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Farewell Letter to Jamaica

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by

Kristi
in ,

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Not Goodbye but “See You Later”

Dear Jamaica,

The time has come for me to take a break from our relationship and start seeing other islands.  But before I go I’d like to thank you for the many things you’ve taught me over the last eleven years.  If not for you I wouldn’t know how to be an explorer, nor a pathfinder.  I wouldn’t know how to assume a new identity and break free from this every day thing called “life”.

You have liberated me.

You have taught me how to learn (immensely) from a different culture.

You have taught me how to drive on the “wrong” side of the road and have fun doing it!

Before you I didn’t even know I wanted to travel and see different places in the world.  Once I found out that I DID want that I developed the courage to change my whole direction in life.  Who knew I’d be selling your best (and worst) assets to others who also want to be in a full-time relationship with you.

Thanks for the wicked food, the new dialect I now speak in my head almost all the time, the amazing friendships I’ve made along the way and mostly…..thanks for giving me INDEPENDENCE.  I never, ever thought I would have been brave enough to do the things I’ve done in the last eleven years.

I am forever a changed person – positively and negatively – because of you.  I feel like I should be raising a glass of Wray & Nephew as a toast.

It’s time to give some other places a chance to shine now…..so…..FAREWELL!!  Until next time!  And there WILL be a next time.  Just not right now.

In the meantime lots of my friends are still keeping you company so you have nothing to cry about.

 

Having Said All That……

I will definitely be blogging about new destinations so stay tuned for that.  Where and when will be announced on the Jamaica My Way FACEBOOK PAGE as soon as it happens. 

Boy that felt good!
Now on to Barbados!

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Comments

29 responses to “Farewell Letter to Jamaica”

  1. Angel Avatar
    Angel

    Kristi,

    This “Farewell Letter” is sad, but also inspiring. I too have been traveling to Jamaica for 11 years and find that it is still the travel love of my life. I can understand broadening your horizons though. I can’t wait to see where your new adventures take you. I look forward to reading all about it.

    Ang

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Thanks Angel. It’s bittersweet but it’s definitely time! I will be back in Jamaica, not to worry….just not now.
      Besides, I need something to compare Jamaica to besides Canada lol.

      Reply
  2. Moziz Avatar
    Moziz

    What’s this, madam? Better put – A weh u a deal wid? U leaving? And we haven’t even MET yet? We’re STILL in January, madam! And THIS is how you’re ‘ruining my new year’?
    I will NOT have it! You BELONG TO JAMAICA & JAMAICA BELONGS TO YOU! To heck if my country’s Ministry of Tourism doesn’t appreciate you. I do.
    “Barbados My Way” just doesn’t have a nice ring to it!.

    Reply
  3. Jamie Avatar
    Jamie

    Very well written. I understand your needed to venture out. I will be following you for sure…… and may even accompany you on one of your journeys if time and money permit. 🙂

    I can’t wait to see what changes may come!

    Reply
  4. Vera Avatar
    Vera

    Kristi What a great blog “Farwell letter” I’m guessing many of your readers could tell your next trip was headed in a new direction. Thanks for the many wonderful Stories,pics, videos & laughs along your journey’s through Jamaica. I’m still looking back at them they’re fun to re-read!
    Enjoy the Barbados I look forward to reading about your travels. Happy trails 😀

    Reply
  5. AmyG Avatar
    AmyG

    I’ll leave the light on for you … we’ll be there whenever you need.

    Enjoy your new adventures and don’t forget to write.

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Amy I’ll be back and FOR SURE coming up to check out your place. Would love to stay with you in a new piece of Jamaica!!

      Reply
  6. Tinka Avatar
    Tinka

    Hi & bye Kristi 😕
    I just fall in love with Jamaica and find your blog. And I love it! I am reading all of it, I became an addict to this stuff *lol*
    Now a bit sad you are “leaving” I wish you would continue your interesting, usefull and crazy funny writing about Jamaica…
    But now it’s time for something new for you and I am exited about news from Barbados. I’ve been there once for kitesurfing, it’s an amazing country, I’m sure you will enjoy it. (PS. Rum from Barbados it’s worthy of detailed examination 😉
    Best of luck for you and many thanks for this amazing blog!
    Tinka

    Reply
  7. Tinka Avatar
    Tinka

    Hi Kristi,

    I just found your blog!!! I am reading all of it, I became an addict to this stuff *lol*
    Now a bit sad you are “leaving”. I fall in love with Jamaica this year, and we are working on a relationship and I hope Jamaica will love me back 🙂 I wish you would continue your interesting, usefull and crazy funny writing about Jamaica…
    But now it’s time for something new for you and I am exited about news from Barbados. I’ve been there once for kitesurfing, it’s an amazing country, I’m sure you will enjoy it. (PS. Rum from Barbados it’s worthy of detailed examination 😉
    Best of luck for you and many thanks for this amazing blog!
    Tinka

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Thank you Tinka, I’m so happy you’re reading the blog and loving it. I will be back in Jamaica most definitely…it’s kind of my home now.

      Vera & Jamie – You guys have been the best for so long! As soon as I start writing about the new places I will let you (and everyone else) know where to read!

      And Maurice (Moziz) – You’re the ultimate best fan and advocate of me and all I do in Jamaica!!!! Trust me…I’m coming back. Just have to spread my wings a little. I will probably alternate trips now…a new place, then Jamaica, then a new place, etc. My goal is to become the most awesome travel agent EVER so that i can just be anywhere and still make money. And “anywhere” includes Jamaica.

