FAMILY TIME!

My daughter, Kaleema and I have enjoyed having the presence of one another as the only family members to one another as we have settled into our new life here on St. Croix. Recently it has been wonderful to have family members to visit us here on St. Croix. First, Kaleema came to visit me and ended up with a job offer and decided to  stay. My second guest was my sister, BJ whose visit I cherish. See the chronicle of events below.

 

Kaleema Al-Nur at Dorsch Beach in Frederiksted enjoying a sunset. 

 

It all happens out of this magical place called home! I have loved this little place since day one. Notice how close I am to the beach and ocean. The size is perfect, two bedrooms. And while I would love another bathroom it works and the price is right!

L-R Qiyamah and BJ at Pt. Udall  

 

My daughter in law - Michelle watching the children's parade in Frederiksted!

 

 

L-R Qiyamah, Muhammad (holding Malia) and Michelle. We call this our paparazzi picture! The Rahman's vacationing in St. Croix with their celebrity mom! lol

 

 

L-R Muhammad, Malia and Michelle at Rainbow Beach.

 

L-R Malia and Qiyamah AKA Nana Key mama

 

 

Are you sure this is safe!

 

Don't try this at home without supervision and a strong dad to catch you if you fall!

 

L-R Kaleema, Qiyamah and Malia

 

 
 
L-R Kaleema, Qiyamah, Muhammad and Malia

 

L-R Kaleema, Qiyamah, Muhammad and Malia

 

L-R Muhammad, Malia and Michelle

 

 

 

L-R Muhammad, Malia and Michelle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARNIVAL TIME IN ST. CROIX

One of the many fascinating aspects of life on St. Croix is the Crucian Christmas Carnival. The Crucian Christmas Carnival is a long standing tradition dating back to the early 1800s when enslaved Africans were allowed to celebrate Christmas and New Years.

Unfortunately, my first year on Island in 2012 I missed most of the day time activities because I was working. This year, Christmas Carnival coincided with a visit from my son, Muhammad, my daughter in law, Michelle and my newest grandbaby, Malia and so I took leave from work to spend time with them and I was able to experience Carnival. Yesterday began our first parade and attended the Food Festival that featured great cuisine, music and the local dancing called quadrille. It is a form of square dance and waltz dating back to slavery. The slaves adapted the slave owners dance style and added their own expression that is called quadrille.

Today we watched the children's parade. Tomorrow we will walk up the street and sit and stand in my friends yard to view the adults parade. We also have spent time at Cane Bay Beach where we had delicious rum cake at Eats. Because of the overcast conditions the sunset was non-existent that particular night. However, Rainbow Beach today was a wonderful beach day and Malia and I sat and read and dozed and ate and had a grand time while the others frolicked in the water.

The Island is alive with so much activity during Carnival that some individuals make it an annual tradition and return year after year. I hope my family and friends decide to do so.

See you at Carnival! I hope you enjoy some of the pictures and videos depicting the Children's Parade.
Qiyamah