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…
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…
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…
Settling In Or Moving On?
I’m not going to lie. Settling into life in Jamaica hasn’t been without some bumps and bruises. As I write, the little bar across the street has been blasting the same song over and over and over for the last…
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…
Faith, Fate, Karma, Kismet, or Destiny
Never take for granted people who wander into life. Some come to stay and others are just passing through. We can always learn new things from them. Call it kismet, fate or destiny, I try to accept whatever comes my…