A World of Surprises

Three Vocabulary Words:

1. Yucca- part of the agave family~~ usually in the warmer sections of America.

2. Fumigations- to expose with smoke or fumes~ usually to get rid of insects and small rodents.

3. Notable- worthy of attention and notice.

Summary: Christopher Columbus arrived at the tip of Cuba on December, 5th. He was there looking for spices and riches. (gold, silver) He (incorrectly) called the natives Indians. When he arrived, he believed the land was the tip of Asia! There were signs that made it look like it was Asia, even though it was most certainly Cuba. When he was there, he saw many things that he had not yet seen in Europe! Such as:

1. Coral reefs- They are almost extinct! Here is a link to a website about coral reefs! http://ocean.si.edu/corals-and-coral-reefs
2. Palm trees- Columbus said that, "They were so tall and beautiful that they were a wonder to behold." Here is a link to a website about royal palm trees! http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Royal_Palm_Trees
3. Different types of herbs- He was looking for stuff like pepper, but instead of bringing the spice; he brought the vegetable pepper. Here is a link to learn about pepper! http://foodfacts.mercola.com/bell-pepper.html
4. Tobacco- Columbus saw people smoking a cigar. He didn't know what it was then, but he later learned it was the tobacco plants leaves, rolled up and lit on fire. Here is a link to learn more about what smoking tobacco does to you after a while. https://betobaccofree.hhs.gov/about-tobacco/facts-figures/index.html
5. Sweet potatoes- Columbus saw that the natives were eating yellowish potatoes. Sweet potatoes. Here is a link about sweet potatoes. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=64
6. Cotton- The natives used cotton, which Columbus had never seen before. Here is a link about cotton. https://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story/
7. Corn and Maize- The corn was about a foot. Much larger than corn is now. Columbus recorded that it was "another grain like millet." Here is a link about corn. https://www.britannica.com/plant/corn-plant
8. Hammocks- was recorded that they were beds made out of nets and cotton. Here is a link about hammocks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammock

The natives had reported seeing strange men covered in cotton, colored feathers, smooth rocks on their heads, and fur decorating their face. Equaling clothes, helmets, and beards.