set off to Saint Croix. I began working as third mate and led C watch through our duties. It has been a great learning experience being a watch officer. The lessons at sea never end.

After five days sailing we ended up in Saint Croix. We anchored for the first two nights and then docked in Christiansted Harbor. Eliza's friend Phillipa had some of us to her lovely home for an evening of drinks, cheese, crackers and soft seats. We also had a chance to enjoy the night life and eat ice cream ashore (a treat when on a hot boat. I hadn't had ice cream in at least three months. I rarely think about it while living on land, but at sea . . .). A few of us went scuba diving while in Saint Croix. It was the first time in my life and it was amazing. The dive shop owners (Derrick and
Anna) were fantastic. I found it challenging at first, particularly getting used to breathing under water and getting my ears to pop, but once under water I was mesmerized by the colors and peace of the seen. We dove two days in a row and saw barracudas, moray eels and two sea turtles.  Our second day was a gift from nice people who run a great bar called Coconuts near the dive shop - the kindness on this trip just continues.

We are now back at sea. We apparently had a beautiful day sail from Saint Croix to Saint Thomas, but I was sick in my bunk most of the day. My ears have not popped after diving and I am now suffering from some sort of terrible sinus blockage. Up until today I have mostly divided my time between standing watch and then taking medicine and going off to bed.

On C watch we have Haley, Johnny, Taylor and Seco. Taylor joined us in Saint Croix. Amistad is his second boat and it is great to watch him learn and share in his excitement during his first overnight transit. It is also a great reflection for me on how much I have learned over the years as I take on new responsibilities and teach new crew members. Haley is also an amazing watch mate. She is good at what she does and always willing to help with a positive, supportive attitude. I met Nina and Haley briefly one day two years ago in Shelburne, Nova Scotia as we toured the Black Loyalist Museum. It is awesome to now have a chance to get to know them both and work with them.

Both night watches (from 7 - 11pm) that we have had began with some rain, and then had us striking the fore topsail in the dark - always a challenge as people are still learning. I have been learning new skills with the radar, which is great. Dolphins played in the water off our port side during class today. We had been on a starboard tack until this morning when A watch gybed to a port tack. We are sailing under the 4 lowers and fore topsail, light winds from the South West. It is a beautiful, calm, sunny day. One of the days that make one love being at sea. My head is slowly clearing, and I am convinced I will feel better tomorrow. As we near Charleston and the majority of the crew prepare to leave the ship I pause for a moment, trying
to appreciate where we are and where we have come as a group.

Hello, My Dears! I give you greetings from the Bermuda Triangle. Yes, that's right; we are in that place of mythical and supernatural belief, where many ships and planes have just gone off the map—lost for all time. But thus far I have not seen anything that would suggest that UFOs or any other strange phenomenon really exists here and I'm glad to be honest with you, My Dears, I would rather get to Charleston in one piece.

OK, so just before we had class and Logan (our chief mate, in case you never knew or just forgot) gave a wonderful and very informative presentation on navigation lights, their meanings and how to avoid colliding with other ships. It was all very fascinating though a little much to take in at once but nevertheless it is good to know. Well, it's a must to know unless you plan on being on the bottom of the ocean.

Oh, one thing that I am not too fond on, even if it is a good thing, is our amazingly good speed these past couple of days. It started when we left St. Thomas. Yesterday, we picked up a lot of speed, reaching 9 knots for a little while. And, as you know, Amistad has the habit or more of a need to lean on its side that makes handling dishes, standing, even sleeping all the more fun. But even today we are cruising along at 6 knots and with any luck this speed will keep up and we may reach our destination a little early.

With that I thank you for reading today's Blog, 'Til next time, My Dears. TATA
 

Charleston Maritime Center

Tour Freedom Schooner Amistad

Thursday, May 22 – Monday, May 26, 2008

Currently on an historic 14-month transatlantic voyage

retracing the infamous Atlantic slave trade triangle,

the Freedom Schooner Amistad,

a replica of the original ship, makes its first U.S. stop in Charleston.

General Tours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily

$5 per person includes ship tour and exhibit

Private Tours: Friday & Saturday, May 23 & 24

$50 per person

includes tour, lecture, meet the Captain

To order tickets - 1.866.AMISTAD

Hello, My Dears!

First I would like to start today's blog by stating to you, my loyal fans. OUCH! Yes! My I'm in pain, with my back no less, which is very annoying given the setting that I currently occupy (A sailing ship in case you forgot).

OK, so this morning we left St. Croix and sailed to St. Thomas, another member of the Virgin Islands, USA. Nothing much has happened today except for a nice calm sail, with a good round speed of at least 6 knots. At the moment we are all chilling, waiting for dinner, some of the crew have gone swimming in the water, while Eliza has put a DVD on the other laptop which from the sound, is about slaves from Africa to the States.

OK, so now I'm going to go and get a massage from Joy, (she is very good at it), then eat some food, then have a nap, since we go into Anchor Watch tonight and, you know, I love my sleep.

So I leave you now, My Dears, and hope you good health and 'til next time, take care. TATA

Hello, My Dears!

Today has been another one of those lazy days when you just sit about on the deck doing nothing at all! Well, my excuse for being so lazy is that I was on watch, but it was a much needed rest, since last night I did get a little bit drunk. Well, I was at that stage where Logan and I were talking about subjects that can only be conjured while intoxicated. Nevertheless, the night was very enjoyable for all who were there.

So this morning we have a new crewmember. Taylor his name be, and he jumped ship from the Roseway. He already seems to be settling fine and getting on with the crew, which is always good. Plus today he was shown how to do a boat check and sorts.

