I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a carrot like this one. When I looked at it, I saw a woman dressed in a bathing suit lying on her side on the beach. She wore dark sun glasses and a broad floppy hat and had her legs crossed seductively as if waiting for that someone. Then I knew: it looked like one of those 1950s pinup girls, you know the one that GIs used to hang on their walls. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to take a photo. I wanted to have a clear and lasting memory of it and used all the others in the bag I had bought before carefully and gently scraping the skin off to use it.
I was out walking one morning and heard this song as a car cruised by. Right away, it took me back to a time of simplicity and innocence. It was planted in my head and I hummed it all day.
I wasn’t old enough to dance to it but I’m sure the adults around me did. The song is a Prince Buster number called Wash, Wash. I’m including two versions: the live one, which looks to be from a night club performance and it shows how Jamaicans were dancing at the time. On the recorded version, you hear the pops and hisses in the music, something I miss when I play CDs.
Prince Buster, image from the Internet
Anyway, a little about Wash, Wash. Although we had radio in Jamaica from the 1930s, it was controlled by foreign interests and much of the music we heard came from overseas. Music of the 50s and 60s, still relied heavily on R&B and other music coming from the US and musicians covered and borrowed freely from what they heard. Wash, Wash was one such song. Written by Beasley Smith, it was covered by Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles and several others, including today’s featured performer, Prince Buster.
Prince Buster was born Cecil Bustamante Campbell in Jamaica in May, 1938. He took the name he was called as an amateur boxer, “The Prince” and combined it with his nickname, Buster (from Bustamante) for his stage name. Prince Buster began singing in night clubs around Kingston in 1956 and was hired eventually by well known Jamaican record producer, Clement “Coxsone” Dodd as security for his sound system. Prince Buster, the amateur boxer, was the perfect person Dodd needed for crowd control at his sound system parties, which sometimes got a little rowdy.
What’s a sound system, you ask? Well, it’s truck that would carry giant speakers and a turntable and stop in a particular community and play music. The music drew people who came out and danced in the streets but sound system owners knew they had to keep them entertained so they hired “toasters,” usually men who could “toast” or rev up the crowd by reinterpreting the lyrics of a song to fit a situation he’d toast about, calling out to dancers, etc. The more skillful the toaster, the bigger the crowd, the bigger the party, the bigger the following the sound system would eventually develop. Different sound systems had their own “sound” and following. Think of it as today’s social media – MySpace for offline contact. Every so often, I still see giant speakers piled one atop the other in communities across Jamaica.
Prince Buster produced Oh Carolina by The Folkes Brothers in 1960 which featured Rasta drummer, Count Ossie. It was a landmark in Jamaican music history as it was the first time anyone had included African elements in the music. Oh Carolina was a hit in Jamaica and the UK and put Prince Buster on the musical map. Throughout the 1960s he wrote and produced hundreds of songs for the UK label, Blue Beat, that produced Jamaican rhythm and blues and ska.
Prince Buster recorded more than 20 albums and was awarded an Order of Distinction for his contribution to music. He now makes his home in Florida.
Seaford Town is probably the best known of the German settlements in Jamaica. Nestled in the Montpelier Mountains on western end of the island, Seaford Town is a small community that, in 1835, welcomed approximately 300 German nationals.
Sacred Heart Church, Seaford Town
There are at least two versions of the story of how they came. By one account, the planters, who were outnumbered by the slaves, feared for their own safety following the 1831 Christmas Rebellion. The presence of armed men, they felt, would deter future revolts so they looked for men who would have been trained and would have had weapons. Since German men were required to serve in the military and were equipped with rifles, they became the logical choice.
Another account is that the Jamaican Assembly appointed a Prussian, William Lemonius, to recruit “bountied” European immigrants to establish settlements in the island’s interior. Their presence, it was felt, would encourage the ex-slaves (slavery was abolished in 1834) to work harder. They were promised housing and a salary, which would be paid weekly until their crops began to grow. They would also be given title to their lots.
