this is the love of my life, the ability to actually do something with it
Jamaica.
I don’t even know where to begin really. Best experience of my life. Life changing. Unbelievable. Indescribable. From the moment I could see the turquoise waters from the plane, to the countless fish and coral seen snorkeling on the last day, I was shocked and unexplainably surprised. I was hot, and gross and sweaty and itchy, and I fell in love. I fell in love with the landscape, and the music, and the people, and just the power of the potential of this seemingly forgotten nation. The beauty of the nation, as seen in the resort towns is not lost anywhere else in the country, it is just not seen. Every Jamaican glows with an unfailing sense of national pride and duty, and compassion. The beats of the constant reggae and dancehall make your body move and crosses over to every aspect of your life in Jamaica. You just can’t stop when the beat is moving, and the beat is in the land, in the people, you can’t sit back and ignore what’s going on around you, and you can’t resist being sucked into the vibe of the island. No matter what else is going on in their lives, every person has the ability to get up and sing and dance, and express their love for life. Despite being pushed down and down again and again, and living in a state of always looking up at what you don’t have, people are not jealous. The kids in Riverton were always eager to grab your hand and teach you how to dance, or braid your hair, or take you to their house. They were just so proud about everything in their life. I guess in a sense I wish I can live my life like that. But everyone in North America is taught to never settle, and always expect more from yourselves and from your surroundings. Nothing is ever enough in Canada, where in Jamaica anything will do. I guess the latter is a result of having a history of things constantly taken from you, but Jamaicans are a satisfied people. This trip was like nothing else I’ve ever done. I feel confident that after all the talk I’ve done the past few years, I have finally walked the walk. This trip was so many different things. It was eye opening, exhausting, exhilarating, entertaining, draining, satisfying, relaxing, and so many, many things.
I don’t even know where to begin really. Best experience of my life. Life changing. Unbelievable. Indescribable. From the moment I could see the turquoise waters from the plane, to the countless fish and coral seen snorkeling on the last day, I was shocked and unexplainably surprised. I was hot, and gross and sweaty and itchy, and I fell in love. I fell in love with the landscape, and the music, and the people, and just the power of the potential of this seemingly forgotten nation. The beauty of the nation, as seen in the resort towns is not lost anywhere else in the country, it is just not seen. Every Jamaican glows with an unfailing sense of national pride and duty, and compassion. The beats of the constant reggae and dancehall make your body move and crosses over to every aspect of your life in Jamaica. You just can’t stop when the beat is moving, and the beat is in the land, in the people, you can’t sit back and ignore what’s going on around you, and you can’t resist being sucked into the vibe of the island. No matter what else is going on in their lives, every person has the ability to get up and sing and dance, and express their love for life. Despite being pushed down and down again and again, and living in a state of always looking up at what you don’t have, people are not jealous. The kids in Riverton were always eager to grab your hand and teach you how to dance, or braid your hair, or take you to their house. They were just so proud about everything in their life. I guess in a sense I wish I can live my life like that. But everyone in North America is taught to never settle, and always expect more from yourselves and from your surroundings. Nothing is ever enough in Canada, where in Jamaica anything will do. I guess the latter is a result of having a history of things constantly taken from you, but Jamaicans are a satisfied people. This trip was like nothing else I’ve ever done. I feel confident that after all the talk I’ve done the past few years, I have finally walked the walk. This trip was so many different things. It was eye opening, exhausting, exhilarating, entertaining, draining, satisfying, relaxing, and so many, many things.