Home?

[fawnridge]

(Stepping onto soapbox and clearing his throat)

I guess this has been bothering me long enough and now it's time to toss it to the masses.

There's a popular phrase - "your (or my) home away from home" - when talking about going to Jamaica. I haven't discussed this with any Jamaicans, but I'm curious how the rest of you feel about calling someplace that really isn't your home, a home. In my mind, if I was Jamaican, I would be offended by tourists calling Jamaica their "home" when they actually don't live there. So, I'm wondering, is this true amongst the Jamaicans? Do they resent the use of the term "home" by those who just visit for a few days or weeks or months? Or is it just the other way around - i.e. they take to heart having outsiders call Jamaica their home away from home?

I go to Negril twice a year and have made over 30 trips since 1982, most in the past 15 years. Yet I've never referred to Jamaica as my home away from home. Since we go to CSA exclusively, I have always called the place an "adult sleepaway camp." South Florida is my home and, quite honestly, I would raise my eyebrows and shake my head if some snowbird called this place his home away from home.

(Shrugs and steps down off soapbox)

[Chickster]

All I know is when i step up to Immigration and they look at my passport they glance up with a smile and say "welcome home "
am I offended "Hell No"

[lacdeloo]

I do believe you are taking the term too literally,has a Jamaican ever welcomed you back home after you have told them how many times you have been to that beautiful country, myself I have been called a Jacadian [Canadian Jamaican] many many times by both good Jamaican friends and others I have just met. Home away from home to me is a place I feel love, peace, secure and safe, We have found that in Negril so yes it does feel like home. Good question, see what others think. lacdeloo

[fawnridge]

I have been "welcomed home" every time we go, and not just in the resort. I have been called a "Jamerican" and a "yardie". And while I appreciate the recognition, deep inside it feels awkward as Jamaica is not my home.

[Slightly Stoopid]

There's a simple saying
"home is where the heart is "
I do believe that alot of us ..embrace this thought
With our "love" for this wonderful playground

[Chickster]

wherever I lay my hat that's my home

[Lax1724]

If a stranger walked into my house and announced he/she is home. I would be offended. If a stranger referred to my home town as his/her home away from home, I would be honored. I am glad that you got this off of your chest.

[nori]

its that feeling that envelops me as I step off the plane. One of recognition of sounds and smells and memories that have permeated my being.

also very often we are greeted by "welcome home".

[captaind & Linston]

I've owned my property in Jamaica longer than any other "home" here in the US (42 years now) I pay taxes and have two grown legally adopted children.

Does that make Zion Hill home? I think so.

Cap

[NegrilAddict]

There's a simple saying
"home is where the heart is "
I do believe that alot of us ..embrace this thought
With our "love" for this wonderful playground

Exactly!!!!!