The Savvy Villa Traveller

It’s the New Year. We are all filled with new hopes and dreams. Want a little inspiration … check out the movie Cool Runnings. It was nominated to be on the the AFI’s most inspiring movies and with good reason. It is the story of the Jamaican Bobsled Team who tried out for and raced in the Olympic Games in Calvary, Alberta, Canada. Just think of it - a country where there is no snow, a group of people who literally fear the cold, yet they decided to compete in bobsledding – in the Olympics! They withstood the taunts and jeers of others when the started but ended up winning the hearts of the world. Can I get a tissue, please! Crazy on one hand; but, on the other, a story of true determination, commitment, and courage. That video is in the library at the villa. Rent it on DVD this weekend for a big dose of inspiration.

I recommend it highly to young and old alike – but especially for young kids. With imagination and hard work, dreams can truly be realized.

What do you want to do but think is impossible? Just do it! If a group of unknown guys from Jamaica could pull this off, think of what you can achieve. Do you have an inspiring story? Tell us about it here. We’d love to hear from you.

1. Lock your doors and windows before you leave. This sounds like a no-brainer but you would be surprised how many people forget to lock the upstairs bathroom window that they had opened just a crack.

2. Leave your house keys with someone you trust so that they may have access in an emergency. Also, leave your itinerary with them so that they may be able to contact you should the need arise.

3. Consider using timers on lights and/or appliances. One trick to using a timer is to set it so that it imitates normal household activity. Some timers are sophisticated enough to allow you to pre-program a different pattern for each day you are away.

4. Ask the post-office to hold or re-direct your mail while you are away. There is a simple form to fill out. You may even do it online from their website. And, even better - it is a free service by the post office! The same holds true for newspapers. To do otherwise would be a dead giveaway that you are away.

5. Don’t forget to make arrangements for services if you will be away long enough. For example, if your lawn will need to be cut, either cut it before you go or make arrangements to have it serviced as usual.

6. Be careful with electrical appliances. Unplug anything that may be a fire hazard. Do you have an automatic coffee maker? There is no reason to leave it plugged in. Do you have a space-heater? Plug it out.

So, be safe and have a great vacation!

Jamaican Saying: Short road draw blood. Long road draw sweat.

Meaning: The short or quick path is usually risky. The long road or path takes more work (but is usually less risky). Be wary of get rich quick schemes.

Jamaican Saying: What sweet nanny goat a go run him belly.

English Translation: What a goat loves and therefore over-indulges in will make him sick.

Meaning: Too much of a good thing is good for nothing.

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!