Dunn’s River Falls – Jamaica Persian Gulf – Iran Niagara Falls - Canada Kieteur Falls – Guyana

Caribbean Sea – Trinidad White Sand Beaches – Barbados Pacific Ocean Beaches – El Salvador Black Sea - Ukraine

This is our LDATD Seniors Voice 3rd Edition.

This website page is dedicated to our seniors and all other seniors out in the communities

throughout the GTA. These past three weeks, our seniors have been discovering all of the

other participant’s homelands and cultures. We have been discussing the differences and/or

hardships in growing up in other countries and comparing stories. We learned together as to

what were each other’s National Holidays, Cultural Holidays, National Sport, music styles, best

known food and what the country is best known for. Please join us to travel together around

the world.

JAMAICA, West Indies

Jamaica is made up of 14 different Parishes (similar to Canada’s provinces). A number of our

Seniors are from Maypen Carendon, Albertown Trelawny, St. Elizabeth, St. Thomas, St. James

and of course, the capital, Kingston. The National holidays are Independence Day on August 6th

and Emancipation Day on August 1st. Culturally they celebrate Reggae Sunsplash in late

August so it would appear to be the best party month to travel there. The National Sport is

Cricket, although Runners, like Usain Bolt, have been very competitive in the Olympics. Their

most famous music is Reggae, made known to the world by Bob Marley, a Jamaican Icon. One

of the most recognized dishes is Ackee and Saltfish along with Breadfruit and of course, Jerk

anything! Jamaica is best known for its Blue Mountain Coffee and Sugar Cane to make their

world renowned Rum. Their language is English, however, they often use a broken English

called Patois. As paraphrased in the movie, Cool Runnings, “Ya dead mon?”

Jamaica Cont’d

Independence Day Celebrations Reggae Sunsplash Bob Marley Usain Bolt

Blue Mountain Coffee being picked Ackee, Saltfish and Breadfruit Jerk Chicken and Rice & Peas Jamaican Rum

Iran, Middle East

Iran used to be known as Persia. The Islamic Revolution of July 29, 1980 changed the countries

name to Iran and the flag emblem featuring an image of a lion with a sword - a classical

symbol of Persia, was replaced by a symbol depicting a stylized form of the word Allah. Our

Seniors from Iran were raised in the capital, Tehran. The National holiday is New Years Day,

held on March 21st. Their Cultural holidays coincide with the Moslem holidays throughout the

year, of which there are many (5-6). Their music is Folk Music made melodic with traditional

instruments along with violin, piano and drums. The dance is Cordish and Turkish. Food wise,

they dine on Chello (a special rice) and Kabab’s along with melons, dates, pomegranates and

nuts like pistachios. The National sport is Soccer and they love the game of Chess. Although,

one of their most famous sportsman is a wrestler named, Takhti. Iran is famous for its wool

and especially silk, handmade rugs. They export some of the most expensive caviar in the

world along with Shiraz wine.

Haft Seen, 7 Eatable Foods Square in front of Holy Shrine Sitar Players Iranian Dancers

Kabab with Chello Dejagah – Iranian Soccer Player Takhti – Wrestler Handmade Silk Rug

Ontario & Quebec, Canada

Canada is a country in North America consisting of 10 provinces and 3 territories. Located in

the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward

into the Arctic Ocean and has 6 time zones. As of 2012, there was a population of 34.88 Million

people. Our Seniors Circle has participants from both Ontario and Quebec, specifically,

Toronto and Montreal. It has 2 official languages, English and French. The National holiday is

Canada Day, always on July 1st. We have 2 Cultural holidays in Toronto. Caribana, a celebration

of everything West Indian and South American at the beginning of August and Gay Pride, one

of the largest celebrations in North America for our LGBT population at the end of June. The

National Sport is Hockey, although Baseball follows a very close second. Our music is very

diverse, going from East Coast music to Rock & Roll as well as Country, along with our food as

Canada has so many people from other countries that now call it home, we have adopted

many of these delicacies. We do, however, have an affinity to bacon and maple syrup!