Sacred Heart Church, Seaford Town
Upon arrival from Bremen in December, 1835, they had to build their own homes, were expected to work long hours and exist on very meager rations cornmeal, flour, lard, beef and saltfish. Within a few years after they arrived, several died. In time, they learned how to grow bananas, ginger, cocoa, cassava and coffee.
Descendants of those Germans who came to Jamaica in the 19th century and earlier can be found in St. Ann, St. Mary and Trelawny but of all the communities, Seaford Town has the strongest retentions. Other evidence of the German connection can be found in place names such as Manhertz Gap, Bremen Valley, Hessen Castle, Mount Holstein and Charlottenburg, among others.
Sacred Heart Church, Seaford Town
Seaford Town is located about 25 miles from Montego Bay. A small museum containing artifacts, photographs and other documents can be found there as well as the Roman Catholic church, the first church built in Seaford Town. Entrance Fee: J$500, roughly US$6.00.
This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website.
When I climbed Dunn’s River Falls several years ago, water shoes were optional. Back then, climbers locked hands with each other, formed a human chain and scrambled up the falls, one step at a time.
Climbing Dunn's River Falls
Now guides lead daisy-chained groups of climbers and water shoes are strongly recommended. But that hasn’t dampened the fun. The Falls are easily navigated. Missing your footing and falling into one of the many plunge pools on the terraced steps or having water cascade over your body, especially on a hot day, is part of the fun.
Climbing Dunn's River Falls
The guides cheer you on, point out best places to walk, take your photo, and even hold your glasses or any item you don’t want to have fall into the water. The climb takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the group you’re with.
Climbing Dunn's River Falls
Called Las Chorreras by the Spanish, Dunn’s River Falls is located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. From the beach below, where it empties out into the Caribbean Sea, to the top, is approximately 600 feet.
Dunn’s River Falls was featured in Dr. No. It was the location where Ursula Andress emerged from the sea.
Climbing Dunn's River Falls
Hours: Daily from 8:30 – 4:00 p.m., from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on cruise ships days.
Cost: US$20 (Adults), US$12 (Children); water shoe rental is extra.
What to wear: Bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, etc., anything that won’t sag or separate when you’re in the water and water shoes.
Guides have cameras and will gladly take your photo for a fee, so leave your camera with a friend or at the hotel. If you decide not to go into the water, you can watch the climb from the look out area.
One of the guides I spoke with said the best time to visit is right after it opens as the water is very clear and you have a better view of the rocks below. I thought it was still clear when we went – around midday – but he said it was even clearer early in the day.
After you’ve climbed the falls, you can relax in the park, take a swim or a stroll of the gardens. And if you’re looking for a place to tie the knot, Dunn’s River Falls is the perfect spot.
In New York City, contrasts between old and new buildings are everywhere. I used to walk by these two almost daily and see but not see them until I started taking my camera with me.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Contrast
This wasn’t the shot I aimed for but I like what I ended up with.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Contrast
The contrast of the colors caught my attention. Individually, each flower is striking; together, they are a knockout. I just wish I knew their names.
Byron Lee, founder of the group Byron Lee and the Dragonaires passed away in 2008 but his band, originally Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, renamed Byron Lee’s Dragonaires, continues to entertain. The band has more than 30 albums to their credit.
Byron Lee, photo from the Internet
“From my mother, who was of African descent, I received the soul, rhythm and love of music and from my father, who was Chinese, I received my shrewd business sense.” Byron Lee
In the 1950s, Lee started playing music with Carl Brady, Ronnie Nasralla, Alty East and Ronald Peralto. They used a door, box for drums, spoons, grater (the kitchen implement, used in mento, traditional Jamaican music) for percussion and Lee’s antique guitar. Their first gig was at St. George’s College from which they had graduated. They continued playing parties, weddings and school dances until 1957 when they turned professional.
Lee was a both a musician and a businessman, and from the start presented a band that was well dressed, took minimum breaks, played good music and gave its audiences their money’s worth.
