Do All Jamaicans Smoke Marijuana?
Visions of sunny beaches, the blue-green sea, palm trees and gorgeous sunsets come to mind for many of us when we think of Jamaica. For some, the first images are those of pot-smoking men on the street corners. Believing that…
Jamaica Vacation: 10 Things to Pack
What do you need to pack for your vacation in Jamaica? Anyone who travels knows that you have to pack differently for each location. What can be useful in one country, for example, is a waste in another. Time spent…
6 Ways Life In Jamaica Has Changed Me
I sat on the beach the other evening, watching a gorgeous sunset and evaluating my life. I thought back to my early days in Jamaica and realized that I’ve changed in so many ways since then. The way I think,…
Common Ground: My Jamaican Father, Angus
I spent most of my childhood moving around. We lived 12 places by the time I was 13 years old. Starting in a new school every year, I learned to size people up and make friends quickly. Making friends requires…
Jamaican Patois: Language, Dialect, Slang?
Fearful of not being understood, many Americans seek out vacation and retirement options where English is the official language.This leaves many at a loss when they vacation in Jamaica and encounter Patois, the “unofficial” language. Misunderstanding Patois can easily send…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…