Jamaican in China!

Financing the Lifestyle

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:11:57 +0000

The reason I share with you the cost of airline tickets and other expenses is to show how relatively inexpensive it is to do what I’m doing. It costs $197 to fly from New York to Jamaica. $157 from Kingston to Miami, etc. I stay at hostels, couchsurfers, or with friends. While not for everyone, it’s a lifestyle that is within financial reach of many people. All you need is the freedom.

Yes, the freedom comes first–at least it did for me. I’d like to suggest to you that freedom is not dependent on money. Money provides options, sure, but freedom is something you can claim at any time depending on your level of courage, and freedom is something you can maintain as long as you wish, depending on your level of discipline.

Between the Sunday that I decided to quit my civil engineering job, and the Tuesday when I actually handed in my resignation letter, nothing changed as far as my financial status. I was still broke! What changed was my level of commitment to live my dream. That’s what made the difference.

It’s not all “perfect” yet. The tides of revenue ebb and flow. The pendulum of profitability swings back and forth. There were ups and downs, and there continue to be ups and downs. However, the freedom is still there. The freedom is still there because I have the discipline to weather the tides of outrageous fortune.

My journey has been chronicled and made into a step-by-step guid in the books I’ve written:

I quit my job even before I had my Ducks in a Row

I was therefore able to execute and develop a Turn Your Passion Into Profit philosophy and formula,

and set an example of what Living True To Your Self means, that others can follow.

So, when you share my adventures as the Jamaican in Wherever, know that anyone can do this. I’m just an bordinary guy who simply wanted freedom bad enough.

With that said, here are some scenes from the past few days of freedom hanging out with Heru, a friend and fellow rat race escapee and nomadpreneur on the island of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Heru takes me to THE coconut vendor on the road by First Car Rental, Wayne who also sells irish moss, coconut oil and other coconut-derived drinks and products

And special thanks to Wayne’s son, Eli (pronounced ALLI), who reminded his dad to make me a special batch of honey-sweetened “coconut moss” (irish moss seaweed and coconut water)!
.
.

It’s a four-cruise-ship day!
.
.

Ital Glory sidewalk cafe!
.
.

I am now officially addicted to Judy’s cooking! Clay pots, square dumplings and moringa juice $10 for a large plate with HUGE portions!
.
.

Health Food Store
.
.

Blurry shot inside health food store
.
.

Heru is “The Whole Body Consultant” on island and has a “Lunchtime at Livity” workshop at Natural Livity Kulcha Shop & Juice Bar every second Thursday of the month
.
.

Hanging with Al, Heru’s Tai Chi instructor
.
.

Heru also does two radio programs on WUVI 1090 AM, “Avenues of Healing” which airs Thursdays from 4-5:30pm Eastern Time, and “The Music & Culture Experience,” which airs Friday mornings 10:00am to 11:45. Stream live at: http://wuvi.am
.
.

Being interviewed. (on both programs)
.
.

A new friend on the University of Virgin Islands campus
.
.

Did I mention I’m a cat person?
.
.

View from the hills
.
.

Share this:

Why did the iguana cross the road?

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:33:42 +0000

Answer: population control.

One thing you’ll immediately notice upon driving around is that there are lots of iguanas on St. Thomas.
There might be one less iguana after this video….watch at your own risk.

Youtube
如果你是在中国，请点击此处

Shots from the movie:

.
.

.
.

.
.

.
.

.
.

.
.

.
.

“My Subaru car tire inspection can wait for another day!”

Whew! That was close!

Share this:

Jamaican in….

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:47:02 +0000

As a nomadpreneur, I typically only purchase one way tickets.

Once I discovered that my Jamaican pilot friend, Ron, was heading to Jamaica, and once we agreed to meet there and hang out together, I wasn’t sure exactly when I would depart the island, so I purchased a one way ticket from New York to Kingston. ($197 on Fly-Jamaica)

Once I landed in JA, and as the days progressed, I decided I would leave at the same time Ron would (May 7th), My post-Jamaica plan was to visit another Rat Race Escapee and nomadpreneur friend on the island of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

After doing a bit of research from back in New York, it seemed that I’d have to fly back to Fort Lauderdale on the US mainland and then take a flight through Puerto Rico on my way to St. Thomas. The arrival and departure times of the connecting flights weren’t working out conveniently, so it seemed that I might have to spend a night in Florida, and perhaps use that opportunity to visit a college friend.