Byron Lee and the Dragonaires became one of the best ska bands of the 1960. In 1961, they were cast as a hotel band in James Bond’s Dr. No that was filmed in Jamaica and in 1964, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires represented Jamaica at the New York World’s Fair.
In 1965, Lee who was also known as the Dragon, began incorporating calypso in the band’s repertoire and touring Trinidad & Tobago and other islands. They performed for the first time in Trinidad’s annual carnival in 1974. In the 1970s, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires were better known in the rest of the Caribbean, which played largely calypso music, than they were in Jamaica, where reggae dominated the airwaves.
In 1990, thanks to Lee’s efforts, Jamaica had its first carnival.
“This is a dream I have nurtured for years and the right time is now. I wouldn’t be a Jamaican if I didn’t try to bring to my country, some of that happiness I see Carnival brings to other people.”
Byron Lee lives on in the music of his band, Byron Lee’s Dragonaires.
Of all the places I’d like to visit, Thailand’s combination of diverse landscapes and wildlife is a definite must-see….here’s why!
For anyone who is fascinated by nature – and as more and more of the world’s population urbanise, it’s important not to leave the greenery behind! – certain world destinations will always hold a special appeal.
For me, Thailand is one such place whose tropical climate and diverse wildlife and vegetation has always appealed to me. I think it’s a trip of a lifetime sort of thing, and though I search for Thailand flights quite frequently (DialAFlight are a good option), I always hold myself back from clicking through.
I think it’s about quality not quantity, and I want to get it right. Still, here are a few things that I’ve been dreaming of: bird watching, waterfalls, national parks, wild cats, undiscovered beaches. Thailand has 48 national parks – a huge number for a country its size – and these span the length and breadth of the country.
Khao Yai National Park (pictured) is the country’s oldest and I would say the most appealing, not least because it is possible to arrange responsible accommodation within the park itself. It’s also reputed to be one of the world’s most rewarding and lush conservation sites, with 67 mammal species and 3,000 species of plants.
Khao Yai National Park by whitecat sg on flickr
It’s pretty easy to get to from Bangkok, so you can immediately escape the city. On my wishlist at the park: the Heo Suwat waterfall, spotting an Asiatic black bear (and an Asiatic elephant!), trekking in the denser rainforest, trailing tigers; running around after the numerous junglefowl – of which there are over 300 species in the park.
I’d also like to visit the Phetra National Park which encompasses a group of islands across the south west coast. This is a great chance to do some snorkeling and non-harmful diving, making the most of the country’s good weather and clear waters.
As a region which has been burnt by irresponsible tourism and growth in the past, it’s particularly important to respect the preserved and delicate sites that Thailand has within its borders.
Prince Henry of Wales, popularly known as Prince Harry, arrived in Jamaica yesterday for a four-day visit, part of the international celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II, his grandmother’s Diamond Jubilee.
Prince Harry in Jamaica, inspecting JDF soldiers, photo from the Jamaica Observer
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned queen on June 2, 1953. She is the queen regnant of Jamaica and several other Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and Malta.
This year is also significant for Jamaica as she celebrates 50 years of independence from Britain.
When I heard about Prince Harry’s, I couldn’t help thinking about the statements made by our new Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller. At her inauguration in January, the prime minister is quoted as saying that her administration would be moving to replace the Queen as Jamaica’s head of state in order to “take full charge of our destiny.” The prime minister’s follow-up comment sounded hollow and downright condescending.
““It is not about getting rid of the Queen. Who can get rid of the Queen? I admire the Queen. I am fond of her, she is a wonderful lady, a beautiful lady. I had the pleasure on one of her visits to Jamaica to be sitting there. She was such a warm beautiful person. But, in terms of our history, we have some things to do.”
Yeah, like fixing our roads, attracting investors, create jobs, control crime, corruption, mismanagement, put our schools back on track, etc., etc., etc. The list of things we have to do is as long as my arm. Removing the Queen as head of state doesn’t merit a footnote. That does not affect our quality of life.
As some of you who’ve been reading my blog know, I’m not a fan of the monarchy. But really, Sista P?
