Smile Jamaica

Some of my earliest life memories are of being ‘back home’ in Jamaica. My grandparents came to England in 1961 along with many other British West Indians as they were then known. Although I was born in England, the phrase ‘back home’ really rubbed off as I use this phrase too and see Jamaica as being my homeland. My grandad would travel back almost every year and I had the pleasure of going with him and later returning independently to visit family and feel the vibrations of the island. Jamaica has an energy that you have to experience for yourself so hopefully I can influence you to book a trip in the near future! It’s the perfect place to relax on the beautiful beaches, take an adventure in the mountains, rivers or bush and be blown away by the spicy jerk chicken, rum punch and all of the other delicious fare.

As an island that is only 146 miles long and 51 miles at its widest point, Jamaica is as the saying goes ‘we likkle but we tallawah’ (small but strong, mighty, fearless). The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica has captured the world with it’s music, food and drink, and sporting prowess amongst other things. Last year I took a trip back home and it couldn’t have got off to a better start as Usain Bolt and dancehall star Popcaan boarded the plane with us, all the passengers were very excited and took the opportunity for pictures. This trip was a little different than before as I’d previously spent most of my trips in rural Westmoreland and the North coast where most tourists spend their holidays but this time I was based in Kingston so over two weeks I journeyed around the island with my cousins, friends and even strangers and took in some of the popular and lesser known sites! Take a look at a selection of images from my visit and feel the vibes with a couples of tunes! Weblinks accompany many of the images if you want more information.