February 2, 2025 - Epilogue

And with that, my 366 days in Jamaica Kingston have come to an end. The year away has afforded me clarity and fulfillment, allowed me to meet friends from various areas of life/geographies, and challenged my understanding of DEI especially concerning colorism and PwD.

On my last day, I checked out of my apartment to drop the keys off at CUSO HQ and then had a final meal with my Jamaican parents. Chance would have it that as I was moving my luggage downstairs, I bumped into two neighbors whom I had wanted to say farewell to but had not yet. With a few final hugs, it was time to bid Waterloo Avenue a 'later'.

I often joke that Jamaica did not want me to leave and so delayed my 3.5hrs flight by more than the actual transit time i.e. 5 hours. Life may give me lemons, but I'm in Jamaica so I went to a beach and sat by the dock with a drink to pass the time.

The flight back was smooth and as Jamaican as can be as I caught a strong whiff of dark rum from the hidden flask the gentleman next to me was taking shots from.

Toronto welcomed me back in all its glorious cutting cold and frozen lake. However, I could not help but notice how lacking in vigor and life people seemed to be, perhaps it's due to the grey-scale architecture and polar vortex. I missed the primary colors and loud music of Jamaica! Yet, I did enjoy the food options and the ability to afford fruits and vegetables now!

If there is anything I learned from Jamaica, it is to take life easier, walk slower, enjoy our blessings, and dance even if others are watching!

Big ups and nuff respect for partnering with me on this journey; I hope you have learned something - even if it is the fact that Jamaica is not as 'unsafe' as reports/social media etc make it to be.