Life in Jamaica - Empress Roots

The blessed island of Jamaica is lined with stunning beaches and limestone cliffs. Thelimestone is formed over millions of years from the accumulated skeletons of sea-dwelling creatures such as mollusc and corals. Two thirds of the island is covered in this rock.

One of my favorite things to do in my spare time is to explore new beaches and spend time on the seashores of this sea. From swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, boating, or just chilling on the shores, the energy of the Caribbean sea is like nothing else. It’s literally indescribable!

Whenever I spend time in, on or next to this ocean – I feel closer to the higher powers at be. It’s a sacred place, a place of healing and strength. I can sit and listen to the waves tell stories. In addition, I have the freedom to tell the ocean any little thing on my mind. I feel like it’s listening and assisting in guiding me to look deep within and search for comfort, healing. I listen to the signs around me to help establish answers to my questions and wonders of life. It’s a beautiful thing.

You cant really overstand it, until you experience it first hand. I would love if you would come visit an allow me to show you around and experience this healing bliss for yourself. Anything is possible in Jamaica. As we explore these places, I absolutely love snapping photos and taking videos to share these amazing beautiful locations of the island. Please enjoy and leave comments if you feel the vibes to do so 😉

~ Blessed Love, Erin

This seaside location is nearby where I live in Orange Hill. If you take the road down the hill to the sea there is this amazing chill spot that locals call “Haul up”. In the morning hours before the sun gets hot is my favorite time to sit here and take it in. It’s super secluded and special to me.

Xtabi – West End Cliffs, Negril

This next place I’m sharing on the west end of Negril was captured at the beautiful property of Xtabi. (Xtabi is an Arawak word meaning “Meeting Place of the Gods) The wata is always super clear and clean at this location. The reef is thriving and the energy here is incredible. I spent many hours working on this website at this location, taking in the ocean energy, the sunshine and looking out at the dolphins frolicking out at the deep sea. This place is magical in every way. There are three platforms with ladders to use for swimming and cliff jumping, its a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

Frenchman’s Cove

This gem is located in the eastern parish of Portland. In the sleepy town of Port Antonio. This is one of my favorite places on the east side of the island. It’s a special place where the river meets the ocean. The cold fresh river water mixes with the warm salty sea water in a lush, crystal-clear, sandy paradise setting. There are many birds and stunning wildlife that share this area, along with The energy at this place is something else! There is a small fee to enter the area, but its totally worth it. I could easily spend an entire day here. The cove is one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. I highly recommend spending a day (or longer) here.

Silver Sands Beach, Duncans

7 mile beach, Negril

Negril’s 7 mile beach is known to be one of the most popular in the world, rated #8 by Trip Advisor Travelers Choice award for 2018. Known for its white sand and crystal clear turquoise water, it’s a beach that will take your breath away with it’s beauty. Take in the laid back vibe and the sounds of reggae in your ears as beach bands walk up and down the 7 mile stretch giving you a taste of the “sounds of Jamaica”. One can enjoy many waterspouts including kayak, paddle board. One of my favorite things to do is take a glass bottom boat to the reefs and the island off the coast called “Boobie Key” to enjoy a fresh caught lobster cooked over an open fire. It’s a MUST try.

So many adventures to be had!!!!

While you’re chillin’ at the beach, you could also try parasailing, take various fishing trips, catamaran cruises and more! If your looking for more of a chill vibe, you may choose to spend many hours lounging in a beach chair with an umbrella enjoying a cold drink and a book. Some of the best people watching can be done from this beach. From watching kids and tourists play, locals selling fruits, patties, coco bread, jelly coconut, hand made jewelry and just about anything else you can think of. You can easily spend an entire day at this beach enjoying all it has to offer. There are many many bars, restaurants, hotels and little chill spots up and down this beach. There’s something to do for everyone! I enjoy spending afternoons here with friends and family…lounging, swimming and feeling my feet in the sand.

I will be adding to this post as I collect more photos and videos on my travels. Thanks for reading/looking!

Greetings Friends! Join me on my adventures in Jamaica.

It’s another beautiful sunshiny day here in the Orange Hill, Jamaica. I give thanks everyday for this life I’m living. The life I’ve created for myself by manifesting my hopes and dreams into reality. By clearly asking the Universe/Jah/God (whatever you call this higher source) for what I want/need, and working at it daily. Putting positive light on every aspect of what I desire, speaking about it as if it already happened.

WE have the power to create our own destinies, to make our dreams reality. I’m living my dream as I write this.At times I cant even believe it i have to pinch myself. Then realize;

“Yo Erin, you did this, you are a powerful bright beam of light, and you can fucking do anything you put your mind to!!!! Memba that!”

