December 16, 2024 - Week 47

Now that the Christmas Cantata is out of the way, reggae and dancehall music rang throughout the school as the end of year parties were held.

Students were dancing in the corridors or belting out tunes on the portable speaker. I braved a few dance moves but was no match for the Jamaicans. Other students were inside for their Christmas party lunch consisting of: KFC, Popeyes, salad, cake, donut, ice cream and an assortment of drinks including sorrel. I tried hard not to be shocked at the sodium and sugar intake they consumed that day...

Before I left for the week, the farming instructor taught me how to roast breadfruit - a skill I had been asking her to teach me. Many Jamaicans themselves don't roast breadfruit, so this is a niche skill!

With the 9 breadfruits picked from the school's tree, she built a wood pile whilst I assisted with fanning the fire. After an hour, we felt like Kahleesi who emerged from the fire with her dragon eggs. She taught me how to peel the roasted Breadfruit so I won't repeat my prior error of getting charcoal on the flesh.

Step 1: Building the wood pile

Step 2: Laying on the Breadfruit

Step 3: Turning the Breadfruits for a consistent roast

Step 4: Let them roast until black all round

Step 5: Remove them!

I also spent a good minute trying to plow the soil, but opted to give up this future career in farming.

To close off the day, the principal presented me with my Christmas present - a frozen chicken ready to roast. Every teacher received one of these very practical presents.