Jamaica is waterfalls, mountains and breathtaking beaches. Jamaica is reggae music and jerk chicken. Jamaica is the bobsled team, Usain Bolt and Bob Marley. Jamaica is also my homeland and the land I love.
I am so excited to finally write a blog post about Jamaica! Since February is the month of “Love” I will be sharing posts with you about all the places I love but have never blogged about! My first post was “The 5 Most Romantic Cities in the World”. Make sure to see if your city of choice makes the list! As some of you may know from reading the “About Me” section of this website, I was born in NYC (Manhattan to be exact) but spent the first ten years of my life in Jamaica. Both sides of my family are from Jamaica and I have countless fond memories of living on and visiting the island. There are many myths and truths that people speak of in regards to Jamaica. In this post I will tell you my top 3 reasons why you should Visit Jamaica: Land I Love.
First of all, you may be wondering why this blog post is called “Visit Jamaica: Land I Love”. The national anthem for Jamaica is called “Jamaica, Land We Love”. I sang this anthem all through my childhood in school and even in movie theaters! Even though I only lived in Jamaica until I was 10 y.o. , I can still recite and sing the first verse to the Jamaica National Anthem. It truly expresses how Jamaicans feel about their country with “Justice, truth be ours forever Jamaica, land we love…”
1) The People: Strength, pride and determination are the first three words that come to my mind when describing the people of my homeland. It is said that Jamaicans are a bit cocky when compared to other West Indians but don’t we have a right to be? 🙂 We have made so many contributions Worldwide in industries such as rum, coffee, music and food. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is stated by many experts to be the best in the World. Jamaicans have defied the odds by showing up at the Winter Olympics for the bobsled-twice! Cool Runnings ring a bell? We have the fastest man in the World in Usain Bolt and last year’s winner of The Voice Tessanne Chin stole people’s hearts with her powerful voice and humble persona. The recent Ms.Universe contestant Kaci Fennell was a finalist and according to Twitter-robbed of the crown. There is Bob Marley of course who brought reggae music to the World. His estate is one of the highest grossing of deceased celebrities even 34 years after his death. Marcus Garvey was a political leader who was instrumental in gaining rights for Blacks in Jamaica and abroad.
Besides all these accomplishments what I love the most about Jamaicans is their approach to life. If you have been to Jamaica you know some popular sayings are “No Problem Mon” and “Irie” which is a friendly greeting meaning nice, good or feeling great. My Great Grandmother lived until she was 102 years of age and I firmly believe this is because of her refusal to migrate to America. Jamaicans have mastered striving for success and living life to the fullest while relaxing and avoiding stress. And no this is not due to smoking “ganja” ie marijuana 🙂 Contrary to popular belief, not all Jamaicans smoke marijuana and only a small fraction of Jamaicans are Rastafarians. Jamaica is also very multicultural. People are often surprised to see Jamaicans such as Tessanne Chin whose father is of Chinese descent. Asians, including East Indians, are actually the second largest group of Jamaicans after African descendants. There are many white Jamaicans whose families were English settlers. Fun fact: Jamaica was originally a Spanish possession (hence some names of places on the island like Ocho Rios) and then an English colony. Jamaicans fought for and was granted their independence in 1962. For all these reasons the Jamaican motto is “Out of Many, One People”. I love the diversity in Jamaica and the fact that everyone considers themselves Jamaicans first then whatever race or ethnic background after. And did I mention Jamaicans are very friendly and funny?! I could go on and on about why you should Visit Jamaica: Land I love based solely on the people but this post would be too long!
The Food: “Lawd Jesas=it good u c”! I had to throw in some Jamaican patois which is the dialect used by many Jamaicans. And yes-it is English! I have had so many American friends go to Jamaica and think they are speaking a totally different language. Lol ! However, I will admit being from the capital city of Kingston I often find it difficult to understand myself. Back to the food. If you have never had Jamaican food you must be living under a rock. Examples include jerk chicken, beef patties, curry goat and ackee and saltfish (which is the national dish of Jamaica and not to be confused with scrambled eggs). Nothing compares to being in Jamaica and smelling the jerk cooking right on the grill.
How about having a fresh coconut chopped to drink the juice then eating the jelly? Climbing a mango tree and picking a juicy one to bite into. I can still smell the fried fish and festival at Hellshire Beach and eating hard dough bread with condensed milk on it as a snack. Other favorites of mine include bammy, roti with curry chicken, Escoveitched fish, fried dumplings, roast breadfruit, plantains and cornmeal porridge. Fun Fact: Since there are many Chinese Jamaicans in Jamaica there is Chinese Jamaican food! The flavors and preparation of things like chop suey and sweet and sour chicken are different than in the US but very tasty! While in Jamaica treat yourself to fresh lobster caught and prepared for you right on the beach!
