Last week, I took a trip to Jamaica, a place with unique culture and people. Kind people welcomed my parents and me into their community from the moment we arrived. The beaches and greenery are beautiful in Jamaica, but the real vibrancy of the island lies in its people and its culture.

One of the things I noticed the most during my time there was the music. It seemed as if there was always music playing, usually reggae. If you looked around, there were always a few people dancing as well. We had the opportunity to take a boat ride to a scenic area off the coast, and the whole trip people were singing, laughing, and dancing, almost as if the breeze was encouraging them. Reggae isn’t just music in Jamaica – it’s a part of life. The music speaks to the island’s soul, conveying the joy, spirit, and hope that the community is connected by. 

Although I couldn’t eat many of the traditional foods, such as jerk chicken and saltfish because of my vegetarian lifestyle, I still indulged in other meals like plantains and ackee. The way that the people celebrated their meals, whether through communal meals or street vendors, showed the deep connection that exists because of food. They love spice of all sorts in Jamaica, which I found out the hard way. A waitress at one of the restaurants we visited discovered that my dad also loves spicy foods, and brought out a fiery homemade sauce made from Scotch bonnet peppers, similar to jerk sauce, for us to take back home.

Throughout my trip, Jamaica’s hospitality and vibrancy shined. It’s one of the most lively places I’ve visited, reflected in both the people and the culture. The most common phrase I heard was “Yah Mon,” a simple reminder of the island’s laidback spirit and welcoming spirit. Each conversation and experience added something to my trip, leaving me with memories of joy that I’ll carry with me forever.