Our thoughts become things, and we have more power than we even realize. It might sound crazy, but its true. Set your intentions, work twords them, talk them into reality. Your dreams can come true too! Make it happen. OK? OK! 😉

I’ve had this website up and running for a few months mainly focusing on Empress Roots herbs, but now its time for me to dig deep and share with you my “Life in Jamaica“. I will try to incorporate some of the Jamaican language, called “Patois” (pronounced patwah) so you can learn some of the words and phrases. Patois comes from French origin meaning “rough speech”. The language began to develop in the 1600’s in Jamaica with the slave trade—the mix of the European cultures and African created “Creole”. I’ll end up writing a separate blog post focusing primarily on language and common phrases at a later date.

In the coming weeks/months…

Chronixx performing at Pier One; Montego Bay

…you will notice content being added to the Roots Girl Radio page. My goal is to share with you some of the local music that you hear coming form the sound-systems, and some of the new and upcoming artists.
I will also be sharing photos, videos, interviews, and more!

I moved to this beautiful likkle (little) island in September 2018.

I’ve stayed here on and off for the last year and a half. 2-3 months. (going back to Madison Wisconsin when I’m not here). I live in an energetic community in the hills of Westmoreland parish called “Orange Hill”. What can I say about this amazing community? Maaaaaannnn, its got this energy like no other place I’ve ever lived. Everyone knows each other, and “hails you up” (greets you) wherever you go. Smiles, laughter, jokes, and good vibes all deh bout (all around). The people here are one of a kind. People are warm and generous., always willing to help or put a smile pon your face. The positive outlook and chill vibes is felt throughout. Below is a video of a rasta freestylin’ at Chantel’s bar – while we play dominoes. Enjoy! 😀

My body feels so healthy and strong here. My hair is stronger and shiner, my skin is soft, moist and clear, my heart, head, and soul feel free. It’s a feeling like no other….the tropical climate makes me feel alive and vibrant. I can’t even begin to explain it, you have to come here to know. Once you know, you know.

One thing that you notice right away when you enter Orange Hill…

Sweet Sop Fruit (also called sugar apple)

…is the energy and the air. The air quality up here is just different. It’s clean and fresh. The cool breezes flow through the fruit trees and keep the place feeling nice. You will also notice the sights and sounds of this colorful community right away. Houses are painted bright colors and you are sure to hear music playing from one yaad (yard) to the next. The music is a big part of what makes most Jamaican communities so vibrant and uplifting. If you ask any Jamaican about what music is to them – nuff (enough) times their answer will be “Music is life!”

Orange hill is a big farming community. Dem (they) farm fruits, vegetables and herbs. You will sight (notice) many cattle, goats, chickens, dogs and puss (cats). In addition there are many different varieties of lizards, crabs, frogs and insects. It’s definitely considered “country life”…I love it.

Upon rising every morning…

Enjoying jelly coconut wata (water) down at seaside

…As the sun rises, I hear the roosters call and the sounds of community members “calling” to each other. Many people get up early and go to the “bush” (the woods where any of the crops are grown). Therefore, It’s best to take care of business early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. One of my favorite things to do early in the morning is to go down to the seaside, (what they all haul up) drink a jelly coconut and watch the waves…

It’s one of my favorite spots to meditate and listen to the ocean speak to me, the birds call to me as i watch the sea crabs walk sideways pon di rocks. It’s the best way to start my mornings. Many days the ocean can be “moody”. If you turn your back to it, it will swell and big waves form. If you “trouble it” it will show you who’s boss. I love it. There is nothing more humbling than the sounds of the sea in the morning. I give thanks for those mornings.

There are a few community gathering spots in Orange Hill. One is a “ball field” where pickney (kids) and adults play football (soccer) in the evenings or early mornings. This is also a location where people keep events – including birthday parties, domino tournaments, sound systems and more. In the dry months (when its not rainy season) this place is always poppin’!

The other place is the main shop in the community that most people call “Aunties”. It’s a gathering spot to watch the news and movies, play dominoes and ludi (a game introduced in England in 1896, and has become popular in the Caribbean -a game of luck and strategy), hear the latest happenings in the area, attend community meetings, and you can basically get any likkle thing at the shop. It’s the best chill spot in central Orange Hill.

Passion fruits from the tree in our yaad, strained into juice

One will sight many fruit trees in Orange Hill. Including ackees, mango, breadfruit, june plum, banana, plantain, sour and sweet sop, passion fruit, guava, cherries, guinep, limes, oranges, avocado (pear) and much more! I will go into more detail about Jamaican fruits and vegetables in a later post. As a result, no one can ever go hungry in this place. It’s a fruit lovers paradise. I love to blend and mix fruits to make smoothies. Sooooooooo refreshing pon a hot day.

I could go on and on about this amazing place called Orange Hill…

Me sitting down at seaside in the morning

…The people, the climate, the land – but I will save some of my boasting for another day. I am loving life in my new community and feel welcomed and blessed every moment. More to come…stay tuned.

Thanks for reading. Love and Light. ~ Erin

Category: Life in Jamaica

Jamaican Caribbean Sea…