***I may use Jamaican terminology but rest assured, i'll put the english translation too in case its too hard to figure out :)
Breakfast was an egg omlett with a spinach like plant called Callaloo and toast with Guava jam. Absolutely delicious... you just have to try it!
Today was a day of adventure as well took off for Great Bay. There are 3 main beaches on the south side: Billy's Bay (where I am staying), Great Bay and Calabash. Great Bay is gorgeous and is considered the safest bay available on the South Side (safest = less coral reef).
We hiked about 1 mile to a bluff located just on the edge of this bay. Agave (the plant commonly used for tequila) is a common plant here but is used for medicinal purposes than alcohol. Other plants include cactus, wild rosemary and thyme, and one of the hardest wood producing trees called Guaiacum. Back during the early wars, this wood wa sused to make plane propellers.
Lunch was a special treat. A local Rastafarian family cooked us a meal of stewed chicken, rice and beans, and a cabbage/cucumber salad. All for 800 J. (A "J" is a Jamaican dollar. 1 US dollar = 85 J so for 800 J it was a $9 meal.)
The rest of the day involved free time where we rested, sang songs with the owner of the Guesthouse;s baby, told stories and just had a good time. Eereeting is joost Irie! (Irie = good/feeling fine) One thing we all agree on: time seems to slow down when you are on the island.
Breakfast and dinner is prepared at our Guesthouse daily. Dinner tonight was stewed beef, rice and beans (which is a staple), and a hot cabbage/mixed vegetable dish. I'm telling you these people cook with real care and passion.
We started training for the schools we will visit tonight with some tradition drumming lessons and song study. It was today that I finally realized I made the perfect choice in going into Music Eduation and I am sure I will reaffirm this for myself every day with the students to come.
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