'Voodoo,' Vandals & Reverence in the Land of the Dodo
Plus: Cemetery Art, Infiltrating the Flat Earth Society, & a new book contract!
Happy April!
Since my last update, Larry and I visited a small island east of Africa that was once the home of the dodo bird, aka: Mauritius. There, I connected with a local historian who took us on an eye-opening cemetery tour.
As we picked our way through the lush tropical landscape, we encountered a striking juxtaposition of artistry and decay: beautifully crafted monuments stood alongside graves marred by vandalism, while ritual offerings hinted at ongoing spiritual practices. A pack of stray dogs shadowed our steps, adding yet another layer to the complex blend of reverence and neglect we found.
I’m still working on a photo essay, but in the meantime, here's what I have for you in this issue:
Special Souvenir: Cemetery Artwork
Under Cover Mission: Infiltrating the Flat Earth Society?!
Good News: No More Paywall!
Cemetery Symbols: Rock of Ages
Book Progress: Two Books Now
Italy Tour: Official Itinerary Released
1. Special Souvenir: Cemetery Artwork
Our cruise is nearly over and while I miss family and friends at home, I’m also a bit sad! After all, we’ve been residents of this floating city since January, and it’s become a cozy little community.
Going home means leaving our wonderful new friends behind. Wah!
Among these newfound friends is Chelsea, a talented artist who graces the choir with her voice and shares our dinner table almost nightly. (And talk about high seas romance: her partner, Jack, proposed to her during our stop in Hawaii.)
A couple weeks ago, Chelsea showed me a gorgeous watercolor she was creating. It’s a landscape featuring historic tombstones, so I loved it right away — even wondering if she’d be willing to sell it. (That’s it in the photo above.)
However, much to my surprise, Chelsea gave me her artwork as a belated birthday gift! How special is that?
When we get home, I’ll frame her painting and hang it beside the bookcase holding all my cemetery research. So while I’m going to miss our new friends, I will also have Chelsea’s lovely watercolor as a special souvenir to remind me of the fun journey we’ve had.
2. Under Cover Mission: Infiltrating the Flat Earth Society?!
Speaking of fun with our new friends: We recently infiltrated a meeting of the Flat Earth Society!
Each day, a cruise bulletin outlines the ship's many activities—from yoga and dance classes to history lectures and language lessons. In past voyages, I've noticed discreetly named gatherings such as "Friends of Dorothy" (a nod to the LGBTQI+ community) and "Friends of Bill W" (Alcoholics Anonymous) listed.
So when I spotted a meeting for the "Flat Earth Society," my curiosity was piqued. Enlisting Chelsea, Jack, Pam, Declan, and a few other adventurous souls, we ventured to the Crow's Nest (a cozy bar offering panoramic sea views) to investigate.
We didn’t know what to expect. Was this a genuine belief that the earth is flat? Or maybe, like “Friends of Dorothy” it was code for something else. Chelsea even suggested that “Flat Earth” might be a euphemism for swingers.
While subtly eavesdropping on nearby conversations, I mustered the courage to ask a group, "Excuse me, do you believe the earth is flat?" Their laughter and incredulous expressions made it clear they definitely were NOT part of the society.
As we patiently awaited the elusive members, we concocted playful slogans like “Be there, or be sphere!” and “Flat Earth Cruisers: Living on the Edge.” We pondered asking members questions such as, “Why don’t you meet in The Globe?” (another bar on the ship) and “Have you seen the edge yet?”
At long last, we noticed a solitary man frequently checking his watch. Approaching him, I inquired if he was attending the Flat Earth meeting. He was—but, like us, he was merely curious to see if there were any genuine believers aboard.
In the end, Pam suggested we'd been pranked, but Jack wryly observed that, inadvertently, we ourselves had become the Flat Earth Society on the ship!
2. Good News: No More Paywall!
Each month, I get messages from readers who can’t read my articles in American Cemetery & Cremation magazine due to its paywall.
So I'm thrilled to share that, thanks to my wonderful editor Tom, all of my cemetery symbolism articles are now freely accessible on their site—no more paywall!
That said, when I tried to visit their site today, I got a message saying, “451: Unavailable due to legal reasons.” I think that’s because I’m currently sailing off the coast of West Africa, so the site should work for you. (Please let me know!)
3. Cemetery Symbols: Rock of Ages
Speaking of American Cemetery & Cremation, this month's article delves into the song "Rock of Ages" and its profound influence on cemetery art. This famous hymn's imagery inspired Victorian-era memorials depicting mourning women clinging to a cross to symbolize faith and grief. There’s even a connection with the rock band Def Lepard… You can read the full article here: To Thy Cross I Cling by Tui Snider
5. Book Progress: Two Books Now!
Previously, I mentioned that my cemetery memoir, Around the World in 80 Graves, comes out this August.
But guess what? I just signed a contract with a publisher to write a second cemetery-focused book, set to feature 140 to 160 of my photographs. Yes, this will make it a very busy summer, but I’m so excited about these projects!
If you're interested in more info, such as behind-the-scenes updates as I write these two books —or maybe you'd like an Advance Review Copy (ARC), signed paperbacks, or other exclusive content—please join me over on Patreon. (It’s free to join, but there are paid tiers, as well.)
6. Italy Tour: Official Itinerary Released
The historic cemetery tour is really shaping up! Not only have we had our first sign ups (whoo hoo!!!) but Lisa Statkus has put together another exciting itinerary of burial grounds in Italy.
Here’s the itinerary & info: 2025 Cemetery Symbols Tour in Italy
Curious what to expect? Read this: History & Fun in Italy’s Cemeteries
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you. Either way, I'll be back in your inbox on April 15th. Ciao for now!
~Tui
Can’t wait for August! ♥️