It is only a small island in the Caribbean Sea. Yet you can hardly talk about Jamaica without making people happy. We went there and fully enjoyed the Jamaica vibe.
Jamaica – Xaymaca, the land of wood and water, as the original Taíno population called it, has a strong attraction to outsiders. Ever since the moment that Columbus first set foot there in 1494 the island is very appealing. It’s the island of Bob Marley, Rasta’s, dreadlocks, reggae and laziness. But it’s also the island of top sport performances by sprinters such as Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Melaine Walker and all those others who have turned the world upside down during athletics competitions.
Someone who makes it a daily activity to emphasize the positive in everything and tries to rid his own worldview of all the frills, bling and status that the West is bothered by. The peace, self-confidence and patience of older Rastas are almost tangible for those who are sensitive to it. That is the moment that “it” happens: The overwhelming nature takes over and you only have eye and ear for the smallest details around you: the ever-changing glare of light, the sounds of insects, the smell and color of the flowers, the babbling of the water and people around you.
Images: Nicole Franken – Text: Aldith Hunkar