Our politicians just don’t get it and they don’t seem to want to. As far as I’m concerned, they all need to be put on a leaky boat without food and water. They are a pox on the country.
To be fair, the visit was more than likely planned well in advance by the previous administration and the current one wouldn’t have had time to change it. Nevertheless, I’m still scratching my head over the PM’s comments.
The $3 million visit will take Prince Harry to Falmouth (Trelawny) and Montego Bay as well as the customary visits to hospitals – the Bustamante Hospital for Children and the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Also included in his itinerary is a visit to the Usain Bolt Track at the University of the West Indies where it was reported this morning that he beat the track star in a 20m dash.
Prince Harry, who also visited Belize and the Bahamas, leaves Jamaica on March 8th, his last stop on his tour of Caribbean Commonwealth countries. This was also his first visit to the Caribbean.
Freddie McGregor, aka Big Ship, is one of those reggae musicians who, although he’s been in the business since the 1960s, has remained relevant. Whether its ska, lovers rock, reggae, Roots reggae, dancehall or dub, Freddie’s done it. This versatility and his solid showmanship have earned him a loyal following both in Jamaica and internationally.
Freddie McGregor, photo from the Internet
Freddie McGregor was born in Clarendon in June, 1956. In 1963, he and two other musicians formed the group known as The Clarendonians and recorded for Studio One, one of Jamaica’s best known labels. His popularity soared in the 1980 when he released a string of hits. He also started his own label, Big Ship, and later Big Ship Recording Studio, where he produced several reggae artists.
Freddie McGregor has over thirty albums to his credit and was nominated for a Grammy in 2003 for All For You.
Take a listen to I Was Born a Winner, one of my favorites, and Big Ship. Trying to find out who did keyboards on I Was Born a Winner. If you know, please tell me.
Freddie & Me
I’ve seen Freddie in concert a handful of times in Jamaica and the U.S. The last time, I found myself near the entrance to the stage and when he finished his performance, I did something I never would have done even ten years ago — I went over, greeted him and asked to take my photo with him. He was very gracious and agreed. I got my photo and felt like a teenager and a groupie. But it was fun! Since then, I’ve not felt the least bit shy about introducing myself to musicians or getting them to sign my CDs when I see them at performances. Other than that, I leave them alone — it’s their private time.
Anyway, hope you enjoy these selections from Freddie as much as I do.
Falmouth, Trelawny, has the largest collection of intact Georgian buildings in the Caribbean. Several have been restored by the Falmouth Heritage Renewal.
On a recent visit, I took photos of some of these beautiful, old buildings.
Falmouth Baptist Manse, now home of Falmouth Heritage Renewal
Built in 1798 for the Athol Union Masonic Lodge of the Scottish Constitution, it was the first masonic temple in Jamaica. In 1834, it was sold to the Baptist Missionary because of debts incurred during its construction.
It is believed that the Baptist Missionary and Abolitionist, William Knibb (1803-45) lived here in the 1830s with his family. Much later (1951-75), the Manse became the William Knibb High School. It was restored recently by the William Knibb Trust and is now home to Falmouth Heritage Renewal.
St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Falmouth
The Falmouth Parish Church of St. Peter the Apostle, was built circa 1796 on land that was given by Edward Barrett of Cinnamon Hill. As I wrote in a previous post, the Barretts were wealthy sugar family who owned 84,000 acres stretching from Montego Bay to Falmouth.
St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Falmouth
Stained glass above the altar.
St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Falmouth
A few yards from the church is a small cemetery with headstones dating to the 1700s. One of the members told us that there are also graves beneath the church — I wasn’t interested in seeing whether it was true. As we walked around we couldn’t miss this goat. He was sitting under the shade of a nearby tree, looking as if he belonged.
The Falmouth Heritage Renewal offers walking tours of Falmouth Heritage District from Mondays to Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The tours start at the Baptist Manse, 9 Market Street, and last about 75 minutes. There is no charge, however, donations are welcomed.
This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website.
