Day 1: Detox in Paradise

We woke up and looked out the door. I knew that we were by the ocean but you couldn’t see it. But there it was, the waves crashing against the shore. The blue pool sitting right in front of it, the Westerly Wind just dusting your face, it was real; I was in the Jamaica. More about where I am- Taino Cove is a resort that sits on the ocean in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Our host, Winnie Hylton is a wonderfully delightful woman who (after further conversation later) spent her life in the States and retired back to Jamaica in 2003. She opens Taino Cove to a guests year round but especially during the holiday months.

We have all agreed, it is some of the most wonderful sleep we have ever had. Soft and plush- maybe the Caribbean water soothes the cotton better (totally just made that up).

It is our free day so we rolled out of bed and to a wonderful breakfast. Fresh Julie Mango, toast with mango jam and jelly, banana, mango juice, and watermelon.

Breakfast: Mango, Watermelon, Toast

I was particularly excited to swim in the ocean again, especially after last summer in Scituate with Clare. This water was like wading in bath water. We ran out and construction workers next to us yelled to go down further on the shore. And five minutes later we found a natural pool. Don’t have picture yet, but it basically is surrounded by rock and makes it like a pool. Peaceful and warm, we were in love.

We broke for lunch at a restaurant called Jack Sprat’s. I know Michelle is reading this- we walked. It sucked. But, we walked along the beach and then up a path. Before we banked on the path, we walked across these boats tied to shore by line. I swear I have only seen things like that on puzzles.

Me and Laura! 

The Caribbean Sea 

The Santa Cruz Mountains

 A mile and a couple gallons of sweat later, we arrived at Jack Sprat’s.

All the outdoor seating had trees coming out of the them.

The view from the restaurant. 

 I was really overwhelmed from the walk and the menu was an entrée that could be curried, jerked, garlic, grilled, stewed, or escvitche (sp?). Thanks to Brooke (Thanks Brooke!) I downloaded a handy dandy currency convertor for Jamaican to USD. I started converting prices on the menu and realized IT WAS SO EXPENSIVE!!! I only took out 303.65 USD which translates to roughly 22,000 JD. But I told myself, that I saved up money, I have enough. We recalled that we are in the tourist area from our Jamaican class back at GVSU and the locals cater to tourists. Local businesses survive off of foreign revenue and people are probably are ready to pay whatever to eat.

Rachel not liking me taking the picture. 

I decided that I was ready for seafood in Jamaica. What to get???? The shrimp was too expensive for my first meal so I settled on curried Kingfish (Mom you would LOVE it!). A thick white fish steak with a yellow curry with vegetables. I got mine with Festival which we as a group have grown to absolutely love. It is like cornbread but is fried. Unlike in the Woodson household, it is not made with butter and can virtually tasteless but cornmeal. But dipped in curry in a little piece of the fish was…divine. I tried so hard to finish the entire thing, feeling guilty that I was going to waste any.

Lunch: Festival, Kingfish (curried), and cabbage salad

Coffee and Praline Ice Cream 

I sipped a Pina Colada (my throat was on fire) and then Rachel and I discovered the ice cream. Our faculty member Michelle suggested the Stout ice cream but they had a few that I knew I wanted. And then I saw it: the coffee ice cream. Rachel and I both agreed that we would not come to Jamaica and pass up coffee ice cream. A scoop of coffee and a scoop of the pralines and cream and I (and Rachel were in heaven).

Dinner: Pork, festival, fried chicken, carrots 

I napped after lunch and woke up to get ready for dinner. We boarded the bus to go to Dawn’s Smurf Bar. I can only equate it to your aunt cooking and serving you outside picnic style. I will only say it once- the jerked pork. OMG, succulent delicious. I don’t even remember the rest of the meal. I remember the pork.

Now remember, I am on study abroad, not vacation. And being with my graduate cohort, it really creates a deeper meaning and a deeper bonding. Last night, Ryan, Rachel. Dexter, Emily, and I just sat around getting to know eachother. 

The Holt Grads! 

Rachel showing us her sit ups! 

Our ups and downs, fears and joys, and it has been a long time since I have gotten in touch with people like that. We bonded and we understand each other a little bit more.

Day 1 – we detoxed, lovely day here in on the island.