If Paul the Octopus had predicted a rollercoaster 2020 on the 1st of January, we would probably have laughed at him. After all, we had an amazing ‘Detty December’ in Nigeria and a phenomenal Year of Return in Ghana. We were truly hopeful for 2020 (the double 20 year) and we all had amazing plans to see the world and to conquer it.
Almost without warning, we were all subjected to a global lockdown from March, thanks to COVID-19. It saw people like me, who ‘catch flights not feelings’ at least once a month, become people who caught memories and movies for 5 months.
When the global airspace finally reopened and we thought we could start flying again, our plans were constantly disrupted with things like self-isolation, quarantine, COVID-19 tests, travel corridors, entry restrictions, sanitizers and masks. People who used to book flights based on emotions and visa availability had to start doing so after adequate studies just to be sure they could enter without restrictions, exit with no obligatory self-isolation, and re-enter their country!
As if COVID-19 was not enough, many of us found ourselves deeply caught up in the #EndSARS protests. Painful sacrifices were made and sadly, several lives were lost. But we now have some light at the end of the tunnel; we have seen what can be achieved when we work together with a common purpose and this must continue for the greater good of Nigeria.
By now, we might all be experiencing accumulated stress from the rollercoaster of events and would, no doubt, need an escape. With so many entry and exit restrictions now, it is more difficult than ever to spin the globe and choose a destination. Thankfully, I travelled to Jamaica last month and I can give a first-hand account of my weeklong experience and why you should consider it as your dream getaway this Christmas/New Year.
Where is Jamaica?
Jamaica is a beautiful island paradise in the Caribbean. It is located between the continents of North and South America. Jamaica is 1 hour 20 minutes from Miami, Florida, and 2 hours from Cartagena, Colombia.
Though tucked far away from the continent of Africa, most of its population is of African descent. West Africa, especially, shares a deep historic connection with Jamaica from the times of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. For this reason, the good people of Jamaica refer to Africa as their motherland.
