Me and Chedd posing for a selfie by the trees

The second Monday of being in Jamaica and it already feels like we have been here for months. While that phrasing usually indicates a negative situation this has been quite the opposite. With just four more days to spend in the area I am dreading going back to the snow awaiting me in New York. Being secluded to the immediate area of the Discovery Bay Marine Lab for the time being, it was a refreshing experience to be taken off campus for a tour of the Green Grotto caves. A hideaway for slaves and pirates during the period of time where the Island was under control of Spain, the caves have since become a tourist attraction where residents and foreigners alike can explore the basic inner workings of the tunnel system.

An opening in the cave where you can see trees protruding.

Tour guide Chedd gave an excellent tour of the area that was strengthened by his humorous narration and description of the history. Giving a few people, including myself, nicknames of various celebrities, Chedd led a very informative tour explaining to us what the different areas of the cave were used for and mentioning the more popular historical figures such as Black Beard and Captain Morgan who used to utilize the area for their escapades. Following the tour with a trip across the street to the Ultimate Jerk Center [Ed: a local dining establishment] it was a perfect way to end the first off campus trip of the MAR 388 study abroad journey to Jamaica.

• Frankie