Too soon for seconds???

Ok. I am the first to admit that I fall in total love with the places I visit. 

Amsterdam. The streets, the sounds, the beauty. OMG- the doors! (and, of course, the coffee shops and Smart shops!). Cali, with the beaches and perfect weather. BC, and it's intense beauty and can-do, 'am-doing attitude. Don't let me ramble- I adore the places and faces- and discoveries.

Discovering and exploring is what it's all about for a lot of us. I find that most folks who indulge in cannabis or other herbal wellness methods prefer real and unique places over chain resorts. The big resorts are undeniably drop dead gorgeous, and usually found in the most beautiful local locations, but they generally lack a sense of authenticity. While some folks don't mind, and just want pampered someplace they have no doubt will be nice, most others prefer to be in the middle of "real". Which, by the way, does not mean there won't be pampering :-) )

Which is why, in under 6 months, I'm going back to Jamaica. Going back to the mountains, back to 7 Mile, and back to Little Bay. All of it. Back to total quiet and calm, back to some beachfront partying, back to some excellent, not found at the resorts, non-herbal wellness. 

This time I'll take more photos, take more videos, and take even more great day trips, so you can see, too. (I love sharing this with you- and thanks for the kind words.)  

When I went just once, I got the quick view. Palm tees: check. Beaches: check. Private resorts: check. Of course, that was back in 2008, when we were RastaVacations, but even then Jamaica had the goods for excellent 420 friendly travel. Now, all these years later, and a decision by Jamaican law enforcement to totally let go of current cannabis laws, people are starting to flock to Jamaica, because they know they'll have a blast and are able to pick up weed, easily. Of course, there's a difference in quality anywhere you shop, and tourist cannabis is far from Jamaica's pride. Go off resort and you have a chance of finding out. 

I've been to Jamaica multiple times now. I aways travel solo, and always I've done everything outside of canned resorts. I've grown a fond appreciation of life in Jamaica as a result- and what Jamaicans are really all about: Ital and Irie. I've met beautiful souls, filled with kindness and generosity. I've enjoyed some strains I've not seen in decades, and enjoyed microdosing psilocybin mushrooms again, in the perfect environment. But more than that, I've plugged in to a wonderful network of amazing, like minded people who are eager to share their Jamaica with, well... with US. 

Point is, next time you go to Jamaica, or anywhere, think outside the resort. Find a trusted travel advisor, have them help you find safe areas to enjoy, wherever your wanderlust takes you. Eat local, meet locals, do local things. Take photos other than the fountain in the lobby and the perfectly groomed beach at the resort. We can see those on their websites. Take pics of the kids, celebrations, festivals, local novelties and intriguers. Grab those shots your friends will be jealous of. Bring back stories they'd never have thought to try, and enjoy a lifetime of the best memories your travels could possibly provide.

But whatever you do- travel!