Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

[Soul Hunter]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

Originally posted by Seveen:
[qb]

Originally posted by Soul Hunter:
[qb]
Laurel and Seveen, a who unnu a chat? Tell me no? A no often mi find anybody interested inna mi u no! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]ray: [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] [/qb]

You thought about her every step of the way ! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [/qb]

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] that obvious on my part, huh? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[grandma2]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

oh (((Wahalla))) [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70365-flirt.gif[/img] you make mi hart sing to

sorry SH mi a hail up a few, your report is just great thanks

(((Vi))) wah yu a chat it tek yu 3 monts fi dun fi yu....kissteet

[Soul Hunter]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

no i never can understand it,
the way the system plan
but there’s no hope, no chance,
no loophole, no escape for a sufferer man

Beresford Hammond - Putting up a Resistance

Day 8:

I awaken to the sharp and cruel realization that my days on the island are numbered. Hard to believe it has been over a week since I arrived. I step out of my room and find Mom the executioner at work. She’s arranged with a friend for a guy to come by the house and spray for insects and lizards. We had already purchased the pesticide, so this guy was here primarily to mix the stuff with water and spray around and inside the house. I raise my objection again, reasoning that 1) lizards will find a way to get into the house, regardless of how much she sprays, and 2) they are the reason the mosquito population is so low in the house. Jamaica has some serious mosquitoes and we hardly get any in the house. Unfortunately my attempts are to no avail. The guy mixes the stuff and sprays the place down.

Whatever this stuff is, I am almost positive it isn’t EPA approved! This stuff is a lizard’s worst nightmare. Within minutes of spraying an area, the poor things are falling from the eaves stone dead.

The guy has no use for me, so I’m left to walking around the house a act like seh mi a big supervisor. About the only thing I supervise is the taking of two additional shots around Mom’s house. While I’m on the subject, can anyone tell me what the plant in the first pic is?





The guy eventually takes a break and picks about 10 coconuts for Moms. We now have this huge jug of coconut water in the refrigerator, which is lovely for me. I swear I could live on bun and cheese and coconut water!

While son is spraying the place down, we venture into town to rent some chairs and tables for the party. Within a matter of minutes I spot a fourth daredevil in action as he runs and makes a blind jump into a stack of chairs. He spots the camera, I ask him if he wants me to take a pic, and he nods eagerly.

[Soul Hunter]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

We cash out some dough, stop by a “Cooyah” store on the way out (more on Cooyah tomorrow), and purchase a few t-shirts. I promise the beautiful young lady helping us that I’ll be back tomorrow to buy a few more, and we head home.

Shortly after arriving at the house, Mom receives a call from one very irate friend, who basically blasts her as being unreasonable for paying the guy $1k for a days work. Mom tells her to calm down (Moms is like David Banner – you don’t want to see her angry…) and basically replays the earlier conversation with the guy. It seems he wasn’t fine with the $1k after all, and promptly complained when Mom’s friend arrived home that evening. When Mom asks what should she have paid the guy, the friend comes back with $3k and Moms almost hits the fan.

Now I pause her to give you my take on how money works in Jamaica. $3k in Jamaica is about $50 U.S., give or take a few dollars. Frankly the guy would have been paid about that for the work he did, had he been in the U.S. Perhaps he might even have gotten a bit more. I’m not in the business of calling on the bug people, so I’m fuzzy on the going rates. But let’s assume, arguendo, that $50 would have been fair game in the U.S.

The problem is that the Jamaican economy and the American economy, where the price of labor is concerned, aren’t playing in the same field. While I still figure things on the U.S. scale when I’m in Jamaica – that is, if I think a t-shirt selling for $1200 in Jamaica would be worth $20 in America, I consider it a fair bargain. Mama gets in my ear for doing this in Jamaica. As she puts it, just because it’s a fair deal in America for $50, doesn’t mean it’s a fair deal in Jamaica for $50. Does that make sense? Let me try another example. The average townhouse in the DC Metro area probably sells for about $400k. A townhouse of the same size in Tallahassee, Florida would probably sell for $120k. I wouldn’t pay $400k for that house in Tallahassee, despite the fact that around here that would be the norm.

So labor that would cost $50 in America is probably really worth about $25 in Jamaica as far as Mama is concerned, and she goes off on Mom and me when we fail to make the distinction. Mom, however, has begun to understand this concept.

