I’m thankful I’ve been lucky enough to have ridden a camel in the Egyptian desert; toured castles and palaces in Europe and China; gone on safari in South Africa, had drinks in the 7-star Burj Al Arab in Dubai; watched a football (soccer) match in Brazil and more. BUT none of those experiences trump the feeling I get when I go home. Every single time I go back, I find something new to appreciate about my little land of wood and water.
That’s because, to me, there’s no other place on earth where…
The food, like home-cooked salt fish fritters and a cup of bush tea or hot milo is as delicious and as filling.
![Saltfish fritters masterfully prepared by one of the greatest home cooks in my family, my aunt.](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/20151122_075928-01-1024x818.jpeg)
The road side stops with random vendor interactions are as entertaining. Or where the fruit stall purchases are as fresh and as satisfying.
![Sell me a coconut water and a whole pineapple, please](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSCF0881-1024x576.jpg)
The natural landscapes are so lush and breathtaking.
![One of the many waterfalls at Shaw Park Gardens in Ocho Rios](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSCF0922-1024x576.jpg)
The wildlife is as colorful.
![Friendly birds in the aviary at Turtle River Falls and Gardens in Ocho Rios, St. Ann](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSCF1057-1024x576.jpg)
The history of the country is as relatable and as poignant
![The view from Seville Great House in St. Anns Bay](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Seville-Great-house-1024x576.jpg)
The early morning ocean sprays and the warm water are as refreshing and enticing.
![Early Morning beach stroll at Jewels Dunn's River Resort and Spa](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/20151121_082747-e1448645418873-823x1024.jpg)
And for all those reasons and more, I am proud to call that place HOME.
![The colors of the Jamaican flag symbolize the story of my people. Burdens and hardships there may be, but we have hope and the sun still shines](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/20151122_141055-02-1024x591.jpeg)
Yes parri, JAMAICA nice yuh know!
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Editor’s Notes:
In case you’ve wondered about it, the yellow in the Jamaican flag represents our sunshine and natural resources; the black, the burdens borne by the people; and the green stands for agriculture and hope for the future.