Itz Holistically Wholesome

As some of you may have already figured, I am Jamaican by birth. So, like most immigrants, I want to visit home now and then to see family and friends and enjoy the lovely tropical climate, exquisite and delicious fruits, and local cuisine. As the saying goes in my native tongue, “Nuh wey nuh betta dan yaad.” In other words, there is no place like home. Two years ago, the idea of ever seeing my family or country of birth again did not seem possible with the pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, which my family and I most definitely did not meet. I had already begun to sensitize myself to being unable to travel anywhere outside of the United States if that were to be the case. I made a personal choice and was ready and willing to live with the consequences. However, on the side of faith, I took comfort in the fact that God was in control and that only He can determine what is to be or not be concerning my future and that of my family. He had the final say, and that was well with my soul.

Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” 

My family and I were shocked and excited to learn that the US had lifted all travel restrictions and that we could travel again. Let me pause here to sing, “Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are.” I get so excited about God, and He continues to blow my mind. Okay, back to the matter at hand. Initially, I wanted to visit Japan with the children, but the overall expense was too much, and being that hubby and I were out of a job for a while, that had to go on the back burner. I then decided that we would travel to Jamaica to see my parents and siblings. We planned on spending a whole month, but little did I know how busy the children’s schedule of activities was, especially my eldest, who is in college. As it turned out, she got invited to be a part of the leadership team that would conduct orientation for incoming students, and she also had to take Calculus 2 in the summer to stay on track with her program. Did I mention that she is studying Information Technology? I did not want to go without her, so after realizing that this would take up most of the summer, I decided that traveling was not on the card for us. So, I enrolled my son in summer camp for a month, and that was that. Additionally, an opportunity opened soon after for me to commence a course of study over the summer, and I grasped it with two hands.

Sometime in August, I learned from my advisor that I would be getting a week off from my studies, and instantly, a lightbulb in my head went off, and Jamaica came to mind. But that will only be possible if I get my eldest excused for two days. As it turned out, that was perfectly fine with the school, so we started making travel plans. By the way, why are tickets so expensive? And after paying all that money for plane tickets, we still had to pay for individual luggage, argh!

We loaded our car on Thursday, August 17, 2023, a beautiful summer evening. We headed to John F. Kennedy Airport, where we boarded a flight on JetBlue Airways destined for Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, where we would spend the next ten days. Since four of us were traveling, my husband needed extra help because we could not all fit in one car with all our luggage. Our beloved pastor helped out and blessed us with a prayer. Traveling with small children is not for the faint of heart, but their big sister was there to help. The flight was relatively smooth, and there were minimal delays.

On Friday, August 18, in the wee morning hours, before the cock (rooster) crows, we arrived in Jamaica. The heat greeted us as we walked from the plane into the airport, and as soon as we stepped outside the airport, a wave of heat hit us like a tonne of brick as if saying Welcome, I can’t wait to bun yuh (burn you). My son was the first to complain that he was so hot. Luckily, the rental company was kind enough to have someone meet us with the car at that time, so it did not take long before we were enjoying the air conditioner. By the way, if you are ever visiting Jamaica and arriving in Kingston and need to rent a vehicle, contact Jamoreish Rentals. They will make the car available to you whenever you need it. My son was so excited that he could not sleep or wait to see his cousins.

Apart from my close family, I did not tell anyone we were coming because my eldest wanted to surprise her dad. So, after leaving the airport, we headed directly to his home before word of our arrival got out. And it was quite a surprise because he wept on seeing her. Next, we headed out to St. Thomas, and I was driving. My mom came to the airport to greet us and accompany us home since the road was tricky due to highway construction. It lessened the usual time it took; before I knew it, I was home. I have to say Kudos to the Jamaican government for considering St. Thomas and building that highway, which will look stunning when done.

In the morning, we greeted everyone, and my dad gave me a ripe mango, a lovely gesture and a beautiful start to my day. I was ready to enjoy all the fruits I could get because it had been more than ten years since I visited in the “summertime.” Since it was near the end of August, the mango season was over, so I did not get to enjoy much of the mangoes. I was beyond thankful for what I got: sweetsop, naseberries, black mangoes, and a few East Indian mangoes. I also had the most delicious pineapples, sugarcane, and coconut jelly.

We attended church and visited a local fall in my community and Fisherman’s Cove in Portland. We wanted to visit several other places, but my sisters had worked, and I am a homebody, so next time, I guess.

My family and I ate dinner at a Spot called Julie Mango in Kingston. The food was excellent, and they had vegan options.

On the day before departure, we headed into Ocho Rios, St. Anns to visit Dunn’s River Fall but we were greeted by heavy rain. We however had some delicious blackie mangoes and had lunch at Calabash Itals Restaurant in Ocho Rios, St. Thomas before heading home to get ready. The food was tasty, and the vegan ice cream was delicious.

The trip was great as we spent time with our loved ones. My son was hoping we would miss our flight so that he could stay longer. Hopefully, we can visit again soon and have a more extended stay.

Until next time, be blessed.