OK, so I have nut all to say really rather than thanks for reading and I look forward to next time. Now I'm going to watch one of Ben's movies (Kingdom of Heaven, I think) that should help pass the time. Oh, and also a big Happy 21st to Jason!!!

TATA.

Barbados has been an exciting adventure.Four of us were invited to Cave and Shepherd a large store in town to field questions about the Amistad, her story and mission, and our individual feeling of the freedom tour.we were also invited to entertainment provided by different schools in the area.these young people are some kind of talented.original poems set to song, choirs, skits, and dance groups.and the vocals of this one young lady that sang "Sometimes I feel like a Motherless child" this was a very old soul in a young lady.what an honor to be a part of all of this. and then there was dinner at the American Ambassadors home.

The people are warm and welcoming and the weather reminds me so much of Hawaii, sunny and a little rain everyday.there are some beautiful white sand beaches and the water a lovely warm blue.we have had a multitude of visitors from infants to elders and all have seemed to take something away with them with hopes of enriching their lives that much more.I know my life has become enriched by the conversations I have had with the many visitors and the friendships made.

This trip has been a rite of passage for me as I turned 60 on April 20th, I share the day with some dear friends, Don Murphy, Della Murray just to name a few and then there is Adolph Hitler and other savory characters I have met.. but what a lovely place to celebrate. I met an amazing lady Marcille Haynes who is a free lance photographer and a damn good one those are her photographs seen in the newspaper articles.any way she and I have become great friends and her birthday is coming up in July.but she decided that I should have a photo shoot for my birthday. (photos coming soon to face book) well she made arrangements with MAC cosmetics for a makeover an then we took off to take pics.it was great being all girlie.it has been a month of Sunday's since I have had make up on.but it was a blast and one hell of a birthday gift.then we went to Oistins which is a small community that on Friday nights vendors come out a sit up in food booths, art, jewelry you name it.there is music and Oldies but goodies couples dancing.. what a treat.oh yeah I got a tattoo of a gardenia on my right shoulder..heheheheh

One of the visitors to the Amistad wanted to do something for the crew so Ron Jones and his family took us all to the Hilton for brunch and it just happened to be my birthday.Ron & Beverly Cox, parents of one of our students and crew members, graciously baby sat the boat so everyone could go to brunch.it was wonderful. Ron made arrangements for Barbara from his office to help me with provisioning.after brunch we returned to the boat to get her ready for the closing ceremony.it was beautiful.drummers, dancers and a beautiful closing libation. as we sailed off into the sunset taking memories and new friendships.

 We anchored at Port Charles to take care of final details.one being provisioning.Barbara picked me up and we set off for a day of provisioning for 15 days for 16 people.she was wonderful and so much fun to hang out with.it made an otherwise hectic job smooth and enjoyable.and so I wouldn't have to cook after all the running around Ron and Serena invited us to their home for a bar-b-que. the next evening we had them on the boat for dinner.I prepared West African groundnut stew, fried whole Red Snapper, coconut rice, curry bread, cheese platter with crackers and grapes.and homemade ginger beer.and Ron and his family brought chocolates forever.more wonderful friendships..

Off for some much needed R&R.. hello St. Croix

Ashay
Ancestor in training chef dani

Hello my dears, today was B watch's day off and so many of us along with other members of the crew went out into the town to do a little exploring. My self and Seco went round looking for a shop that sold phone cards. Which eventually we did after like an hour or two, then it was another half hour looking for payphones, which all seemed to be grouped together around one area. Like my first time ashore here I took in all the sights and sounds that this beautiful place has to offer, that said I also have to put up with the heat and no matter how much Eliza say's I should be use to it. I just can't seem to cope when I'm off the ship.

So now I'm on deck and it is a cool night (thank the gods!) and the Roseway is just heading back after another little sail, with Elaine onboard so I'm told. The rest of my night is not planned, I have in all my right to go back out into town or whatnot (being my night off) so I guess I'll let you my wonderful fans know tomorrow!

Until then my dears I bid you goodnight and good morning. TATA
 

PHOTO: Minister of Culture, of Cape Verde Islands, Dr. Manuel Veiga, with Clifton E. Graves, Jr., Vice President, AMISTAD America at recent function in Brockton, Massachusetts, sponsored by CABO.

In the aftermath of the Freedom Schooner Amistad's successful port visit to Cape Verde in March, 2008, the Cape Verdean community in New England recently honored Cape Verdean Minister of Culture, Dr. Manuel Veiga and his wife, the Honorable Ambassador, Dr. Fatima Veiga at a reception at the Restaurant Sodade in Brockton, Massachusetts.

The event, co-sponsored by CABO--the Cape Verdean American Business Owners Assoc.--also recognized and thanked AMISTAD America for including Cape Verde in the Atlantic Freedom Tour  schedule. AMISTAD America, represented by Vice-President Clifton E. Graves, Jr., used this occasion to thank both Minister Veiga for the Cape Verdean hospitality shown the Amistad crew and staff, and CABO for underwriting the Amistad visit.

The plan of AMISTAD America is to continue to build the relationship with the Cape Verdean community for future cooperative ventures including, but not limited to, visits to Providence, Rhode Island, and Nantucket, Massachusetts, with a possible return to Cape Verde in 2010 for that country's 35th anniversary of independence. Key to coordinating the Cape Verdean port visit were Ramiro Mendes, noted Cape Verdean producer/musician/artist, and Hartford attorney, Joseph Moniz.