3 Favorite Jamaican Destinations
Although I shy away from tourist traps, I do have a lot of visitors who enjoy seeing “what there is to see” when in Jamaica. I hire a driver or rent a car and we hit the road. These are a few Jamaican destinations that I don’t want you to miss! Coming from Negril towards my home in Treasure Beach, the last half of the journey winds along the southwest coast, with some beautiful views of the Caribbean. It’s an…
Misfits, Oddballs and Freaks
I’m frequently questioned about my choice to eventually live in Jamaica with my husband, Robin, when we retire in a few years. Getting to know me tends to help folks see why Jamaica is such a nice fit. I thought it might be nice to fill in my back story. Perhaps it will resonate with you or maybe it will make you realize just how different we are. Either way, it’s all part of my journey. So, here we go……
Transportation: 6 Ways to Get Around Jamaica
In the beginning, the most stressful aspects of living in Jamaica for me was mastering the transportation system. It all seemed so confusing. What is the local transportation scene like? How do the locals move about? Let’s talk about the 6 basic ways to get around in Jamaica and see if we can sort it out for you. First, let me say that transportation runs a bit differently in the bigger cities here. I also believe that you have to…
YS Falls, The Garden of Eden
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through the Garden of Eden? Complete tranquility, pristine beauty and a sense of wonder have to inhabit such a place, right? Well, I think the closest I’ve ever come to having that experience was my first visit to YS Falls in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. But it was more than that, too. Driving along the road to YS Falls, blood pressures start to fall. A certain peacefulness seems to hang…
How Slow Can You Go?
I think it’s safe to say that most countries run with a definitive sense of “time.” Offices and businesses run on a schedule. Life is hectic and often stress filled. Meanwhile, life in Jamaica is generally slower and simply moves at a different pace. It can take some getting used to, but I’ve come to realize that losing the constraints of “time” can actually improve life. Do you think you could make the adjustment? Now, I know that I often…
10 Tips for a Better Flight
I’ve traveled all around the world. I love airports, with people going off to unknown destinations. Every flight I’ve taken has had its own rhythm and vibe. Each country has its own methods and rules. It seems I’m always learning something new when my flight goes into Montego Bay, Jamaica so I thought I’d share a few of these tips with you. My typical trip starts having spent days at home doing laundry and packing. I run around gathering groceries…
4 Cultural Norms: Just Roll With It
People often seem surprised when I mention going through Jamaican culture shock. While many things about Jamaica are similar to the USA, others require one to make adjustments. For instance, I have recently noticed that Jamaicans, in general, seem to have a totally different idea of “personal space” than American’s do. Whether I’m talking to someone on the side of the road or my own verandah, people tend to get really close to me. Like, right up in my face…
Retirement: 6 Steps Closer to Kissing Snow Goodbye
Ready to ditch those mukluks and throw away your snow shovel as you reach retirement? When we think about our golden years, we picture them as being relatively carefree. Many people reading this may envision living out their retirement years on a tropical island like Jamaica. Sitting under a palm tree, cold drink in hand while soft breezes blow by sounds heavenly, especially as the snow piles up around us at home. Hoping to golf, garden or read, most of…
Jamaican Me Crazy!
Your first, and possibly only, contact with Jamaican “locals” may be in an all-inclusive resort on the sunny shores of this beautiful island. You may go home believing that the Jamaican people you dealt with are the happiest people on earth. >I know that I did. Their smiles were broad and they warmly addressed me as “Miss” or “Honey.” They worked very hard to make my stay amazing. It was that relaxing joy that first drew me in. Within the confines of…
Let’s Talk About Crime in Jamaica
I remember that first trip to Jamaica like it was yesterday. As we rode the shuttle bus from Montego Bay out to the resort in Negril, I watched the scene unfold like a sad photo album. Crime was the last thing on my mind. That drive along the north coast of Jamaica revealed broken down buildings, unfinished homes and trash scattered in the ditches. Yes, I saw it, but it made me feel sad, not fearful. Shacks built from scrap…