What to know when travelling to Jamaica

 

From the onset you need to know even before you land on the lovely island, you need to ensure that your bags are suitable.

Sometimes your carry on bag will fit in the sizer up front, but not in the sizer in the back next to the plane. This can cause some trouble since it is usually more expensive to check a bag by the plane than upfront. When in doubt. check your bags upfront.

When the travel advisory is that you reach at least two hours before, it should be heeded. I almost missed my plane to Jamaica from the Us because the TSA lines were too long and then there was a mix up in the size of my bags. 

I'm just saying that unexpected delays may occur. It is better to be ready and waiting by the plane door and there is a delay than to be stuck in the TSA lines guessing if you're going to catch the plane or not. Save yourself the trouble and get there on time.

Wash days in Jamaica Long ago

In the days before the widespread availability of modern conveniences, women in the Caribbean demonstrated remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in their daily lives. One of the most evocative and enduring images of this era is that of women gathering at the river to wash their clothes—a testament to their hard work, communal spirit, and ingenuity.

For many Caribbean women, the river was not just a place to do laundry; it was a vital communal space. In an era when running water and washing machines were luxuries that few could afford, the river provided a natural solution to the pressing need for clean clothes. Women would often walk considerable distances, balancing baskets of soiled garments on their heads, to reach the nearest river or stream.

Washing clothes by hand in the river was both an art and a labor-intensive task. Women would begin by soaking the clothes in the cool, flowing water, allowing the currents to loosen dirt and grime. Using homemade soap, often crafted from natural ingredients like coconut oil and ashes, they would scrub each garment meticulously against large, flat stones or wooden boards. The rhythmic sound of washing was a familiar symphony, punctuated by laughter and conversation as women shared stories and bonded over their shared labor.

Nature played a crucial role in the laundry process. The sun's heat helped to dry the clothes once they had been washed and rinsed in the river. Women would spread the garments on rocks, bushes, or makeshift clotheslines strung between trees, letting the tropical sun work its magic. The fresh, natural scent imbued by the river and the sun was a distinctive and cherished aspect of this traditional method.

The river laundry trips were more than just routine chores; they were integral to the social fabric of Caribbean life. These gatherings provided women with a rare opportunity to socialize outside their homes, exchange news, and offer each other support. In many ways, the riverbank served as a communal space where friendships were forged, and community bonds were strengthened.

As technology advanced and economic conditions improved, the sight of women washing clothes by the river gradually became less common. The advent of running water, washing machines, and other household appliances brought about significant changes in domestic life. These innovations undoubtedly made the task of doing laundry easier and less time-consuming, freeing women to pursue other activities.

However, the transition to modern conveniences also marked the end of a unique cultural practice. While the river still flows and the stones remain, the communal gatherings that once defined Caribbean riversides have largely faded into memory. Yet, the legacy of these industrious women lives on, reminding us of their strength, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage they helped to shape.

Today, as we enjoy the convenience of modern appliances, it is important to remember and honor the women who, with tireless dedication, went to the river to wash their clothes. Their efforts laid the foundation for the comforts we now often take for granted. By preserving their stories and celebrating their contributions, we ensure that the spirit of community and resilience they embodied continues to inspire future generations.

 

16 Things about Jamaica

I found this post inspiring, and thought I would share. You can fact check all the statements and let me know if you found any which are off.

1. Jamaica is home to the largest collection of endemic bird species in the Caribbean.

2. The Jamaican Maroons used a complex system of drumming language.

3. The world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, grew up in poverty.

Jamaica has over 120 rivers.

4. The Jamaican national dish, ackee, is poisonous if not prepared properly.

5. Jamaica is one of the few places outside of Scotland where Scotch bonnet peppers are grown.

6. Jamaica was the first tropical country to participate in the Winter Olympics.

7. The Jamaican Blue Mahoe is the national tree.

8. Jamaica has a rich tradition of storytelling and folklore.

9. Jamaica has the highest number of churches per capita in the world.

10. Jamaica's Cockpit Country contains some of the Caribbean's most unique geological formations.

11. The island has a rich history of Arawak/Taino settlements dating back centuries.

12. The Jamaican Maroons signed a peace treaty with the British in 1739, securing their autonomy.

13. Jamaica's motto, "Out of Many, One People," reflects its multicultural heritage.

14. Jamaica is home to the western hemisphere's largest butterfly, the Giant Swallowtail.

15. Jamaica was one of the first countries in the world to produce rum commercially.

16. The town of Port Royal, once a notorious pirate haven, sank partially into the sea after an earthquake in 1692.

 

Hurricane Beryl and Jamaica 2024

 This was just hype. This hurricane was described as a killer. It was a little breezy and there was a little  rain, but not anything major.

