Ok world, I’m ready to spill the tea!
I had to take time to process the reality of what was truly experienced. Mom guilt aside, the unfamiliarity of a solo traveler and an exhale to all life happening’s the prior months before. Ya girl needed a minute to just BE! I’ve heard nothing but good things about vacationing here, so I booked a birthday trip to see for myself. Now, I’m an Airbnb girly so here’s how it went.
Flight: Chile I almost missed my flight going - shoutout to the beautiful souls who held my seat and I definitely missed my return! (What a time!)
American Airlines Nonstop Departure March 13th - Charlotte Layover Return March 17th
Transport through the airport and TSA was love. The staff were all cordial and wished me a joyous birthday every time they reviewed my ID. On my way to the Airbnb:
I loved it here, and I highly recommend it. I’ll be returning, God’s Plan not mine. Check them out here. Tell “Do the Right Ting” Nina (that's my Jamaican name lol ) sent you. Not only was the location as described it also included breakfast from their chef and with added cost transport to/from the airport and activities. Now while I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 day stay I do advise learning and knowing your USD vs JMD currency it got a little sus and I had to reconcile my funds. Our currency is of higher value than theirs, know your conversions. This link explains more of what I mean.
Womanhood
Enough logistics, what did I do?
I had a draft itinerary but was fine with letting alignment do its job. So I got there and was greeted with warm sun rays kissing my skin and the most handsome brown-skinned man with a sign saying “Welcome Naadia” ready to take me to lunch! It’s about 45 minutes to an hour from the airport to Ocho Rios. I owed this trip to womanhood because the culture shift was so freeing. I get the chills recapping the moments of being catered to, cared for, served, and safe.
Day I & II: Wednesday, March 13th & Thursday the 14th
My transport already provided me with all the essentials for relaxation, food a likkle ganja and everything was at ease. I started with some Netflix and chill, selfies and unpacked. The following day was a bright and early start it rained every morning but the views, weather, and atmosphere cleared within hours. The butterflies, breeze, and even some furry friends greeted me daily as I sipped my coffee, inhaling God’s gifts and exhaling all unwanted grief.
Typically I travel for food, fashion, and fun everything else is a bonus. Breakfast consisted of Jamaica’s signature cuisine saltfish and akee, banana, yams, and dumplings. Shortly after, I chilled poolside meeting the other travelers enjoying their stay. All the gentlemen were accommodating and reminded me with their tone and dialect, “Do not ask for what you want, while here in Jamaica you demand what you need.” Mind you, an owed to womanhood, I learned a lot about myself here, the most feminine I’ve ever freed myself to be.
I was constantly reminded of my silent nature, an observer of sorts. Social yet selective, humorous yet reserved. Kudos to the kind soul with the gentle reminder that “every man is not here to hurt you, some are here to teach you ease.” Whew!
From there, the Airbnb host took me for a stroll through the complex I was in my element! The more I travel, I realize MY American Dream is to leave the States! It’s so complex and unnatural here. Granted hustle and survival is a given anywhere, but the rat race is ridiculous. Anyway, this is America.
Here’s where it gets interesting. We met a local who for the sake of the story, we’ll call this newfound companion Romeo. He provided me with transportation to St. Ann for some river rafting. Now, I saw the FB post about what was going on here and y’all are wild for that. However, not my experience lol, so peaceful, serene, and enjoyable. Solo travel put me in connection with a trusted companion to this day. To be chauffeured, escorted, and provided for was bliss. Healers need givers and protection the most - we connected. I spent time flicking it up and sailing the beach. You do know I’m a Pisces right, water is required.
I started getting hangry, so we headed to Margaritaville for grub and drinks. The day didn’t end there. More wading in the water and a speed boat tour to the most beautiful caves and sunsets I could ever imagine. It gets a little faded from here but the recap convos are hilarious. I felt like a Queen in her castle as the weekend continued to unfold.
Day III Friday, March 15th
Slow mornings are the best. Sunrise with wake and bakes daily is a lifestyle. Gratitude to the most high for the views and inspiration. Remember I was telling you the AirBNB had a public and private pool? So I put on some tunes and had another selfie session in my private pool while I waited for the day to guide me. Stewed chicken and fried dumplings carried me through the day. From there, after lounging and resting for a time, I was told. “get dressed, be ready by 8,” to which I giddily replied with a nod.
Romeo was timely and escorted me out for a night on the town. Sorrel, high grade and KFC fueled us through pregame at the pool hall and white rum took charge the rest of the evening. Besides it was my Birthday @ midnight : ) How that song by Jeremih go? Nothing but the safest and most enjoyable of times I’ve been able to witness. To have been blessed with heartfelt connections to this day is the best gift. Call me Stella, because, WHAT?! Groovy and the club was jumpin’ jumpin'.
Day IV Saturday, March 16th & Sunday, March 17th
Truly, the remainder of the stay was spent running errands laundry, couch cuddles, and Youtube. I didn’t have to drive. Mind you their traffic system is opposite ours. The steering wheel on the right-hand side situation. I got to be a passenger princess for the weekend out in Ochi Jamaica. I started to say IDK why I picked that Airbnb and just went, but that would be a false narrative. The stay was just as pictured and felt so surreal. I didn’t make it to clear kayak like I wanted to side-eye, but every other part of the trip makes sense so I’m grateful.
By now I had started to get homesick, familiar spaces and routines I missed. Bittersweet I picked out some looks I didn’t want to leave without and captured some content for some memorable views. I’m steady capturing and cupcakin’ (my favorite term for showing affection i.e.; smiling while texting, smooching, etc) down to the last minute. I should have left with the same person who dropped me off on day one. But when you meet a Romeo anything can happen.
So I’m busting through the departure line talking about some, “Excuse me, excuse me my plane is boarding!'‘ Get to the gate and this huzzy like “Ms. Johnson we’ve been calling you!” “You can not enter you should have been here 15 mins before departure!” That’s what I get, I had to eat that and sit my ass down for a long TSA line in Charlotte layover later.
“At the end of the day, the day gotta end”
I appreciate travel for a refreshing mindset shift. Birthday behavior at its finest. My aim for this think piece was to find a creative flow and to finish something I started. I am a happy girl, a blessed woman, and a loving being. I deserve all good things with honor and commitment to my inner peace.
Sincerely,
Moments from the muse.
