The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

Jamaica Cultural Tours: Take a walk through history!

by Nadeen
August 3, 2016
A A
Jamaica Cultural Tours! Take a walk through history! This walking tour in Woodside St.Mary is not to be missed!

I am thrilled to have fellow travel blogger Diana share her experience on Jamaica Cultural Tours of Woodside St.Mary. This was a walking tour that revealed a lot of history as well as the customs and traditions of Jamaica-my homeland!

From Diana O’Gilvie

The quiet village of Woodside, St. Mary is replete with history. Once the largest coffee plantation in the area, many enslaved Africans laboured there. Before the arrival of Africans, the town was a settlement for the Tainos. After learning about the historical connection Woodside had with Jamaica’s rich past, I was eager to embark on a walking tour of the village.

Jamaica Cultural Tours! Take a walking tour through history!
The main road leading into Woodside

After a partially winding two- hour drive out of Kingston, we arrived at St. Mary’s town centre. Woodside is a sleepy village where the rustling of trees and bleats of farm animals interrupt the silence. Our first stop was St. Gabriel’s Anglican Church, the former residence of slave owners, Dr. John William Neilson and his wife. The Neilson great house sits on top of sprawling lands and you get a good feel of what it looked like in the 1800’s with rows of coffee and other crops as far the eye could see.

Jamaica Cultural Tours! Take a walking tour through history!
Ruins of former slave quarters

The Neilsons were Christians, so their slaves had Sundays off to worship. They were also allowed to buy and sell crops and other goods among themselves. According to folklore and our guide Clarence, Mrs. Neilson was a “stanch racist” who charged slaves for the privilege of selling produce on her land. She wore gloves to collect the money so she didn’t have to touch the slaves and had the money washed before she held it with her bare hands.

Jamaica Cultural Tours! Take a walking tour through history!
Diana and tour guide Mr.Clarence

Clarence showed us a steep secret pathway behind the church to Daddy Rock, a cavern-like formation where slaves secretly consorted to plan rebellions. Slaves used to dodge from their Sunday processions to church and go plan revolts at this very spot.

Jamaica Cultural Tours! Take a walking tour through history!
Secret pathway behind the church

According to oral history, Daddy Rock is a religious and mystical place where slaves also sought solace. Talking drums were also played there before the British government outlawed them. It was through these drums that messages were communicated across districts between enslaved Africans. In a drum ensemble, the talking drum would be the odd one out, rhythmically. The hourglass shaped drum is from West Africa and is used to mimic human speech. This is how famed revolter, Tacky (Takyi) a captured African from Ghana was able to lead a series of successful slave revolts in Jamaica from May to July in 1760. Tacky was able to avoid capture for a long time. As part of a treaty with the Maroons, the British were able to capture Tacky with the Maroon’s assistance. The existence of Daddy Rock shows the cunning of the slaves. To stand where they planned revolts and walking along the same secret path as they did was a powerful experience.

Jamaica Cultural Tours! Take a walking tour through history!
Steps that lead down to Daddy rock

The link between the native Taino’s and the runaway slaves is further proven with the “Arawak Steps” on the opposite side of Daddy’s Rock. The Taino’s laid these steps before enslaved Africans were brought to Jamaica. Because of the tangible links to a rich historical past, Woodside is seeking a national heritage designation from the Jamaican government.

As we walked, Clarence pointed out fruit trees with a staff he acquired along the walk. He kneeled and picked leaves and vines and told us about the medicinal properties of each of them, some of which he learnt from the Maroons.

Jamaica Cultural Tours: Take a walk through history!
A bissy (kola) nut
Jamaica Cultural Tours: Take a walk through history!
otaheite apples

Last stop on the tour was the Brown family farm. Farmer Brown and his wife Betty are long time residents of Woodside. In fact, Mr. Brown was born in the village. Betty prepared a delicious lunch of curry lentils, fresh roti and a vegetable salad with potato pudding for desert.

Jamaica Cultural Tours: Take a walk through history!
Farmer Brown
Jamaica Cultural Tours: Take a walk through history!
Mrs. Betty Brown

Stuffed to the gills we were invited on a tour of the Brown farm. Farmer Brown stands at 5’ 8” with snow coloured hair, a thick horn rimmed pair of glasses frames his round face. Hs dark eyes look like they hold pools of knowledge and experience. He deftly and effortlessly flicked his wrist with a machete firmly in hand to hack away the over-grown path. Farmer Brown is a lone ranger, tilling the soil by himself. Older now, he doesn’t spend as much time in the bush, but as witness to his recent Labor Day project, planting an impressive number of yam suckers and red peas, he still accomplishes a lot in his ripe age.

