Welcome to our latest edition! This month, our Book of the Month is A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao, a captivating mystery and the featured read for the WVP Book Club. Our Recipe of the Month is Fijian Kokoda, a mouthwatering, coconut-infused, ceviche-like dish, best enjoyed with a steaming bowl of Jasmine rice. For our International Music pick, we spotlight Blue Maqams, a jazz-fusion album by oud virtuoso Anouar Brahem, who collaborates with renowned jazz artists drummer Jack DeJohnette, bassist Dave Holland, and pianist/composer Django Bates. Plus, don’t miss this edition’s bumper crop of Cultural Tidings articles to stay informed about fascinating cultural events worldwide!
The holiday season is in full swing, with lots of festive events this weekend and in the weeks ahead! Balboa Park's December Nights begins tonight and continues through Saturday, featuring continuous performances and a variety of holiday foods at the International Cottages and throughout the park. Parking can be challenging, so consider using remote lots and shuttles to get to the festivities. While you're there, don’t miss the Traditions from Around the World exhibit at the History Museum. Additionally, there are a plethora of music and dance concerts, comedy shows, theatrical performances, talks, films, and more to enjoy!
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Cultural Tidings articles copyrighted by Guardian News and New York Times Inc Please note: the New York Times allows non-subscribers to read five articles a month for free. Tidings Archive
This month’s recipe is Fijian Kokoda (pronounced "ko-konda"), a simple yet flavorful dish made with fresh fish, crisp vegetables, lime juice, and creamy coconut milk. As the weather here turns a bit colder and wetter, we can take a bite of Kokoda, close our eyes, and daydream about relaxing on a sun-soaked beach in tropical Fiji! Kokoda can be eaten as a snack, appetizer, or main course. Kokoda is a popular dish for celebratory events and special occasions.
Our International Music of the Month suggestion is Blue Maqams by Anouar Brahem. A virtuoso oud player from Tunisia, Brahem is known for blending Arabic and folk music with jazz. At a very young age, he studied at the Tunis National Conservatory of Music and was later mentored daily by the renowned oud master Ali Sriti. Brahem became a pioneer of the Ethno-Jazz movement, incorporating elements from various world music traditions into his compositions.
The story follows young Indian police sergeant Akal Singh who, after being deceived by a charming woman into divulging sensitive information that facilitated a series of robberies, finds himself exiled to colonial Fiji, a land and post he despises. When the Fiji Times reports the mysterious disappearance of a young female coolie, rumored to have been kidnapped, Singh's scornful superior assigns him to investigate. Was the woman abducted, or did she elope with the plantation's predatory overseer?
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