CRICKET WITH PLEASURE. JAMAICA - PART 1

International cricket match referee, Devdas Govindjee shares his Caribbean travel experience with all the blog readers. Dev was recently in Jamaica for two T20 one day international cricket matches. I was joking with Dev, that he has in fact become a travel correspondent for this blog.I am so blessed to be acquainted with such a wonderful human being who loves to impart and share his knowledge and experiences with the rest of the world.

JAMAICA - Sunday 16 February 2014

When the Jet Blue flight 59 touched down at the Norman Manley International airport in Kingston at around 8 pm last evening, all the passengers broke out into a spontaneous and enthusiastic round of continuous applause- this epitomized the spirit of the Caribbean as I arrived for my first ever visit to the West Indies.
Having left Port Elizabeth airport at around 2 pm on Valentine’s Day , I took the SA203 flight which was supposed to be a direct flight from ORTIA in Joburg to JFK in New York – this all changed once the captain announced soon before take off at around 8 pm that we would be heading to Dakar in Senegal – it was explained that weather conditions would not allow a flight without re-fuelling- this after about 8hrs we reached Dakar- an hour later- after re-fuelling and the usual on board security checks we were on our way- the other concern was that the USA had been having severe snowstorms and many flights at JFK had been cancelled or diverted.
Thankfully we were told that the skies had cleared sufficiently for our landing which did happen at around 7.30 am ( USA Eastern Time) on Sat 15th.
Our approach was a spectacle in itself and fortunately my camera was at hand for me to try to capture the blanket of snow that had enveloped the entire JFK airport- the runways had been cleared of all snow and ice and with temperatures below zero it was a freezing arrival into New York’s Terminal 4.
A fter customs and baggage I made my way via the overhead airport train to the next stop to be at Terminal 5 where i would check in and await my 7.30 Jet Blue flight to Kingston.
After a lovely shower and change of clothes in the Air Space lounge I relaxed and sent out some fb messages as well as enjoyed a waiting time by frequenting the terminal shops and getting something to eat .
The 3hr 30 min flight to Jamaica meant that about 38 hours had elapsed from the time i had left PE to the time I arrived at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston- having been met at the airport by the assigned West Indies Cricket Board representative.
After a lovely sleep I was awakened around 6 to the sounds of loudspeakers blaring and reggae music filling the air- down below I could gather that preparations were in hand for some or other walk/fun run and that people in big numbers were gathering in support of the event- as i type balloons have been sent into the heavens and joggers and walkers are all on their way around the area of the hotel.
I have had my swim in a lovely Olympic sized pool set in a garden area which also boasts a jogging track and two stunning tennis courts with seating areas for spectators as well.

My first match of the 3 I am doing here at the famous Sabina Park is on Wednesday so I have three days to get to see as much as i am able to- have stadium inspection as well as a pre-series meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

What am I most looking forward to on my visit to Jamaica?
Nelson Mandela inspired millions around the world- but who inspired Mandela?
Outside of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Martin Luther King jr there was one other person who played an influential role in determining the political outlook and approach of Madiba- that person was MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY- during my lecture days I spent many lectures talking about this philosopher, educator, visionary and an extraordinary charismatic leader.
A visit to the Marcus Garvey museum is high on my agenda – he spent the better part of his life reflecting on the injustices of racism he had experienced in the West Indies as well as during travels in South & Central America. I shall refrain from going into a lecture on Garvey but merely add that in 1914 he founded the worldwide movement known as the Universal Negro Improvement Association & African Communities’ League – vowing to work to change the status quo of the Black man’s lack of influences, power and wealth in the world.
Next on my agenda would be to get into the rhythm of Kingston and this would start with a visit to the Trench Town Culture yard and move on to the Bob Marley Museum- a big fan am I so this is also a dream come true to learn more about the legend – then get to have a night out at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records joint ( use that term with caution of course!)
Time to get this 1st update off and to get down to some breakfast- not sure what to expect of
Caribbean cuisine but lets leave that for my next mail as the Reggae sounds of “ African Queen ” come filtering through my window as the announcer congratulates the finishes of the charity run/walk.

As always

I am Just

deV

Terminal 5 at JFK airport in New York. The warm glows belie the miserable weather outside where temps were below zero with snow covering most of the airport.


Sunrise over the Blue mountains in Kingston Jamaica — in Kingston, Jamaica.

"Out of many,One People" - that's the motto of Jamaica- Across from the hotel is Emancipation Park- these stunning works at the entrance to the Park -the man and woman stare into the heavens, symbolising Jamaicans' rise to freedom.The work is titled Redemption song. — in Kingston, Jamaica.


Emancipation Park- milling with people who took part in a fund raising event today (Sunday) — in Kingston, Jamaica.


