Notes From Home (Jamaica)

 “Oy Driva! Let me off yasso!!”

Translation: “Excuse me Driver, I’d like to disembark here, please.”

This was one of the first sounds I heard upon arriving in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Sigh. Home!

I was surprised at how much things have changed. So surprised that I wasn’t even properly dressed for the sweltering heat that hit me in my face (back, neck and pretty much the rest of my body).

The thing that surprised me the most was how warmly I was greeted. I put on my “Yardie” accent to see if the warmth would have changed, and to my surprise, my greeters only became warmer. It was a great change from the frost I was coming out of: the sun, the salty air, the honking of horns and the hustle and bustle of the town.

I spent the first couple of days in rural Jamaica, where there were more trees and animals than it would have been in the urban area. I was able to get in touch with nature and enjoy the serenity offered by the tranquility of the country side.

Then I had to conduct business in the city.

In Canada, going to the city is an easy bus ride away with a steady schedule which indicates when you will arrive at your destination. In Jamaica, this is not quite so. You never know when the bus is coming, so you may have to end up taking a “Coaster” bus. Note “Coaster” is directly related to a theme park’s “Roller Coaster” and the way these buses operate is in similar fashion. A journey that usually takes me 2.5 hours by my private car is cut down to 2 hours or 1 hour and 45 minutes in these buses and I must say that, while I missed Canada, this is one of the few things that ensure that you know you are in Jamaica. I almost had a mini heart attack on the journey, but I was made to realize that I am indeed home. There are just some things in Jamaica that will just never be the same in any other country:

1)     The Food: Our delectable dishes seasoned with our unique blend of spices will have everybody coming back.

2)     The Hospitality: Jamaicans love people. Race is of no consequence to us. Black, white or in between, you are a welcomed part of our home.

3)     The Music: Bob Marley said it right: “One good thing about music: When it hits, you feel no pain.” Our music (Reggae) is a soothing addition to the soul; it has the ability to cure the depressed, weak and sad. It has the ability to uplift your spirit and bring peace to a troubled mind.

4)     The System: From the bus system to the education system, everything has its own course and everything will operate at its own pace. One operator differs from the other, giving a brand of uniqueness to each person, business, and sector you encounter.

Do I miss home? Of course I do. But I love to have my eyes opened… to different cultures and languages; different people and different standards. My life is a school within itself and everyday is a new learning experience.