Hey y’all,
I just returned from another trip to Jamaica last week, and I realize I enjoy traveling, not touring. For those who have been around a while, you know I was in Jamaica earlier this year and stayed at a resort, which wasn’t my cup of tea. But for this trip, I stayed at Zimbali Culinary Retreat in Canaan Mountain, Westmoreland Parish. Zimbali is a family-owned and operated farm-to-table experience nestled just 40 minutes outside of the beaches of Negril. I’m still trying to put my experience into words.
Spacious comes to mind. Or authentic and familial. Aside from the cooking show—which happens every evening, Monday through Friday, and draws a crowd that may not necessarily stay on the grounds—Zimbali didn’t have an air of tourism. It felt like I was visiting distant cousins who happened to run a B&B—kids running around and all. No room service, no expansive menu. Just whatever was brought in from the farm and placed in front of you. There’s a casualness that comes with being immersed in culture.
I spent an afternoon hiking through the mountains, getting bitten by every mosquito that could find me, and having lunch with Rastafarians as they talked about why they chose the simpler life and what it has meant for their health. I learned that Rastafarian philosophy isn’t a religion, but merely a way of living.
I met potential distant cousins—other people with a Campbell surname—and joyfully discussed our Diasporic connection. We discussed it all, from politics to resistance to creativity—and the inevitable inquiry about whether I’m romantically available or if there’s a special someone back home. It was practically like being with family.
I don’t think “vacation” or “tourism” describes this trip to Jamaica. The people were authentic and genuine and without the intent to impress. And that authenticity is the kind of experience I need when I travel—and also the type of experience I want, and try to make room for, whether I’m home, with family, or with friends. And who knows, a Social Soundtrack retreat for creatives in 2024 could nurture a similar space. Would you join? 👀
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Submissions for Resistance & Resilience will open on January 1, 2024. Resistance & Resilience is an independent digital publication amplifying Black music, culture & art. Visit the Social Soundtrack website to read previous work and learn more about the publication.
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What I’m Reading:
Moonrise Over New Jessup by Jamila Minnicks
Black Women Writers at Work edited by Claudia Tate
Coming Together: Embracing your Core Desires for Sexual Fulfillment and Long-Term Compatibility by Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman
What I’m Listening To:
“Holy” by Brianna Knight
“Fruit” by ABRA
“TEARS OF JOY” by Leven Kali
“Velvet Blue” by Ray Lozano
For Justice & Joy,
LySaundra Janeé