Jamaica (Kingston and Beyond): No problems, mon!

After my journey of family time, self-discovery, and (of course) good food, I realized the summer was only just beginning. Among the list of things I can't live without - which ranges from family and friends to the Big 10 conference - was smiling, laughter, sunshine, and water. So what better way to indulge a little than with a...trip to Jamaica!

Kingston, Jamaica

Founded in 1962, Kingston is the capital of Jamaica, and its largest city. Contrary to my last trip here off some of the Island's more popular coasts, Kingston boasts both water and mountains. It's a business epicenter with vibrant day- and night-life, resembling a real city more than a resort. I wanted to compliment my past trips here - once as a cruise stop and once at an all-inclusive - with a more authentic island experience. So I packed my bags and brought my work with me for a whirlwind trip to visit a friend in Kingston.

Home sweet home. 

The trip started with a visit to the famous Devon House, a former great house and home to some of the Carribbean's best ice cream (I'm told). Then, we took a quick detour to Montego Bay for Reggae Sumfest 2015. I couldn't help but splurge for a night at an all-inclusive, where I soaked in a lot of sun by the pool and beach.

After our all-nigher at Sumfest. Still awake! 

The view from the room!

Montego Bay

One of the highlights of the all-inclusive? The musical interludes and commentary by pianist Mr. Frank S.. He played some old classics (and quite a few hits by Celine Dion) while sharing stories of his life as a graduate of the music program at Western Michigan University and as a teacher in Oxford, England before retiring home to Jamaica.

Musician Frank S.: he was so proud of Stefan and I on all of
our academic accomplishments! 

As part of experiencing real life in Jamaica, I went with my hosts to church one Sunday.  My "patwa" (Jamaica's widely-spoken broken English) was sadly underdeveloped, so although I couldn't understand the sermon, the music made me feel right at home! I also brought over dozens of pencils and erasers to give to the church's inner-city summer camp, so it was great to see what the donations would support.

The church crowd

One of the highlights of the service? The fashion hats worn
by most women. 

My friend Stefan's mom and neighbor,
who made my experience great! 

I joined Stefan, friends, and family for a delicious Sunday meal including local dishes like sweet potatoes and "rice and peas," and after an afternoon of laughter, watched "The Godfather" for the first time.

Sunday dinner

And, I learned that although Kingston isn't known for its swimming beaches, there are some beautiful ones just down the road.

I love the beach! 

Stefan and I

Catching up on some reading.

During our beach day, I tried "fish fry," one of the local delicacies, which involves choosing your seafood and having it prepared right in front of you. I was really excited to have freshly caught lobster with "festival," a slightly sweet fried dough, and "bammy," fried cassava cakes.

Choosing the perfect fish.

Those are big ones! 

Freshly-caught lobster.

Final product: Garlic lobster (front), fried fish, festival (back left),
bammy (back right), and, of course, Jamaica's famous Red Stripe. 

During my trip, I had a chance to add (and then complete) items to my "bucket list" that had never crossed my mind. Case and point: my two attempts at fencing, as Jamaica works to build a national team. I think I'll just stick to my day job....

Break time during my second fencing practice.

This was the before picture. I lost against
Stefan (who, in my defense, is a collegiate fencer). 

Me in some of the gear. 

We took another mini-excursion to Mandeville, capital of the parish of Manchester. There, I enjoyed living in the lap of luxury for a night and tasting some locally-made honey wine and honey. Yum!!

Sunset on the journey. 

Where all the wine and honey magic happens! 

Sorrel-flavored honey wine. 

My personal favorite: tamarind-flavored honey. 

We also took a day trip to the beautiful YS Falls, where we did a little climbing and swimming in the cold, fresh (and did I mention cold?) waterfalls.

Passing through a bamboo tunnel on the way. 

YS Falls.

Some of the views of Jamaica you don't often see. 

We had a chance to visit a local "basic school," a government-supported pre-school, that Stefan's friends were in the process of renovating as their summer project.

And we (well, Stefan) adopted a little puppy, making me a proud godmother!

Stefan packing the puppy into the car for the journey home.

We named him Salt! 

We took a long drive way up the Blue Mountains, where some of the Caribbean's finest coffee comes from, enjoying views of Kingston and the mountains.

Learning how to walk on water...

...and dance...

Enjoy drinks and the view...

...at Strawberry Hill, a premiere (and top dollar) resort. 

The amazing sunset. 

And one of the best views of the city from the mountain.

As my time in Jamaica was winding down, we still managed to fit in a few more activities. From a visit to the famous Bob Marley museum...

The view from the window where Bob Marley was shot
(but still lived). 

...to a shopping trip "downtown" in the local market places and "uptown" at the latest "it" shoe store...

Outside of the downtown market. 

On a hunt to find some good bargains. 

Pair of shoes #1

The ultra-trendy pair of shoes #2

...to game night, a family birthday gathering, and a pretty unreal beach party at a sandbar in the middle of the ocean (yes, it's about as fabulous as it sounds)...

The Port

Approaching the sandbar after 20 minutes.

On the journey over.

A crazy dance party and bar in the middle of the ocean!
(And it wasn't even "packed.")

On the journey back to shore.

...my trip was full of adventure.

And, of course, I have to tell you all about the delicious goodies I ate! Whether trying "conch," the local staple "ackee and saltfish," the special occasion "goat head soup," and even sushi (in Jamaica - it's a thing!), my taste buds enjoyed indulging a little.

Left to right: Mashed sweet potatoes (with mayo, or something creamy),
conch balls, polenta, and salad! 

Ackee (looks like egg but it's a fruit) with
salt fish (salted cod), and fried bread fruit.
A common breakfast dish. 

Homemade goat head soup, usually reserved for funerals.

Made with a goat's head, tripe, potato, and some other stuff.
Half way done!

Sushi! This restaurant even had riceless sushi - best thing ever. 

Some of the other local wines I tasted. 

I even had the pleasure of learning the "Jamaican way" of eating one of many varieties of mangoes that was always available.

Fork and knife? Or all hands on deck?

Phrases like "irie" and "way up" - all the cool Patwa words that describe the bouyant flavor of the island - cannot even begin to describe the fun this much-needed trip provided. And would you believe that I got a lot of work done too? Clearly I'll have to go back...