I’m almost there. One week left until I’m on a sandy beach enjoying a sunset. The anticipation is killing me. Waking dreams of beach under my feet and reggae music around the corner are haunting and relentless. I’ve been immersed in websites and travel books for so long now, it’s coming out my ears. As far as I can tell, there are going to be some really interesting and fantastic times to be had on this little slice of heaven. Here are a few random tibits of knowledge about the country I’m soon-to-be enjoying:

• Jamaica’s national pastime is cricket. This is obviously a holdover from British occupation of the country. Maybe I’ll learn a few things about the sport while I’m there. If anyone can explain it to me, please do, cuz’ it looks wierd.
• Jamaican’s speak in a Jamaican patois, a dialect unique to their county and based on English. This dialect often sounds nothing like English, and will probably be the cause for some awkward, funny moments. I expect to learn some swear words in “Jamaican”.
• Jamaica has some of the best coffee in the world, the famous Blue Mountain variety. They export most of this coffee to Japan because of the inordinately high price it fetches there apparently. We probably won’t be served this fine brew at our hotel, but I’ll try to smuggle some back with me…
• Rastafarianism is a locally-born religion whose followers believe marijuana has spiritual properties and is a gift from Jah. This is good to know, as I wouldn’t want to offend any of the locals by not accepting gifts from Jah, right?
• Jamaica makes Red Stripe and Red Stripe Light. You read it right, there is actually Red Stripe Light! Can’t wait to try it. I also hear that Jamaican Rum is especially potent.
• The Jamaican crocodile is one of the world’s rarest. They can be seen in the Black River, which is a destination for many a tour bus judging from the websites of many of them. I’m not gonna go out of my way to see these. ;-)
• Jamaica is a fertile tropical jungle island. There are hundreds of species of orchid, 600 species of fern and 25 species of bats!
• Sea life abounds in Jamaica. They have manatees, which can grow up to 10ft long, as well as tuna, mahi mahi, lobster, and dolphin (not real dolphins, like flipper, but a different variety of fish called dorado they call dolphin).
• Jamaica is the epicenter of reggae music. Montego Bay hosts “Reggae Sunsplash” every year, a massive festival celebrating it’s native genre of music and hosting some of the biggest names in the music business.
• Jamaica is the birthplace of James Bond. The author created and wrote all of his novels about the famous British secret agent on the island. The place where he wrote them is now named “Goldeneye” in commemoration.
• Jamaica is virtually snake-free! But they weren’t always. The mongoose was introduced to the country to help with the once dominant serpents and has since completely wiped them out.
• Bannanas come in all colors and sizes in Jamaica. I wonder if they all taste the same? Only one way to find out (I’ll report back on this. I am planning to live on fruit while I’m there, either fresh or blended with some variety of rum).
• Jamaica was a haven for pirates back in the day. I can just sense a Goonies moment coming on. Maybe a wise, old, mystic Rasta will offer me a beat-up map with the location of a secret treasure and a great journey will begin (of course, secret maps will cost $5 each).
• Colin Powell is Jamaican. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica. I just think that’s a random fact you might need someday when playing a trivia game. You’re welcome.

I will have more tibits to share from first-hand experience in a week. Until then, I will be comforted by visions of palm trees, ganja smoke and a reggae beat.