Saturday June 6, 2009
Well today is it we head home. Dale stopped by early to say goodbye because he was heading out of town to go to school that he goes to every Saturday for computers. We talked for awhile and then gave each other a hug and said we would see each other when I return. I have everything packed and did one final sweep of my room. Went and had breakfast and took my time eating. After breakfast I found Pauline our wonderful housekeeper. I gave her the cell phone that had been issued to me and a few bags that I had left along with razors for her and her girls. I gave her a big hug and told her that I would miss her. I then took the remaining bags to the restaurant and passed them out. Everyone was so appreciative and the workers were giving us all hugs. I went back to the Thatch House and brought my luggage downstairs. The van and car arrived to take us to the airport. Boomblast was there and would not let anyone pick up the luggage. He carried every bit of it to the car and gave us all hugs before we loaded into the van. He informed all of us that he would miss us but it was not goodbye only see you later. Two vehichels one for the luggage and Libby and the van for the rest of us. Much better then just the van for the arrival - we actually had room. As the van pulled out onto the street the tears started. I will truly miss this place and the people that I have met.
I hope you have enjoyed following me on my field study. This has been one of the most amazing experiences that I have had. It has made an impact on my life in ways that even at my age will change my view of things. This is what a true field study involves being one with the community you are working with. Till my next trip – Peace.
ONE LOVE
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Friday - The Big Party and Last Supper!
Friday June 5, 2009
Well I did not sleep good last night – I am thinking it is because I have so much going around in my head. Our time here is almost over and I have to say I will really miss this place, my roommates, the friends I have made and my instructors. I went to breakfast and after eating Rebeckah and I head to town to shop. We walked first to stop at a shop that Dustin had told us about for candles. I picked up a few there and then we caught a taxi. We went into some shops tee shirts, hats, shot glasses, beach towel, beach bag (which I used to carry everything in), Rum cake, and rum, that took care of buying for my kids and husband. Power shopping is what we did. The only thing that I brought for myself was the beach bag which was large enough to put everything into. After yesterday I felt as though I did not need anything for myself. We made it back to summerset in time to change and leave for our party. We made it to Chances which is right on the beach. Leon was already there and the students started arriving. The pizza’s were order and while we were waiting on the pizza’s we all got together and each of us took our turn call our students up to hand them their gift bags with their story in them. It was emotional with hugs given by everyone. Once we gave our gifts out our students presented us with a magazine Jamaican Eats which they will be selling as a fundraiser for the school. It was a great day we set and ate pizza and the students read their stories. Nikki had some corrections for hers and I felt bad that I did not have the time to spend with her. I should have made time to set down with her even if it was after the day we were doing the final review to see if the corrections that I had made were correct. Dustin worked with her and got the corrections made that she wanted and we had a few corrections to do on Kerean’s but it was minor compared to Nikki’s. I met Otis who was a student from last year who came to the party. We took lots of pictures and even some with the students in the Jamaican Bobsled that was setting at the entrance of Chances. I talked to the Reverend for awhile and listened to her about a book she wants to do. It sounds really interesting because she wants to find out why women from other countries come over here and hook up with a Jamaican man who takes them for everything they have and then leaves them. When she puts her mind on a project she somehow makes it happen. I will be watching for her book and she was trying to think of a title that would catch the eye such as the Devil in Paradise. I will try to keep in touch with her to find out if she has started the project. After eating and visiting Jennifer, Dwayne, Otis and I headed to town because I promised Dwayne that I would by him a pair of shoes before leaving. We walked to town – yes I said walked, it took a good hour or at least that is what it seemed. We made it to the shop before they closed and he picked out a pair of tennis shoes – promise kept. We headed back and when we got to the round-a-bout I informed them we were taking a taxi. Back to Chances we headed. Some of the students had left but there were still some there. Ian and the cook had shown up while we were gone. We said our good-buys to the remaining students and I think Dave had the hardest time. We were both crying and hugging each other. We all started walking down the beach – am I crazy or what more walking! We made it to the round-a-bout and all of us had decided to go the Naturals for our final dinner in Negril. We were setting in front of the bank because Rebeckah was in line for the money mover. Both of the