Foodie Tuesday: Saltfish, from Poor Man’s Food to National Dish
Saltfish is so popular in Jamaica, it's one of the two main ingredients in ackee and saltfish, our national dish. We eat it fried, roasted, baked, or in stews and at any meal of the day. [caption id="attachment_12760" align="aligncenter" width="684"] uncooked fish[/caption] Salt or codfish came to Jamaica by way of Canada - Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, to be exact. Back then, planters were looking for food to feed the large population of enslaved Africans who worked on their plantations.…
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A Colorful Stilt Walker
I was waiting at the airport to pick up a friend when I saw this stilt walker. With his colorful costume and height -- he looked about 10 feet tall -- he was impossible to miss in the crowd of people who, like me, had gathered at the arrival entrance of the airport. [caption id="attachment_6168" align="aligncenter" width="346"] Colorful man[/caption] I've seen this particular stilt walker, or someone else wearing a similar costume, in Montego Bay several times since then. They…
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Pastor Brown’s Eye Catching House
The first time I saw Pastor Brown’s house, I had my friend stop so I could take a photo. It still is the most colorful and eye-catching house I’ve ever seen. My impression then was that an artist or someone equally comfortable with color lived there. Or someone who was absolutely not wedded to the conventions of design, or an eccentric. [caption id="attachment_12665" align="aligncenter" width="612"] An Eye Catching House[/caption] My first photo was a quick shot, taken as the car…
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5 Reasons to Leave the Beach and Explore St. James Jamaica
Most visitors to Jamaica arrive in Montego Bay, but I doubt many know that it’s the capital of St. James, the island’s fourth largest parish. Located on Jamaica’s northwest coast, St. James shares borders with the parishes of Trelawny (east), St. Elizabeth (south), Westmoreland (southwest), and Hanover (west). It got its name, in 1655, from James II, who was formerly the Duke of York. Like the rest of Jamaica, the original residents of St. James were Taino Indians. Sadly, they…
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Foodie Tuesday: Codfish Fritters (Stamp and Go)
I love codfish fritters - tasty bite-size morsels of cooked codfish enveloped in light flour - but made them for the first time only last year. Cod or salt fish fritters are very popular as appetizers or snacks and are made by adding flaked codfish to a batter, which is then deep-fried. [caption id="attachment_12650" align="aligncenter" width="691"] Batter[/caption] Also called Stamp and Go, apparently after the command ("Stamp and go!") that was given to 17th century British sailors when tasks had…
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Jamaica Board Signs, I
Signs like this one make me smile. Specifically, it's the part that states, it is my intention to apply. As long as you intend to apply, you're golden. [caption id="attachment_12638" align="aligncenter" width="559"] Liquor license sign[/caption] Like most places, business establishments in Jamaica that sell spirits must have a license. However, they can begin operating without one if they post a sign like the one above. There are clear requirements for the sign: it must be in capital letters not below…
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The Institute of Jamaica – Rastafari: Unconquerable!
On July 21st, the Institute of Jamaica opened an historic exhibition entitled, Rastafari: Unconquerable! It is the first exhibition in Jamaica on the Rastas and as soon as I heard about it, I knew I had to see it. [caption id="attachment_12620" align="aligncenter" width="566"] Entrance to the exhibition[/caption] During the ride to the museum, I thought several times of One Love: Discovering Rastafari, the first exhibition on the Rastas that I had seen at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History in…
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FoodieTuesday: Passion Fruit Drink
The passion fruit is a round yellow (or purple) fruit with a very distinctive flavor. It is used in juices, ice cream, pastries and even syrup. The yellow passion fruit is quite common in Jamaica and is usually found growing on vines in backyard gardens. [caption id="attachment_12588" align="aligncenter" width="617"] Fruit[/caption] I was at my uncle’s home a few years ago when he asked if I'd like something to eat. I figured he’d buy us a meal so I was…
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The Smelly Starfish Flower
I saw the starfish flower for the first time a few years ago in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. I didn't know its name and everyone I showed the photo to, shook their heads. They didn't know either. All I knew for sure was that the stems made me think it had to be from the cactus family. I also knew that I was intrigued by the shape and squiggly lines. [caption id="attachment_5587" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Carrion Plant[/caption] A few weeks ago, I…
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The Rhumba Box
While waiting in the immigration line at the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay a few years ago, I heard the unmistakable sound of a mento band. They were playing a familiar tune, Take Her to Jamaica, and as I waited, I tapped my feet lightly and hummed along. The singing got louder as I exited immigration on my way to pick up my luggage from the carousel. By now, I could see the musicians - three or four…
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