Jamaica Cultural Tours: Take a walk through history!
Diana in a rain shed built by Farmer Brown

I leant a lot about farming from Mr. Brown. He was free with his knowledge, imparting the medicinal and cosmetic properties of the plants and trees we walked by as well as the best time to harvest certain crops. We walked underneath the afternoon sun, our feet crunching layers of dried blades of grass and fallen leaves. I moved a little bit ahead of Farmer Brown, I glanced back furtively, “You not gonna lost man. The path is there (he pointed to my right) is only I use it.”

Jamaica Cultural Tours: Take a walk through history!
Sugarcane cooling under a tree

We sampled ripe corn and cocoa pods as we foraged on the Brown farm. “You can’t come to the bush and be hungry,” Brown quipped while husking a golden yellow corn out of the fronds.

Jamaica Cultural Tours: Take a walk through history!
Outside a home along the walking tour

For more information on the Woodside walking tour visit the Jamaica Cultural Tours website.

Thank you to Diana for sharing this rich history with us! I look forward to taking this tour on my return to Jamaica. Have you been on a walking tour in Jamaica or another country? It is such a great way to learn about the city from a local’s perspective. Share your thoughts with us below!

N.S.W.

Subscribe to the newsletter & receive FREE Packing & To-Do lists for your International Vacation!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Tags: historyJamaicajamaica cultural tourswalking tours
Previous Post

Paying with Dash at The Spence Restaurant!

Next Post

Where to eat seafood on Martha’s Vineyard!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

The Runaway Jamaica: Retreat to Wellness, Food & Fun!
Blog

The Runaway Jamaica: A B&B Food Heaven Retreat!

August 1, 2016
Top 10 Cathedrals in the World Worth Traveling To! Visit Notre Dame in Paris, The Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and many more! The perfect post for architecture and history buffs!
Blog

Cathedrals in the World Worth Traveling To!

September 22, 2019
Blog

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

July 12, 2016
Atlanta

A Taste of Jamaica at Negril Village Atlanta!

September 19, 2019
Next Post
Where to eat seafood on Martha's Vineyard! From clam chowder to fish sandwiches to whole lobsters-this post describes it all!

Where to eat seafood on Martha's Vineyard!

Poor Calvin's Absolute Fusion Restaurant Review. This downtown Atlanta restaurant serves up delicious Thai and Asian fusion cuisine!

Poor Calvin's Absolute Fusion: Tasty Asian Cuisine in Atlanta!

Follow TSL

No Result
View All Result

Meet Nadeen

Hello! I am Nadeen. The Creator and Editor of the Sophisticated Life. Read More

Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Travel

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

by Nadeen
March 4, 2021
Travel

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

by Nadeen
January 30, 2021
  • Hey 👋🏾 How is everyone doing out there?!!
I came across this picture of me in Phuket Thailand 🇹🇭 and it captures how I’m feeling after this weekend and today. 
Do you see the bewildered look on my face?!!
WHAT IS GOING ON THIS COUNTRY?

1️⃣ Another Black man killed after an interaction with police over a minor traffic violation. The facts are still coming out but apparently “an accidental” use of a gun vs a taser. I just can not. Praying for his family 🙏🏽

2️⃣ A video surfaces of a lieutenant in the armed services being pulled over harassed & assaulted by two cops because they “didn’t see” his taped temporary license plate. This video was so disturbing to watch. This man serves our country and was treated with such disrespect. Even thou I knew he lived I was afraid for his life. I’m afraid for the lives of the Black men in my family!!!! This has got to stop!!! 🛑 

3️⃣ COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise in the upper Midwest especially in Michigan and especially among UNVACCINATED individuals and the irony-younger people-not the elderly-why? Because most of the elderly are vaccinated!! But I still have to argue with people daily about why I support the vaccines 💉. It’s exhausting. People we are still in the midst of a Pandemic and dealing with several strains. Still take proper precautions. 

