Follow Your Nose to the best Jamaican Spot
Two obvious things attract non-Jamaicans to the culture, food and music. Usually one finds both at the same spot but the question is how you find it in the first place. It call for using that sense of smell in place of the usual hearing or seeing.
Quite often, non-Jamaican friends ask for recommendations on the best places to find Jamaican music or food. Over the past few years since living in Canada, I have developed this new approach, follow your nose. Here is what I have found. There are several times that I have discovered a new Jamaican restaurant while simply walking by. It is difficult to ignore that unique aroma that comes with Jamaican food.
It took several years to find out that in places where I found great Jamaican food; there were also Jamaican cultural gems to discover. Many of these places were meeting points for Jamaicans where they exchange information on the cultural state of the nation. While waiting in line, visitors would provide information on the "must" attend reggae event in town, where to find the best deals on music or even travel deals be it a bus excursion or a boat ride.
Many of the Jamaican restaurants are located in areas with a significant Jamaican population. Listening to the pulsating Jamaican accents offers a touch and feel of what it is like living in Jamaica. Step outside the doors of these restaurants and you might find people peddling Jamaican music. Personally, I love peddling because this is where you find the hot deals.
If you live in a major city, check out the areas with above average ethnic population. Places like New York and Toronto have always had a strong link to Jamaican culture..
For those who have not discover this cultural exchange, next time follow your nose to the nearest Jamaican restaurant, you may discover more than you bargain for but in a good way.
Richard Williams operates BigCulture.com and is an avid Jamaican culture promoter.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
