Fond Memories Of Jamaica

by James "Michael" Tuck
(Spoakne Wa. USA)

Jamaica50 Entry #1 -Fond Memories Of Jamaica

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We were young and my wife came into some money due to a disability. So we went to Ocho Rios ( Shaw Park ) as I wanted something less American Themed.

We walked to the Market on most days, we met Prince Bah at a hut carving in wood (my favorite god given beauty along with rock. He was really nice and showed us his family and shared some Banana bread and yams.

We set on the beach at night sipping Sangster's Coconut liqueur, no longer made yet the best stuff world wide.

We did the tourist stuff: The Falls, the trip to Blue Mountains, Sansters Kingston the real Jamaica where Marley grew up. This brings shame to our world.

The second time, about 3-4years later, we brought along my wife's father(a work-ahlolic) that never took vacations. Stayed at Turtle Bay, his wife and my wife's brother also came.

I was appalled at the difference, the Jamaican Gov. was charging it's citizens 1.50 to go on their own beach. My wife and I went there to meet the Jamaican people and their traditions. The people at the market were oh so friendly the first time, the secound not so much due to the treat of being arrested.

Jamaica is out of this world beautiful, Shaw park Gardens, the humming birds. No vendor forgot your name and that felt personable.

Now I'm in debt and probably will never get to visit this paradise again.

I love their coffee. I miss the Coconut Liqueur (the smell was intoxicating, then a sip to warm your soul. As a Christian it was what heaven should feel like. My pictures were shot on a 50mm filmed camera so I don't have them readily available.

My friend July 22 (the contest deadline) is actually our anniversary. Not wedding, but when we first bonded as Boyfriend/Girlfriend :-)

It's been 41 glorious years and the best time we ever had was visiting the Jamaican people!

Here's to the Jamaican cowboy, I ate so much lobster I thought I'd die. We met some beautiful Jamaican people, on the bus to Ocho Rios we met an Olympic athlete in swimming and he was so eloquent. I was raised on Harry Belefonte. He and Mahalia Jackson made a Record that was fantastic.

Reggae, Calypso, music is the root to my soul. The giant tree in Shaw Park reminds me of the Jamaica family tree, I hope it keeps on living.

My name being Tuck so I got a great picture standing under the TUCK shop at the Jamaican Army Base.

My wife was beautiful and the background made her look angelic. Respectful were the people,polite, sharing their lives. I hope the future tourist trade doesn't ruin that.

My son works with a Jamaican National here in Spokane Washington and he's no different. I just pray that the peoples of Reggae, Christian, Jewish, and all faiths could see in their hearts were all searching for the same thing, Peace and Family. Be kind to one another.

Lastly, One day in the Ocho Rios Market place a carver and his girlfriend were trying to sell his carving. It was of a Spaniard Ship complete with mast,soldiers,slaves,dogs and it was impecable.

He wanted 1000.00JMD dollars which was more than worth it. The artistry was award winning. I'm no good at bartering with sellers but I wanted a cane and this one gentleman had a dark (lictemvining) wood. I know I misspelled it.

I offered him 10.00USD for it and he wanted 20.00. I finally determined to hold my ground I walked away, in which he ran after me and agreed to 1 :-)

I gave it to him and walked away pleased with myself :-) Then in a fit of guilt I chased him down the block and gave him another 10.00.

It's one thing to do it, it's another to live with yourself afterwords. They are just trying to live and we are on vacation throwing money around to have fun.

If I could just go back and spend time with the people of Jamaica it would be a lot more humbling experience.

God Bless you for the memories. My pictures are put away but I'll send them later this week with the same letter.

And one request, if there is one bottle of Sangsters' Coconut Liqueur in Jamaica I'd love to smell it :-) Happy Jamaica50th!

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