A few nights ago, maybe even last night, I got through relating that the going minimum wage in Jamaica is $2400. So in one day, my man has covered almost 50% of a weeks wages (which he’ll probably receive from his normal employer, minus today’s work). So when Mom hears $3k, she almost torpedoes her friend through the phone. It’s really not until she explains the way the conversation went down that her friend says “well then this is his fault…he should have told you how much he expected to get.” They end the conversation amicably, but Mom feels terrible about the whole thing, and I suspect he’ll probably get at least another $500 for his efforts today. Again, in America $50 would probably have been fair, but apparently in Jamaica, this isn’t a $3k job.

[Soul Hunter]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

The day winds down without further incident. Mom and I somehow end up in a conversation about the hibiscus plants. Did you know (I certainly didn't) that you can boil the flowers and make hot tea or a cold drink? I also found out from Moms that ackee grows in Haiti, but apparently the majority of Haitians don't know how to cook it. I remember seeing a lot of breadfruit in Haiti when I last visited, but I didn't realize that our national fruit grew there also, until I did some research.

Turns out that ackee, imported to Jamaica from West Africa on slave ships, was unknown to science until Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame) brought plants from Jamaica back to England. While the plant has been introduced into most of the other Caribbean islands, Jamaica is the only place where the fruit is generally recognized as an edible crop. With that bit of history, I retire for the night to the sweet sounds of Beres on the tele...

[Vi]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

Originally posted by grandma2:
[qb] (((Vi))) wah yu a chat it tek yu 3 monts fi dun fi yu....kissteet [/qb]

that's true [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70361-embarassed.gif[/img] , but Grandma...mi a wan dis report to tek 3 monts!!! Mi noh complan.

btw...chek u pm, mi dear one. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[hannahcommunications]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

Hi SH...my mother sends her thanks. She really hasn't had much interest in reading reports, I've given her highlights in the past and she's been ok with that. This time round I printed your report and for the first time she's hooked. I'm off this week with the kids for Spring Break, and she called me early this morning looking for the "next chapter". The market, your grandmother "Mama", the lizards, and Ochii--she shares your perspectives on all these truly Jamaica experiences. Thank you again!

[Lil' sis]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

Originally posted by Soul Hunter:
[qb] The day winds down without further incident. Mom and I somehow end up in a conversation about the hibiscus plants. Did you know (I certainly didn't) that you can boil the flowers and make hot tea or a cold drink? I also found out from Moms that ackee grows in Haiti, but apparently the majority of Haitians don't know how to cook it. I remember seeing a lot of breadfruit in Haiti when I last visited, but I didn't realize that our national fruit grew there also, until I did some research.

Turns out that ackee, imported to Jamaica from West Africa on slave ships, was unknown to science until Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame) brought plants from Jamaica back to England. While the plant has been introduced into most of the other Caribbean islands, Jamaica is the only place where the fruit is generally recognized as an edible crop. With that bit of history, I retire for the night to the sweet sounds of Beres on the tele... [/qb]

Yet another great educational lesson in this wonderful report!

Thanks SH

[esp]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

I took a look at the pictures..and they are excellent!

I am going to print this and read it on my way home.

Thanks for sharing SH!!!!!

This chread deserves some form of recognition.

[Laurel]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

It is quite wonderful!!

I tried to Google photos of Jamaican plants to find the name of the one photo'd above and all I could come up with was offers to buy Weed Seed! Never knew there were web pages for ordering THAT! It is always a good day when one learns something new ... no matter what it is that is learned! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img]

[Soul Hunter]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

Originally posted by StAnnMuse:
[qb] Hi SH...my mother sends her thanks. She really hasn't had much interest in reading reports, I've given her highlights in the past and she's been ok with that. This time round I printed your report and for the first time she's hooked. I'm off this week with the kids for Spring Break, and she called me early this morning looking for the "next chapter". The market, your grandmother "Mama", the lizards, and Ochii--she shares your perspectives on all these truly Jamaica experiences. Thank you again! [/qb]

Please thank your mother for me, for taking the time to read this little "journal" of mine. And thank you both for the kind words!

[Soul Hunter]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

Originally posted by Lil' sis:
[qb]

Originally posted by Soul Hunter:
[qb] The day winds down without further incident. Mom and I somehow end up in a conversation about the hibiscus plants. Did you know (I certainly didn't) that you can boil the flowers and make hot tea or a cold drink? I also found out from Moms that ackee grows in Haiti, but apparently the majority of Haitians don't know how to cook it. I remember seeing a lot of breadfruit in Haiti when I last visited, but I didn't realize that our national fruit grew there also, until I did some research.

