MY Grandmother (god rest her soul) used to tell me about her and her fathers trips to Jamaica. Just after the turn of the century My great grandfather, who was a huge traveller, went to Miami and jumped on a Banana boat for the Caribbean. He visited many islands over a 6 month period. While he was in Jamaica he became friends with a school teacher who put him up for awhile. This man ended up being the Minister of education later for Jamaica. He kept in contact with my great grandfather for years. When my grandmother turned twenty she was fresh out of school, as a music teacher. My Great grampa sent her to Jamaica to live with this mans family for a year. She spent her time travelling from school to school with him teaching the kids about Canada and giving music lessons at the rural schools. She talked about it as the highlight of her life. When I turned 21 and finished college I booked a flight. I had been dreaming about it since I was a boy. 2 days before I was to leave my grandfather passed away suddenly. I canceled my trip. The day of the funeral my grandma told me I should have gone anyway. Next day she handed me a ticket to go. Instead of grieving she was more worried about my missed opportunities. I went, stayed a year, and I guess my handle on this site tells the end of the story! LOL If any of your kids want to go see the world at a young age please bite your tongue and let them go. Yes I was in dangerous positions a few times, and yes I went hungry occasionally, but I opened me up to the world. I will never forget that trip, it made me the man I am today! A proud father of 3 girls who see the world as one big place to explore and play, and value all lives, regardless of colour and economic standing.