Going to Jamaica to meet his family... Any Advice will be appreciated.

[EminTX 131]

Ask your other half to send you pictures of the people in his family and then label them with their names and print them on a single sheet (6 to a page, if you want). Hang this up where you brush your teeth and fix your hair and look at it to familarize yourself with who is who so that you can remember their names easier once there. Remembering names will win you points and make it less frustrating for you later.

My last visit to the country of my beloved included a big party. I went and bought some disposible white cups. Before the party, I drew little pictures on the sides with a Sharpie--hearts, flowers, music notes, symbols like that. (This was a hit, too. Each one was personal and something to talk about.) I made sure to be the one serving everyone their drinks. I used the Sharpie to WRITE everyone's names on two sides and the bottom of each of the cups. This way, all the photos of the people toasting each other included their names in the picture. It has really helped me greatly to keep with with the situations. An aunt was critically ill and died two months ago. All I needed was her name and I was able to easily pull out the best pictures of her and print them out to send to the family. Those party pix were the last ones she had ever taken and she looked great. Sending prints for everyone to enjoy really, really, REALLY made me a favorite new family member. :)

I know you'll have a great trip.

Also, when taking pictures, think about ones that will be good as secondary evidence. If you go to a concert or museum together, for example, save the tickets and take a picture of you there together. If you take a bus trip or anything that includes your names on the tickets, do the same. Take pictures with other people in them so that it doesn't just look like staged pictures.

[MRStee 19]

Each and everyone of us has had our own unique experiences with the island! I say be yourself, relax, relate and release, drink plenty, dance plenty, enjoy the breezes, take in the sites and just love your man! Family likes to be reassured that you will take good care of their loved one as they would! Have fun!

[GatorShae 36]

Emin that is a really good idea! I will definitely see if I can get some pics from him. Thanks so much!!

Thanks for the advice MrStee!

[Princessblack 21]

Awww a virgin to the island! lol

Relax....you will love it im sure. Not all parts are like that with no indoor plumbing but they make do and its sooo much fun! The experience of not having makes you appreciate your Significant other more and what you have even greater. Life is sweet there no matte rhow poor. Enjoy your trip. Take in the sites and only you can experience that for yourself. So feel it out and come back and tell us what you think. I am sure by the time you return you will be booking your ticket again to go.

[EminTX 131]

Emin that is a really good idea! I will definitely see if I can get some pics from him. Thanks so much!!

You are very welcome. I forgot to mention, because this is family, everybody LOOKS THE SAME!!!!! Think of it as a puzzle that would rival any crossword in the New York Times. For me, hair and jewelry are the distinctions for women. Every man in my fiance's country that is over the age of 25 has the same haircut. I made it a game while waiting in lines to look for guys who had varied from that--they were always foreigners once I heard them speaking.

Years ago, I attended a wedding where inflatable guitars were pitched out to the dance floor to guys with no partners. The pix were great so I copied that for this last trip and it was just as big of a hit. Every single person had to play air guitar including the 96 year old grandparents. This made for the best pictures. If you can grab one, do it. I ordered from Oriental Traders with the wedding stuff. It took no real space in my luggage and made everyone the star of the party--especially the shy ones. (I also threw in some glow-necklaces in a variety of colors. The party-goers liked them, but they looked kind of weird in the pix.)

I'm looking forward to reading about your trip and seeing the pix posted. I know it will be incredible.

[jimmy84 7]

if in st mary visit:

dolphin cove

mystic mountain

dunn's river

kingston:

devon house (food)

[aaydrian 479]

I'm starting to realize that. I found out a couple of days ago that there was no bathroom in the house and they have to use an outhouse? They also don't have A/C in the house as well, but it shouldn't be too hot. I alsofound out that they are "raising chickens", which they intend on killing and cooking for dinner while I'm there. I've never even seen a live chicken, much less killed one. Initially I said I was ok with helping, but then I started to think about all the blood and I felt like throwing up. This is definitely going to be an experience but I'm excited for it. However, I can't lie I keep having this dream of a chicken chasing me through a field with no head. My fiance said he intends on filming this entire trip because he is sure that we could win money from America's funniest home videos (he watches too much tv).

