Thanksgiving dishes piece of paradise
It was several years since I last visited paradise–my native country–Jamaica, where I spent a milestone birthday in July.
Going back after so many years away was a real treat that really allowed me to relax, instead of thinking much about the fact that I am now a middle-aged lady who has more to accomplish in her life.
However, living in the United States for more than 23 years, has taught me that the diversity here makes this country strong and interesting, attracting millions of immigrants each decade.
I enjoy living in New Jersey and dressing for the drastic changes in temperatures each season, but I prefer summer months. For that reason, I try to have a taste of the tropics all year.
Whenever possible, I also like to introduce others to my native culture. Thanksgiving Day is an opportune time to do this.
I usually spend the day with my family and we usually have guests who are sometimes not Jamaicans. I usually invite our guests to sample some of our native foods. Last year, we watched original Jamaican movies with our Haitian guest. In the past, we have also listened to Jamaican Christmas music or reggae music at Thanksgiving.
While I embrace being an American citizen, I am always celebrating my heritage. Throughout the year, I cook with Jamaican curry powder and eat other Jamaican foods. In the summer months, I like to go out to listen to live reggae bands.
The U.S. is considered a melting pot that welcomes immigrants from all over the world. The different ethnicities usually start businesses, such as restaurants that feature their native dishes. Some immigrants, like the Chinese in Chinatown, New York City and Philadelphia, build communities here in the U.S., which resemble their native homelands.
Some Jamaicans have done the same, in Miami, for example. We have a vibrant heritage that we like to share. Jamaicans have roots from all over the world. The country’s motto states: “Out of many, one people.” The majority of the population is of African descent. “Indians, Chinese, Irish, and many more have left their imprint on Jamaican culture,” states a Jamaican travel website.
I was very excited to experience a piece of paradise earlier this year. Although Jamaica has changed a lot over the years, still a lot remain the same. The tropical plants are still beautiful. The sea still looks clear and blue. The beaches are still breathtaking. The landscape is truly amazing.
According to an article on Jamaica-gleaner.com, “Over the years, Jamaica’s compelling natural beauty has attracted more than a few individuals of worldwide acclaim.”
The article mentions the “swashbuckler movie hero, Errol Flynn, who had an abiding love affair with Port Antonio,” the capital city of the parish of Portland. This parish is located just north of the popular Blue Mountains.
British writer, Ian Fleming, was also attracted to Jamaica, land of beauty. Fleming created British spy, James Bond.
There was also Noel Coward, who along with Fleming, were both “pulled” to Jamaica’s north coast.
Jamaica’s natural beauty is just the beginning of the attraction. But it gets more exciting when one begins interacting the with locals, starts partying, and eating the food. The experience makes you want to visit again.
On Thanksgiving Day, tomorrow, I look forward to having tasty Jamaican dishes. I like to experience other cultures as well. So, I try other foods too.
Jamaicans embrace diversity just like the United States does. The island’s motto, “Out of Many, One People,” is basically saying we are one. There are many faces, many races, but we are one spirit and one heart.
Bob Marley’s reggae music encourages us to unite.
At Thanksgiving we can extend our experience of the “melting pot” here in the United States. Many will celebrate by tasting different dishes. We can all celebrate our cultures and our foods with each other.
As we remember to give thanks at Thanksgiving, we should also remember where we are from and why we are living in the United States. Many of us left loved ones in our native countries to be here. Some of us are here because of political oppression, job opportunities, university scholarships and many other reasons.
The United States is a haven to many and we might have ties to other countries but we have to give thanks to be here for many reasons.
It is wonderful that we can express our diversity. It is great that I can visit my native country and share my experiences here. The island of Jamaica is truly a beautiful experience and I look forward to having a piece of paradise at Thanksgiving.