Fortunately, however, while searching again in Jamaica, I found a flight from Kingston to Miami ($174.48 on American), and then a few days later, I found a direct flight from Miami to St. Thomas at a great price and purchased that ticket on April 27th. ($157.20 also on American). Woo hoo!

So, I left Jamaica on May 7th, (I booked myself on the same flight he had arranged months before), Ron headed back to Macau, and I did a little island-mainland-island hop:

Kingston to Miami and then to St. Thomas

Now, the ticket agent in Kingston had told me he wouldn’t be able to “tag” my bags such that they’d be routed all the way to St. Thomas because of the fact that I had made two separate reservations for the two-stage journey. He also told me that since I’d therefore have to re-check my bags in Miami, that I’d be charged the $25 domestic-flight baggage for my checked bag. (I, however, had no intention of paying this fee).

Once I landed in Miami, got through the huge immigration line, picked up my bag at the carousel, made my way through customs and then headed to the ticket counter, I explained my situation to the check in counter agent and she got her supervisor, Gina, to come over. I explained to Gina that my trip from Miami to St Thomas was all one international flight originating in Jamaica and not simply a single domestic flight, and therefore, requested that my baggage be treated according to the international flight baggage allowance. She agreed and waived the $25 charge. Woo hoo!

Sometimes all you have to do is ask. Thanks, Gina!

and, so, at 8:55pm on Tuesday, May 7, I landed

Nighttime on St. Thomas

….and am now the Jamaican in St. Thomas! (Um, not sure for how long. Only bought a one-way ticket)

Morning in Fortuna….The view from Heru’s place in the hills

The view

And, after being on island for 24 hours, my first question for everyone is:

Why did the iguana cross the road?

Stay tuned

Share this:

Jamaica wrap!

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:35:25 +0000

So much to share, so little time! For the eighteen days I spent in Jamaica, I accomplished quite a lot.
In addition to Milk River, Reach Falls, the Bob Marley Museum, there was….

A visit to the Green Grotto caves

Beneath the earth
.
.
.

Entertainment in Runaway Bay

Rafting on the Martha Brae River
I’d have to say that this was the high point of the whole trip!

Make sure you ask for Captain #45, Mr. Daley. He’ll treat you right! Take my photo along with you and tell him the Jamaican in China sent you!
.
.
.

Jamaican on the Martha Brae

.
.
.

Me and Mr. Daley

.
.
.
Time for me to take the wheel, so to speak

Youtube
如果你是在中国，请点击此处

.
.
.

Tourists from France…psst…ditch mom, and meet me at the mouth of the river!
.
.
.

Thanks, Mr. Daley! Great guy!

.
.
.

A visit to Rose Hall, the haunted “Great House”
.
.
.

Tour of Rose Hall

.
.
.

Shopping in the markets

.
.
.

Reconnecting with friends from the old neighborhood….

.
.
.

As well as with family….can you see the resemblance with Aunt and cousin?

.
.
.

I’d have to say, however, that the simple pleasure (or harrowing, hair-raising, adrenalin-pumping trauma, take your pick) of driving on the narrow winding roads through the mountains of Jamaica was one of the most satisfying activities! It’s sort of a rite of passage for anyone who calls Jamaica their home.

Driving
Here’s a video, with “It’s all coming back to me” by Celine Dion providing the soundtrack

Youtube
如果你是在中国，请点击此处

.
.
.

And, then, there’s eating locally-grown, tree-ripened, pesticide-free food (pumpkin, sweet potato, green banana, yam to accompany the callalloo picked an hour earlier from my Aunt’s back yard)

Last meal in JA

I’ll be sharing more photos and observations of life and my time in Jamaica, but, now it’s time to wrap it up and say goodbye…
Time to hit the skies once again….
This blog is about to become….

The Jamaican in……

(stay tuned!)

Share this:

“Only the best is good enough” A special visit to Pembroke Hall Primary School

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:45:28 +0000

In the little neighborhood of Pembroke Hall in Kingston, exists a little school called Pembroke Hall Primary.

My family left Jamaica and moved to the U.S. before I had the chance to attend high school. Pembroke Hall Primary, therefore, is where most of my great memories of attending school in Jamaica took place. (I also attended Old Harbour Primary for one year). This is where I met my first “best friend,” Andrew Walters. Here is where I had my first schoolboy crush on a girl named Gail Scott. Here is where I learned my “times tables.” Here is where I walked home from school with my friends and got chased by dogs. This was the first place I would visit once I started to return to the island during the summer breaks from my elementary schooling in New York. The list of names to whom I dedicated my books, Jamaican on Saipan, and Jamaican in China are the names of my Pembroke Hall Primary schoolmates. I’ve never forgotten them, and for some, I even remember their phone numbers! And so, it was with a feeling of great excitement and nostalgia that I visited for the first time in many years. Here are just a few of the shots from that visit.