Montreal is home to many beautiful churches and is often called The City of Saints or City of a

hundred bell towers. The Hotel de Glace in Quebec is built every year using 400 tons of ice and

12,000 tons of snow. Every summer it melts away and every winter it is rebuilt. St. Baptiste

Day is celebrated in Quebec. It’s one of Montreal's favorite holidays! A chance to honor

Quebec's unique heritage, identity and history on June 24th.

Toronto Skyline Montreal Skyline Canadian Rockies Canadian Prairies

East Coast Gay Pride Parade St. Jean Baptiste Parade Hotel de Glace

Guyana, South America

Set like a gem in the crown of South America, nestled on the North Eastern shoulder, defying

the raging Atlantic Ocean, Guyana’s many waterways reflects the source of its name, “The

Land of Many Waters”. Our participants come from the Dutch Colony, Berbice. The National

holiday is Independence Day, the 1st of February. Their Cultural holiday is Emancipation Day,

Guyana Cont’d

August 1st. The music most recognized is Calypso, however, the people of Guyana have a

romantic side and love soft, sentimental music as well. The National Sport is Cricket and

second runner up is Football (Soccer). Guyana is famous for the dish called Pepper Pot and

Black Cake at Christmas. Guyana is an extremely lush country with jungles that hold Leopards,

Jaguars, Toucans and Giant Anteaters. It exports Gold, Diamonds, Bauxite and Rum.

Berbice, Guyana Emancipation Day Cricket St. Georges Cathedral

Pepper Pot Guyana Black Cake Gold Bricks Toucan

Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies

These two islands, are of one country, but two very distinctive cultures and history. Tobago

changed hands between the British, French, Dutch, and Courlanders, but eventually ended up

in British hands. Trinidad remained in Spanish hands until 1797, but it was largely settled by

French colonists. In 1889 the two islands were incorporated into a single crown colony.

Trinidad and Tobago obtained its independence from the British Empire in 1962 and became a

republic in 1976. They love Easter and Christmas where there is much to celebrate, but they

are best known for their Cultural Holiday, Carnival in February where it is “Hot, Hot, Hot”. The

favourite music is Calypso. This Caribbean country is the creator of Steel Pans, which are 55

gallon empty oil drums converted to melodious musical instruments. Doubles is a common

street food in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a sandwich made with two bara (flat fried bread) filled

with channa (curried chick peas) and topped with mango, shadon beni, cucumber, coconut,

tamarind, and extra pepper sauce (ranging from a dash "slight" to much more). Another dish is

Pelau, or rice with meats and vegetables, is a one pot stop. The National Sport is Cricket along

with Football (Soccer). Trinidad exports Oil, Asphalt and Rum.

Trinidad & Tobago Cont’d

Port of Spain, Trinidad Typical Beach in Tobago Steel Pan Band Individual Steel Pans

Doubles King of Carnival Playing Mas Coral Reef, Tobago

Barbados

We have participants of the Seniors Circle that came from the Parishes of St. Phillips and St.

John. The name 'Barbados' is derived from the Bearded Fig Trees once found in abundance on

the island. Their National Holiday is Independence Day on Nov 30th and only flew the British

Flag, until achieving its independence in 1966. Barbados is completely surrounded by the

Atlantic Ocean and hosts some of the most stunning white beaches in the Caribbean.

Culturally, their holidays are Easter and Christmas. The popular music is Calypso, Socca and

Rock & Roll. Coucou consists mainly of cornmeal and okra and because these main

components were inexpensive, the dish became common for many residents in Barbados'

early colonial history. It is commonly served with Flying Fish. The National Sport for Barbados

is Cricket, like many of the British Commonwealth. However, there is a very strong affiliation

to Horse Racing, especially the annual Sandy Lane Gold Cup in late February, early March

timeframe. Their prime product is Sugar Cane from which their Rum and Liqueurs are derived

from. A must see attraction is The Animal Flower Cave. It is located at the most northerly point

of Barbados in the parish of St.Lucy. The name "Animal Flower Cave" comes from the sea

anemones found in the pools of the cave. Some of these pools are deep enough for you to

swim in. There are also several openings looking out to sea, offering spectacular views!

