Lovely Jamaica

Upon my arrival I was lucky enough to get a ride with a couple Jamaicans out of Kingston across the island to the lovely hills of Ocho Rios. I was lucky enough not to be taken for all I was worth. Being alone and with two strangers from Jamaica, for two hours in a car with everything I own was a little bit risky but as always I roll on faith. My arrival was smooth and in perfect timing to catch Reggae Sumfest and some nice Caribbean sun and fun.

The farm here is lovely and overlooks town and the ocean. I have been working on some the unfinished projects that have got neglected and need a professional finish carpenter, or just someone to finish. This place is great.

I wish only I could really catch the essence of Jamaica for all of you at home. This is a place worth experiencing, just bring a friend or two. People here travel in numbers for a reason. Jamaica can be a dangerous but you just must look out, and be careful about what you do, when and how. Common sense is important here and you must just be on your game, whatever one you have to play.

People here are unique, colorful, assertive and even a little aggressive. Look out or you will be taken advantage of, this country depends on tourism and everybody has there way of making a little off us tourists.

None the less this place is amazing, colorful and full of experience the average visitor would never expect. Here you just have to be open and willing to go with what Jamaica offers you. Here the music does not stop, everybody plays their favorite tunes, there are live artists nearly every weekend and small festivals every other week or so. Jamaicans love to celebrate and live life to its fullest. I have been lucky enough to experience a lot of the best Reggae artists here on their own land where they are performing for their people, very different from what we get from the same artist at home. So far I have seen, Damien Marley, Beenie Man, Ninja Man, Richie Spice, Luciano, Lutan Fyah, Queen Ifrica, Capleton and many others. High energy and great performances. Something you just have to hear and see to experience.

I have made good connections here and the people I am staying with are great, well connected and very welcoming. The farm is organic, has great views and amazing potential as a model for sustainable living with Jamaica. It is a great place and now open to anybody I now and am willing to recommend. Let me know when you would like to visit.

Bless

Jamaica

So I made it here after all to Jamaica, the final wish and destination on this long adventure. I have now been here for about 5 weeks, and have enjoyed nearly all of it. Yes Jamaica can be a little rough but it is worth it. It is a place where you must just be on your toes, things move fast here, Jamaicans are creative people and quick, naturally.
This place is more than I ever expected it to be! The people are great, take a little warming up to but most people here I have found quiet nice, creative and simply unique. From Rasta to Rude Boy, people here live as they like, do what they want to "full-joy" life as they say. Instead of enjoy they fulljoy life, and it shows in their passion for music and dance, everywhere. People dance as they go and sing as they wish.
I have enjoyed many of sites in Jamaica and more than anything have just enjoyed living within a large family of Jamaicans up on Rocky Hill, the neighborhood village of a family whom has lived on the hill for nearly 150 years, 5 generations plus and has developed an community of peaceful living and unity within a country that often has a lot of troubles, violence and hard times.
I have learned an amazing amount about life seeing how Jamaicans persevere hard times in this land of beauty.