Capstone

I thought for my capstone that I would make a multimedia diary of each day I spent in Jamaica. Enjoy!

Day 1
Welcome to Jamaica, man! I successfully survived my first plane experience. I really enjoyed flying over Cuba.

It was intriguing to think of such a small and beautiful area of land as so corrupt and violent.

We landed in Montego Bay and drove through the Jamaican countryside with Mr. Brown. The great and exciting thing about Jamaican roads is that they were paved...at one point.

The view from the car

Upon arrival in Petersfield, we enjoyed a lovely meal of traditional Jamaican faire: fish, fried chicken, cornbread, breadfruit (I'm still deciding on that one), and fresh mango juice. I met my host mother, Ms. Paulette, and took a great nap. I can't wait to try Jamaican fruits! Ms. Paulette has a starfruit tree, banana tree, coconut tree, mango tree, and more in her own backyard. How exotic is that?

Day 2

This was so idyllic you'd think it was on a postcard

Let me just say this right now. I. Love. The beach. It was election day in Jamaica, meaning the schools were closed. This put us out of work for the day, which was fine by me if we could go to the beach. We visited Bluefields Beach, which was terribly beautiful. On one side of the road, an entrancing rainforesty jungle scene, and on the right was the ocean.

A view from the path

We stumbled upon a cabana bar, which always had an ice cold Red Stripe cracked open. The scene was so authentic that I never wanted to leave. The bartender was a friendly man who even gave us his address by the end of the week!

Later, we went back to the community center and played a never-ending game of Uno. Mr. Brown introduced us to Jamaican music, like this!

Day 3

We visited the primary school today, which was an experience. The students were completely enamored with us. It honestly put me off a little. Afterward, we went to a local radio station and I spoke on international radio!

That night, we had Mr. Brown's amazing rum punch during class with Andrea. I think he played more Marley, so I'll share another great song by him!

Day 4

Today, we went to the preschool. Those kids were so vibrant and full of life and amazing that I'm just going to let my photos of them speak for themselves.

After school let out, we went to Roaring River, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Legend has it that the slaves would cool off in the mineral waters inside of the cave after being whipped and beaten by their masters. Ardath and I got mud massages before taking a dip in the waters, and then another natural swimming pool within the cave. I've never had a more unique yet refreshing experience. After that, we jumped off a bridge into the river. The current carried us to a shallow open area. The sunset behind us was so beautiful.

The sunset at Roaring River is absolutely breathtaking.

That night, Ms. Jean Brown talked to us about Jamaican history and culture. Listening to a native proudly tell their story was enough to make my night. She even taught us Jamaican dance moves and about the Jamaican language Patois! Continuing with my Bob Marley streak, here was another great song we learned to dance to.

Day 5

This was an easygoing day. A few of us took the morning off while others went to the preschool again. We visited another local radio station and a spice factory. At the spice factory, we got traditional jerk seasoning. Jerk is a combination of spices and a method of cooking jamaicans use on meat, fish, vegetables, and more. It's basically a caribbean take on barbecue. 

Later, we attended a town council meeting. We then skipped out to Negril (a major tourist area) to The Rainforest, a nightclub that blows American nightclubs out of the water. Upstairs played American top 40 hits, while downstairs played Jamaican hits, like "Nuh Linga." It was a wild experience!

Day 6

Today was Sports Day at the preschool. It was so great to see these kids grow even over the short course of a week.

After school, we went to Bluefields again! It was seriously one of my favorite places in Jamaica. As we were leaving, I had Ryan snap a picture of a local Rasta man sitting along the side of the road...it ended up being one of my favorite pictures of the entire trip.

Day 7

Today, we traveled to Negril, and got a true taste of tourism in Jamaica. For starters, Ardath bought us pina coladas that totaled out at almost $20 for both!

If you like pina coladas...

It was interesting to see the contrasts and similarities between Bluefields and Margaritaville. A policeman and a friend of Mr. Brown took us to another island just off the coast. It was a tranquil spot off the beaten path.

The island went by a few names, the most appropriate being Lobster Island

We then traveled to Rick's cafe, where Ardath, Dave, and Ryan jumped off a huge cliff into the ocean. I would say how long they jumped, but the guys sanctioning the jumps spouted off a different length each time they were asked.

Ardath took both pictures. It's another one of my favorites from the trip. Ironic how the visual journalism major's favorite pictures are ones she didn't take.

That night we had a ceremony to thank us for our service. Chloe and I were given an award by our house mother, Ms. Paulette. We also had plenty of games, such as a Red Stripe drinking competition and a cornbread eating competition, both of which Ryan won. We also drank rum punch and played limbo and musical chairs. It was a festive way to end such a great week.

Ardath with Cosroy, a resident of Petersfield and one of
the great friends we made during our week in Jamaica

Chloe and I with our host mother, Ms. Paulette

Day 8

Ms. Paulette's house, where I stayed. Her mother and son, Roman lived with us too

On my last morning in Jamaica, I was sad. I was grateful for the friends I made and the amazing cuisine I adventured into each day. I think the worst feeling is that I wish I could help. Although I am an American, I really do not have the money to send to the people of Petersfield. Instead, I'm going to make an effort to help in other ways. 

For example, I'll write a thank you letter to Ms. Paulette and Mr. Brown, letting them know their warm hospitality was appreciated. I could try to raise money, but I think a more feasible option is to send school supplies and books that I have at home. If they aren't in use by my brother or I, I'm sure the children in the preschool and primary school would love to have them. 

I will always look back fondly on my time in Jamaica, and the great friendships I have made and solidified. Maybe I'll be able to go back one day and help in Petersfield or another area in Jamaica. I don't know. But until then, my thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful people in Petersfield.

Iri, man.

To learn more about the Petersfield, Jamaica Association of Clubs and to learn how you can give to the community, please visit http://amizade.org/