Getting into the Spirits on the Appleton Estate Rum Tour
Appleton Estate is the oldest sugar factory and rum distillery in Jamaica, the second oldest in the Caribbean. The sprawling 11,000-acre estate dates back to 1655, however, it did not start producing rum until 1749. [caption id="attachment_9173" align="aligncenter" width="613"] Appleton Estate Rum Tour[/caption] Appleton Estate's location in St. Elizabeth's Nassau Valley provides the perfect combination of characteristics -- a special soil composed of a limestone formation, known as Cockpit Karst, and favorable climate, sunny mornings and tropical afternoon shower (a slight…
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Soulful Sundays: Luther Vandross – Happy Father’s Day!
For several weeks now, I've been mulling over what to write for Father's Day and rejecting each idea that surfaced. I was undecided and a little conflicted about what to share -- I like to keep private the few memories I have of him. Sixteen years since he passed, I still think about my father quite a bit. Sometimes I hear an item on the news and wonder what he'd have to say about it. I have no doubt, for…
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#TPThursday: Treasure Beach Jamaica
In my post yesterday, I made a brief mention of Treasure Beach Jamaica, a place I've written about several times. Treasure Beach is a small community that is located on Jamaica's south west coast, in the parish of St. Elizabeth. It is a close knit community where everyone knows everyone else. It reminds me of the district, that's what we call them, that I grew up in - the kind of place we sometimes think no longer exists. Treasure Beach…
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5 Reasons to Visit St. Elizabeth Jamaica
Most people who visit Jamaica, never make it to the south coast. Those who do, experience a side of the island that’s unhurried, unspoiled and ruggedly beautiful. Located on the southwest coast is the parish of St. Elizabeth, the second largest parish on the island. It shares part of the area known as the Great Morass, a wetland area that stretches from the neighboring parish of Westmoreland, and has one of the longest rivers, the Black River. Over the years,…
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5 Things to do in Montego Bay
Known as the "Second City," Montego Bay, or Mobay as it's called locally, is the tourism capital of Jamaica, welcoming a million visitors annually at the Donald Sangster International Airport and by ship at the Montego Freeport. The city offers an array of activities and attractions to suit every taste. Here are 5 of the best things to do in Montego Bay. Golfing Mobay has, without doubt, the best golf courses in Jamaica and possibly the Caribbean. There are five…
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Soulful Sundays: Tanya Stephens
Tanya Stephens represents the new crop of female reggae artist, those who are as brash and as confident as any of their male counterparts. Her strong lyrics and well-crafted songs reflect the world of the contemporary woman who's capable not just of bringing home the bacon but, if needs be, frying it too. [caption id="attachment_8684" align="aligncenter" width="593" caption="Soulful Sundays: Tanya Stephens"][/caption] Born Vivienne Tanya Stephens on July 2, 1973 in Kingston, she was named, along with Lady Saw, another Reggae…
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Falling for YS Falls
My YS Falls adventure begins as soon as I board the tractor-drawn jitney that would take me from the main entrance of YS Estate, a 2,000-acre, privately owned stud farm, to the falls. [caption id="attachment_9098" align="aligncenter" width="618"] Falling for YS Falls[/caption] It's a leisurely 10-minute ride through lush vegetation that stretches as far as the eye can see. Pass logwood or bloodwood trees, which the estate used to export to Europe back when dyes couldn't be made without it, poinciana…
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Soulful Sundays: JC Lodge
Born June Carol Lodge in London, England in 1958 to a Jamaican father and British mother, JC Lodge was taken to Jamaica as a child. She's probably best known for her international hit, Telephone Love. [caption id="attachment_9090" align="aligncenter" width="416" caption="JC Lodge, image from the internet"][/caption] An accomplished artist and actress, Lodge recorded more than 12 albums. She returned to live in the UK in 2001.
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Crackling Pig Roast
Crackling Pig Roast. The words evoke images of celebration, of good times and cheer. So as my sister was reading the announcement in the local paper, I was making plans to be there. I was so intrigued by the idea of a pig roast and the menu that Chef Gari Ferguson had created that I almost showed up a week early! The Menu - Whole Smoked Crackling Roast Pig Green Papaya Slaw Pickled Red Onions Hard Dough Rolls with Honey…
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#TPThursday: A Colorful Jamaican House
As I travel around, I'm fascinated by some of the Jamaican houses I see. Styles change as the population changes so I'm not surprised to see European, Asian and African influences, and materials such as wattle and daub, brick, wood and zinc being used. Usually, based on the design and the materials, I can pinpoint the time period during which most were built. I'm still trying to figure out where on the design continuum this one falls. [caption id="attachment_9062" align="alignright"…
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