The front gate

The sign says:
Parents
The following will not be permitted on the school compound:
Rollers in hair
Tight, short shorts
Tight, short dresses/skirts/merina
Uncovered stomach (back and armpit)
Please dress moderately

The school grounds

The water pipes! Everything is right where I left them…ahhhh, yes! No crowds now, but wait until lunch time!

“Excuse me, I’m a past student. Who is the principal of the school now?”

Meet Ms. Norma McNeil, the principal of Pembroke Hall Primary

Chatting about past students, what my teachers are doing now, and the auditorium project.

Ms. McNeil gives me a tour of the grounds and shows me the location of the hoped-for auditorium. In this video, Mrs. McNeil explains the need for funds to continue and complete the construction. There’ve been raffles and food sales to generate the money, but there is still a ways to go. I’ll be helping any way I can. Feel free to contact me if you’d like to help, too!

Youtube
点击这里，如果你在中国

Pembroke Hall represents the foundation of my education. As such, it is an integral part of the path I took from elementary and high school in the states, my engineering degree at Columbia, my path as an entrepreneur and writer, and ultimately, my freedom as a nomadpreneur! Thank you, Pembroke Hall Primary School!

The banner beneath the logo says: “Only the best is good enough!”

p.s.Ms. McNeil has asked me to visit again on Wednesday to give a short talk to the students. Stay tuned!

Share this:

What is there to do in Runaway Bay?

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:38:07 +0000

Run

Runaway Bay

Youtube
点击这里，如果你在中国

Runaway Bay

Share this:

“My home is in my head”–Bob

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:37:34 +0000

As a nomadpreneur, that quote from Bob (“My home is in my head.”) accurately describes how I feel, and is how I often respond when people ask me about concepts of “home.” It has special meaning given one of the spots I visited today.–Walt

DAY 5: Thursday, April 25, 2013
We decided we’d stay in Kingston to run some errands. First, Ron took his suitcase to a Fix-It shop to repair the in-flight damage incurred during his trip to JA!

at the Fixt It shop

Then, as Ron is a pilot, we went to the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority to take care of some of his business.

Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority

at the window of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority

Next stop: The Bob Marley Museum!

Pulling up to 56 Hope Road
Youtube: Click here
China: 如果你是在中国，请点击此处

56 Hope Road is the former home of Reggae legend and Jamaican hero, Robert Nesta Marley, known affectionately by Jamaicans simply as Bob. As I’ve said in a previous post, it is mandated by law that every Jamaican must utter the words “Bob did seh” (Bob said…”) in any conversation about life, politics, religion and any matter of cultural significance.

Bob Marley Museum front gate

Fulfilling the vision of Bob’s widow, Rita, the home has been converted into a museum paying tribute to Bob’s legacy and impact on the music industry, the struggles of freedom fighters the world over, and the status of Jamaica and Jamaicans throughout the world.

A sign inside the compound

The Garden at the Gate

We did the hour tour of the premises and house ($500J = $5US) The tourist rate is higher!)

Ms. Rowe at the ticket booth.

Posing at the statue while waiting for the tour to begin–Bob Marley Museum

Natasha begins our tour

Tour of the grounds

Natasha shares facts and figures and interesting trivia of Bob’s life

Step to it, people! We’re going inside!

There’s no taking of photos allowed during the tour of the house, but we got to see photos, artifacts, clothing, furniture, memorabilia and more details chronicling Bob’s music, career and honors.Great stuff!
You’ll have to experience it for yourself!

Me and Natty Queen

After the tour, Natasha and I posed on the very steps Bob Marley would sit and reason with his bredrin!
Coool!

Completing my visitor survey at the Bob Marley Museum

Next stop: food!
On the way to New Leaf Restaurant (found through Happycow.net) we stopped at a juice bar and picked up a papaya, pineapple and guava juice.

Now then. For my friends who’ve suggested I smile more in my photos. I’m sure you’re not aware of this, but The “How to be Jamaican Cool” manual explicitly prohibits “crap eating grins” and big toothy smiles in photos of men. But, I’m going to do something totally out of character. Here are some photos with smiles for anyone who requested them.–W (These were captured by Ron when I didn’t know the camera was rolling; a clear and flagrant violation of HTBJC Rule #476, but I’m willing to break the rules just this once for you.)

