March 15 2019

Once again, we were at it early, on our way to our next adventure. Yesterday we attended an International Women’s Day conference full of wonderful, successful women whom did not let their adversities keep them down! I found this same inspiration and motivation when we visited the Rastafarian Village. These Rastafarians  make their own cocoa, cocoa butter, jewelry, drums, soaps, food, and more! It was amazing to see how the people of the village live off their own hard work and handiwork. For me, the experience was very spiritual. Being in nature, learning abut nature, hearing the heart, soul, and pain in the music really took me away, made me feel at peace. Normally, I hate outdoors but this was different. I felt out of body and one with nature, as if I was amongst my people. This was probably my favorite thing about Jamaica.  I was so taken and engulfed in their culture I was speechless. Learning about who they are, what they stand for, and how they survive was just… amazing! I left that village, and Jamaica, a changed person wanting to take up Rastafarianism. Following our trip to the village, was the Craft Market. It is no different than your regular farmers’ market except there is more pressure to buy something. Being that I am from an area that is heavily populated by beggars, I was used to the hassling and hounding of the vendors. This was not my first rodeo and I think they could tell. They still got me though because I spent way more than I expected, not only there but at the village too. I am a sucker for a good deal and a good time.

 

* pictured below is myself with some very important members of the village,  some of MY handiwork with help from my Rastas, and me playing a drum.