And let’s not forget the desserts! Rum cake, fruit/black cake (this is not the same as American fruit cake), grater cake, bread pudding, pound cake and ice cream. If you are ever in Kingston make a stop at Devon house for the richest, creamiest ice cream you will ever have! Try the rum raisin or grapenut flavors!
Finish of all this good food with Jamaican overproof rum, Ting, Guinness stout, rum punch or a Red Stripe beer! I am lucky to have a Jamaican restaurant here in Midtown Atlanta to get my fix until I make it back to Jamaica! Be sure to read my review of Negril Village. So, if only for the food-Visit Jamaica: Land I Love.
The Land: I could not call this post “Visit Jamaica: Land I Love” without describing the landscape! It is no wonder that Ian Fleming , author of the James Bond series, lived in Jamaica. Fun Facts: Ian Fleming built a home on Jamaica called “Golden Eye” and wrote many of the James Bond Novels while in Jamaica. A few were even filmed partly in Jamaica! Goldeneye is now a luxurious resort on the North Coast of Jamaica. There is even a “James Bond Beach” near the resort and about 10 miles from Ocho Rios.
In Jamaica you will find all types of terrain from the Blue Mountains near Kingston to enormous waterfalls like Dunns River in Ocho Rios. There are many other waterfalls throughout the island including YS Falls near Negril.
Do not miss the sunset at Rick’s Café in Negril! Go rafting on the Rio Grande in Port Antonio or snorkeling in the clear blue Caribbean Sea on seven mile beach in Negril.
Zip line through the jungle atmosphere near Montego Bay or take a tour through the bat ridden Green Grotto caves near Ocho Rios. If you are a city vs beach person Kingston is for you. It has become a modern metropolis with boutique hotels, fine dining and European shopping. So, whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation on the beach or adventurous travel-Visit Jamaica: Land I love.
Have you ever been to Jamaica? If so what was your favorite part? Share your thoughts with us! For more information on Jamaica check out the tourism board’s website-Visit Jamaica.
N.S.W.
Comments
Nadeen you know I love, love, love your blog but this is my favorite post yet! Yeah mon, dis post sweet mi and mek mi heart smile. LOL.
I felt like I was right back home while reading this.
One Love!
MJ recently posted…{Week 5} Our Project 52: Motion
Thank you MJ!! That means a lot coming from a Yardie!! I am way overdue for a visit to JA!
I want to visit Jamaica so badly! I love jerk chicken, beef patties, and curry goat! Luckily living in NYC I have access to a lot of West Indian food 😀 I want to get to the birthplace of all of these delicious dishes however, and soon!
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer recently posted…BHM Interview with Andrew of Fly Sights
Chanel I know you have great Jamaican food options in NYC! I will say though that smelling it and eating it there-just no comparison to me! I hope you get there soon!
nadeen recently posted…Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!
This is my favorite post!! I miss Jamaica and all the memories made there growing up. I dream about tasting the food again, especially the ice cream. Loved the chubbie box drinks too! “Sigh,” now I’ve made myself depressed lol.
Janene I still remember you and David running around Grandma’s house when you were little! Such great memories. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and I’m glad your Mom can cook some of the food! Lol
I’ve never been (can’t believe it either) but felt as if I had after reading this post. I can relate to your childhood memories as if they were my own somehow. I guess that’s the beauty of growing up in a close-knit family with lots of love and relatives.
Now to make my own memories by booking my first trip to your beloved country…
Yes!! I can’t wait to experience it with you! (And your Chicago this summer
Girl you are making me want to book a trip now! I havent went abroad yet and I will I am speaking it into exsistence and I would love to visit a Jamaican resort! Look at all that yummy food and also I didnt know about the James Bond films being inspired there and a beach named after the iconic film! Great post and you look good!
Kiwi recently posted…Introducting #StaycationInTheCity | PJ Party at Crown Plaza Atlanta Midtown
Thank you Kiwi! I am sure you would have ablast in Jamaica! There are always great deals to to the all inclusive resorts there!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
I Love Jamaica. One of first places trotted to while I was still in undergrad with my girl from there (and an ex on another trip). The food, culture…visiting Bob Marley’s house grew up in. Such great memories!!