Smile! You’re on Candid Camera!

The Joy of Juicing!

Then headed to New Leaf Restaurant

New Leaf Restaurant!

Finally! A meal!

the star of the show: Veggie stir fry with curry sauce and brown rice

Share this:

Jamaicans in Reach Falls

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:36:53 +0000

Wed, April 24, 2013
This time we’re heading east! I figure we should have some nice views of the ocean driving along the south coast and then up towards the north coast. Our destination: Port Antonio!
See the route (in red) along the coastline

Kingston to Port Antonio along the coast

Sure enough, the views were spectacular!

Youtube video
China viewers
如果你是在中国，点击此处查看视频

and then a little inland while still in St Thomas…

Hills of St Thomas

Then, back along the coast through Portland.

On the way there, we saw a sign.

“Hey, look! Reach Falls is that way!” Ron exclaimed.

“Cool! Let’s go!” Walt replied.

And that’s how we ended up at Reach Falls.

Reach Falls, Jamaica

Reach Falls

Reach Falls, Jamaica

Ron likes immersion

Ron

I prefer just sitting in the sun

Reach Falls

Ron

After Reach Falls, we continued north through (5)PORTLAND, took a quick look at the famous Blue Lagoon, and eventually reached Port Antonio, where we checked out the Errol Flynn Marina

Then, we hit (6) ST MARY, Headed further along Buff Bay and Annoto Bay,

Welcome to Anotto Bay

Sunset in St. Mary

…then south back into St. Andrew by nightfall

Night falls on St. Andrew

Nightfall in St. Andrew

Ron got some Jerk Chicken while we were in Port Antonio. Meanwhile, by the time we got back to Kingston, it was too late for me to eat, so I picked up a bag of banana chips at a supermarket, and called it a night. No worries. I’ll definitely eat a meal tomorrow.

You know what? Maybe tomorrow I’ll visit the Bob Marley Museum….hmmmm..

Share this:

Jamaican in Milk River

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:48:02 +0000

JAMAICA
This is Jamaica.

Where is Jamaica?

It’s 90 miles south of Cuba, which is 90 miles south of Florida. It takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to fly from JFK airport to Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport.

Here’s a closer look.

Fount online: a map from when Exxon was Esso

And even closer….
I am here:

Kingston

….in Kingston. Jamaica has 14 parishes. The 14 parishes are Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, St Thomas and as often happens, I’ve only visited about three of the 14 parishes while growing up here.

THE PLAN

So, here’s the plan. The goal on this long-overdue trip is to visit all of Jamaica’s 14 parishes during the 18 days we’re here! For that, we’ll need a car of our own!

DAY 1 RECAP: Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Picking up the rental from a family friend in Kingston

On the first day, after much careful cogitation, we decided our plan would be to “head west!” So, we gassed up the car with $1,000 of unleaded. Gas in JA is currently about $120J per litre.

Gas prices in Jamaica. $119.70J per litre

…and we drove from (1)ST. ANDREW, into (2)ST. CATHERINE (where we passed through Spanish Town, Old Harbor, May pen), and then, as we passed into (3)CLARENDON, we saw a sign.

“Hey, look! That sign says ‘Milk River Hotel & Spa’ is that way!” Ron exclaimed.

>”Cool! Let’s go!” Walt replied.

And that’s the story of how we ended up at the world famous Milk River Hotel & Spa!

(Well, there’s also the part of the story where we almost run out of gas in the middle of nowhere with not a gas station within immediate sight or recent memory, and having school guard, Sherlene Campbell, help us out, but, um, I’ll leave that part out for another episode!)

Milk River Spa in Clarendon

Milk River is a hot spring over which a spa has been built. The spring’s water is captured and flows unfiltere and untreated continuously into tile baths. It’s reputed to have tremendous therapeutic effects. We opted to get our own separate rooms to enjoy a 15 minute immersion in the healing waters. ($400J)

The water from the spring flows continuously through these bath houses.

15 minute bath in the mineral springs of Milk River

After the bath, the security guard showed us where the spring flows out from the spa into the river

Where the spring meets the river

…and was nice enough to take us to another open spring nearby. Local residents catch the water for home use, including drinking. (But drink too much and it will “operate” you! In other words, you’ll be running to the bathroom for a bit!)

