Bent, Not Broken: Hurricane Melissa

I write this article with a heavy heart. My beautiful Jamaica suffered a hurricane on October 28 with maximum sustained winds of 185mph (298kmh), the most intense Atlantic hurricane to ever make landfall in history. The confirmed death toll in Jamaica so far from Hurricane Melissa is 32, and we fear it may climb as search and rescue operations continue, and connectivity is restored. Thousands of people have lost everything– their homes, furniture, clothes, cars, everything. Five hospitals have been severely damaged, as well as dozens of schools, businesses, churches, roads and other vital infrastructure. The current estimated damage is US$7 billion, one-third of Jamaica’s GDP.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle29 Comments
Girl lying on bench in forest

Welcoming A New Decade: 10 Lessons Learnt In My 20s

It’s my 30th birthday! It may be an unpopular opinion but I’m actually excited for this milestone because I view ageing as a blessing, including all the quirks and more importantly, the lessons which come with it. I’ve been blessed to learn and grow so much in my 20s. Also, this blog has played an integral role in my growth and development as I started it at age 21! It saw me through loss, breakups and grief, but also through successes like graduations, home ownership and now as a happy newlywed wife. My twenties were filled with ups and downs but I’m leaving them better than I started. Cheers to 30, and here are the most important lessons I learnt in my 20s.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle37 Comments

2025: Mid-Year Mark

The last time I wrote a mid-year mark article was 2021, can you believe it?! Perhaps that’s testimony to how busy the last four years of my life has been. I have some free time on my hands now though as I’ve closed the chapter on residency, and am undergoing a period of transition. With that said, I thought it fitting to resume personal blog entries and revive this mid-year series.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle23 Comments

2024 Year in Review

This has been another whirlwind year. In 2021, I learnt that being happy and content is a daily decision which requires effort, and that being grateful even in the midst of crisis is an act which will eventually beget more blessings. As such, I give thanks for everything– the ups, the downs and the in between. For me, 2024 has been beyond spectacular in the grand scheme of things, and today let’s recap it all. Also, today commemorates EIGHT years of Adventures from Elle! Give thanks.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle51 Comments
Girl jumping with Jamaican flag at Sacsayhuaman

Why Hiking Is My Favourite Form of Exercise

I’m not as active as I once was, but if there’s a hike or long nature walk involved– sign me up! This is my favourite form of exercise because it does not feel like exercise. I love the smells, sights and sounds of nature so much that I hardly notice my aching feet, thighs and calves until the walk is over. And by then, I would’ve met my 10,000+ step count for the day. Sounds like a win-win to me.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

How to Avoid Getting Sick When You Travel

By time you’re reading this, I’m celebrating my 29th birthday in a foreign country. While vacations are a time to unwind, explore new places and create lasting memories, what they don’t tell you about travel is that falling ill on vacation can derail a perfect holiday. Whether you’re traveling to a tropical paradise, a bustling city, or a serene countryside, it’s important to take steps to protect your health. Below is my comprehensive guide on how to avoid getting sick during vacation, covering everything from vaccinations to hydration and then some.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

4 More Jamaican Stereotypes Debunked!

While Jamaica is renowned for its captivating culture, stunning landscapes, and influential contributions to music and sports, the island is often subject to a myriad of stereotypes that fail to capture its true essence. These stereotypes can be both limiting and misleading, distorting the rich diversity and complexity of Jamaican society. In this article, we debunk four more common Jamaican stereotypes. If you missed part one, read it here.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle25 Comments

4 Jamaican Stereotypes Debunked!

My vibrant island nation of Jamaica is renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, excellent athletes and influential music. However, like many places, Jamaica is often subject to stereotypes which paint a narrow and inaccurate picture of its people and way of life. Today, let’s debunk four stereotypes that Jamaicans are particularly tired of hearing. If you ever hear any of these stereotypes about Jamaica and Jamaicans being uttered, kindly refer to this article.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

30 Things That Make Me Happy

I’m a day late for this WordPress prompt but I’ve been meaning to write a post outside of my usual Friday series which I’m proud to announce has been running for 62 consecutive weeks. This prompt is perfect as I try to remain optimistic despite life’s challenges. Most days will not be extraordinary so it’s important to find joy in one’s daily routine. Ordinary days make it easier to appreciate the extraordinary ones, so here are 30 regular things which make me happy + a mid-year check-in post.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

How To Buy A House In Jamaica

No matter where you are in the world, buying a house is a huge undertaking as real estate is typically the most expensive thing one owns. What should be a rewarding experience can quickly become daunting or stressful if you’re not careful. Having bought a home recently, I thought I’d document the experience to guide other aspiring Jamaican homeowners. Here is my six step guide on how to buy a house in Jamaica for 2025 & beyond. NOTE: This article is NOT intended for professional advice.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments