Just Jump. Being in your comfort zone can only take you so far Why limit yourself?
When I went to Jamaica, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't feel as if I was in danger but it was different going alone. I can't say that I didn't enjoy myself but again, it was different. As far as creativity goes, you're only as creative as your surroundings. This trip came shortly after I had decided to start putting more effort and energy into my writing. I was highly motivated. I'd write for hours. I'd bring my book everywhere. It made me feel good. Jamaica gave me a new source of inspiration. If for nothing else, I was happy that I took the trip to help ease my mind.
From the moment when I had landed, I felt like something was off. Not a really bad off but not comfortable. Mainly because I was in this foreign country without anyone that I knew. By the time that I had gotten through customs, I was uneasy. Where was the "Welcome shot" that I desperately needed? Outside on the curb, I watched dozens of families reunite and drive off. Where was my ride? Just before my worries went into overdrive, my ride pulled up. I sat back and observed as we made our way through the country side. It was nothing completely new to me but it was a different story to actually be there. I took pictures and asked questions. I fit right in with the crew. We ate and made our way to my hotel.
I forgot how beautiful country areas and "regular" people were. When you're so used to people doing the most and being so superficial, it was cool to see "Everyday People". I watched the interactions. I read the signs. I took it all in. Despite staying in a tourist area, it felt nothing like that. I stayed at Mom's Place, a small, family-owned hotel. It had direct beach access and free wifi. The lovely couple who owed the property were so nice. It felt like I was staying with relatives. They made sure that I was comfortable. They explained that security would monitor the beach entrance as they locked the main entrance after hours. Best of all, they lived on property so they would be available to assist me if need be. I felt somewhat at home in this foreign place. The only thing that made me feel out of place was my accent. I ordered food like a local. I quickly learned the exchange rate and paid like a local. I visited local places. I was a local at the moment. I was looking forward to the experience and taking a break from "it all".
The next day, we drove around and they showed me their stomping grounds. We stopped for food at roadside jerk pits. We picked up my friend's sister and maneuvered through the streets of Little London as well as Sav-La-Mar. When they told me that we were going to "Da River", I really thought it was a regular ass river or some type of tourist attraction. Little did I know, It would turn out to be one of the dopest places that I'd ever been. We drove through the countryside and what seemed to be up into the mountains. After making our way through the winding roads, we turned into the makeshift parking lot. Because it was during the week, things were quiet. I was told that on weekends, the restaurant opens and its like a party. We got out and every one had their beach clothes on. Of course I was unprepared and ended up going in with shorts and a tank top. It felt like being a kid again minus the alcohol that was freely poured as we sat on the rocks.
Besides us, there was only 3 other people there which made it that much better. It was relaxing. We told jokes, made videos, took pictures and just enjoyed the moments in between sips. It was every bit of tranquility and relaxation. I loved it. From the fish swimming around my feet to the sound of the rushing water to the company of the people I came with. It was undeniably beautiful.
For my last night in Jamaica, we had a beachside cookout. We went to the fish market and picked out everything that we needed. I got to pick what my main fish would be and it was bagged separately. Even though I wasn't feeling good for part of the trip, I made the most of it. I made friends and checked another country off of my list. That made it worth it. On the morning of, the guys got up super early and met me at the hotel. They cleaned and prepared everything. I wrote and relaxed.
While they prepared the food, I took this free time to go to Rick's Cafe. If you know anything about Jamaica, Rick's is a huge tourist attraction with killer sunsets and cliff diving. Before I went, I spoke to my mom and she had a fit when I mentioned that I wanted to jump. My mind was made up. I was jumping. When we got to Rick's it just seemed like your typical restaurant on the water. That was until I saw the view. It was beautiful. People from all over the world came here to admire its beauty. There was no denying it. People lined up for their chance to jump. I watched from a nice distance as I mentally prepared myself for this 35 foot jump. People did flips off of the edge and others backed out before they got to it. I wouldn't be one of those people who backed out. At this point, two older gentleman noticed that I was preparing to jump. They were absolutely correct. They made a friendly wager as I folded my clothes and handed my phone to my friend.
I walked up to the line and for whatever reason, the employee in charge denied me. I was pissed. He suggested that I go to the lower level first. I wasn't having it. I didn't come all the way here to do some weak ass jump. I stepped back to let those behind me go and took a few deep breaths. When I got back to the front of the line, he gave me that look again. I told him that I was here to jump and we can do this on a 3 count. If I didn't jump when he got to 3, that was it for me. The whole line was on my side. People pulled out their phones and we all got ready as a unit. "One, Two, THREE!" I stepped off and prayed that I didn't fall flat on my back like the girl ahead of me. Splash! I was officially a jumper. It was nothing short of amazing. It gave me courage as if doing the jump wasn't courage enough. The intensity of my jump knocked my bathing suit top out of place. I swam back to the ladder and made the best of it. I guess that's a part of the reason people parked it at the stairs. Whatever, creeps. Nothing could kill my joy at this moment.
When I made it back to my phone, my friend said that he didn't catch the jump on camera because I didn't give him the signal. I was crushed. It wouldn't be the same if I did it again just for a video. As we walked back to the top, he landed me my phone and showed me the video. I was so happy. I loved it. I partially felt like all of my insecurities and fears had been washed away. I was proud of myself.
