get asked , " What did you do to your hair ?" - but not in a good way . The question was coming from people who were flabbergasted that I would cut off my long " pretty " hair . Some of those people would look at my hair in disgust and pass rude comments , like , you need to comb your hair . " Roots " was my answer to them . It ' s very much a poem about coming to terms with identity .
About memorable books she ’ s read A book that will always be dear to me is Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ' s first novel , " Purple Hibiscus ". I came across it while perusing a book store in New York while I was in college there . It was the middle of winter , my first semester living on my own in a different country , and the title and cover art caught my attention . A hibiscus - a purple hibiscus - in the middle of a New York winter felt like a touch of home . I read half the book right there in the book store , and the other half over the course of a few hours after I got home . I was enchanted by the beauty of the writing , and the deep and profound similarities between Nigeria and Belize , including culture , the landscape and food , and even the words . I was startled when a character used the word " unu ", the plural form of the English " you ", which I learned at that moment is actually an Igbo word , and therefore clearly an example of African retention in Belize , as well as elsewhere in the Caribbean where it is also used . I ' m not surprised Adiche has gone on to become one of the top authors today , widely acclaimed for her more recent walk as well as her talk on feminism , which was sampled in a Beyonce song .
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About Kalilah ’ s Belize At minimum , guests must visit one of the cayes and one of the many ancient Mayan temples . San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the most popular tourist destination , but I prefer the laid back charm of Caye Caulker . If they ’ re into diving , a trip to the Blue Hole is a must ! The Blue Hole , an underwater cave visible from space , is one of the premier diving spots in the world . Ecotourism is also a big deal in Belize . They can check out one of many experiences like river rafting , cave tubing , or hiking through the jungle . The Belize Zoo is also easily accessible , and children can observe the many native animals in their natural habitat . But my best advise is to make sure they enjoy all the food ! Belizean food is one of the best things about my little country , particularly because there is such a unique blend of cultures , each with their indigenous dishes . My favourites : rice and beans , ducunu , salbutes , panades , and hudut !
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