It's hump day, everyone! Usually I'm glad to say that when school is in session; however, I am quite sad that our time here in Jamaica is quickly passing. Today, we said goodbye to Miss G and James at Whistling Bird, and I can say with certainty that our experience there was truly a pleasure. We departed early in the morning, all equipped with coffee beans, homemade banana bread and carrot cake, and peanuts (courtesy of James).
After we said our goodbyes, we traveled a short distance to a store where we had the opportunity to pick up some gifts, either for ourselves or family/friends back home. Kay knows the owner very well, and he was nice enough to give us discounts (tax-free too!). I weaved through the aisles, overwhelmed by all off the red, green, black, and yellow colored keychains, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and shot glasses (don't worry Mom, I didn't even think about it). All of us left the store, happy with our purchases, and we were ready to embark on our next adventure: a trip to the YS Falls!
The bus ride was around 2 hours long, but it was well worth the travels. The bus dropped us off at the main building, and we were driven up by a van to the falls (usually, visitors are brought up on a gitnee, a cart pulled by a huge tractor). The YS Falls, which opened in 1992, is absolutely beautiful. The main spectacle? Waterfalls surrounded by natural flora attract many from all over the world, and we were lucky to get a day at the site. We all agreed that ziplining was a must. We all suited up in our harnesses, helmets and gloves, and we were off! Personally, I am not a fan of heights, but I just had to do this. The view from several hundred feet in the air was breathtaking! There were five different lines that we traveled on; the third was the best, stretching directly over the falls for over 1000 feet! Parents, if you're freaking out, please don't worry. All members of the Stevens GSI made it back safely!
In addition to the zipline, we also had the opportunity to jump into the falls by swinging on rope, hang around two different pools, and explore the environment surrounding the falls. It was a nice break from all the hard work we had done the past two days. After we had our fun, we got back onto the bus and took another hour-long drive to our next destination: Taino Cove in Treasure Beach!
Whistling Bird and the western coast had charm, but Taino Cove is unlike any other place I've been. It is quietly situated on the southern coast of Jamaica, and the views of the ocean are marvelous. Miss Winnie owns the place, and she immediately welcomed us to her place. I was lazily lounging on one of the sleeping chairs near the pool, but I watched as she sat down with other members of the group, both as a hospitable businesswoman but a warm friend. It seems as if everywhere we go, we are only greeted with kindess. It is upsetting that I don't feel this sense of hospitality in my own country, but I will take this opporunity to appreciate the kindness that we've been shown in our short time here.
After dinner (which was delicious, of course), the group gathered in the lobby to watch a documentary called "Life and Debt." This video is a documentary that really shows the stark difference between the tourist life and the native life of Jamaica. We were educated about how Jamaica has been in economic turmoil since the end of World War II, and how despite the numerous appeals to the IMF and World Bank, it is still stuck in a vicious cycle of deficit and exploitation. It was an eye-opening film for me; it's upsetting to know that Jamaica (as well as many other countries) are continually exploited by the "bigger guns" in the global economy, and the future seems dim. Miss Winnie's husband joined us and gave us his perspective as a native Jamaican, a perspective that we all needed to here. I find it hard to fathom that countries such as Jamaica are continually oppressed in this way, and I don't know how the problem can be fixed. In order for big change to occur, a revolution of some sort needs to occur (as per Evan's discussion point). But how we do we start this, when America is one of the players to blame?
"Life and Debt" was a great conversation starter, and many of our group members spoke passionately about the issues at hand and the need for change. For me, it's overwhelming to think of where to even begin. We can talk all we want, but will that bring back the banana market to Jamaica? Will that truly level the playing field for all countries participating in the global economy? I'm not sure. That's another blog post.
So, where do I end? Kay asked us some questions to answer in our journals before we all dispersed from the library, and perhaps I'll end with my answer to this one: If money were no object, how would you spend your money and why? I think that is a difficult question to answer. I would love to spend my days, baking and traveling and spending time with the ones I love. However, there is a lot of work to be done in the world. Social justice is at the top of my personal list. This trip has shown me the importance of understanding culture and asking the why's. So, I guess I'd spend my time asking "why" all the time. Like Socrates, I'd bug the hell out of people until I got my answer. And then I'd do something about it, because for me, that's the right thing to do.
--Olivia
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