Jamaica – Week 2… Wi a go Port Royal wit wi madda

Our language lessons continue every day, so the Patois in the title means, “We went to Port Royal with our mother”.  (permission to post madda's pic was received - that's a Peace Corps requirement).


With our host madda - at Port Royal

Irene in our front yard

 

Our second week of training continued its intensity. We walk from our homes to the training site every morning – an open air building and start at 8 AM. We’re moving along quickly with PC guidelines, language, and education sector sessions every day. Yesterday was a cultural day – we learned music and dance all day…of course Irene is a great dancer, and even Steve did get out and shake his body too. Both of us had achy legs the next day.

Saturday was a day to tour a bit with our host families. We went to Port Royal, the fort built by the British when they overthrew the Spanish and took control of Jamaica. The entire island of Port Royal was almost destroyed in an earthquake on June 7, 1692 and much of that old city is now underwater. Even the fort ‘sank’ about 10 feet and many of the buildings are still leaning. Although famous naval officers including Horatio Nelson commanded the fort, there was never a shot fired. The British empowered pirates (including the famous Captain Morgan) to become privateers (licensed pirates) and their strength kept all enemies of the crown away from Kingston.

At the statue of Bob Marley in Kingston

 

In a week we will move to another community to continue our training for our education assignments. We will keep you updated and look forward to seeing your comments.