Buying Property in Jamaica; What to Expect
For many years, our dream has been to own a home in Jamaica. I have to admit that we were woefully unprepared for the process. After three years and numerous rough days, we’ve finally done it. If you’ve ever considered…
Is Life in Jamaica an Affordable Retirement Option for Expats?
Ever since I began my journey down the rabbit trail into “real Jamaica,” I’ve had Jamaicans telling me that it’s SOOOO expensive to live here. Then I run into expats who tell me that they can easily afford to live…
4 Superfoods in Jamaica That Just Might Improve Your Health
When it comes to our health, we all want to do our best. Could that dictate time in Jamaica, indulging in delicious fresh fruits that qualify as “superfoods?” Maybe it should. These fruits are vitamin and mineral loaded gems. They…
Expat Life: Starting Over in Treasure Beach, Jamaica
I fell in love with Jamaica at first sight. The laid back people, the bright flowers (in the middle of my own dark winter season), and the sudden relief of my joint pain captured my attention and imagination. But how…
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…
5 Expat Re-entry Tips
I think we can all admit that coming “home,” whether from a great travel vacation or a long-term expat assignment in another country has its pros and cons, right? We’ve invested ourselves in a fresh place, new people and, often,…
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…
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…