Prodigal daughter #345

So much has happened over the past week. One of them was Penn Relays. I was able to go to Penn Relays for the first time ever this weekend and was blown away by the amount of fellow Jamaicans that populated the stadium at the University of Pennsylvania. Who knew! My partner and I were surrounded by my country men and women, most of who were cheering on our team in high spirit despite the freezing 52 degree weather. I felt for the Jamaicans who were coming into the cold straight from Jamaica. I found that many of them had flown in; however, nothing would prevent them from representing Jamaica in all their colors.




I was telling my sister who wasn’t able to attend that this was another event that brought me closer to the culture. In my young adult life, I’m re-living the experiences I felt I’ve missed out on growing up, track & field being one of them. I’ve never been to a track meet at the National Stadium decked in school colors at Champs. Therefore, Penn Relays has become my way of re-living this experience and LIVED I did!

Yours Truly and four handsome Kingston College gentlemen/runners

The weather didn’t stop us from cheering the Jamaican runners on the top of our lungs (well, my partner cheered for her American runners---How dare her! LOL). The sun came out in all her glory just in time to warm us up and light up the field, perhaps reminding our runners that she’s always with them.



Outside there were other activities going on. Grace Foods had a dance contest where we stood and watched some guys do their latest moves. I was able to learn a few new moves before my trip so that I can outdo the "kiddies" at Fiction Lounge with my grown and sexy self!



A year ago I began this journey of immersing myself into my culture and have learned a lot since. I’ve grown into my own and have even felt closer to Jamaica and the people than I’ve felt while living there. Even my partner has fallen head over heels with Jamaica. We’re literally one decision away from living there; packing all our things to make a life there, plant flowers, fruits and vegetables in the yard of a nice house on one of the hills overlooking Kingston and sending our little one to a good school where his/her dreadlocks won’t be an issue. I’d teach yoga and Pilates and continue to write many books while my partner can teach at the university. The life.

Nicole

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