I am from yams and barley
from island cities
and the Pacific Ocean.
I am from a mortar and pestle –
warn, rough. Stained dark red.
From ‘mountains are sleeping giants’.
From Ann
and John.
From dried basil
and western hemlock.
I am from a cast iron pan
frying, baking,
rising dough,
seaweed,
and crabbing in the summer.
Hi everyone! My name is Grace and I’m a fourth-year history major at UBC. I’m originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, but moved to an island outside of Seattle, Washington when I was little. In my free time, I love baking for my friends, creative writing, and watching documentaries. Growing up, my parents made exploring different cultures a big part of my life, especially so because I’m multiracial. They hoped to inform me about my own backgrounds while also introducing me to others. To date, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 11 countries including Taiwan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Iceland, England, France, and Mexico, and hope to add more in the future. As you may notice, much of my travel has been in Asia, with Latin American countries being extremely lacking. I’m particularly excited about this course because I really don’t know much about the region or its communities. One of my favorite ways of learning about different cultures is through food, so being able to understand indigenous groups through their cuisine is really exciting to me.
Your poem is beautiful, Grace… Full of sturdy and visual images. Such a nice way to make your acquaintance! Welcome to LAST303.
P.S. My parents lived in Thailand for three years before I was born, and I’ve always wanted to visit!
Thanks for your comment, Tamara! Thailand is gorgeous (though quite hot) and visiting the temples is such a great experience. It’s definitely worth the long flight!
Hi Grace! I’m Grey.
(usually people call me grace when they don’t totally understand my name haha)
Which Island did you live near Seattle? Bainbridge, Vashon?
I moved here from Seattle in 2016 and lived there for 8 years. Although I was not raised there, I tell people I am from Seattle since I spent my most formative years there in my 20s. I lived on the hill for most of that time but also spent time in Wallingford and the U-District. I miss it all the time! The food was unparalleled and I just loved how much water was around. Very much like Vancouver but with bigger hills. Also, I love NC. My family lives in the South (GA & FL) but my favourite aunt lives in Durham. I have not visited in a while but it is definitely on the list when the world opens up again.
Hi Grey! Thank you for your comment. I grew up on Bainbridge, though I usually just tell people I’m from Seattle because unless you’ve lived in the area people haven’t heard of it! I love being near the water as well and I agree that the Puget Sound area has amazing food, especially the seafood. As for NC, I can’t wait to go back and visit 🙂 I was supposed to go see family back in March (funny enough they live in Durham as well) but the virus delayed those plans. Great to meet you!
Hi Grace! I really appreciate how you are so interested in learning about Latin America particularly by not having any direct connection. I hope you get to explore the culture and its food!
Hi! Thanks for your comment, Andrea. Latin America has always been a region I’ve wanted to learn more about. I’ve taken Spanish for over 10 years of my life in which I’ve begun touching on certain Latin American cultures, so I’m very excited to find out more!