Dwayne’s, Otis, Ian and the cook went with us. We contacted Dustin and Libby and they were watching their last sunset and would meet up with us. We had our complete group together for our final dinner in Negril. It was truly a great night. I left with Jennifer and headed back to Summerset giving hugs before leaving. Once at Summerset I helped Dale set up a facebook account and sit and talked to Boomblast for the last night. I will defiantly miss Boomblast and the mangoes he would bring me. The girls sat on the veranda and talked to Ian and the cook and I decided that I needed to start to pack. I went up stairs and pulled out my luggage but decided I was not ready. I played my Jamaican mixed CD and sat out on the veranda from my room for awhile. Around 1:00 am I started packing because I could not sleep. Got that done! - Well tomorrow I will have to say good-buy to this place that I have come to love. One Love
Well I did not sleep good last night – I am thinking it is because I have so much going around in my head. Our time here is almost over and I have to say I will really miss this place, my roommates, the friends I have made and my instructors. I went to breakfast and after eating Rebeckah and I head to town to shop. We walked first to stop at a shop that Dustin had told us about for candles. I picked up a few there and then we caught a taxi. We went into some shops tee shirts, hats, shot glasses, beach towel, beach bag (which I used to carry everything in), Rum cake, and rum, that took care of buying for my kids and husband. Power shopping is what we did. The only thing that I brought for myself was the beach bag which was large enough to put everything into. After yesterday I felt as though I did not need anything for myself. We made it back to summerset in time to change and leave for our party. We made it to Chances which is right on the beach. Leon was already there and the students started arriving. The pizza’s were order and while we were waiting on the pizza’s we all got together and each of us took our turn call our students up to hand them their gift bags with their story in them. It was emotional with hugs given by everyone. Once we gave our gifts out our students presented us with a magazine Jamaican Eats which they will be selling as a fundraiser for the school. It was a great day we set and ate pizza and the students read their stories. Nikki had some corrections for hers and I felt bad that I did not have the time to spend with her. I should have made time to set down with her even if it was after the day we were doing the final review to see if the corrections that I had made were correct. Dustin worked with her and got the corrections made that she wanted and we had a few corrections to do on Kerean’s but it was minor compared to Nikki’s. I met Otis who was a student from last year who came to the party. We took lots of pictures and even some with the students in the Jamaican Bobsled that was setting at the entrance of Chances. I talked to the Reverend for awhile and listened to her about a book she wants to do. It sounds really interesting because she wants to find out why women from other countries come over here and hook up with a Jamaican man who takes them for everything they have and then leaves them. When she puts her mind on a project she somehow makes it happen. I will be watching for her book and she was trying to think of a title that would catch the eye such as the Devil in Paradise. I will try to keep in touch with her to find out if she has started the project. After eating and visiting Jennifer, Dwayne, Otis and I headed to town because I promised Dwayne that I would by him a pair of shoes before leaving. We walked to town – yes I said walked, it took a good hour or at least that is what it seemed. We made it to the shop before they closed and he picked out a pair of tennis shoes – promise kept. We headed back and when we got to the round-a-bout I informed them we were taking a taxi. Back to Chances we headed. Some of the students had left but there were still some there. Ian and the cook had shown up while we were gone. We said our good-buys to the remaining students and I think Dave had the hardest time. We were both crying and hugging each other. We all started walking down the beach – am I crazy or what more walking! We made it to the round-a-bout and all of us had decided to go the Naturals for our final dinner in Negril. We were setting in front of the bank because Rebeckah was in line for the money mover. Both of the Dwayne’s, Otis, Ian and the cook went with us. We contacted Dustin and Libby and they were watching their last sunset and would meet up with us. We had our complete group together for our final dinner in Negril. It was truly a great night. I left with Jennifer and headed back to Summerset giving hugs before leaving. Once at Summerset I helped Dale set up a facebook account and sit and talked to Boomblast for the last night. I will defiantly miss Boomblast and the mangoes he would bring me. The girls sat on the veranda and talked to Ian and the cook and I decided that I needed to start to pack. I went up stairs and pulled out my luggage but decided I was not ready. I played my Jamaican mixed CD and sat out on the veranda from my room for awhile. Around 1:00 am I started packing because I could not sleep. Got that done! - Well tomorrow I will have to say good-buy to this place that I have come to love. One Love
Thursday - Free Day !
