Thursday, August 23, 2007 — Even mayors need vacation time. Or maybe I should say, mayors especially need vacation time. So much happens in Millsberry daily that I hardly have time to relax and enjoy a little quiet time. I know you can relate! So, I decided to treat myself to a little island getaway in July.

Have you ever been to Jamaica? It's a beautiful island nation with tropical weather year-round. Located in the Caribbean, it's not far from the States and English is the official language.

I stayed in Montego Bay, a pretty touristy spot, but exactly what I was looking for. I enjoyed the resort atmosphere and other people who were there for the same reasons as I. I woke up each day and had nothing on the agenda! Just another day of swimming and reading a book on the beach.

One day I ventured out to Long Bay to do some surfing. I hadn't hit the waves in years, but I could still do some basic things. I wiped out a lot, but it was fun, and all the groms out there were very amused to see a guy with white hair falling every few minutes! I'm glad I was able to make people laugh—I often feel I'm too serious when I'm in Millsberry.

As far as food goes, I enjoyed a lot of the local dishes, and I must say, they were all delicious! I'd had jerk chicken before, but somehow the spices seemed all the more vibrant because I was actually in Jamaica. Jamaican beef patties, which are pastries baked with ground beef inside, were rich and absolutely addicting. The seafood I had was super fresh and served quite often in stews. A treat for the palette!

But after a week of sun, and a little sunburn (always wear sunscreen, my dear citizens!), I was happy to come home to my favorite city in the world. Millsberry was just as I'd left it, nearing the end of a sweltering summer, and a rare cool breeze welcomed me back. Jamaica is a place I'd highly suggest you learn more about and visit someday. I'd love to go back, but right now I'm just happy to be home.