Nicole Brewer recently posted…Globe-Trotter of the month Corey Wright of USA
Nicole I am so glad you enjoyed it! I miss it and need to globetrot back there myself!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
Yea Mon! Big up Jamaica lol Seriously, though Jamaica stole my heart. It’s one of my favorite Caribbean islands that I have visited. The people were definitely a hit with me. I just love her warm and fun everyone was. My favorite spot is the beach at Dunn Rivers. Oh I loved that beach, wish I was there now 🙂
Adanna I am so glad you enjoyed Jamaica!! My favorite place on the island is Dunn RIver Falls but there is still so much left for me to see!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
Every year the hubs and I visit a Caribbean island for at least 2 weeks – not by cruise ship – because I want to get the feel of the people, the places, etc. We’ve been to Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominican, St. Maarten, etc. but we haven’t been to Jamaica yet.
Even though I’m not from the Caribbean, every time I step foot on one of the islands I feel like I’m home. And the food – don’t get me started! I could definitely live there.
Your pictures are gorgeous!!
Alli Smith recently posted…Mango Buttermilk Shake
Thank you Alli!! Please add Jamaica to that list! I am sure your family will enjoy it! I am hoping to get to St.Lucia and have been to Barbados, DR and Dominica. I love exploring different Caribbean islands but of course I am partial to Jamaica!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
My hubbie and I are headed to Jamaica this fall and this post just put excited me even more than I thought possible. Can’t wait to visit the land you love!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom recently posted…Chia and Granola Crusted Banana Bread French Toast
Kristen I am so excited for you! I hope you have a great time and be sure to tell me about it when you get back!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
Beautiful pictures! Makes me want to get on a plane and find the nearest hammock and relax. The history and culture is really nice. Thanks for sharing that. My niece has a chinese Jamaican mix amongst other things. Before her I hadn’t realized there were Chinese Jamaicans. Your pics have also made me hungry.
Holly recently posted…App of the Month: GlobeConvert
lol! They made me hungry too! I am glad you enjoyed the pics and the post! And yes-Jamaica is very diverse in landscape and people!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
Nadeen, I’ve wanted to visit Jamaica ever since I saw How Stella Got Her Groove Back. I absolutely LOVE your blog, you’re always giving me new ideas of places I want to visit. My bucket list is growing and growing. I love seafood, so fresh caught lobster on the beach sounds amazing.
Siobhan-I am craving sunshine, the beach and fresh lobster right now! I loved How Stella Got Her Groove Back and it did alot for Jamaican tourism!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
Awesome pictures! Not that Jamaica ever needs selling but I love the spin you put on it and I had no idea that it was formerly under Spanish possession.
Jaye@Curvatude recently posted…{Rock} Winter White + Gold Valentine’s Day Style
Thanks Jaye! Yes there is so much history and a diverse population in Jamaica!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
Love your photos and descriptions of everything. It looks like a beautiful place, and I can’t wait to go in July!
Kasi recently posted…Monochrome + Midi
Oh Kasi! I am so jealous! I am way overdue for a trip to Jamaica. Have a great time!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
I love this post on Jamaica. Very informative, well written and expressive. Everytime I visit JA the country and the people blow my mind. They are amazingly proud, resourceful and creative. And yes, Devon House has the creamiest ice cream ever as well a some lovely local art work.
GinaB recently posted…Dear Body, A Love Letter
GinaB-Thank you! You really summed up the people of JA! They consistently make me proud! Devon house-so so good!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
Such a lovely post Nadeen. I hadn’t a clue that you had Jamaican roots! I’ve never been there but being a British person, I am of course aware of the “West Indies” and Jamaica being top of the Caribbean tree so to speak, although I could never really understand what people were saying LOL!. The late 70’s in Britain was the height of Jamaican glory. I mean “Boney M” anyone? The Specials, Madness, The Beat, UB40, and of course, The Notting Hill Carnival in London (Britain’s Mardi Gras of the Caribbean)!
I’m from the Northern part of England and when I was young, there were only two non-white children in my school (and that included me) and whenever the song “Brown Girl in the Ring” came on, I always thought the song was about me LOL!
Victoria@ The British Berliner recently posted…We might not be London. We might not be Paris. But by god, we’re gonna have a jolly good time in Berlin, at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!
Victoria that is so sweet! I know there are plenty of Jamaicans in England including a lot of my family! It was either a migration to the US, Canada or England! And the music!! You named some classic groups!
Nadeen recently posted…Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!
Great post. Good reminder why I love Jamaica (Beloved is what I call HER) so. I have to agree the PEOPLE are my first love then the FOOD lol. Thanks for a sharing your “home” with us it was nice to see it through your eyes.
Thank you so much!! Beloved is a great name for her. I agree the people are at the heart of that island.
nadeen recently posted…For the Guys: 6 Adventurous “Bro-Cations”!