The hair event in Guadeloupe was one of the best I have ever been to, if not the best. Not only because I saw so many beautiful curly hairstyles, but mainly because of the people I met. Granted, it was Carnival so it couldn't possibly disappoint, but the people there are really warm, friendly and inviting. It reminded me of Suriname. I felt right at home.
Ever since Mary-Jose, founder of Mois de l'Afrique, MDA, invited me to celebrate Black History Month in Guadeloupe, I have been looking forward to this trip. It was a great honor to be on the same list of intellectuals and notables from the Caribbean as a speaker of “Retour au Naturel”. Literally translated, this means: Back to the pot .
Landing at Pointe-à-Pitre airport alone was sensational. Just like when you arrive in Suriname, everyone who went down the stairs of the small passenger plane was welcomed by a lovely warm breeze. I don't know if it was special for Carnival but there was a live band playing in the baggage claim hall. Wow! What a welcome that was! The sultry Souk sounds put me in a great mood. Inwardly I immediately started dancing and I knew this was going to be a great trip.
When I finally got outside with my luggage, a friendly young man with Dreadlocks was waiting to take me to my hotel. My French is so bad that I couldn't even catch his name. While he tried his best English, I did understand that he was the man behind the brochures and posters of MDA.
My hotel was in the trendy area centrally located at Marina bas du Fort , on top of a mountain. Within walking distance there were nice restaurants, bars and a supermarket. After buying a toothbrush it was time for dinner.
Instead of pizza or Chinese I chose a trendy restaurant with island dishes on the menu. Since we were surrounded by the sea grilled fish seemed like a good idea. Don't ask me the name of the fish but it was indeed delicious. So far, very good!
On the way back I finally bump into Aline Tacite, owner of Salon Boucle's de Ebene in Paris. The person with whom it all started.
Aline and I met in 2005 at the World Natural Hair Show in Atlanta. We hit it off right away. She loved my book Going Natural, ordered a few copies right away and we've been friends ever since.
It was really good to see her again after so many years. When I first met her she had short hair. Now she has locs that she keeps at shoulder length. The funny thing is that she wants to take her locs down now while I am ready to curl. She misses not being able to play with her frizzy curls and not being able to feel them. Yes, the reunion felt like old times.
The next day it was time for action. Just like me, Aline was there to give workshops and promote her company. That's why we had a stand together. In addition, Aline also served as my translator during my workshop and presentation. My "French" would never have been anything. I am grateful to her because thanks to her it went very well. Without her it really wouldn't have been possible.
What I really loved was meeting and talking to people who came by our stand. Whole families walked by, asked questions, tried products and then bought them. More than selling, it was the connection with the people that made the day so special. This despite the language barrier. The day flew by and before you knew it, it was time for the Hair Show Election.
We quickly drove home to shower and change. Then we were ready again now as jury members. The show was in one word amazing. In six consecutive rounds the models showed creations of the best designers from the Caribbean. Not only were the hairstyles great, also the dressing and the entourage radiated professionalism. 
Although there are always standouts, it was not easy to choose between the beauties. There was one moment that I think everyone present will remember.
When asked why she had entered the pageant, Valerie Samson became emotional and replied, “because people have tried to put me down and make me feel less valuable than others.” “I had had enough and wanted to prove a point that everyone is equally valuable and beautiful in their own way.” As she held back tears, you could have heard a pin drop in the room. At that moment, it was clear that one of the goals of the event had been accomplished.
After the final round of questions it was time for the jury to deliberate. Not surprisingly, Valerie was on every jury member's list. The other two were Nadège CORNELY who was eventually chosen as Queen Nefertiti and Kra KOUASSI who came in second. The election was a real success and I felt very honored to have been able to participate .
The next day we had to get up early again and I have to admit that I was a bit tired. Watermelon for breakfast made up for everything. I don't know if there is such a stereotype of Black people and watermelon in Guadeloupe as here in America, but I am not ashamed to say that I am a curly head who loves watermelon. It is one of the healthiest fruits and since I eat gluten-free, fruit was a real savior. Gluten-free means that you have to avoid practically all types of bread. If you are then dependent on a Western diet, the choice is not very extensive.
The day turned out to be even more fun than the one before. People who had already walked by the day before came back to buy stuff, as I said. The last day is also a day on which the sellers themselves go shopping with colleagues. My choice was quickly made. I thought this pre-wrapped wrap was really beautiful and for 80 euros it was mine. There is velcro sewn in so even if you can't tie a headscarf, this wrap always fits perfectly.
So that's how my Going Natural Hair weekend in Guadeloupe ended. At Aline's invitation I was allowed to stay two days longer to celebrate Carnival and explore the island. I would like to refer you to the photos and video to give you an idea of what it was like.