Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

The aroma of Blue Mountain Coffee wafting in the breeze--the pungent scent of citrus kissing my nose--spicy jerk pork sizzling on a nearby grill--and the acrid odor of burnt cane--these are the smells I love in Jamaica. It's harvest time on the Island. Dark skinned men walk along rows of tall grasses, their torches lit. I watch mesmerized as the crackle of flames gobbles up last year's undergrowth, sending the rats and snakes scurrying for cover. This harsh fire uncovers the sweetness, but all is not sweet in Jamaica! I have never seen roads in such disrepair; potholes so numerous and deep; bridges on the brink of collapsing; buildings so derelict; dogs so skinny; and people so poor. I'm sad. This beautiful island no longer shines like the gem it used to be. It'll take lots of polishing before this 'Jewel of the Caribbean' sparkles again. I hope it happens.