Melange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2020 | Page 47

Our internet may be slower than yours but
why let that bother you if you are here for the
4 things we do best anyway: Sun, sand. sea
and rum punch.
So, when here, remember that our way of life
is ours. Things don’t run the same way it does
in your country because this is completely a
different society and a different country.
While you’re here as a guest it may
be important to remember not to
compare our way of life to yours. It is
so completely different and different
definitely does not mean less
important than yours.
Let’s talk about another big Don’t
and that is Jamaica. No, I don’t
mean that Jamaica is Don’t. Jamaica is a
definite Must Do, just like all the other islands
but Jamaica, while the most well known
Caribbean island, is not the entire Caribbean.
So many times a person decides to pretend
to speak Caribbean English and says things
like “Yeah Mon” thinking it’s funny. It’s not,
simply because “Yeah Mon” is something said
in Jamaica. Each island has its own English
dialect and own sayings. None of us sound
the same. You just need to listen a little
deeper.
While we’re on the topic of Jamaica, it is
also important to remember that Reggae is
also Jamaican and is not the sound of the
entire Caribbean. There is also Soca, Zouk,
Merengue in the Spanish islands and Tumba
and Tambú in the Dutch islands.
Another Must Do to remember is to support
local businesses. The Caribbean attracts
many people year round. Some fall in love
and decide to stay and many expats make the
decision to open a business serving what they
know best, which most times is exactly what
you’d be getting at home. I mean, Jimmy Buffet
even made a song about Cheeseburger in
Paradise but I can guarantee you that while we
islanders love a burger just like any other, it is not
a meal we call our own. What I”m trying to say is
that while hanging out with people you consider
to be like you is definitely familiar and
comfortable, dare to try something more local
when you’re here.
Travel is all about new experiences. Try our local
food, our local drinks and our local products.
Shop local. Support local small businesses. The
Caribbean islands are filled with truly talented
people. Check out the island’s most well known
local artists next time you’re here or that old local
lady selling her crafts on the side of the road.
A lot of these businesses are not listed in your
usual guide so you might want to ask around or
just explore and find them on your own.