4️⃣ RIP to @dmx He was only 50 years old. I am 50 years. He was way to young to die. Addiction is a disease and affects way too many people in this country. If you are one of those people or know someone who is, I hope you are able to reach out for help. Please always check on your loved ones. Don’t assume they are OK no matter how much $ they have or strong they seem. 🙏🏽 ❤️ 

AND PLEASE PROTECT YOUR PEACE! I need to do a better job of this myself. It may mean social media breaks, unfollowing, unfriending or blocking toxic people from your life. 
WHEW that was a mouthful. 😆

#blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #blackdoctorswhitecoats #whitecoatsforblacklives #makeitstop #dauntewright #dmx #blacklivesstillmatter #covidvacccine #frontlineworkers
  • As a Black Female Physician it was a pleasure to share my thoughts on the #covid19vacccine with @essence thanks to @kingronthedon 

💉Black people have been reluctant to receive the vaccines which is understandable based on the medical and scientific history in this country. I actually did a report and reenactment of the Tuskegee experiment in college. However, in that case treatment was withheld for syphilis. In this case life saving option is being offered. And Black people have also been disproportionately affected by the disease. 

💉The good news is more and more Black people are willing to and have taken one of the 3 available vaccines in the US! Yeah!! The issue now is providing better access. 

💉In terms of travelers 🧳, not only is it the best way to protect yourself and others, I think the writing is on the wall with many cruise lines requiring it, vaccine passports popping up and countries waving testing and quarantines and some also mentioning requiring it as well. 

If you are a Black globetrotter have you taken it or plan to? If you don’t plan to ever take it and you are an anti-Vaxxer it is OK...this post isn’t for you (see my latest reel 😉😉)

#medicalexpert #blacktravelfeed #blacktravelgram #covid_19 #covidvaccine #covidvaccineadvocate #essencemagazine #essencetravels #blackdoctorsmatter #blackdoctorswhitecoats
  • #TravelTuesday I made this graphic before the CDC announcement last week because more & more studies are coming out showing excellent results on how safe and effective the COVID19 vaccines are at preventing disease & transmission. In addition some countries are allowing travelers to forego testing & quarantine if vaccinated, some cruise lines are requiring it and vaccine passports have already popped up in NYC. 

But the big news came from @cdcgov on 4/2!! They released new guidelines for fully vaccinated people stating that:

“Fully vaccinated people can resume domestic travel and do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.

Fully vaccinated people do not need to get tested before leaving the United States (unless required by the destination) or self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.”

YEAH!!!! Did this convince anyone on the fence about getting vaccinated? 💉

Honestly one of the biggest reasons is still herd immunity. To squash this virus 🦠 and prevent a thousand and 1 strains to pop up we need as many people as vaccinated 💉as possible. 

It really warmed my ❤️ to see all the families reunited & gathered this past Easter 🐣 weekend because of the vaccines. 

I for one can’t wait to start traveling SAFELY again. First up-a solo road trip to @visitasheville in 2 weeks! I have been once but it was a quick trip. I can’t wait to do some more exploring! 

What’s on your post vaccine travel schedule?! 

#medicalexpert #blackcontentcreator #travelcontentcreator #blackdoctorsmatter #whitecoatsforblacklives #covid_19 #covid19vacccine #healthexpert #travelbloggerlife #blackcontentcreators #travelcontent #blackfemaletraveler #solotraveler
  • #HappyEaster ⛪️🐣🐰🐇!!!! Easter brunch looked a little different to us this year but it was amazing nonetheless! 
Italian meatball & breakfast pizza @no246atlanta The breakfast pizza 🍕 had bacon 🥓 and was topped w fried eggs 🍳 So good!!

Atlanta is an amazing foodie town and I’m so glad so many of our favorite restaurants survived this past year. I know it wasn’t easy. We did do takeout and delivery 📦 during the year to show our support and now that we are both vaccinated we are slowly making our way back to eating out. 
How are things in your city? 

Have a great Sunday!! 
#eastersunday #sundaybrunch #sundayfunday #visitatl #visitatlanta #discoveratlanta #igersatlanta #ig_atlanta @discoveratlanta #atlantabloggers #exploreatl #exploreatlanta #atlantageorgia #atlbloggers #atlantablogger  #foodandwine  #ig_atlanta #igersatlanta  #igerswine  #getinmybelly  #southernfood #soulfood #foodbloggers  #weloveatlanta #foodbloggers #atlfoodies #atlantarestaurants
  • It’s #GoodFriday of Easter Weekend and it has me thinking of all the churches, cathedrals &, Basilicas I have visited around the world 🌎 

I actually have a post on my blog from a few years ago entitled “10 Cathedrals Around the World Worth Visiting” ⛪️ 

One of my absolute favorite places is Sacré-Coeur in the Montmartre area in Paris! I have visited twice and on my last visit in 2017 it was a beautiful sunny 🌞 Saturday! 

