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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
The Caribbean and Beyond: A Few Points to Ponder
There are many tradeoffs when choosing a Caribbean lifestyle. At times, living in Jamaica makes me feel I’m navigating a ship in the dark. I’ve made some mistakes that have set me back dearly but I’ve also gotten a few things…
Happiness or Misery?
I know that I usually pontificate on all things “Jamaica.” I usually just fill you in on my most recent thoughts on life here. You may be wondering where a post on happiness or misery fits in, right? Well, I’ve…
Jamaica, 4 Things I Never Expected
There are obviously many differences, culturally and otherwise, from country to country and Jamaica is no different. Encountering and striving to understand these divergent ways of life in Jamaica is part of the fascinating experience of travel, isn’t it? It…
Life on the Verandah
If kitchens are seen as the gathering spot in American homes, the verandah garners that title in Jamaica. It seems that it is THE place to meet and greet. A centerpiece in Jamaican culture, they aren’t hidden away on the…
Torn Between Two Worlds
Today, the world outside my window is a melting mess of white snow and sloppy brown mud. It sounds like rain as it cascades off of my roof. Snow? In Jamaica? No, sadly, I’m back “at home” in New Hampshire for…