Wadda Ya At
That may sound strange, however, it is the term used in Newfoundland, Canada (it is also called The Rock) as a welcome. It roughly translates as “HI” or “How are you”. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are called “newfies” and they are sometimes the butt of jokes from the rest of Canada. I will say that most of it is unfounded as they are a great lot of people from “Down East” as they are often called. Just for the record, they call everyone "b'wy" (boy) but it has NO racist overtones. I have travelled there often (job related) and I always come return with a smile and laughing at some joke that they often use to describe what is going on at the time.
If you want to read more of what and how they say stuff, visit these pages.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_Slang
http://www.wordplay.com/tourism/folklore/newfwords.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_English
I intend to touch a few topics in a brief manner. So bear with me here.
JAMAICAN POLITICS/ELECTION
I will strongly refrain from making any suggestions or comments on this subject; however, I will reserve the right to ask questions on specific issues (education, health, job creation, economy). I am non-partisan, so I do not support either party; however, I strongly support Jamaica and Jamaicans. One of the main reasons why I refrain is the conception that the diaspora (I am one) can sit in their adopted country and become self righteous in suggesting that the Government of Jamaica must do this or that …. Excuse me, but that is looking at the world through rose coloured glasses. Using the cryptic phrase “You don’t know what it feel like till yu wear the bun boot”. We (the diaspora) can make valid contributions towards the betterment of our country by actions and investments in the economy of our homeland, but not by becoming arm chair quarterbacks.
There are other “blogs” that cover this subject in a much better manner than I would or could, so I suggest that you visit these below.
http://enterjamaica.wordpress.com/
http://xaymacablog.com/2007/08/11/the-jamaican-elections-the-debates/
http://jamaicangirl2007.wordpress.com/
http://dcjottings.blogspot.com/
OTHER OBSERVATIONS
It is often regarded (in this province) that the moment the National Exhibition begins, then summer is over and the children go back to school. I went to Costco last week and they had Christmas decorations and Christmas Trees on the shelf. Give me a break …. That is just pushing it a bit too far, it is only the end of August.
Yesterday I went to the eye specialist and he informs me that I need an operation on my eyes. Great news, but I have to wait until January 9th and February 20th to have both operations. So I have to wait four months. Now you may say “C’mon , you are lucky that you even get a date that early”. That is so true. Consider that 12 months ago the wait times for this type of operation was nine months, so in relative terms there is improvement in the wait times in this country. So my intended visit to Jamaica will be postponed until March or April and that is a bummer.
To all those who granted me the permission to add their “blogs” to mine, I want to say “thanks” and it is appreciated.
Walk good.
That may sound strange, however, it is the term used in Newfoundland, Canada (it is also called The Rock) as a welcome. It roughly translates as “HI” or “How are you”. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are called “newfies” and they are sometimes the butt of jokes from the rest of Canada. I will say that most of it is unfounded as they are a great lot of people from “Down East” as they are often called. Just for the record, they call everyone "b'wy" (boy) but it has NO racist overtones. I have travelled there often (job related) and I always come return with a smile and laughing at some joke that they often use to describe what is going on at the time.
If you want to read more of what and how they say stuff, visit these pages.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_Slang
http://www.wordplay.com/tourism/folklore/newfwords.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_English
I intend to touch a few topics in a brief manner. So bear with me here.
JAMAICAN POLITICS/ELECTION
I will strongly refrain from making any suggestions or comments on this subject; however, I will reserve the right to ask questions on specific issues (education, health, job creation, economy). I am non-partisan, so I do not support either party; however, I strongly support Jamaica and Jamaicans. One of the main reasons why I refrain is the conception that the diaspora (I am one) can sit in their adopted country and become self righteous in suggesting that the Government of Jamaica must do this or that …. Excuse me, but that is looking at the world through rose coloured glasses. Using the cryptic phrase “You don’t know what it feel like till yu wear the bun boot”. We (the diaspora) can make valid contributions towards the betterment of our country by actions and investments in the economy of our homeland, but not by becoming arm chair quarterbacks.
There are other “blogs” that cover this subject in a much better manner than I would or could, so I suggest that you visit these below.
http://enterjamaica.wordpress.com/
http://xaymacablog.com/2007/08/11/the-jamaican-elections-the-debates/
http://jamaicangirl2007.wordpress.com/
http://dcjottings.blogspot.com/
OTHER OBSERVATIONS
It is often regarded (in this province) that the moment the National Exhibition begins, then summer is over and the children go back to school. I went to Costco last week and they had Christmas decorations and Christmas Trees on the shelf. Give me a break …. That is just pushing it a bit too far, it is only the end of August.
Yesterday I went to the eye specialist and he informs me that I need an operation on my eyes. Great news, but I have to wait until January 9th and February 20th to have both operations. So I have to wait four months. Now you may say “C’mon , you are lucky that you even get a date that early”. That is so true. Consider that 12 months ago the wait times for this type of operation was nine months, so in relative terms there is improvement in the wait times in this country. So my intended visit to Jamaica will be postponed until March or April and that is a bummer.
To all those who granted me the permission to add their “blogs” to mine, I want to say “thanks” and it is appreciated.
Walk good.
4 comments:
Hi there....I read your article. I didn't want to really expand and confuse everyone so I just gave a synopsis of the book.
Hello,
I am in agreement, about your sentiment about Jamaicans who live outside the country and ramble on complaining, should try to do more. I moved to this soil two years ago from Washington DC with my Jamaican husband who wanted to move back home. I am not Jamaican and when I here people calling in on talk shows from "farrin" or write articles complaining about what should occur here, I get very frustrated. I want to scream, just move back and help out for 5 years, give something back to those less fortunate, those who did not have the same choices to get off the Island.The country is brain drained, and more leave each month.
This country is beautiful, but hungry people stay hungry, and people who bleach there skin, cannot run a country. I can now write a book about my experiences, as my last two years have not been easy, in understanding this complex soil, but I do my best each day to try to make a difference. Each smile give me a day of hope for this soil.
@JG
I understand
@trini
I want to express my appreciation for your taking the time to post your comment.
In my humble opinion, you ARE making a difference by seeing beyond the obvious and also doing whatever you can to improve the life of those who come in contact with you.
God Bless you and your family
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