Couchsurfing in Haiti pt2.

We planned for a ceremony, a bit of other work, and L offered us his workshops. My friend and I discussed it, and he managed to get some money wired to us (I'll be paying this trip off for the next 6 months lol). Then we step out of the hotel room and meet 2 Hongouns who were sitting right outside the hotel room (W and Ml (sp?), then down the street yet another (I think B). I was starting to wonder if all Haitians were really strong magicians at this point, ALL these guys had a VERY strong "I definitely work magic and know what I'm doing" presence! I'm sure you know what I mean by this, you can just tell when someone is adept at what they do magic wise. You meet the odd one over time, but not usually 4 in one day! We were definitely impressed enough to be looking forward to the ceremony and worshop.

The ceremony was run extremely well, and went very smoothly. The folks there definitely knew how to get a strong spiritual feel and Lwa presence. The singing and dancing were done so well. Everything went very smoothly as well. I also have to say that the Peristyle folks are very good cooks. The sacrifice was cooked up, and many people got to eat. The ceremony takes all day really... the drumming and calling the Lwa, the sacrifice, and cooking, the later dancing and singing some more, the eating, the calling the Lwa again, feeding the Lwa, and so on. 

Then one of the Lwa (I'm not telling who lol) showed up when we were all sitting around talking and singing, and asked for a cow! At least it was a good trade. So then another ceremony a few days later, just as elaborate (if not more so) then the first. 

For the workshop, L walked us through the pastures and local area and showed us many different herbs and trees, and told us how many of them could be used for magic or healing. Fortunately we were able to take photos so we could remember better. He also taught us the proper way to collect the plants. We were also lucky enough to learn a few recipes. We were also taught how to do a ceremony, the four directions and so on. Fortunately I practiced a lot in the hotel room, but still had to get reminders from time to time. We were taught wanga and pwen, we were taught some magic with herbs, we were taught how to make a bath, and so much more! 

Loulou also took us over to the tailor's to have our ceremonial clothing made, which is so beutiful! (photos to come) He gave us most of the supplies we needed, and helped us shop for the other stuff. I'm still amazed at how much rum Vodouists go through! I was most amazed when I found out you don't wash your hands with water during certain parts of a ceremony but with rum! 

We also did a ceremony for La Serine on the beach, which included swimming. It was sooo hot out that day, and the water was so refreshing but still warm. It was wonderful. The lobster was pretty nice also :). L had so much patience with us, and would reexplain or repeat things as needed. He didn't even mind when we argued a couple of points (he didn't understand that in north america people create some medicines completely in labs not even starting with a natural plant). He also was very patient trying to teach me how to sing, which I apparently have no talent for whatsoever LOL.

Some of the highlights were: the 3 foot tall morter and 6 foot tall pestles they used, L showing us a cocoa tree, then climbing up the cocoa tree to get me some raw cocoa lol, the calabas magic, the lamp magic, being whacked over the head with a live chicken, the La Serine ceremony, learning the songs, trying my best to dance... OK all of it. 

I'm sure I have forgotten so much, but I'll sum up. The magic worked well, the ceremonies were done extremely well, the teaching was done as proffessionally as any University professor I have seen, and everyone was wonderful to us. I have yet to meet the head Mambo frok the USA, but if she selects people that well, and teaches them that well, she must be pretty amazing as well. Actually anyone who could go to Haiti alone and live there that long, has got to be pretty special. Most can't get there for a week, let alone live there.

In the end, we wanted to bring everyone back to Canada with us... L could learn about some new plants, B could lead the parties here, and D would just love the city! LOL

The Lwa all said I would be rich, so now I wait and see :). It was freezing when I got back home; I was just getting used to Haiti.. and there was frost on the ground here.