A Glimpse Into Ainzlee’s World

This is the first of MANY future posts that get up close and personal with born and bred Jamaicans from every walk of life.  The diversity of the island will become so clear to you when hearing and seeing it through local eyes.  Instead of Jamaica MY way, this is their way and I’m happy to give them a platform to discuss many things they have to say about their home.

What’s Up In Ainzlee’s World?

Q: Which part of Jamaica did you grow up in?

A: I grew up in Mandeville, Manchester which is in central Jamaica. This means no beach but also means easy access to all parts of the island too. It’s known for being a mining town (Bauxite being Jamaica’s second largest foreign exchange earner).

Q: What would you say are the best things about where you grew up?

A: The best thing about where I grew up is that I was allowed to run free and explore acres upon acres of land. It was exciting being able to walk out of the house everyday and know you may end up somewhere new. It definitely fueled my need for adventure. I also enjoyed reading and between adventures – in books and those I experienced – I had a very interesting time growing up.

Q: If tourists were to visit that area what would you say is a must-see or must-do there?

A: I have to break this down in terms of food, people and places.
Food – Two food places I suggest would be Williamsfield Jerk Centre (best jerk in Mandeville and even though its pricy its worth every bite) and Melrose Yam Place (expect to be swarmed by overzealous sellers but again worth the hassle).
People – just like the rest of Jamaica, the people you come upon will be friendly and willing to help you in whatever you need. Whether your quest be religious or just for fun you will find the people to help fulfill your needs.
Places – There are great houses in Manchester you may be interested in as well as the birth place of one of our National heroes. Lots of historical places and easy access to them.

Q: There seems to be a lot of Jamaicans who have never explored the rest of the island. Have you been to other areas? If so, which are your favorite?

A: There are a lot of Jamaicans who have not explored the island. It’s sad but true but usually due to time and economic constraints most people will never know how beautiful their island is. I have been given the chance to travel and have been to every parish except St. Thomas. I did pass through but did not get to explore at all. The rest I have done a lot of exploring (and still more to do) and the question of where my favorite place is is a tough one. It depends on what my need is at the time. I love everywhere I have been from Westmoreland to Portland. If I really had to make a choice I’d have to say Lover’s Leap in St. Elizabeth is my fave place. I go there when I want to clear my head and “reset”… The scenery is mind blowing.

Q: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study? If you hadn’t studied that what else were you interested in?

I went to Northern Caribbean University and studied Information Technology with a business emphasis. I have always loved business and feel lead to maybe study marketing in the future. Too much to say on that so I’ll just stop 🙂

Q: Can you swim? (LOL there are so many Jamaicans who can’t swim!)

A: Yes, I can swim. My parents tried for years to teach me but I ended up teaching myself. I still am not able to float though. The minute I stop treading water I start sinking. LOL. I’m dense I guess….

Q: Have you ever left Jamaica? If so, where did you go?

A: I have left Jamaica. I have been to the US and I am studying in Canada at the moment. My life’s plan is to visit as many countries as I possibly can.

Q: Which part of Jamaica’s history intrigues you the most?

A: The fight for freedom from slavery makes me proud. I think we take it for granted as a people. The struggle isn’t over. Jamaica has so much potential for greatness but how many of us as Jamaicans feel they can make a difference or even care? I better stop.

Q: Which part of Jamaican culture interests you the most?

A: The Arawaks intrigue me as the first inhabitants of the island. They were completely wiped out. Exploitation of these people and also those that came after them helps to keep me focused and not forget what happened and my role moving forward no matter how small in making Jamaica better.

Q: Are you a fan of dancehall or reggae?

A: I prefer reggae. I didn’t grow up listening to many of both but I prefer the lyrical content of reggae over dancehall. It has so much potential still as a music form. There are a few artists like Demarco and Konshens that I do listen to on the dancehall side.

Q: If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

A: I was thinking about this question when making my goals for the new year and what I came up with is Abu Dhabi… The reason? It’s so small but seems to offer so much.

Q: If you were a tour guide what would you tell your tourists NOT to do in Jamaica?

A: If there is somewhere you’re not sure about, ASK! Knowing your surroundings is very important. Make sure certain information (financial and travel) is not given unless it is needed by someone outside of your party.

Ainzlee, I LOVE your answers. My favorite part is that you are so in tune to the history and culture of your country, which is also a big interest of mine. Thank you so much for allowing me to see Jamaica YOUR way – I wish I had known you when I was in Jamaica!  We could have had a travel clash!

To see more of Ainzlee’s world you can check out his Youtube channel where you’ll see a ton of Jamaica video footage >> TheAinzlee

No surprise he also has a blog about his life experiences, which you can view here.