My sister, Tineke's, visit to Jamaica.

Two unforgettable weeks with many highlights: Tineke had never been to the tropics and she adjusted to being an 'island girl' within a day. She was very comfortable with the simple lifestyle and once I taught her to dive through the waves, rather than to be thrown about, she loved being in the ocean. She was also just happy to sit and watch the abundance of nature on the balcony of our bamboo hut. She liked the simple lifestyle that I enjoy so much myself.

We also discovered local expressions like: "do you have one ma and one pa?" and "If you are alright, I'm alright." We made some wonderful friends.

A couple of the high points:

* A hike with 'Uncle Pa.' It was a stroll for Uncle Pa, who is 69 year old, but we could hardly keep up! We set off at 6 am. The views were stunning and we learned about local trees and bushes. Some samples include Pimento (pimento dioica), Pawpaw or Papaya (Carica papaya), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), Cocoa (Theobroma cacao), Ackee (blighia sapida).

* Going to the Bath hot springs, beach and the town of Delphi with D and Kumar, watching soccer and meeting D's family. Bath hot springs are mineral springs in a beautiful, lush valley. We could have stayed there for hours, but unfortunately the Jamaicans do not like water as much as we do! It was also very special to visit areas where no tourist come, to experience the traditional way of life.

* Going to Reich Waterfall with Mahlon and Lizzie. It is refreshingly cold and beautiful - a must for anyone who visits Portland.

* Back to Delphi to the sugar factory with D and Tammi. This time we met Tammi's Rasta father. We went back to the beach for more fish - this time they left the fish heads on. The day closed with beading with lots of lovely kids on the soccer field.

Our bamboo hut	Our breakfast

Beautiful child on the beach	Hibiscus in our garden

Bath hot springs	Is this fish with or without head?

Marijke on a bench avoiding sand flies!	We just caught crabs

D with his family	In Delphi

Uncle Pa's walk	Uncle Pa's his neighbour!

D and Steve

Tammi and his dad	Would you like a nese berry?

Everyone wants a necklace	Reich waterfalls

Fun!	The sisters

Yahimba restaurant	Demus in front of the cottages

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