Looking at this now It’s crazy to see all the tourists out and about! Swipe left to see the amazing views from here! 

If possible I usually enter churches to light candles 🕯 for loved ones that have passed away especially my Mother who was the originally globetrotter in our family 🌎 The last place I did this was a church in Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux France. Pretty special since she never went there. 🙏🏽

I find churches to be fascinating and gives you an idea of the history of that place and time. If you haven’t read the novel 📚
“Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett I highly recommend it. The decades and generations of families and work that went into building these ancient churches is just unbelievable. 👏🏽👏🏽 Look at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona-its still not done! 

Do you visit churches ⛪️ when you travel? If so which has been the most fascinating to you?
If you celebrate it-Happy Easter! 

#happyeaster #happyeaster🐰 #easter2021 #goodfriday🙏 #sacrecoeur #sacrecoeurparis #parisfrance🇫🇷 #montmartreparis #parisisalwaysagoodidea #travelcontent #blacktravelfeed #blacktravelgram #visitparis🇫🇷 #travelbloggerlife #instadaily #instamood
  • PUERTO RICO 🇵🇷!! Have you been there? If not Is it on your bucket list? 
I have been three times but have not devoted enough time there. BUT I am excited to go back and use @diningtraveler book “Guide to Puerto Rico” swipe left to take a look at this beautiful book 📚 this is not your typical guide/tour book and I can’t wait to dive in. The people, the food & culture are really captured in these pages. Well done Jessica! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

On my 1st trip YEARS ago to Puerto Rico I spent a few days for my friends Birthday and I actually did one of my first walking food tours thru Old San Juan. It was also one of my first blog posts! It really sparked my interest in how history and cultures intertwined to produce so many different cuisines throughout the Caribbean. 

My other two trips have been associated with cruises with 1 overnight stay last year. It was just enough time to have an amazing dish of shrimp 🍤 Mofonfo!! 😋😋

***If you do decide to travel to Puerto Rico COVID19 PCR tests are required within 72 hours. It is not required for re-entry into the US. Let’s do our best to protect ourselves and residents of the places we travel to from COVID19 disease & outbreaks. Better yet get vaccinated! 😁

#doorsofinstagram #oldsanjuan #sanjuanpuertorico #puertorico🇵🇷 #puertoricogram #travelfly #nomadnesstribe #blacktraveljourney #blackgirlstraveltoo #essencetravels #blacktravelfeed #sidewalkerdaily #blacktravelblogger #blackcontentcreator #travelcontentcreator #medicalexpert #travelexpert #blacktraveler

Black-Owned Businesses & Bloggers

holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

45+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

March 6, 2021
amazing black travel bloggers, black travel, travel bloggers, travel blogs

50 + Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow!

February 16, 2021

Explore the U.S.A

midtown atlanta travel guide, discover atlanta, visit atlanta, midtown atlanta, atlanta georgia, planning a trip to atlanta

Midtown Atlanta Travel Guide: Things to Do & See!

March 4, 2021
staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

March 4, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
atlanta in the fall, fall in atlanta, atlanta fall festivals, atlanta fall events, places to visit in atlanta

Fall in Atlanta: Fun & Fabulous Places to Visit

October 16, 2020
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
Polo match in long island, visit long island, exploring long island, a long weekend in long island new york

Weekend Getaway to Long Island: Things to Do

April 3, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

flying during the pandemic, flying during covid19, tips for safe air travel during covid19, is flying safe during covid-19, covid19 travel tips tips for safe air travel, air travel during covid-19, travel tips during covid-19, flying during covid

Flying During the Pandemic? Tips for Safe Air Travel.

April 11, 2021
midtown atlanta travel guide, discover atlanta, visit atlanta, midtown atlanta, atlanta georgia, planning a trip to atlanta

Midtown Atlanta Travel Guide: Things to Do & See!

March 4, 2021
staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

March 4, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life