Thursday June 4, 2009
Slept well – after all the walking over the last two days and pushing myself to the limit I am really feeling good today. Got up and set on the veranda for a while then went down to the restaurant for breakfast. I decided to just lay out by the pool for the morning. The temperature is hot that is about all I can say for being so early in the day. I plan on meeting Dustin and Dwayne at Theodora to go see Dwayne’s house at noon. No one was ready to go into town so I did not have a buddy to go with. Dustin called and told me to go ahead and come on my own. We have a rule and no one leaves without a buddy so I was relieved when I got the permission to go. I took a taxi to the round-a-bout and made my way up the road to Theodora. Dustin, Dwayne and I went and got lunch and then headed to Dwayne’s house. We walked up the road – yes after all the walking I did the last two days I am doing it again and it is up hill. I am not sure what I was thinking but I told Dwayne that I wanted to see his house. We went through a neighborhood and passed a cemetery where a group of individuals were there to dig a grave. After walking a good half hour we made it up the road to where the water tower is on the left. Dwayne said to turn around and I was just blown away by the view. This is what he sees everyday walking to school. The beautiful blue ocean and the beach can clearly be seen – I could wake up to this every morning. We walked further up the road and off to the right was a dirt road that we took and finally made it to his house. He built it with his own hands going to the jungle to cut trees to use. He had a small shack on the land that he had captured and individuals from the school help him with getting some of the material that he needed such as zinc. The house was a faded blue with a veranda that he had built like a ladder to get up to it. He still needs to build steps but this works for now. It is just one room with a bed on one side of the room. He is so proud of this I am just amazed that he was able to build this with the few tools that he has. I met his dog Charlie who has markings that resemble a Dalmatian. He has some beautiful flowers planted and is trying to grow a garden for food. For him to wash his clothes he walks down the road to the water tower and uses the hoses that are hook up to the outlet. He does not have running water or electricity but he has manages. I realize how materialistic things that we take for granted are truly a luxury here for some individuals. I think this has changed me in so many ways. I believe that I will question myself before buying things from now on. Do I really need this or not. We headed back a stopped by the water tower. Dustin climbed up the ladder on the side of the tower and took pictures of the view. We then headed back and took a taxi back to summerset. I relaxed for a while and spet some time with Boomblast. He took me around the grounds of Summerset which in all the time I had been there I never wonder around and only seen it from the Thatch house. There is another section of Summerset across the street and we walked over there and then around the back side of the property where we were staying. He showed me the mango tree – now I know where the mangos are coming from. He explained the different trees and what fruits they would bare or what nut they produced. He has come along way from what I understand from last year and I will miss him. Around 7:00pm we all met at the Thatch house to do gift packs for the students. Tomorrow we are having a party at Chances a pizza restaurant on the beach. My office donated backpacks which we used to put all the gifts in. Between all of us we had razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, pens, pencils, calculators, playing cards, post-it, and tee shirts. It started getting comical trying to figure out how to fill the bags so we laid them out with the number of students and then started laying the gifts on top of them. We were short a toothbrush so that one got two tubes of toothpaste – we hope they have a toothbrush. We tried to make sure they were as equal as we could get them. We also had folder for each one of them which we put their story in that was printed. We all worked together to determine the size of tee shirt that our students would need. Once we got that completed we sat and talked for awhile. It is hard to believe that we will be leaving Saturday morning. I still have not done any shopping so I hope to go first thing in the morning before our party with Rebeckah who has already been shopping and can point me to some shops. Peace for now – tomorrow will be a sad day having to say our good-byes to the students and the Reverend and teachers.