      Reply
  8. Shan Avatar
    Shan

    Wow I only started following your blog a year and a half ago. While I’m just getting started you’re on your way to another island. I enjoy your posts and look forward to reading about Barbados! I love Jamrock and will be bringing my child for the first time in Apr.and we’ll be staying at Villa Ambiance thanks to you and a link! Jamaica My Way has been a big help to me! Keep on keeping on!!!! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Excellent Shan! Glad you’ve found some helpful info on here! Funny, the first time I brought my son with me was in the month of April….but soooo many years ago. Have a fabulous trip!

      Reply
  9. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    I am so excited to see other islands through a true ‘travel junkie” eyes. I am so excited to have coffee dates and hear all about it! One thing is for sure, you WILL be back to Jamaica, you just need a little break.
    I am sure Barbados is going to be fabulous! But lets get real here, if it doesn’t have daggering, good rum, and the smell of hot garbage, you know where to go 😉 LOL
    xoxo

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      LMAOOOOO @ hot garbage! Emily you’re so funny! Thanks mama and we’ll get together for coffee after Barbados and your trip to Jamaica.

      Reply
  10. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Walk good mi chile…it was a pleasure exploring Jamaica with you. Thanks for your hard work!

    http://goo.gl/X61A0n

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Thanks Steve!

      Reply
  11. James Wong Avatar
    James Wong

    I left many years ago but will forever call Jamaica my home. My heart longs for the day when I can physically call you my home. Greatest place FOR the heart…Everything cool…

    Reply
  12. Theresa Avatar
    Theresa

    Wish I had time to read all your articles. They look really interesting. Only managed a couple. Anyway, seems like a great blog. Not sure I understood correctly, but is it that you’ve been living in Jamaica and are now moving? If so, safe travels. Sorry I didn’t find this blog earlier, but maybe when I have time I’ll come back and read some more fun articles.

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Theresa, I have lived in Jamaica on two separate occasions in the last few years but have been back in Canada a long time now.
      Glad you found the blog and are enjoying it!

      Reply
  13. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Hi Kristi: I have not checked out your sight for a year or two. It is sad to see you leave Jamaica. I have learnt so much about the place from you. I have actually been there three times since 2009. I am glad that you are going to see other islands. I am from Trinidad which will be different from Jamaica, but I would like you to go there also. Barbados will be a cross between Trinidad and Jamaica. At least it used to be like that years ago, but you will find it different from Jamaica but similar in some ways. I will look forward to hearing about your comparison.

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Funny you mention you’re from Trinidad because the Tobago tourist board is running a job application contest for Canadian bloggers. The position is 2 months in Tobago, traveling the island and blogging/doing social media for them. I’m working on my application right now and excited about the possibilities!!!!

      Reply
      1. Kristi Avatar
        Kristi

        PS: I never made it to Barbados because the flight was over-full, they sent my luggage there but not me. Then I sat in my stopover city for 5 days waiting for my bag to come back but by the time it did I had to fly home. It was the biggest wasted attempt EVER!! I’m sad.

        Reply
  14. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    I could not edit my message, but I meant “site” and not “sight”.

    Take care.

    Reply
  15. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Kristi: I am sorry to hear what happened to your trip to Barbados. If I were you, I would take part in the contest. I was in Tobago last February. It is very unspoilt and laid back and beautiful. I have been there twice many moons ago but on this last trip, I realized how beautiful Tobago is. The only problem is that crime is creeping in. Which is happening everywhere but you learn to protect yourself and live with it. People just scare the death out of you but they live with it in the islands. You will be able to go over to Trinidad by the ferry. It costs $16 US return and it takes 2 1/2 hours. But if you go to Trinidad, don’t be as friendly as you would be in Jamaica. The people who might be ready to be friendly with you might not be the safe ones to be with. Remember that Trinidad is not a tourist island so things will be different. Please do a lot of research to get a feel of the place before going over. I felt very safe in both places though and was not bothered by anyone. Everybody went about their business. You just don’t walk the streets at night alone. Not like we do here in Canada. Learn where the safer areas are, e.g. Western Port-of-Spain, Maraval, Woodbrook, etc. There are many other safe parts in Trinidad but you can always e-mail me and I will brief you. As usual, I wish you luck. I am a little bit like you but only about 60%. If you can make it in Jamaica, you can do it easily in Tobago. Just be cautious as you would be at home and try to learn about the culture before leaving.

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Thanks for the advice. I’m working on my application for Tobago right now. And I suspect that as a job it will be different than just roaming around like I do in Jamaica. But the heads up is appreciated 🙂

      Reply
  16. Anthony Avatar
    Anthony

    Kristi
    You will be greatly missed, being Jamaican and having a foreigner telling stories of how I see my island home warms my heart. God bless you on your new adventure, but Muziz is right Jamaica belongs to you. I enjoyed every post.

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Thanks Anthony. I suppose if anything out of Jamaica progressed into a “living” it would be different. I just feel stagnant with the island now. BUT when I do make it back there I’m sure there will be some funny stuff I will be compelled to write about. Thank you so much for reading and sharing in my journey!

      Reply
  17. Brian Elliott Avatar
    Brian Elliott

    I haven’t been on your blog for a while. Sorry to see you have left my island. Good luck on your travels!

    Reply
    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      Hey Brian, thank you so much for coming back to the blog. It’s been a long time (2 years) since I went to Jamaica but it’s back on my radar. Don’t worry….I will start blogging again soon. I want to get back to JA in the new year.

      Reply

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