Jamericans

The "first time" topic got me thinking...why Jamaica? Why go back?

Specifically Bren's post about hesitating to go to Porty alone inspired me to write this...then I decided it really wasn't a response to her post, more of a musing on why I personally love to go to Jamaica.

So...

I first went to Porty with my husband, but returned there solo and stayed at a hotel I'd never been to, in an area of Porty I didn't at all know.

And it was interesting.

I had to stretch my comfort level. I had to introduce myself to strangers. I had to walk around town on my own. I sometimes sat on my porch, looking at the loveliest bay view, and felt a bit lonely. One or two nights I went to bed very early because there wasn't anything easy to do and I didn't know anyone.

But I had a really good time.

I was at times uncomfortable. It's how I grow, I feel, and perhaps the most important thing I take home from Jamaican vacations now, is a change in ME.

I now find I must go beyond what I am comfortable with in order to feel like I really got something out of my trip, and for me that means some time traveling alone, to places I do not know. Taking a chance meeting strangers, getting lost, doing something a little scary like driving myself.

And such neat things happen when I take those risks.

Those nights I went to bed early I was able to get up really early and run....run, me, a brand new runner at the time, running in Jamaica! The time I walked around Porty solo I met a lady who showed me around, and through her I met a cool guy with a boat who later took me to Navy Island. The next day a couple arrived at my hotel and they'd never been to JA before. I took them to town and showed them around and introduced them to the boat guy

I find my most memorable times in Jamaica are not the nice easy pleasant times, they are the ones I was a bit scared of, and the ones I faced anyway because i wanted to see something or was curious about a place...and generally, I more than enjoyed myself during them.

But even with some lonely or sad time, I got to face myself and my fears and make the best of things...and that is a skill (I guess I'd call it a skill) that I carry with me all the time, at home.

I love my time in Jamaica but most of all I love how I grow there.

So...a lot of people think what we love about JA is beaches, warm weather, ganja, a man/woman...but is that really it? So many places have those things...is there anything in particular that YOU love about this country?

I have nothing so deep or beautiful but my first thought was WHY NOT?

There is a fellow from Ochi that has been coming up with the work program as a bartender for 10 plus years. He is a breath of fresh air, a hard worker and just plain a joy to be around. Whether you order a water, beer or a fancy time taking blender drink his response is "why not".

So my reply is of coarse WHY NOT!

((O)) I like that we are both O. I have followed you on your many adventures, first as a couple and next as a solo traveler, I have admired your courage in not letting being alone stop you from getting out and having adventures that most as a group would not have the nerve to do.

Watching you learn your way around the island solo and the many adventures you have shared always rings in my ear when I think of trying new things. Not many females have that type of spirit. I've watched you go from that shy seeming person into the person you are today, and I have been inspired. I continue to learn from the things you share, so I would now like to say thank you, for showing us solo travelers how it's done.

Now I have to find the journal, that I wrote about my own what and why Jamaica.

I'm totally with you Liz....Love new places, faces, challenges-with someone or by myself (somethime prefer solo)...

I really get what your saying and feel the same way..

Now I just got to get out there and learn to drive and will have total freedom....

Blessings