September 3, 2024 - Week 32

Life has a way of reminding me of my global citizen responsibilities - and all the logistics that come with them. Next week is the Australian State Local Council election and my postal vote package is being delivered - to Canada. Even if it is forwarded to Jamaica, I cannot send it back given the lack of postal service to Australia. I'm guessing I will be delinquent in my vote (again); I'm hoping I will not be fined like last time!

Regarding my Jamaica excursions, some volunteers and I took a trip up North to Portland: Boston Beach. Typical of Portland, it rained. We braved the rain and stayed in the water as the storm clouds rolled in. I submerged myself under the once-turquoise water to observe and listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops. The sound of rain underwater was extremely calming, as was the feeling of rain on my face as I floated on the sea.

Once the rain stopped, we decided to venture up a steep rocky outlook with a sign that read "Jump at your own risk". We looked down from the ledge and saw the large rocks beneath the shallow water. Despite the "depth", we had seen a few Jamaicans previously leap from the outlook and survive the jump. We debated for a while whether we would jump, but one by one (of course I went from first in the queue to last) we defied logic and made the plunge. As I descended I saw the rocks come closer and closer and my legs touched the bottom, I had to pull my knees up to lessen the impact but thankfully we all survived and can still walk.

One of my bucket list items was to find Diplo's mansion in Portland - and during this trip, I finally spotted the distinctive concrete slabs and infinity pool in the distance. Next time I may pay him a visit.