Slept well – after all the walking over the last two days and pushing myself to the limit I am really feeling good today. Got up and set on the veranda for a while then went down to the restaurant for breakfast. I decided to just lay out by the pool for the morning. The temperature is hot that is about all I can say for being so early in the day. I plan on meeting Dustin and Dwayne at Theodora to go see Dwayne’s house at noon. No one was ready to go into town so I did not have a buddy to go with. Dustin called and told me to go ahead and come on my own. We have a rule and no one leaves without a buddy so I was relieved when I got the permission to go. I took a taxi to the round-a-bout and made my way up the road to Theodora. Dustin, Dwayne and I went and got lunch and then headed to Dwayne’s house. We walked up the road – yes after all the walking I did the last two days I am doing it again and it is up hill. I am not sure what I was thinking but I told Dwayne that I wanted to see his house. We went through a neighborhood and passed a cemetery where a group of individuals were there to dig a grave. After walking a good half hour we made it up the road to where the water tower is on the left. Dwayne said to turn around and I was just blown away by the view. This is what he sees everyday walking to school. The beautiful blue ocean and the beach can clearly be seen – I could wake up to this every morning. We walked further up the road and off to the right was a dirt road that we took and finally made it to his house. He built it with his own hands going to the jungle to cut trees to use. He had a small shack on the land that he had captured and individuals from the school help him with getting some of the material that he needed such as zinc. The house was a faded blue with a veranda that he had built like a ladder to get up to it. He still needs to build steps but this works for now. It is just one room with a bed on one side of the room. He is so proud of this I am just amazed that he was able to build this with the few tools that he has. I met his dog Charlie who has markings that resemble a Dalmatian. He has some beautiful flowers planted and is trying to grow a garden for food. For him to wash his clothes he walks down the road to the water tower and uses the hoses that are hook up to the outlet. He does not have running water or electricity but he has manages. I realize how materialistic things that we take for granted are truly a luxury here for some individuals. I think this has changed me in so many ways. I believe that I will question myself before buying things from now on. Do I really need this or not. We headed back a stopped by the water tower. Dustin climbed up the ladder on the side of the tower and took pictures of the view. We then headed back and took a taxi back to summerset. I relaxed for a while and spet some time with Boomblast. He took me around the grounds of Summerset which in all the time I had been there I never wonder around and only seen it from the Thatch house. There is another section of Summerset across the street and we walked over there and then around the back side of the property where we were staying. He showed me the mango tree – now I know where the mangos are coming from. He explained the different trees and what fruits they would bare or what nut they produced. He has come along way from what I understand from last year and I will miss him. Around 7:00pm we all met at the Thatch house to do gift packs for the students. Tomorrow we are having a party at Chances a pizza restaurant on the beach. My office donated backpacks which we used to put all the gifts in. Between all of us we had razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, pens, pencils, calculators, playing cards, post-it, and tee shirts. It started getting comical trying to figure out how to fill the bags so we laid them out with the number of students and then started laying the gifts on top of them. We were short a toothbrush so that one got two tubes of toothpaste – we hope they have a toothbrush. We tried to make sure they were as equal as we could get them. We also had folder for each one of them which we put their story in that was printed. We all worked together to determine the size of tee shirt that our students would need. Once we got that completed we sat and talked for awhile. It is hard to believe that we will be leaving Saturday morning. I still have not done any shopping so I hope to go first thing in the morning before our party with Rebeckah who has already been shopping and can point me to some shops. Peace for now – tomorrow will be a sad day having to say our good-byes to the students and the Reverend and teachers.
Wednesday - Caledonia
Wednesday June 3, 2009
First one to bed and the first one up, and I sat and just listened. You could hear the animals but no traffic it was so peaceful. I had a cup of tea made from what I believe she called lemon grass – it was lemon flavor - vert soothing. Libby and I walked down the road and got buns and a pineapple for everyone for breakfast. Walked along the road right by the ocean, amazing! We went back and waited for the others to get up. We met Ian along our walk and he came back with a young man who has been there for almost two years working with the Peace Core. He has another six weeks and then he leaves. We had a really good talk that morning with everyone about all different subjects. But it was time to travel on. Now Dustin told us that today would be nothing like yesterday that we would not be walking through the bush like that. I still wore long lightweight pants. I am not taking any changes today. My shoes were still a little wet so I waited till we got to Caledonia before putting them on. The drive was crazy – all the hairpin curves driving up the mountain but along the way the view was something else. We made it to Caledonia and we stopped at the place where Dustin had stayed while he did a semester long study abroad. The land is just beautiful and the view is breathtaking. After making our way back through the field we walked across the street to a path that would take us further up the mountain to where Rocko lives. We made it up the mountain and seen a house that was on top of the cliff that we were walking on. Dustin yelled for Rocko and we headed up the limestone steps that led up to his house. Rocko is a Rosta who has hosted students at his place and Dustin got to know him during his semester long stay when he was an undergraduate student. We met up with him and climbed up the cliff behind his house. There he has two small huts built for student to stay in. They have a front and back door with a veranda that has a view that you would not believe. Two beds and a hammock hangs that can be used hangs in the corner. If you want to get back to nature and experience total peacefulness this is the place to go. We then grouped together and started our hike to where he farms in the mountain. Up and up we go taking a path that becomes narrow with a straight drop to our left. I thought I was in shape but it was difficult for me to keep up but I was determined to make it. I was not the only one who was having trouble keeping up so I did not feel so bad. I am not sure this was easier then the walk in the bush – after all I am not the youngest student. We made it to his farming area. We tasted cucumbers off the vine – amazing. I cannot imagine what it takes to farm in the mountain. In the area that he farmed he had it laid out to get the most value out of it. There was a small shed for shelter for when the rain comes. After with him about his process we headed further up the mountain to an open field and took a seat on the ground. We listened to him talk about their way of life and took in the view that we were given the privilege to see. A ganga field could be seen in the distance – it was a young field. After our talk we headed back down the mountain to his house where they had made lunch for us. We had cucumber juice which was very different but I liked it. We said our goodbyes and thanked him for his hospitality and headed back down to our ride. We headed back to Negril to Summer Set. After being in the peace and quite for the last two days it seemed so hectic when we made it back to Negril but seeing the big letters spelling out Negril made me feel back at home. Totally exhausted I had dinner and stayed at the Thatch house working on catching up on my blog. Totally frustrated I think I may have deleted pictures that I wanted to post so I will have to do some serious searching on my computer. Tomorrow is a free day and I hope to go see Dwayne;s home. All I have is goodnight –I know I will sleep well tonight.
