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…
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…
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…
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…
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…