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2009 In Review-Worlds Together Travel Newsletter

     Stay with Locals in Duckenfield, Jamaica 
     By Sandra Simmons
 
I arrived in Duckenfield for a full month's stay with Denese and
Michael and their extended family.  They did so much to please and
were so friendly and helpful in answering all the questions I had.
 
They have a Jamaican family house and their extended family was
wonderful to me also.  Sometimes I had double meals because
everyone was trying to feed me their 'specialty'.

Thirteen of us spent a full day together at Holland Beach and the
Morant Point Lighthouse.  They packed the lunch and set up places
for the children to take naps, hung their clothing on the trees and
baked freshly speared fish over an outdoor fire and let me sample
'sea beef'.  Another day we went to Bath and lounged in the warm
mineral water baths. Everyone did special things for me on my
birthday. They accompanied me to Kingston to transact business
regarding my permanent residency there.

Their hospitality is top notch and they seem to have a sixth sense
when it comes to how much privacy you need.  The house is clean and
they were able to adapt their speech to make it easy for me to
understand. 

I plan to live in Jamaica so for me I have made new friends and I
want to continue to touch base with them.  I have an open
invitation to come and visit them - free this time!  Michael makes
beautiful furniture and he has a piece in progress for me when I
return. 
http://www.worldstogethertravel.com/jamaica/lodging-duckenfield.htm


     Immerse Yourself in Negril's Local Community!

The stereotype of Negril, Jamaica, is all inclusive resorts.  But
Negril has a vibrant local community and Positive Vibration
Guesthouse is at the heart of it. Elvis and Laura can be your
guides.
They run their guesthouse, sponsor community events (like bingo, my
favorite!) and a girls club.  They are Blue Mountain coffee
roasters and can provide you with the best.  They also give tours
such as Reggae tour, Mayfield Falls with a walk up the river, Peter
Tosh memorial and more.
 
Consider "going local" on your next journey to Negril. 
http://www.worldstogethertravel.com/jamaica/lodging-positive-vibrations.htm


     Jah Priest has Trod on to the Ancestors

Jah Priest lived on the road to Reach Falls in Jamaica.  He passed
away this year and his grandchild wrote a most beautiful tribute.
http://www.worldstogethertravel.com/jamaica/jah-priest.html
  

     A Different Kind of Journey
     By Dianne Birney

This year I traveled a different kind of journey, one common to all
people in all nations. We were privileged to be able to immerse
ourselves in the care and presence of my mother as she lived the
last months of her life. 
 
While Mom was still able to communicate, my brother and sister came
home, daughter Alice came home from Tonga-we had a proper family
gathering!  What a blessing!  Mom died June 26th peacefully, at
home as was her wish.

In Tonga, when someone loses a first degree relative (parent, child
or spouse) they must wear black for 1 full year.  I am
metaphorically wearing black by wearing Mom's "old lady" bulky
sweatshirts with butterflies, birds and kitties on them.  It feels
good to be close to her.

     Calling all News

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"Encouraging Understanding through 
Sustainable Travel"

Dianne & Dave Birney
Worlds Together Travel Network
http://worldstogethertravel.com
info@worldstogethertravel.com