First one to bed and the first one up, and I sat and just listened. You could hear the animals but no traffic it was so peaceful. I had a cup of tea made from what I believe she called lemon grass – it was lemon flavor - vert soothing. Libby and I walked down the road and got buns and a pineapple for everyone for breakfast. Walked along the road right by the ocean, amazing! We went back and waited for the others to get up. We met Ian along our walk and he came back with a young man who has been there for almost two years working with the Peace Core. He has another six weeks and then he leaves. We had a really good talk that morning with everyone about all different subjects. But it was time to travel on. Now Dustin told us that today would be nothing like yesterday that we would not be walking through the bush like that. I still wore long lightweight pants. I am not taking any changes today. My shoes were still a little wet so I waited till we got to Caledonia before putting them on. The drive was crazy – all the hairpin curves driving up the mountain but along the way the view was something else. We made it to Caledonia and we stopped at the place where Dustin had stayed while he did a semester long study abroad. The land is just beautiful and the view is breathtaking. After making our way back through the field we walked across the street to a path that would take us further up the mountain to where Rocko lives. We made it up the mountain and seen a house that was on top of the cliff that we were walking on. Dustin yelled for Rocko and we headed up the limestone steps that led up to his house. Rocko is a Rosta who has hosted students at his place and Dustin got to know him during his semester long stay when he was an undergraduate student. We met up with him and climbed up the cliff behind his house. There he has two small huts built for student to stay in. They have a front and back door with a veranda that has a view that you would not believe. Two beds and a hammock hangs that can be used hangs in the corner. If you want to get back to nature and experience total peacefulness this is the place to go. We then grouped together and started our hike to where he farms in the mountain. Up and up we go taking a path that becomes narrow with a straight drop to our left. I thought I was in shape but it was difficult for me to keep up but I was determined to make it. I was not the only one who was having trouble keeping up so I did not feel so bad. I am not sure this was easier then the walk in the bush – after all I am not the youngest student. We made it to his farming area. We tasted cucumbers off the vine – amazing. I cannot imagine what it takes to farm in the mountain. In the area that he farmed he had it laid out to get the most value out of it. There was a small shed for shelter for when the rain comes. After with him about his process we headed further up the mountain to an open field and took a seat on the ground. We listened to him talk about their way of life and took in the view that we were given the privilege to see. A ganga field could be seen in the distance – it was a young field. After our talk we headed back down the mountain to his house where they had made lunch for us. We had cucumber juice which was very different but I liked it. We said our goodbyes and thanked him for his hospitality and headed back down to our ride. We headed back to Negril to Summer Set. After being in the peace and quite for the last two days it seemed so hectic when we made it back to Negril but seeing the big letters spelling out Negril made me feel back at home. Totally exhausted I had dinner and stayed at the Thatch house working on catching up on my blog. Totally frustrated I think I may have deleted pictures that I wanted to post so I will have to do some serious searching on my computer. Tomorrow is a free day and I hope to go see Dwayne;s home. All I have is goodnight –I know I will sleep well tonight.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tuesday Belmont
Tuesday June 2, 2009
Today we traveled to Belmont. We left Summerset around 9:30 am and said goodbye to Pam, Cody and Carrie because their flight leaves on Wednesday. The remaining seven of us loaded in a van driven by Bigger whose place we will be spending the night at. The drive was the same route that we took to Mayfield falls except for a different turn after going through Savlamar. The scenery was as always gorgeous but the poverty could be seen all around. Along the way their were small road side shacks that were bars, stores, souvenir shops, and homes; which ranged from some very nice homes to some shanties. We reached Belmont which is a fishing village and the ocean is right there. The first thing that I noticed was the quietness of the place. We are use to all the hustle and traffic around Negril that when we arrived it was like getting back to nature. No one hassled you to buy anything it is a very quite community, and so relaxing. During our visit we did a bushwalk to see how the Jamaicans farm. It was quite interesting, Ian was our guide, he is a Rasta who farms in Belmont. We walked