There is something about returning to the motherland that just feels abstract — like being absorbed by an abstract painting that I can’t describe but instantly makes sense. In this blog post, I attempt to put my “Return to The Motherland” into words — like an attempt by a painter to sketch an image of a country that is so picturesque. The country I call my motherland: Suriname.
As I attempt to sketch an image of my beloved motherland, I would like to engage some of the human senses that we are blessed to have: touch, sound, taste, and sight. I first outline our painting through describing what I felt upon arriving in my motherland. Upon landing, the “touch” of the Surinamese breeze welcomed me like a warm hug. The exact breeze I felt whenever I let my arm flow out of the car’s open window. Along with that came bosi’s (Surinamese for “kisses”) from loved ones and, of course, the sun.
Imagine you’re putting your headphones on to listen to a snippet of “the sound of Suriname”. This sound was infused with the wisdom in the voice of my grandma and bold laughter on the veranda. Silence between our conversations was effortlessly filled by healing sounds of nature. Accompanied by meaningful conversations with the elderly, who explained both present-day complexities and opportunities.
Imagine your headphones’ volume increases by hearing traffic in the city of Paramaribo and the chirping sounds of birds. Followed by the sound of collective joy at parties, which unites us, as if we’ve forgotten whatever separated us.
The human sense I further like to engage is “taste”. I wish I could hand you a plate of Surinamese food, inviting you to taste the flavors that take me home. This included filling my belly with vegetables from grandma’s garden and getting a sweet tooth from the ripeness of just-picked fruits. To taste Suriname is to experience it for yourself, because putting it into words would be an understatement of its culinary experience.
We’ve already put imaginary headphones on; now let’s put on a pair of sunglasses to let you see through my eyes. I saw beauty blossoming to my left and right. Whether it’s in nature, people, houses, or even unfinished infrastructure. Through my eyes, the truest beauty of the country is reflected in the people who populate it and are top-tier at enjoying a different quality of life.
As a proud Surinamese woman, I creatively directed this photoshoot to capture the love I have for my motherland. Touch, sound, taste, and sight were the headlines which created a sensory engagement both you and I can return to at any time, through my blog, angelesajas.com. With love, I’ve attempted to put my “Return to The Motherland” into words — like an attempt by a painter to sketch an image of a country that is so picturesque. The country I call my motherland: Suriname.
Creative direction, writer and model: Angel Esajas
Photographer: Jerrel B. Photography
Angel Esajas 