Your path to becoming a Jamaican

Ever so often, I post on Facebook a few things that I believe contributes to what makes you an authentic Jamaican.

Only a few days ago, I posted again. This time I compiled a whole list based on a combination from friends. Here goes… Feel free to add.

Try as many as you can, with friends…

1. Climb Blue Mountain (all the way to the top)
2. Attend Boys and Girls CHAMPS at least once
3. Attend Grand Gala/Mello Go Roun’
4. Watch (live) Reggae Girlz, Reggae Boyz or Sunshine Girls play 
5. Stop at Lymin in Walkerswood, St Ann 
6. Shop at Linstead Market
7. Go to the Pelican Bar (off Treasure Beach)
8. Buy Roast Yellow Yam and Saltfish in Williamsfield 
9. Have a cold Red Stripe
10. Pay a visit to Coronation Market on a Saturday morning before 6:00
11. Learn to drive a stick-shift
12. Climb Dunn’s River Falls
13. Visit UWI Chapel, Holy Trinity Cathedral
14. Have fish at Hellshire
15. Watch horse racing at Caymanas Park
16. See Beenie Man perform live
17. Stay at a local resort/villa
18. Rafting on the Rio Grande/Martha Brae 
19. Hike up to NewCastle 
20. A visit to the Doctor’s Cave Beach 
21. Take pictures at Glistening Waters 
22. Visit Castleton Gardens 
23. Tour the Black River Safari Tour
24. A walk at the Palisadoes strip for Sunset 
25. Experience anything in Negril – sunset at Rick’s Cafe, walked on the 7-miles beach stretch 
26. A tour of the National Gallery/Institute of Jamaica
27. Visit the Art Walk Downtown 
28. Tour the Bob Marley Museum/Devon House 
29. Watch a local play at the Little Theatre/Little Little Theatre 
30. Watch a film at Carib
31. Drive through the Buff Bay Valley from Irish Town 
32. Watch Cricket at Sabina Park 
33. Skinny dip in any river with friends
34. Ride a bicycle 
35. Skull School (I won’t tell your parents)
36. Attend an Agricultural Show at Denbigh
37. Attend a political rally 
38. Mineral Baths 
39. Fishing at any location in Old Harbour 
40. Attend a dance in Rae Town or a town square across the island
41. Sit on the road side in Greenwich Town and have a fish & beer 
42. Sing in the Tuff Gong Studios (it’s reasonable to book studio time) 
43. Attend a nine-night 
44. Attend a Kumina fest 
45. Attend an NDTC/L’acadco performance 
46. Eat peppered shrimps at Middle Quarters 
47. Have Tin Mackerel (Duty Gyal) with rice/ground provisions
48. Have jerked pork at Boston (Portland)/Jerked Chicken on the roadside
49. Attend Reggae Sunsplash/Sting/Reggae Sumfest/Rebel Salute
50. Take a ride on the Knutsford Express 
51. Take a route taxi 
52. Stand in line at the US Embassy
53. Play dominoes at a bar 
54. Visited a Reader Man/Woman – IYKYK
55. Drink coconut water in Holland Bamboo 
56. Visit YS Falls/Reich Falls
57. Take a picture with any of our music/sports stars 
58. Buy a hot bread at a shop and eat with butter
59. Waved goodbye to your friend/family from the Airport (Palisadoes)
60. Gone on a Primary School trip on a “country” bus