The Pink Poui Tree
I've written about the poui tree in a few earlier posts. I noticed it in my neighbor's backyard one week, it's brilliant yellow blooms covering the entire tree, the next, there was a carpet of yellow petals on the ground. I didn't know what to make of a tree in the tropics that loses its leaves. I was intrigued. When I did a little research, I discovered that in addition to the yellow, there was a pink poui. Where the…
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Foodie Tuesday: Otaheiti Apples
Otaheiti apples came to Jamaica and the Caribbean from the Pacific islands. Bright red, sometimes pink in color, they have a texture that reminds me of cotton candy. Some varieties are pear-shaped, others are slightly round; some have a mild flavor, others are quite sweet. Otaheiti apples are also called Jamaican apple and cocoplum here; pommerac and rose apple in parts of the Caribbean. [caption id="attachment_11008" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Otaheiti Apples[/caption] Otaheiti apples have about 100 grams of water. They are…
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Knutsford Express: Travelling Jamaica in Comfort and Style
An issue that’s cited often as an obstacle to Jamaica’s development is the lack of a comprehensive, reliable, affordable and safe transportation system - and good roads throughout the island. This lack of an adequate system of transportation also prevents visitors, and residents, from getting around efficiently, and exploring off-the-beaten path locations unless they have a car, or can rent or hire one - usually at a cost that makes it prohibitive for the average person. Enter the Knutsford Express.…
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Fall in New York City
I’ve always enjoyed the fall and this year, I get to spend part of it in New York City, one of my favorite places. After being in Jamaica, where the temperature rarely dips below 70 degrees in most places, I have a new appreciation for the cool, crisp air that fall brings. You can almost feel the switch that comes as the last days of August usher in September and the frenetic pace of summer gives way to the gentleness…
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Friday Focus: Dana Carmel
This Friday Focus features world traveler and blogger, Dana Carmel. Dana and I 'found' each other through a post on my blog and discovered that we shared a connection to Westmoreland, Jamaica's westernmost parish. You see, Dana met her husband and travel partner, Jave, in Westmoreland. They later married near Montego Bay. She's been back to Jamaica several times and, in this interview, shares memories of her first and subsequent trips to Jamaica. Read on to learn more about her.…
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Culture on Display at the West Indian American Carnival
The Labor Day weekend means one thing to New York’s West Indian American community: the West Indian American Carnival! Now in its 46th year, the Carnival bills itself as the greatest carnival in North America. It is perhaps New York's largest cultural festival. The celebration of carnival began in the 1920s as a private event among the West Indian communities in Harlem. It became an official event in 1947, when a Trinidadian woman received a permit from the city to…
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Foodie Tuesday: Grater Cake
Jamaica produces about 95 million coconuts each year – a large number of which is consumed locally. The mature fruit forms the basis for confectioneries such as grater cake, gizzada, and drops that are popular among Jamaicans. These coconut treats turn up in grocery shops, in the baskets of itinerant food sellers and on fancy tables. [caption id="attachment_12815" align="aligncenter" width="688"] Pink topping[/caption] A few weeks ago, I attended an event and was pleasantly surprised to see grater cakes among the…
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Top 5 Spanish Coast Destinations
Spain remains the beach destination of choice for summer holidays. Offering an ideal blend of seaside charm and exotic flavour, it’s hard to go wrong yet, if you’re looking for a bit of guidance, here are five of the best Spanish coast destinations to consider: [caption id="attachment_12789" align="aligncenter" width="690"] Benidorm by Night, photo John O'Nolan, Flickr[/caption] Benidorm Benidorm knows how to do tourism right. Though the destination specialises in catering to British tourists, with seaside resorts offering Brits their favourite…
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The Tambourine in Jamaican Culture
The tambourine or timbrel is an important musical instrument in Revival churches in Jamaica. It is also featured in mento, Kumina and Pocomania music. According to Wikipedia, the tambourine originated in Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, the Middle East and India. [caption id="attachment_12797" align="aligncenter" width="690"] Tambourine[/caption] The Tainos, Jamaica's original people, called it the maguey, and used it in celebrations for their ancestors. There are several references to the tambourine in Jamaican popular culture. In the Anancy story, Tiger Sheep-Skin Suit, Brer…
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Frankfurt’s Quick-trip Treasures
Considering the wealth of attractions on offer, it’s surprisingly easy to grab a taste of Frankfurt in just a few short days. Atmospheric Old World architecture contrasts with a futuristic city skyline, and there are more museums than you could see in months. Lively DJ bars sit atop city-centre car parks in summer, and you might enjoy a taste of the same famous local apple wine that won over Emperor Charlemagne himself. [caption id="attachment_12781" align="aligncenter" width="541"] Frankfurt Houses, photo by…
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