5 years ago, on my first trip to Jamaica, I landed at the Kingston International Airport around 11:30 PM and approached the customs gate for clearing. The Customs Officer asked me where my final destination was.. I didn't have one. The Customs Officer recommended a local hostel/hotel in Kingston.. 'Reggae Hostel'. "Sounds great", I replied. Little did she know, she had just directed the next 10 days of this journey, which ultimately, influenced my life and everything that has happened since. I called the Reggae Hostel and made a reservation and was quickly cleared through customs. I arrived briefly after a tour through the streets of Kingston from the airport, thanks to 'Shampoo' - my taxi driver. (Yes, his name was shampoo and I still have his phone number in my contacts list. I've used him as my personal taxi every time I've been to Jamaica since). What a fucking legend he is.

I arrived just before the party bus was leaving the hostel to go to a bash in the Blue Mountains right outside of Kingston. I immediately dropped my bags and jumped on the bus. I was greeted with smiling faces, squinty eyes and a cold red stripe. Our driver dropped us at a party in the hills.. joints were passed, music was heard, vibes were shared.

The following morning back at the hostel I was grinding up some of the world renowned Blue Mountain coffee beans for a cup of coffee (from the same Blue Mountains we were hanging at last night) and enjoying the sunshine on back terrace when I met the owner who advised me about the 5 year birthday of the Reggae Hostel that was happening tonight and to get ready for a special evening.

It did not disappoint. I submerged myself 1000% into the community and culture of Jamaica that evening. The conversations and happenings were heartwarming and pure. As the gathering dismantled, there was talk of a block party in the midst of Kingston. I ventured out to explore the streets of the ROCK aka Jamaica.. the dancehall, bass thumping music shook the streets while the selector aka MC controlled the attitude, crowd and overall vibe of the scene. We danced, laughed and puffed as the sky began to lighten the streets shortly before the morning Caribbean sunshine covered the island.. Those first two nights and there after for the next 8 days were some I'll never forget. I toured the better half of the country exploring the highest peaks of the Blue Mountains and some of the most serene private beaches of this incredible Caribbean island. I met locals that I still keep in touch with to this day. I met travelers that I still keep in touch with to this day. I ate local food that I still drool over. I drank root juice with a Rastafarian man deep in the middle of the Blue Mountains that had been living off the land his entire life. I swam in the bluest of waters. I smoked the copious amounts of marijuana. I engaged with children and elders. I was welcomed with smiles and departed after hugs. I saw life from a different angle. I felt peace. I was in Jamaica. It was nice.

Point of the story is.. Jamaica Nice. I can't wait to go back. And I would love to live there for some period of time in my life.