The Savvy Villa Traveller

Many older Jamaicans use home remedies before or in conjunction with seeing a doctor. We have known for years that chewing ginger works well for nausea. Guess what, the National Cancer Institute funded a trial looking at using ginger for chemotherapy related nausea and vomiting. Kudos to the grant recipient but, Geez, we could have told them that for free!

Jamaican Saying: Tek time draw yuh han’ outta alligator mouth.

Translation: Be careful as you pull your hand out of an alligator’s mouth.

Meaning:
When you are in a precarious situation, be careful how you proceed.

You may love your digital or video camera but make sure you don’t commit a major faux pas.

Opportunities abound for great photos in Jamaica. A word of caution, however. Be careful when photographing people.

Someone sent me an email asking me if it was true that Jamaicans had an aversion to having their pictures taken. I wouldn’t say that is true. What I would say is that Jamaicans do not like to be photographed by strangers unless they are asked for their permission BEFORE-HAND. Think about it. You are going about your business in your hometown. Would you want a stranger coming up to you and snapping your photo without your permission? I know for sure I wouldn’t. It’s no different in Jamaica. It is considered very rude. Don’t even think that they won’t notice the subtle click from your phone or digital camera. Some may ask for a copy of the photo. Some may ask for or demand a tip – and they may not be happy with $5. Some will be highly insulted and there is no price that you could pay that would be enough. Children will usually let you take their picture; but, tread carefully. The watchful eye of their parents or guardian may be just around the bend. If they are with their parents, be sure to ask for permission before you start snapping their pretty faces. If you have a video camera, you may find that lots of people may want to “get in the movies”. If you are filming and someone is directly in your line of sight, the same rules as for photography apply.

Jamaican saying: When dog have money so ‘im buy cheese.

English translation: When a dog has money he buys cheese.

Meaning:
Dogs don’t have money and neither do they eat cheese – well not Jamaican dogs, anyway. When a dog gets things to which he is not accustomed he does foolish things. In the same way, people do foolish things when they come into money. If you doubt me, just turn on your TV!

Jamaican Expression: Everybody pot no ready same time.

English translation: Everybody’s pot isn’t ready (finished cooking) at the same time.

Meaning: This is sort of the equivalent to “every dog has his day”. Life deals us all different hands … but, even so, your day will come. Don’t compare yourself to other people. Hang in there!!! Your lucky break may be right around the corner. Keep believing in yourself.