Archive for November, 2009

Early Saturday morning, November 21, a small party of GTSC members walked the 2 mile Waterfall Trail for a few hours of birding. This has been an exceptionally warm and dry year, so the cascade at Mingo Falls is quiet now, and the streambed has just a few remnant pools of water.

Waterfall Trail

But the birding more than compensated. In less than 3 hours, the group saw or heard 12 Jamaican endemics and 4 migrant warblers in addition to the usual assortment of Jamaican resident species. The best birds of the day were a pair of Jamaican Becards, not an easy species to find. Also seen were Loggerhead Kingbirds, Sad Flycatchers, a Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, and two Jamaican Elaenias—it was a pretty good morning for flycatchers!

The other endemics included Jamaican Vireo, Woodpecker, Euphonia, and Tody in addition to White-chinned Thrush and Orangequit.

Back at the Estate House the hummingbird show was in full swing, with Jamaican Mangos madly chasing Streamertails around the feeders. It was a pleasure to relax on the veranda with a cool drink, watch the hummingbirds, and contemplate a successful morning of birding.

Image by jikamajoja via Flickr

The Merriam-Webster On-Line Dictionary defines inclusive as:

1.  comprehending stated limits or extremes;
2.  broad in orientation or scope;
3.  covering or intended to cover all items, costs, or services.

In Jamaica, #3 certainly represents a vacation model known as the Jamaica all inclusive package.  Having lived in Jamaica for over 4 years, I would like to believe that a new inclusive model is beginning to catch on, one that is more about the definition outlined in #2.   Jamaica is an island with much to offer, so a broad orientation covers a lot of ground.  To experience even a little of Jamaica’s culture, music, natural beauty and people, you really need to have an inclusive orientation.   With all you could do in Jamaica, some of the best ways to achieve an inclusive experience are to be ‘cool,’ relax, get in some pool time, hang out at the beach, and eat delicious food, but you don’t have to do it with your fellow countrymen.  Jamaica is full of Jamaicans.  Most places you venture outside of the resorts you will find a warm friendly welcome and a truly memorable experience.

Andrea Sachs recently published a travel article in the Washington Post entitled, Face to Face with Jamaica. She writes,

“On my two previous visits to the Caribbean island, I had been no recluse. But I had been a shut-in. The all-inclusive resorts where most Americans stay encourage guests to remain on the property, shielded behind the guarded gate. If you wish to leave, you sign up for a tour, a bubble-wrapped view of the country. Most interactions are with your poolside neighbors, some of whom may share your area code.

But this time, it was going to be different. No fortress-style resorts; instead, I would overnight at low-key lodgings that were fully integrated into the community. No group shuttles; I would drive myself, so I could stop on a whim and lean on locals for directions and suggestions. And finally, no other American tourists-in-exile. Inspired by Jamaica’s motto — “Out of many, one people” — I was set to meet the many.”

Low Key Lodgings

Andrea’s article is about real people.  The faces in her pictures are my neighbors.  Those smiling school kids attended camp with my kids, and are the same ones that would greet you if you spend a day volunteering at the school.  The new inclusive model that I see taking hold is a chance to visit the “low key lodgings” that Andrea talks about and really experience an inclusive orientation, a whole new way to see a fantastic Caribbean Island.  Come to Jamaica ‘mon.

Andrea’s article can be viewed at the following Washington Post link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artsandliving/travel/international/caribbean/