to his farm which was mostly flat but it was still mountain climbing. It is interesting that if the land has any fruit tree on it you cannot farm the ground because that means that it belongs to someone. So they use machetes and axes to clear the land. The problem with the land here is that there is so much limestone so clearing an area can be difficult. During the eight hours we spent in the bush – and I do mean eight hours, the walk to his farm was close to an hour walk. Along the way he pointed out different fruit bearing trees, herbs that they use for different elements, a charcoal burn pile; which they sell for money, and a natural spring. The path getting to his farm was fairly easy and you will understand why I say this after I explain the entire trip. Along the way we saw ganja growing one for seeds the other was just female plants. It was just amazing going up the mountain, but I did not realize what a mountain was yet. As we walked there are paths that we were able to follow which made this part of the journey much easier – again just wait. I had to stop along the way as these legs just are not as strong as they use to be and the elliptical did not get me in shape for this. With sweat dripping from me from places I never new I could sweat we made it to the flat areas of his farm and all I could remember is that he does this about two to three times a day – no wonder these mountain people are in such good shape. He had banana trees, yams, ackie, pumpkin, squash, watermelon, bread fruit trees, pimento trees which are the only tree that they use every part of, and so much more. He had one of his friends up at the site with a fire going with bread fruit roasting. A small protection shelter was built to keep cover during rain, which we had while we were there so we all huddled up to keep dry. The cook made some of the most amazing soup and some of us had tea while other tried the fresh squeezed lime juice. The soup was made from everything from his garden. It had pumpkin, yams, potatoes, carrots, bread fruit, boiled in water. Coconut milk was added and then we made dumplings to drop in the soup. I loved it he had a pepper in it that gave it a little kick but he took it out before serving. I do not think I have ever had soup that was hot all the way to the bottom but this was. We talked about the barrels that he has which he catches rain water in order to water his crops; otherwise, he carries water from the natural spring in order to keep his garden growing. They do not use the same land each year when farming because they do not want to pull all the nutrients out of the land so each year they have different land that they try to clear but as long as the land has a fruit tree on it another farmer cannot farm that land, so they always have another part that had been cleared in an earlier year to go to. Now although I say the land was flat it was not a smooth surface at all. You had to watch every step and as we walked I kept seeing these large holes I finally asked about them because I was not sure what was living in them. Crabs are what I formed these holes and we were to go crabbing later in the day so I was wondering exactly how you go crabbing. After the rain stopped we headed out. He took us a shortcut – so he said – and we walked through the bush with him using his machete to cut down as we walked. It is amazing that he knew where we were going because we walked for miles. We were all wondering how this could be a short cut but we got the full experience of what they go through. This is a path that he takes but he had not been this way in over two years so imagine the overgrowth. I had a few choice words along the way especially getting caught in a sticker bush. We were all trying to help each other and it was truly a team bonding experience. We made it to the road after what seemed to be twice as long as it took to get to his farm. My leg was bleeding from scratches, but I was not the only one and we kept wondering how this was a short cut. We walked down the road a little way and came to a small river that runs from the mountain. So down to the river we went and I tried to walk on the river bed but the rocks were killing my feet so I put my tennis shoes back on and got them soaking wet. There were some amazing places that you could place yourself along the different falls get totally relaxed. The water in some of the areas was ice cold but it was like getting a massage and it felt wonderful after the bush walk we just had. As we started up the different levels there were two local having sex against the full body fall. She at least put her clothes back on while we passed. After going through the water Libby called Bigger to pick up us. We were so relieved. We got back and we were all exhausted. Bigger’s wife made dinner for us which we all enjoyed. Crabbing out of the question I don’t think any of us had the energy to walk any further. I was the first to turn in for the evening; all I can say is what a day. – RESPECT (so appropriate for this experience as I have all the respect in the world for what they do on a daily basis). Tomorrow Caledonia.
