Wisconsin Snow In Contrast to the Jamaica Sun

My area of the world, Wisconsin,  received seven inches of snow the weekend of November 13-14. We went from an Indian summer with temperatures in the 60s to the low 30s overnight Friday. As I was shoveling out the driveway, I patted myself on the back for the purposeful exercise I was getting but I was also sad to see the end of green until April or May.  And I became jealous as I checked the weather report for Jamaica – 80 degrees and sunny.  Read more... (207 words)

Blue Mountain Project – Job Opportunity

If you are searching for a worthwhile and challenging  job, consider joining the Blue Mountain Project as our next Program Manager.

The Program Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Blue Mountain Project (BMP) in Jamaica, according to the policies and procedures set forth by the Board of Directors. The Program Manager reports directly to the Executive Director.  Read more... (182 words)

Sunday Afternoon in the Gap

Sitting on the porch of my host family’s home one Sunday afternoon during my recent trip to Hagley Gap, I glanced up from my computer. I was distracted from my work by a group of boys playing with their toy cars. They were in the midst of repairing a car that had lost a wheel and discussing the quality of the repair underway.  Read more... (307 words)

Destination: St. Lucia

In March 2001 I stopped briefly in St. Lucia to spend a few days relaxing after Carnival in Trinidad. My short visit did not provide enough time to even scratch its surface, yet I found myself captivated by the qualities of this 238-square-mile Windward Island. The sun, the sea, the island’s natural beauty, as well as the warmth of its people, all left me wanting to return to St. Lucia.  Read more... (1509 words + 4 images)

M. Cook’s volunteer expedition into the Blue Mountains

Two Weeks in the Jamaica countryside: My Xperience

April 7, 1998

As I descend from the plane to the tarmac below, the sweltering heat stifles my every move. I pass through customs, exchange my money and wait for a while for the bags to arrive. Venturing out into the sunlight, I wind my way through a gauntlet of eager taxi drivers. I ignore the curious stares focused on me and continue down the sidewalk where I meet our two group leaders. Once everyone has arrived I hop into the back seat of the rented soft-top Suzuki jeep and we begin our journey to Hagley Gap.  Read more... (1052 words + 1 image)

On the Streets of Bahia, Brazil: Olodum

This afro-Brazilian drum-dominated group is officially known as Grupo Cultural Olodum. As with some other groups that have been around the Bahia scene for a long time, they are a collective that uses the money they make to help promote community programs and social movements. What they do best though is get up and pound out resonating rhythms that mix African, Samba, Latin, and Reggae styles.  Read more... (413 words + 2 images)