Pre-trip, London Hotel Sunday 22nd July
The night before you go away is usually sleepless from excitement and nerves. And the night before we left for Jamaica was no exception.
The last minute preparation information and itinerary finally made it all sink in that we were actually going to Jamaica the next day. That we were actually going to be meeting Jamaican young people and getting involved in what they do. And that we were actually going to see UNICEF’s HIV/AIDS related projects in the field.
It finally all began to feel real, and after all the planning and preparation it was really happening. I’m definitely more excited than I’ve been in a long time. Just thinking about the next week makes me shiver with excitement.
But with all that excitement it would be just too good to be true if that’s all I felt. I’m also extremely nervous about meeting the other young people. Hearing about all their amazing work and projects makes me feel like I’ve got high standards to meet and little bit intimidated.
However I’m sure it will all be absolutely amazing and all I can do now is get some sleep, so I’ve got enough energy to survive what will be a busy week.
On the plane Monday 23rd July
Exhausted and staying clear of the plane food, my excitement is beginning to take a back seat to nerves and anticipation.
I’ve already been to Jamaica four times, but never have I once set foot in Kingston, where we are going, purely because there never has been a reason to. So I’m really looking forward to finally seeing the country’s capital and experiencing what good be a whole other side to Jamaican life.
I don’t know what to expect and I’ve tried to avoid visualising what it’s going to be like in order to keep an open mind, but presumption is just part of human nature; so I know it’s the main city and I can’t help but assume huge modern cement and glass buildings surrounded by lots of traffic and shops (a bit like London – just hotter!)
But until I get of the plane I won’t know so all I can do is wait. Armed with books, magazines, films and sweets and I’m totally ready to take on the nine-hour flight.
Arrived at the hotel
The excitement of landing and arriving in Jamaica was completely destroyed by the fact that it took us almost three hours to get out of the airport! Ridiculously long queues through customs and pointless equipment checks drained us of all our arriving excitement energy.
But thankfully, in this case, all things come to an end. Eventually we got out of the airport and could breathe some Jamaican air and feel the warmth rather than the excruciating heat of tons of people packed into a small place without fans and air conditioning.
Driving to the hotel I got a shock at what Kingston was like, which to be honest I deserved for assuming what it would be like. Split into Downtown Kingston, the original part and New Kingston, the more business area it had a less modern feel to the area than I expected. Although a lot of the area is new it still had this atmosphere that it’s traditional to Jamaica and relaxed.
Unlike the fast pace of UK cities. It’s so easy to feel at home and comfortable here, especially in the hotel where from the balcony you can see a lot of Kingston but all from a safe distance.
Even though we’re in the capital city where it’s urban and built-up you can still see how beautiful the country is. Being right on the water’s edge and with a clear view of the famous Blue Mountains, I’ve never felt more relaxed and calm even in the middle of a city. I’ll definitely being getting some sleep tonight to get me set for the rest of the week.