Today we traveled to Belmont. We left Summerset around 9:30 am and said goodbye to Pam, Cody and Carrie because their flight leaves on Wednesday. The remaining seven of us loaded in a van driven by Bigger whose place we will be spending the night at. The drive was the same route that we took to Mayfield falls except for a different turn after going through Savlamar. The scenery was as always gorgeous but the poverty could be seen all around. Along the way their were small road side shacks that were bars, stores, souvenir shops, and homes; which ranged from some very nice homes to some shanties. We reached Belmont which is a fishing village and the ocean is right there. The first thing that I noticed was the quietness of the place. We are use to all the hustle and traffic around Negril that when we arrived it was like getting back to nature. No one hassled you to buy anything it is a very quite community, and so relaxing. During our visit we did a bushwalk to see how the Jamaicans farm. It was quite interesting, Ian was our guide, he is a Rasta who farms in Belmont. We walked to his farm which was mostly flat but it was still mountain climbing. It is interesting that if the land has any fruit tree on it you cannot farm the ground because that means that it belongs to someone. So they use machetes and axes to clear the land. The problem with the land here is that there is so much limestone so clearing an area can be difficult. During the eight hours we spent in the bush – and I do mean eight hours, the walk to his farm was close to an hour walk. Along the way he pointed out different fruit bearing trees, herbs that they use for different elements, a charcoal burn pile; which they sell for money, and a natural spring. The path getting to his farm was fairly easy and you will understand why I say this after I explain the entire trip. Along the way we saw ganja growing one for seeds the other was just female plants. It was just amazing going up the mountain, but I did not realize what a mountain was yet. As we walked there are paths that we were able to follow which made this part of the journey much easier – again just wait. I had to stop along the way as these legs just are not as strong as they use to be and the elliptical did not get me in shape for this. With sweat dripping from me from places I never new I could sweat we made it to the flat areas of his farm and all I could remember is that he does this about two to three times a day – no wonder these mountain people are in such good shape. He had banana trees, yams, ackie, pumpkin, squash, watermelon, bread fruit trees, pimento trees which are the only tree that they use every part of, and so much more. He had one of his friends up at the site with a fire going with bread fruit roasting. A small protection shelter was built to keep cover during rain, which we had while we were there so we all huddled up to keep dry. The cook made some of the most amazing soup and some of us had tea while other tried the fresh squeezed lime juice. The soup was made from everything from his garden. It had pumpkin, yams, potatoes, carrots, bread fruit, boiled in water. Coconut milk was added and then we made dumplings to drop in the soup. I loved it he had a pepper in it that gave it a little kick but he took it out before serving. I do not think I have ever had soup that was hot all the way to the bottom but this was. We talked about the barrels that he has which he catches rain water in order to water his crops; otherwise, he carries water from the natural spring in order to keep his garden growing. They do not use the same land each year when farming because they do not want to pull all the nutrients out of the land so each year they have different land that they try to clear but as long as the land has a fruit tree on it another farmer cannot farm that land, so they always have another part that had been cleared in an earlier year to go to. Now although I say the land was flat it was not a smooth surface at all. You had to watch every step and as we walked I kept seeing these large holes I finally asked about them because I was not sure what was living in them. Crabs are what I formed these holes and we were to go crabbing later in the day so I was wondering exactly how you go crabbing. After the rain stopped we headed out. He took us a shortcut – so he said – and we walked through the bush with him using his machete to cut down as we walked. It is amazing that he knew where we were going because we walked for miles. We were all wondering how this could be a short cut but we got the full experience of what they go through. This is a path that he takes but he had not been this way in over two years so imagine the overgrowth. I had a few choice words along the way especially getting caught in a sticker bush. We were all trying to help each other and it was truly a team bonding experience. We made it to the road after what seemed to be twice as long as it took to get to his farm. My leg was bleeding from scratches, but I was not the only one and we kept wondering how this was a short cut. We walked down the road a little way and came to a small river that runs from the mountain. So down to the river we went and I tried to walk on the river bed but the rocks were killing my feet so I put my tennis shoes back on and got them soaking wet. There were some amazing places that you could place yourself along the different falls get totally relaxed. The water in some of the areas was ice cold but it was like getting a massage and it felt wonderful after the bush walk we just had. As we started up the different levels there were two local having sex against the full body fall. She at least put her clothes back on while we passed. After going through the water Libby called Bigger to pick up us. We were so relieved. We got back and we were all exhausted. Bigger’s wife made dinner for us which we all enjoyed. Crabbing out of the question I don’t think any of us had the energy to walk any further. I was the first to turn in for the evening; all I can say is what a day. – RESPECT (so appropriate for this experience as I have all the respect in the world for what they do on a daily basis). Tomorrow Caledonia.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Monday - Free Day
