Happy CARICOM Day!

Did you know that July 4 is celebrated as CARICOM Day in the Caribbean? CARICOM, which stands for Caribbean Community, is an intergovernmental political and economic union which consists of fifteen member and five associate states. The Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed on July 4, 1973 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad & Tobago and signified the start of CARICOM. In celebration of fifty years, today has been declared a national holiday in several Caribbean islands (unfortunately not in Jamaica though!).

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle20 Comments

Ital Food: What Rastas Can Teach Us About Health

Ital food, often associated with Rastafarian culture, is a dietary practice that emphasizes natural, plant-based foods in their purest form. Derived from the word “vital,” ital food not only nourishes the physical body but also carries spiritual and ethical significance. With roots in Africa and Jamaica, ital food has gained recognition worldwide for its health benefits and sustainable approach. In this article, we will delve into the essence of ital food, exploring its origins, principles, nutritional value, and the broader impact it has on individuals and communities.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle22 Comments

Feast & Fun: 10 Must-Visit Food Festivals in Jamaica

In recent years, Jamaica has been diversifying its tourism product by adding vibrant food and drink festivals to the annual line-up of events. Jamaica’s cuisine was influenced by our Amerindian ancestors, as well as the various ethnic groups which have made the island home for various reasons, namely the British, West Africans, Indians, Chinese and Lebanese. From spicy jerk chicken and sizzling curries to refreshing tropical fruits, Blue Mountain coffee and rum, Jamaica’s food scene is a sensory explosion that beckons food enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. In this article, we will dive into the tantalizing realm of ten Jamaican food & drink festivals where traditional recipes, international influences, lively music and infectious energy blend together to create an unforgettable gastronomic and cultural experience (updated for 2026).

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle28 Comments

10 Interesting Types of Tourism in Jamaica

Tourism is one of the most popular recreational activities for people all across the world. It allows people to explore new places, experience different cultures, and learn about history, nature and wildlife. Over the years, different kinds of tourism have emerged, each offering unique experiences and opportunities. Whether it’s exploring new cultures, participating in adventure activities, or pursuing health and wellness, there is a type of tourism to suit every interest and desire. In this article, we’ll explore 10 interesting types of tourism which exist in Jamaica, or are practiced by Jamaicans.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle22 Comments

The “I Have It All” Mindset

Today’s brief post is brought to you by the WordPress writing prompt of the day which asks “What does “having it all” mean to you? Is it attainable?” Ever so often I answer these daily writing prompts to stretch the not-so-old writing fingers and my imagination. You see, these days I’m not exploring as much as I’d like. I’ve dedicated the first half of 2023 to long term projects, such as writing the first step of exams for my internal medicine residency so you may have noticed that my posts have become mostly lifestyle related instead of travel-themed. Fret not, as I’ll be out exploring in the latter half of the year and sharing those adventures but until then, these prompts keep my blog alive. With that said, today let’s answer this philosophical question.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle42 Comments

A Jamaican Year: Measured by Fruit Seasons

For today’s WordPress prompt, I’ve been asked to list my top five favourite fruits. This is a difficult selection to make as I love fruits, and here in Jamaica we are blessed with dozens of seasonal tropical fruits. In fact, the year to a Jamaican is divided by seasons– fruit seasons. We begin the year with Otaheite apples, followed by mango season then lychee and guinep season and finally June plum, hog plum, cherry, naseberry and sweetsop season. Some fruit trees bear multiple times a year like oranges, bananas and ackee, one of the world’s most poisonous fruits, which is a Jamaican delicacy and forms half of the National Dish. After much deliberation, these are my top five. If you’d like to try Jamaican fruits, check out this farm tour in Ocho Rios, or the Bluefields Farm tour near Negril.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle49 Comments

Five Medical Discoveries Jamaica Has Shared With The World

My island home of Jamaica ranks #155 on this list of countries compared by size in square miles, yet has managed to have an indelible global impact. In Jamaica, we say “wi likkle but we tallawah.” This means that we’re small in size but pack a punch, and that we do! Jamaica dominates in athletics, having produced the world’s fastest man and woman alive. Jamaica has produced one religion, four Miss World pageant winners, six genres of music and some of the world’s most highly sought after coffee beans. This tiny island has also had a major impact on the United Nations, most notably in matters of human rights, gender equality, the struggle against Apartheid, economics, the environment and combating the illegal drug trade. However, what’s not so well known is that Jamaican doctors and scientists have also made global contributions to the practice of medicine. In this article, I’ll share five Jamaican contributions to science and medicine.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle36 Comments

For Moms: Here’s Why Taking Care of YOU Is Important Too

Welcome to the second quarter of 2023! Today, Fay Smith, a mother of two young children and three lovable Pomeranians, sat down with Adventures from Elle to share words of wisdom for my mommy readers. Self care is important but mothers often forget to take care of themselves in the full-time profession of motherhood which requires 24 hours of love and dedicated service seven days a week. Here’s what Fay had to say:

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

Endometriosis Awareness

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Those who suffer from endometriosis know that it can be a very painful debilitating disease. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where the lining of the uterus (womb) can be found in other parts of the body such as the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, abdominal cavity and even in the brain and lung! This ectopic uterine tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle and results in inflammation, chronic pain and even infertility. Unfortunately, not a lot is known about why this condition exists, and there is currently no cure.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle32 Comments

Stewart Castle, Trelawny

The sightseeing detours on a road trip are almost as exciting as the destination itself. On the drive home from my weekend getaway at Animal Farm, my partner and I made two sightseeing detours. Our first was the Persian Water Wheel in Falmouth which I covered in January; Stewart Castle was the second. Present-day Stewart Castle lies in ruin but was once an impressive cut stone mansion, built in the 1760s by enslaved Africans. Here’s everything you need to know about Stewart Castle near Duncans, Trelawny.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle21 Comments