Turns out that ackee, imported to Jamaica from West Africa on slave ships, was unknown to science until Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame) brought plants from Jamaica back to England. While the plant has been introduced into most of the other Caribbean islands, Jamaica is the only place where the fruit is generally recognized as an edible crop. With that bit of history, I retire for the night to the sweet sounds of Beres on the tele... [/qb]

Yet another great educational lesson in this wonderful report!

Thanks SH [/qb]

That's me Lil' Sis, full of useless knowledge [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img]

[suzrand]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

SH,

Thank you so much. This is wonderful. I have enjoyed every word of your writing and am one of the many tapping my fingers waiting for more.

I keep trying to put into words how talented you are at writing and I am unable to express myself. Your writing makes me feel self concious about my words. You do such a wonderful job of making the reader really feel as they are experiencing your journey with you. I might add I have also enjoyed all your wonderful photos. I agree with Lil' Sis in that your report is so educational. I have learned so much. Please keep up the great work.

suz

[Soul Hunter]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

Originally posted by Pepper:
[qb]

Originally posted by Soul Hunter:
[qb] I wouldn't mind going up into the hills, or passing through Flankers - the less traveled areas basically. [/qb]

Ah suh yuh brave. Yuh wan go Flankers. Dem nuh like outsiders inna dem area. If you decide to go, I pray for your safe return. [/qb]

Pepper, Jamaica a mi yard man - cyaan 'fraid a mi yard, you no see me! Actually one of my aunts used to live in Flankers. Spent many a pleasant day there. Hopefully it too hasn't descended into the cesspool of violence that clings to the island like bark to a tree...

[Soul Hunter]

Re: Coming In From The Cold...an unremarkable trip report

cost of living get so high,
rich and poor, they start to cry.
now the weak must get strong.
they say, "Oh, what a tribulation.."

Robert Nesta Marley - Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)

Day 9:

Friday starts out with two pieces of bad news. This morning I find myself searching for Mom’s cell phone number and grab my PDA to retrieve it. I discover quickly that the battery has completely discharged, which I suspect means that when I return to the States, my mini log of day 1 and half of day 2 will have been lost. Of course you are all now painfully aware that this wasn’t the case [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

The other bit of bad news is that an old injury has resurfaced. Since I’ve given so much of my personal life over the course of this visit, I’ll share another interesting bit of Soul Hunter’s wacky world with you.

Some time ago I was out conducting a mission with an ODA team when we came under hostile fire. ODA stands for “Operational Detachment Alpha” and is the standard name given to a 12-man SF team. The ambush was somewhat expected, but we didn’t count on the first round fired being a RPG. It hit one of the armored HMMWV’s and while not obliterating the vehicle, rendered it inoperable with 3 members of the team trapped inside the burning vehicle.

Standard operating procedure in a situation like that says the convoy comes to a stop, and while a predetermined number of men secure the area, the others evacuate the wounded. We then assess whether to hold ground and wait for reinforcements, take ground by moving towards the enemy, or get the hell out of dodge. I was on the “secure the area” team on this particular day.

During the course of the firefight that ensued, I took cover as one idiota fired a second rpg in my general direction. I waited until I heard the round impact (it was a dud and did not detonate) and then came out from behind cover to engage the guy. What I didn’t realize was that another idiota had fired a third rpg maybe 10 seconds after rpg number 2 had been fired.

As I bring up my M4 and fire three rounds at the guy, I see the smoke trail of rpg number 3 coming straight at me. I dive back behind cover about 2 seconds before the rpg hits a second HMMWV, sending one of its doors flying into the air and down into my left shoulder. I saw it coming and managed to deflect it slightly. While I remarkably sustained no visible damage from the impact, the end result of the blow has been a nagging pain in my left shoulder that flares up from time to time.

Whatever has been screwed up back there has some relation to my neck, so when this thing flares up, me turning my head becomes a RoboCop like adventure, or even better yet, HeMan like, for those who remember the old cartoon. My entire upper body swivels and I look like a bloody fool in the process… Tuesday night I noticed my neck stiffening up, and by this morning I’m in full-blown pain. Not the way for the kid to end his trip!

The day starts looking up, however, when I spot breakfast for the morning!