Bridgetown Atlantic Ocean Beach Coucou Flying Fish

Barbados cont’d

Sandy Lane Golden Cup Horse Ride on the beach Liqueurs Animal Flower Cave

El Salvador, Central America

The Republic of El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America and San Salvador is the

capital. The official language is Spanish. The National Holiday is celebrated on September 15th.

El Salvador claimed its freedom on September 15, 1821, ending the 300 years of Spanish rule.

Parades are the part of the Independence Day celebration. International surfing competitions

have taken place in El Salvador because of its beaches. It is common to see people with surfing

boards at the international airport. The National Sport is Soccer and their team has attended

the World Cup 3 times to date. Both critics and journalists consider Salvadoran Soccer player,

Magico Gonzales as one of the best soccer players in history. A main treat in El Salvador is

Empanadas, which are fried flour or corn pastries stuffed with one or more ingredients,

including chicken, beef or pork, cheese, beans and/or potatoes. Tamales are a traditional Latin

American dish made of cornmeal dough (called masa) filled with meats, cheeses, dried fruit, or

sweet corn. Tamales are wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, steamed, and served hot. El

Salvador is known as the “Land of the Volcanoes” because of the more than 20 volcanoes in

the territory. Two of them are currently active. There is one UNESCO World Heritage Site in

the country: Joya de Ceren. This site was buried in ashes by a volcanic eruption and it is

considered the “Pompeii of the Americas.” The country has a National Park called El Imposible!

It is a tropical forest and was established in 1989 and covers an area of 38.20 sq km.

San Salvador Artwork in Ataco Independence Day Celbrations Surfing on the Pacific Ocean

Empanadas Volcano Magico Gonzales El Imposible National Park

Ukraine, Eastern Europe

Ukraine is located North of the Black Sea, and next to Russia. Ukraine also borders Poland,

Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and Belarus. It is the second largest country in Europe

after Russia. Ukrainian is the second most melodic language in the world after Italian. Their

National Holiday celebrates its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991.

Ukraine also celebrates Unity Day, when Western and Eastern Ukrainian republics united in

1919. Many ancient traditions are carried on in Ukraine today, like traditional dances and

music. One Ukrainian tradition is the decorating of Pysanka, or Ukrainian Easter eggs during

Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter. Pysanky are intricately decorated using a wax-relief

method, though there are many variations on design and techniques for creating these eggs.

There are many superstitions surrounding these Easter eggs, primarily about their protective

powers and effects on fertility. Another art form are Babushka Dolls, stackable and each one

smaller than the others. Since the country’s boundaries have changed many times, there is

much overlap. Food in Ukraine is typical Eastern European food, such as cheese (especially

head cheese), sausage, and borshch, which is the national soup of Ukraine and Perogies. There

was an unfortunate accident on April 26th, 1986 at 1:23am, reactor number four at the

Chernobyl nuclear power plant ruptured a vessel during several extreme power spikes. Several

explosions followed and these caused the graphite moderator components of the reactor to

be exposed to air, setting them on fire. It was the world's worst nuclear disaster in history. 28

years later, the area surrounding Chernobyl still looks like a ghost town.

Kiev, Ukraine Black Sea Unity Day Celebrations Ukrainian Dinner

Pysanky Eggs Babushka Dolls Chernobyl 28 Years Later

Closing comments

All of our seniors registered in our Seniors Circle have shared their homelands and culture with

each other. Discussing the differences in growing up, their country’s history, holidays, music,

sports, food and points of interest. Everyone learned something new about each other and a

better understanding of the challenges and triumphs all the seniors have gone through. They

will be issuing another edition of Seniors Voice in the next couple of weeks on Successful

Ageing. Stay tuned.