Monday June 1, 2009
Today is a free day all day. I chilled out at the Thatch house all morning trying to get caught up with my writing. Had breakfast and went back to writing. I had lunch here and then Pam, Cody and I caught a cab and went to Margaretville. This was the same cab driver that we had going to Mayfield Falls so it was great. We decided to be tourist in the smallest of ways. We met up with Libby and Carrie who had left earlier that morning. We were given a lounge chair and chilled out watching the boats pull couples doing parasailing. They had trampolines out on the water which of course we had to try. Spending time on the beach with the beautiful blue water is fantastic; I don’t think I have seen water this clear and blue before. A rain shower started so we went up and took a seat in the cabana. Cushions and pillows – it was so comfortable. We had a Jamaican man who came up to us wanting to sell us bracelets and rings. He was making them out of telephone wire and it was quite interesting to watch him. He gave us each a ring to say welcome to Jamaica and in turn we all gave him a 100j. Pam, Cody and I stayed until the sun set and then we walked the beach back to the roundabout to catch a taxi. The walk was wonderful. Hardly anyone was on the beach, the waves coming to shore, the music playing and the lights of Negril shining in the distance. I could get so use to this. We made it to the roundabout and caught a taxi – I got dropped off at brown sugars because that is where Dustin was. We stayed at this little shop for a while. Ms. Mae – who has had a stroke, runs it. We talked to a local that Dustin had become good friends with when he was an undergraduate student. In the early 1990’s there was little traffic here and very few taxis. It is hard to imagine how much things have changed here in such a short amount of time because the cars are everywhere now. You use to ride bicycles to get around and now I would be scared to death to try and ride a bicycle down the main road. The talk was quite interesting and I loved listening to him. Libby, Dustin and I were the last to leave, we caught a taxi and back to Summerset we headed. Was really tired and still had to pack for our next two days. We leave around 9:30 – 10:00 Tuesday morning for Belmont and then on to the mountains on Wednesday. A change of scenery will be nice but I will miss our house and the people we see everyday. New journeys are always interesting so I am looking forward to it. Peace.
Today is a free day all day. I chilled out at the Thatch house all morning trying to get caught up with my writing. Had breakfast and went back to writing. I had lunch here and then Pam, Cody and I caught a cab and went to Margaretville. This was the same cab driver that we had going to Mayfield Falls so it was great. We decided to be tourist in the smallest of ways. We met up with Libby and Carrie who had left earlier that morning. We were given a lounge chair and chilled out watching the boats pull couples doing parasailing. They had trampolines out on the water which of course we had to try. Spending time on the beach with the beautiful blue water is fantastic; I don’t think I have seen water this clear and blue before. A rain shower started so we went up and took a seat in the cabana. Cushions and pillows – it was so comfortable. We had a Jamaican man who came up to us wanting to sell us bracelets and rings. He was making them out of telephone wire and it was quite interesting to watch him. He gave us each a ring to say welcome to Jamaica and in turn we all gave him a 100j. Pam, Cody and I stayed until the sun set and then we walked the beach back to the roundabout to catch a taxi. The walk was wonderful. Hardly anyone was on the beach, the waves coming to shore, the music playing and the lights of Negril shining in the distance. I could get so use to this. We made it to the roundabout and caught a taxi – I got dropped off at brown sugars because that is where Dustin was. We stayed at this little shop for a while. Ms. Mae – who has had a stroke, runs it. We talked to a local that Dustin had become good friends with when he was an undergraduate student. In the early 1990’s there was little traffic here and very few taxis. It is hard to imagine how much things have changed here in such a short amount of time because the cars are everywhere now. You use to ride bicycles to get around and now I would be scared to death to try and ride a bicycle down the main road. The talk was quite interesting and I loved listening to him. Libby, Dustin and I were the last to leave, we caught a taxi and back to Summerset we headed. Was really tired and still had to pack for our next two days. We leave around 9:30 – 10:00 Tuesday morning for Belmont and then on to the mountains on Wednesday. A change of scenery will be nice but I will miss our house and the people we see everyday. New journeys are always interesting so I am looking forward to it. Peace.
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