Dream Trip 2008: September

Great Travel Moment

At first, he was reluctant. The possessed man, the man leading the Santería ceremony I'd stumbled upon in Trinidad, Cuba, the man who had within him the spirit of an Orisha, had picked his target- who, at first, was reluctant. The possessed man grabbed a stick and brandished it wildly as he danced to the drumming, clapping, and chanting of about 75 worshipers. He grabbed a small dog by the scruff of its neck, waving it in the face of nervous children. He honed in on his chosen target, striking the man softly on the head. The target began to rub his head, losing his bearings as the drumming grew louder. The crowd poured white paste over his head. He closed his eyes and entered into a trance. Clueless, invited in from the street, I was given the rare opportunity to watch and take part in these people?s spiritual lives.