I did not even lose power during this hurricane. The weather channel must have shares in the supermarket business, cause we empty the shelves and it was in vain.

Now I have cans of meat in my house, that it is going to take me forever to eat up, because I did not even lose light.

If you have pictures that contradict this please send them in.

Only in Jamaica

Only in Jamaica will the following things happen. You will ask a man where he is from, and he will say "town," and it will be understood that he is not talking about the other established urban cities on the island but Kingston. The cultural nuances and colloquial language in Jamaica create a unique sense of identity and belonging among its people.

In Jamaican culture, referring to Kingston as "town" is a common practice that showcases the deep-rooted connection and pride that Jamaicans have for their capital city. Kingston, with its rich history, vibrant music scene, and bustling markets, holds a special place in the hearts of many Jamaicans.

The informal use of "town" to represent Kingston reflects the warmth and informality of Jamaican communication styles. It is a subtle yet significant aspect of Jamaican language that highlights the sense of community and shared understanding among its people.

So, next time you ask a Jamaican where they are from, don't be surprised if they simply say "town" - because in Jamaica, that means so much more than just a place on the map. It signifies a deep sense of pride, belonging, and cultural heritage that is uniquely Jamaican.

What part of Jamaica are you from

When Jamaicans are often asked where they are from, they generally state on of two places. Montego Bay or Kingston. This is mainly because this is the location of the airports on this island. People from other countries are often surprised to learn that Jamaica is much more than just these two cities. 

If a Jamaican should ask a Jamaican this question however, the distinction will be made between " Town or Country".

The urban places like Spanish Town, Kingston and Mobay are generally referred to as the Town, more often than not thought, Kingston is referred to as town, and anywhere else is referred to as Country. Even the lush Blue Mountains, or the pristine beaches of Negril, is referred to as Country.

Jamaica is a diverse and vibrant island with a rich history. One aspect of Jamaica's history that has significantly impacted the island is its susceptibility to hurricanes. Jamaica is located in the hurricane-prone region of the Caribbean, making it particularly vulnerable to these powerful storms. Throughout history, Jamaica has been hit by numerous hurricanes, some of which have caused widespread devastation and loss of life.

One of the most notable hurricanes to strike Jamaica was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. This Category 5 hurricane caused extensive damage to the island, destroying homes, crops, and infrastructure. The aftermath of Hurricane Gilbert prompted Jamaica to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response efforts to better protect its citizens in the face of future storms.

In recent years, Jamaica has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes due to climate change. As a result, the Jamaican government has implemented various measures to mitigate the impact of these storms, including improving early warning systems, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting community resilience.

Despite the challenges posed by hurricanes, Jamaicans have shown remarkable resilience and unity in the face of adversity. The spirit of "One Love" and solidarity among Jamaicans is evident in their ability to come together and rebuild after each storm. As Jamaica continues to navigate the impacts of climate change, it serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and collective action in safeguarding our planet for future generations.

Hurricanes and Jamaica

 Jamaica, a vibrant island in the Caribbean, has a long history of facing the devastating impact of hurricanes. The island's geographical location in the hurricane-prone region of the Atlantic Ocean makes it particularly vulnerable to these powerful storms. Throughout history, Jamaica has experienced numerous hurricanes that have caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

One of the most infamous hurricanes to hit Jamaica was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. This Category 5 hurricane brought winds of up to 185 mph and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and agriculture across the island. The aftermath of Hurricane Gilbert left a lasting impact on Jamaica, prompting the government to implement stronger building codes and disaster preparedness measures.

Over the years, Jamaica has continued to face the threat of hurricanes, with recent storms such as Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 causing significant damage. The resilience of the Jamaican people in the face of these natural disasters is truly remarkable, as communities come together to rebuild and support one another in times of need.

As climate change continues to intensify the frequency and severity of hurricanes, Jamaica remains vigilant in its efforts to prepare for and mitigate the impact of these storms. Through improved early warning systems, disaster response strategies, and community resilience initiatives, Jamaica is working towards a more resilient future in the face of hurricane threats.