For this project, you will write two journal entries. One will be from a member of Columbus’s crew, and one will be from a member of the Taino community that met Columbus and his men. Each of your entries should include the following: • a personal narrative of the day the two cultures met • accurate historical facts about Columbus and his crew’s voyage, their meeting with the Taino, and Taino life and culture • creative details that can be inferred from the historical facts • sensory imagery that appeals to the five senses Remember that these two cultures are meeting for the very first time, and almost everything about the other culture will be completely new and unknown. Try to imagine what it would have been like for each group to encounter the other, and let those feelings show through in your writing help please

Answer 1

Journal Entry 1: Member of Columbus's Crew

October 12, 1492

Today was a day that shall forever be etched in my memory. We had been on our journey for what felt like an eternity, sailing across vast, uncharted seas. Our hopes of finding a new route to the riches of the East had been faltering, but faith in our esteemed leader Christopher Columbus had kept us going.

As the sun rose this morning, anticipation filled the air. We had spotted land in the distance, an unknown land that was to become our first encounter with a new world. The air was warm and thick, humid enough to stick to our skin. The scent of saltwater and the tang of sea breeze filled our nostrils, and seagulls soared above us, their cries echoing through the air.

Our arrival was met with awe and excitement. We, the crew of the Santa Maria, were the first Europeans to step foot on this land. We neared the shore, our hearts pounding with trepidation and wonder. When we finally set foot on the sandy beach, we were greeted by a group of indigenous people, the Taino.

Their appearance was unlike anything we had seen before. Their complexion was a beautiful golden brown, their sculpted features adorned with vibrant feathered headdresses. Their language was foreign to our ears, a symphony of unfamiliar sounds. I marveled at the intricate body paintings they wore, depicting stories and symbols I could only dream of comprehending.

We were met with cautious curiosity, their large brown eyes observing us intently. We tried to communicate, using gestures and simple words. The Taino seemed to understand our desperation for water and food, guiding us to a nearby river, where the water flowed cool and clear. The taste of the water was unlike any we had experienced before, refreshing and invigorating.

As we interacted with the Taino, we saw first-hand their daily life and culture. They were a gentle and peaceful people, living harmoniously with nature. Their villages were seemingly woven into the lush greenery, surrounded by towering palm trees. Women weaved intricate baskets, while men fished in the clear blue waters. Their children played, laughter echoing through the air, a sound that transcended language barriers.

This encounter with the Taino has opened our eyes to the vastness of our world and the beauty of human diversity. We may have come seeking only grandiose dreams of wealth and fortune, but we have stumbled upon something much more profound: the meeting of two cultures, sharing in the marvel of discovery.

Journal Entry 2: Member of Taino Community

October 12, 1492

Today is a day unlike any other in our history. As we went about our daily activities, the air seemed electric with anticipation and an unknown energy. Our ancestors had told stories of spirits and gods, but we never expected to witness something so extraordinary.

Through our verdant forests, we suddenly caught sight of enormous figures emerging from a vast floating object. Cloaked in strange garments, their pale skin seemed to glow in the sunlight. Our hearts raced with both fear and excitement as we watched the invaders from across the waters.

As they approached our shores, we observed their large wooden ships. We had never seen anything like them, their size and structure defying comprehension. Stepping onto the sand, they were unlike anything we had ever encountered. Their eyes were blue, a rarity among our people, and their facial hair was a marvel to behold.

Our senses were overwhelmed as we watched these strangers. Their language was unintelligible to our ears, yet we sensed desperation and hunger emanating from them. We guided them to the nearby river, the water cool and refreshing, soothing their parched throats. We observed their fascination with our feathered headdresses, our refined crafts, and our close bond with nature.

We invited them into our villages, sharing our food and cultural practices. They appeared intrigued by our unique way of life, immersed in the beauty of nature that surrounded us. Their hands, accustomed to a world far removed from ours, marveled at the intricate patterns woven into our baskets and the delicate shells adorning our bodies.

The encounter with these foreigners was fraught with uncertainty, and yet, it left us filled with hope and curiosity. We wondered about their land far across the seas, about their families and stories. With an open heart, we embraced the unknown, prepared to embark on a journey that would forever change the course of our lives.

Our world has expanded, our perspective shifted, as we welcomed the arrival of these strangers from a distant land. In their eyes, we saw both a hunger for discovery and an undeniable recognition of our shared humanity. The meeting of our two cultures has filled us with awe and wonder, as we embark on a journey of understanding and unity.