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HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES - Travelling in different circles
Published: Sunday | April 26, 2009
While some Jamaicans travel light with one or two pieces of luggage, some find it hard to cram all the things they are taking in just one or two pieces of luggage.
Gone are the days when travelling to another country was only for the privileged. For Jamaicans, the most sought-after visas are for the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. Some Caribbean destinations are also at the top of the list.
Going overseas is still a big deal for many. Almost every Jamaican has friends or relatives living in foreign countries and paying them a visit is a big deal. But like everything else we do in this beautiful country, there are different means to achieving the same end.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Food</span>
Don't expect to visit relatives abroad without taking everything on the grocery list. Items, such as parboiled or frozen ackees, patties, fried fish, bammies, jerk seasoning, roast breadfruit and of course, white rum, are a must.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Dress</span>
Travel time is a "dress-up" occasion for some, so they pull out their 'Sunday best', no matter the weather or the comfort. Many times the outfits are sent by the relative they are going to visit. If it's to England or New York during winter, they are dressed to the nines with faux fur-trimmed boots and all.
The return journey is another grand event, because when they exit the customs hall, those who have travelled from the country to meet them must see 'foreign on them'. Very often, they are overdressed because they have added several mismatched items just to show off the latest styles.
<span style="font-weight: bold">
Luggage</span>
For some, whether departing or returning, the allotted weight limit is never adhered to. Departing passengers can often be seen in a corner of the check-in area rearranging the contents of their luggage to evenly distribute the excess. You can almost tell a Jamaican's luggage by the amount of tape holding it together. This is because the entire trip was like a visit to grand market. They have to take back a bar of soap, some lotion, shampoo or toothpaste for everyone in the community. And at some North American gateways, sniffer dogs are immediately brought out once a Jamaican flight has landed.
<span style="font-weight: bold">
The other half</span>
Then there are the frequent flyers. The focus of their travel is to spend quality time with family or friends, or just sightseeing.
They are dressed in very simple, comfortable outfits (usually designer labels), with just a carry-on or a single piece of luggage. The return journey is the same. No outrageous hairdos or outfits are considered necessary to advertise the fact that they have travelled. It's almost like a visit to the country for them.
Electronic gadgets seem to occupy their time in the departure lounge at the airports. iPods are plugged into ears, laptops taken out and fingers get busy on Blackberries. As for the businessmen and women, you know them by their stacks of newspapers or the latest number one hardcover on the New York best-sellers' list.
And, don't expect these sophisticated travellers to take any item of food for relatives abroad.
Published: Sunday | April 26, 2009
While some Jamaicans travel light with one or two pieces of luggage, some find it hard to cram all the things they are taking in just one or two pieces of luggage.
Gone are the days when travelling to another country was only for the privileged. For Jamaicans, the most sought-after visas are for the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. Some Caribbean destinations are also at the top of the list.
Going overseas is still a big deal for many. Almost every Jamaican has friends or relatives living in foreign countries and paying them a visit is a big deal. But like everything else we do in this beautiful country, there are different means to achieving the same end.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Food</span>
Don't expect to visit relatives abroad without taking everything on the grocery list. Items, such as parboiled or frozen ackees, patties, fried fish, bammies, jerk seasoning, roast breadfruit and of course, white rum, are a must.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Dress</span>
Travel time is a "dress-up" occasion for some, so they pull out their 'Sunday best', no matter the weather or the comfort. Many times the outfits are sent by the relative they are going to visit. If it's to England or New York during winter, they are dressed to the nines with faux fur-trimmed boots and all.
The return journey is another grand event, because when they exit the customs hall, those who have travelled from the country to meet them must see 'foreign on them'. Very often, they are overdressed because they have added several mismatched items just to show off the latest styles.
<span style="font-weight: bold">
Luggage</span>
For some, whether departing or returning, the allotted weight limit is never adhered to. Departing passengers can often be seen in a corner of the check-in area rearranging the contents of their luggage to evenly distribute the excess. You can almost tell a Jamaican's luggage by the amount of tape holding it together. This is because the entire trip was like a visit to grand market. They have to take back a bar of soap, some lotion, shampoo or toothpaste for everyone in the community. And at some North American gateways, sniffer dogs are immediately brought out once a Jamaican flight has landed.
<span style="font-weight: bold">
The other half</span>
Then there are the frequent flyers. The focus of their travel is to spend quality time with family or friends, or just sightseeing.
They are dressed in very simple, comfortable outfits (usually designer labels), with just a carry-on or a single piece of luggage. The return journey is the same. No outrageous hairdos or outfits are considered necessary to advertise the fact that they have travelled. It's almost like a visit to the country for them.
Electronic gadgets seem to occupy their time in the departure lounge at the airports. iPods are plugged into ears, laptops taken out and fingers get busy on Blackberries. As for the businessmen and women, you know them by their stacks of newspapers or the latest number one hardcover on the New York best-sellers' list.
And, don't expect these sophisticated travellers to take any item of food for relatives abroad.
so true. 
i guess i fall into the other 1/2
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