Finding My Roots: Monica Ballem
There are islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where the waves move, race and crash into one another. Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands, and each island is simultaneously different and similar. The dry climate and poor economic conditions are some of the main reasons many Capeverdeans immigrate. My family is among them.
Cape Verde is located off the western coast of Africa. The islands were uninhabited before Portuguese sailors discovered them in the 15th century. The location served as a core of the African slave trade for Portugal, making Cape Verde a melting pot of cultures.
Foreigners and tourists are attracted by the crystal-clear ocean water, the volcano and the black sand on the island of Fogo. Other attractions are crafts, music festivals on the beach and historical sites. The Pelourinho, a post where slaves used to be whipped, and Cidade Velha, the harbor where ships used to load and unload slaves, are popular sites. The unbroken dunes, the desert beaches on the island of Boa Vista and the international airport on the island of Sal are further reasons to visit. For me, growing up geographically outside of my native culture, I’ve always been curious about what it would be like to grow up there.
Six years ago, I had the opportunity to experience some of the stories my parents, especially my mother, used to share. My mother is from a country area called Rebelo. I grew up hearing amazing stories from this place. Every time my mother recounted a memory, her face filled with joy and sadness. I never really understood why there was such a collision of emotions.
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