St. Mary is beautiful. The parts I saw were all green. The 1st time I went my mouth couldn't close, I couldn't sit still. I was in awe. Waterfalls (esp a very tiny one right beside the road), rivers, beaches and the best part is they're free. You of course can check out some paid tourist attractions.

Make sure you camera has a lot of space to take pictures of your fiancée's family, closest friends and both of you doing fun and ordinary things. Footage of chickens chasing you or pictures of you taking on some Jamaican 'jungle' helps makes for a good case if you should attempt at a K1/CR-1 visa or marry and want to make your husband a LPR.

Have a great time in Jamaica.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved to Caribbean regional forum

[GatorShae 36]

Thanks everyone! I'll make sure to give you all an update on how my trip went once I get back. I leave on Monday morning and I'll be there until the 26th. I'm super excited!

[Princessblack 21]

I am sure you are having a ball.

[GatorShae 36]

Hello everyone!

So I'm back from JA and I had a wonderful time. So here's a recap of my experience. Let's begin with the good. First, the country is beautiful. I truly understand why some people call Jamaica paradise, the grass is so green, the mountains are beautiful, and the water is so clear and blue. It's absolutely breathtaking. Second, the people. Everyone was really friendly in Jamaica, I didn't run across one person who wasn't helpful or mean. However, that could also be because they wanted my money. Lol. Third, the food. I didn't really like most of the food I ate. I tried ackee, saltfish, dumplings, yams, etc. and I hated it. However, I did like the jerk chicken, pork, oxtails, rice and peas. Fourth, his family. His family was so welcoming and they really made me feel at home. We held an engagement party on Saturday and I had a blast. There was tons of music, food, love, and laughter. The evening was really special.

Now for the bad. There was only two things that put a damper on my trip the mosquito's and the lack of A/C. The mosquito's loved me, Ithink I got bitten at least 20 times in the first three days. After that I got insect repellant and they were so bad. Lastly the lack of A/C. Jamaica was hot!! I found myself constantly standing outside in an effort to catch a cool breeze. I don't know how the people that live there do it in the summer.

Other than that, I had a great trip and it was wonderful to spend time with my fiance in his hometown and to see where he comes from. I'll definitely be going back.

[Princessblack 21]

Hello everyone!

So I'm back from JA and I had a wonderful time. So here's a recap of my experience. Let's begin with the good. First, the country is beautiful. I truly understand why some people call Jamaica paradise, the grass is so green, the mountains are beautiful, and the water is so clear and blue. It's absolutely breathtaking. Second, the people. Everyone was really friendly in Jamaica, I didn't run across one person who wasn't helpful or mean. However, that could also be because they wanted my money. Lol. Third, the food. I didn't really like most of the food I ate. I tried ackee, saltfish, dumplings, yams, etc. and I hated it. However, I did like the jerk chicken, pork, oxtails, rice and peas. Fourth, his family. His family was so welcoming and they really made me feel at home. We held an engagement party on Saturday and I had a blast. There was tons of music, food, love, and laughter. The evening was really special.

Now for the bad. There was only two things that put a damper on my trip the mosquito's and the lack of A/C. The mosquito's loved me, Ithink I got bitten at least 20 times in the first three days. After that I got insect repellant and they were so bad. Lastly the lack of A/C. Jamaica was hot!! I found myself constantly standing outside in an effort to catch a cool breeze. I don't know how the people that live there do it in the summer.

Other than that, I had a great trip and it was wonderful to spend time with my fiance in his hometown and to see where he comes from. I'll definitely be going back.

Good to read the report. The good definately outwayed the bad. lol. Next time you can get a fan and mosquito repellant lol. Glad you enjoyed yourself though and is willing to go back to our little home on the isles.

[dap 5]

Hey, how are you? I actually live in St. Pete too. That's so cool!

Yes it is... we definitely have to do a link up. LOL.

[Mzsitch 2]

Glad you had a good time...

[Pinkrlion 2,719]

I am sooo glad that this discussion area is available to us. I just returned from visiting JA in April. Planning to go back in either July or August for my BDay. My first trip, I was like it is hot, and where is the AC. LOL!!!! However, love the country and the scenery, food, etc...

@GatorShae - the mosquitos LOVE ME, I wake up with new bites daily.

Edited May 12, 2012 by Pinkrlion