Click to view on Youtube
China viewers: Click here

catching the therapeutic waters at Milk River

We left Milk River at exactly 4pm, headed back to Kingston on Jamaica’s new highway, and made the 145km trip back in an hour and a half.

super highway in Jamaica from Mandeville to Kingston

Ron got a pattie while we were gassing up the car in Milk River. However, by the time we got back home, it was too late in the day for me to eat. No worries. I’ll just grab a meal tomorrow.

Share this:

Next on the list…

Walt F.J. Goodridge — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:07:36 +0000

After my coconut water respite, it’s time to resume the arduous task of finding specific fruits and vegetables I haven’t had since 1997 and before. Actually, one of the things that endeared Saipan to me is that fact that I discovered sweetsop, soursop, nesberry, breafruit and practically all the fruits I knew and loved from my childhood in Jamaica. However, there are certain fruits I haven’t found in my travels through, specifically ackee and June plums.

There’s also something magically restorative, rejuvenative and, perhaps even vital about eating the food grown in the soil and sun from whence this physical form was formed, fashioned and first fed. With that in min, next stop: MegaMart to pick up some nesberries, June plums and mangos!

Now, normally, I would get my fruits from street vendors and open markets. However, it’s Sunday in Jamaica, and vendors are not out on the streets. Many stores are closed, and the few that have opened will close by about 4 or 5pm. (For your information, just a generation ago, by cultural consensus, one simply could not purchase–and wouldn’t even dare to ask for–certain items in the stores that chose to serve the public on Sundays. If you wanted kerosine oil for your lamp, for instance, you simply had to wait for a business day to make such a purchase–so my mother tells me.)

Finding June plums in Jamaica

DAY 2: Monday, April 22, 2013

The next day, we went exploring through Kingston to run some errands and to locate some health food spots I found on HappyCow.net. So, it’s off to the wild and wonderful streets of Kingston!

Now, at the risk of dating myself, the last time I drove a right-hand drive car in Jamaica–where we drive on the left side of the street, by the way–The Right Honorable Edward Seaga was Prime Minister (JaminChina JA to US political reference translator: “Ronald Reagan was President!”)

Running errands in JA

Revenue Service Centre on Constant Spring Road

Every payment to the government gets done here. Driver licenses, tax payments, you name it.

On line Inside the Revenue Service Centre, Kingston

While driving, Ron spotted a “Natural Health” sign, and we made note to check it out. It was the perfect first stop on my continuing global quest for vegan-friendly destinations!
There were no health food stores like this last time I was in JA! Supplements, apple cider vinegar, health bars, wheat-free snacks and much more!

Natural Health Whole Foods Store in Kingston Jamaica

Natural Health has two locations in Kingston. One at 134 Constant Spring Road and another in Orchid Village Plaza.

The shelves and shoppers at Natural Health Whole Foods Store in Kingston Jamaica

As mentioned, we just chanced upon it while driving, since it wasn’t featured on HappyCow.net, so I told store owner, Marie Chen, about HappyCow, and she promised to get the store listed (it’s free, and I’m sure it will be good for business from other health-conscious tourists and nomads!)

Marie and me at Natural Health, Kingston Jamaica

Next stop was a raw food spot Marie told us about. It’s called “Mi Hungry.” Got some fresh tamarind juice and, since it was early in the day, I’ll have to return another time to sample the menu!

Mi Hungry

Here is an article about the store in the Jamaica Observer

Mi Hungry is located in The Marketplace at 67 Constant Spring Road. There are also many other restaurants for carnivores as well! So, while Mi Hungry boasts “No water, no fire,” another nearby restaurant boasts “caressed in smoke, wrapped in fire” or words to that effect.

dining tables at the Marketplace, Constant Spring Rodad, Kingston Jamaica

Next, was Earl’s Juice Garden on Haining Road in New Kingston. I was actually looking for Livity, which I’m told (and saw for myself) is closed down. Got some cucumber and callaloo juice! Good stuff for $300J or $3US. (The US-JA exchange rate is just under $100J for each $1US)

Earl’s Juice Garden, Kingston Jamaica

Next, was a trip down memory lane to visit where I grew up. It’s called Hughenden Housing Scheme. The roads in this neighborhood, built during the late 1950s, have an Olympic game theme.

Hughenden Housing Scheme Kingston

There’s Relay Road, Bronze road, Silver, Gold Road, and I grew up here…

Marathon Drive in Hughenden

in this house on Marathon Drive….The roads looked much wider when I was younger!

Then, wrapped up the day with a view of Kingston from the hills in Cherry Gardens!

Me and the puppy

Kingston landscape

Feel free to make any special requests if there’s any place you’d like to take a vicarious adventure!

Share this: