familybeyond

One Friday morning, my buddies Mike and Corinne,  set off for a journey to Pensacola.  Having never been there, it was an experience I was looking forward to.  Our main objective was to see the reggae icon, Yellowman.  While just expecting to see a great show at Vinyl Music Hall, I was more than impressed to get to know Pensacola.

Pensacola is about an hour drive from our home on 30a.  We set off and were there in no time at all.  We preceded to get a room downtown and made our way to downtown.  Palafox St. is the main road thru downtown.  It is a charming downtown area as there are nice city parks and some interesting architecture.  It looks as if Pensacola took some notes from New Orleans.   There is a French quarter feel to the downtown with lovely balconies and cascading flowers.  A very quiet and charming city that has me wanting to explore more.

Yellowman still has got the rhythm.  He put on a beautiful show while playing many of his classics that have made him a moving force in the music industry.  Despite having jaw Acancer and having had part of his jaw removed as a direct result, the man does not miss a beat or a lyric.  Truly a living legend in the reggae movement.  A beautiful city, great show and some lovely friends made for an amazing weekend getaway.  Also, I got to see one of the most hilarious moments, Mike and Corinne playing this dance video game that had me peeing in my britches!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btlkIDPZfyU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZyGc-rkX6I

On Saturday evening, August 6th, the kids and I were invited to a celebration of Jamaican independence by our friend, Patrick.  Having no idea what to expect, I gathered up the troops and made our way.

Once getting to the celebration in Santa Rosa Beach, we discovered that Jamaica gained its independence from Britain on August 6, 1962.  The country became under its own government and principals that day.  As we celebrate the 4th of July here, that date is signifigant to Jamaicans in the same manner.

When we pulled up to the celebration, we were pleasantly surprised.  My buddy, Patrick was spinning reggae and dancehall on a very impressive sound system.  There was a spread of curried goat and chicken along with rice and beans.  A very goaty goat soup which was very tasty.  Three cakes and various other desserts were available to anyone who chose to come.   The hospitality of the people was lovely, they accepted all who chose to come to give thanks to this beautiful day.  While we only stayed for a few hours, it was obvious this party was going into the wee hours of morn.

Much love and respect to all our gracious hosts!  A special shoutout to our family friend and brother, Patrick.  I knew I always loved Jamaica! Happy Independence Day!

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