Unique sights, and precious memories, around Jamaica

My son gazes out the slightly foggy window, trying desperately to get the first glimpse of that beautiful country I have been telling him about for the last few weeks. I was raised in Jamaica for over 10 years, and so when I speak of my childhood, growing up Jamaica is usually what I am referring to. My heart is swelling with joy and anticipation to introduce my youngest child to some of my greatest memories of growing up on this beautiful island.

My son gazes out the slightly foggy window, trying desperately to get the first glimpse of that beautiful country I have been telling him about for the last few weeks. It is a country that he has heard me speak of many, many times as being part of my childhood. A country where I ran through the cane fields, getting my nice, bright white uniform shirt black with soot from the newly burnt sugar cane. A country where I climbed the famous Blue Mountains smelling the aroma of the coffee beans as they permeated the air. A country where, when I say, “When I was growing up,” I am referring to beautiful Jamaica.

Nicholas points I excitement at the mountains as the plane soars above, anxiously asking if we are going to crash, as the mountain view changes into one of the ocean, and the plane gets lower and lower. I managed to calm him down by explaining simply that the runaway is just up ahead, beside the ocean, and “No, we are not going to crash.”

TOUCH DOWN!!

I thought my heart would explode from excitement and anticipation. My chest was full…full of memories that welled up inside me, and those memories that I was about to create with my youngest son. You would think this was my first time visiting Jamaica, but I had lived here for 10 years before as a child ad had returned many times since.

We walk through the airport terminal, and images of Usain Bolt, cultural activities, and Jamaican food bombarded my sight from every angle. I could not wait to get out of the airport to begin this momentous journey with Nicholas.

The smell permeating from this local joint is enough to make any traveler to stop and take a break. Any native Jamaicans traveling home make a regular stop to Juici Patties. The golden yellow crust envelopes either beef, chicken or vegetables....your choice. I chose to get a cup of "cracked corn" porridge...a childhood favorite of mine. It is so thick that the spoon stands straight up in it. One taste and I am taken back in time to my youth. My heart floods with emotions.

It is not uncommon to see football being played in a parking lot. This group was on a field trip from a local school camp, and were beating some time by playing the favorite sport...football, as it is know in the rest of the world.

One of my favorite places to visit anytime I am in Jamaica is Bamboo Walk. It is hard to believe that this area has been a favorite of mine since childhood, and has remained virtually unchanged, except for the occasional demise of some bamboo. The color is so vibrant as we drive through this natural canopy that is formed across the road.

From Jerk chicken or jerk pork to fry fish and bammy, to mangos, sugar cane and coconut....these are just a few of the foods that can be purchased at the numerous roadside cookeries.

Our trip took us on the north side of Jamaica to the South side of the island. Either side, you can find the peace of the sea shore. You can relax on a secluded beach or enjoy the more active lifestyle such as Dunns River Falls frequented by tourists.

A trip to Jamaica is not complete without a visit with a dear friend, Margaret. We have known each other since Middle school days, and we spend the day catching up on what's been going on in each other's lives. The day ends with a swim in an infinity pool In Beverly Hills, Kingston, and dinner, with the perfect sunset.

One of the most breathtaking sights is that of driving through Fern Gully!

Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica's national treasures. Globally, it is as well known as reggae and equally stimulating. There are few places where the Arawak name "Xayamaca" - land of rivers and springs - is more apt. The Spaniards called the area "Las Chorreras", the waterfalls or springs and it is truly one of the most beautiful spots on the island.