My first visit to a national stadium in the Caribbean. The very famous Sabina Park- 1st Test here in 1930. This is where Sir Garfield Sobers scored his 354 not out in a Test Match- a world record that stood for 36 years. Gregory Brathwaite and Joel Wilson the two WI umpires with me. — at Sabina Park.


The beautiful Blue Mountains form a backdrop to this unique "party" section - looks like a vessel sailing along!— at Sabina Park.

                                                              With Maureen Mutunga Rina

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - A gifted super star

Last week Sunday, Gauteng was in for a treat with a knock out performance by the International super star, Sufi singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Rahat Saap has been singing from the age of three years old; born into a legendary family with his uncle being none other than Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who graced South African shores in 1985. He was coincidentally a guest at my uncles home in Durban. The venue, Emperors palace was perfect for the well orchestrated event. Rahat saap sang one hit song after another and enthralled the audience with his beautiful voice. I was captivated with the manner in which he played the harmonium with such control despite singing so many high pitched difficult songs. The first half of the show was simply a warm up to the second half of the show where the crowd took to their feet and clapped to the beat of the music. Rahat Saap has an electrifying stage personality. Whilst introducing members of  his band, he forgot his cousins name and burst out giggling on stage.." Mein apne bhai ka naam bhool gaya" he said with a huge smile on his face. Rahat saap received a standing ovation from the audience who shouted " We want more. We want more." Without any music he ended the show with the song " Dil to bachcha hai jee" During the show I had an opportunity to interact with the show compiere from Pakistan, Mr. Salim Ahmed. He came across as a really humble, down to earth personality and mentioned that Rahat saap is very much a peoples person who loves interacting with his fans especially people who have a flare for music, song and dance. I come from a family that truly appreciates all genres of Hindi music, from Ghazals, Qawwali, Indo pop to Sufi music. I was really looking forward to meeting the maestro himself having met and interacted with numerous Bollywood stars over the years. Whilst Rahat's entourage granted my family and I permission to meet him after the show, members of the organizing company quite rudely prevented us from meeting him as they had already chosen individuals he could meet after the show for a photo shoot. Of course, their friends and family were allowed only.It was also brought to my attention that Pakistanis who were in South Africa for the concert and traveled all the way from New York were also prevented from meeting him despite having met Rahat saap on a number of occasions abroad and of course in their native country Pakistan. It was almost as though the promoting company owned the star. Whilst the show was a sell out, mind blowing event with breathtaking lighting and sound effects, it would be an excellent idea next time if the star had an opportunity to interact with the fans after the show. There were so many young up coming singers in the audience. Meeting a living legend in the singing world would only boost their confidence and encourage them to work harder towards achieving their dreams. 

THE SEAT BESIDE ME

I wrote this article almost a year ago. I totally forgot to post it on my blog..

                         http://retirement-rocks.blogspot.com/2009/07/first-class-travel.html - Picture

One of the best things I love about being able to travel frequently is having the opportunity of coming into contact with people from all walks of life and socio-political backgrounds. Whenever, I need to travel I try my best to be at the airport well in advance so that I have a stress free, smooth sailing journey. Naturally I would also be one of the first people to board the flight when the boarding gates open. I would take my allocated seat in the plane and then eagerly anticipate the arrival of the passenger next to me. Of course on some flights I came across really friendly individuals who gave me a brief insight into their own lives, and there were times that I wished that the plane landed quickly so that I could escape from the annoying passenger next to me. On my return flight to the Kingdom a few weeks ago accompanied with a family friend of ours who resides in Medina, we landed up sitting next to a young woman from Cape Town who was accompanying her grand mother and uncle on a two week Umra trip. What surprised me about her was the fact that she conversed with the air hostesses in fluent Arabic. At first I was under the impression that she was a Saudi girl until I discovered that she was in fact a South african girl that was born and resided in the Kingdom for the first ten years of her life. Her father is a professor and lectures at one of the universities in the Kingdom. Returning to the Kingdom brought back a few painful memories for her as her parents divorced due to her fathers infidelity. She had caught her father having a few illicit relationships with female students from the university and naturally told her mother. Eventually the truth came out and her family fell apart. What I admired about this young woman though was the fact that she had such a positive, bright outlook towards life. She aspires to complete her university degree and stand on her own two feet. Her biggest wish in life is to see her mother getting married again and leading a life of happiness that she failed to acquire during her initial marriage. Sitting next to this vibrant and energetic young woman made the entire flying process quite a pleasant experience and the flight even seemed shorter than normal. I guess time always flies when you having fun. During my connecting flight from Jeddah to Riyadh, I landed up sitting next to the CEO of a company here in Saudi Arabia. Seeing me all veiled, he was under the impression that I was a Saudi woman and was initially reluctant to sit next to me. Since there was no other seats available he was forced to sit next to me. Ofcourse I eased his tension by informing him that I am not a Saudi woman and that I have no issue if he does sit next to me. Suddenly I witnessed a huge smile on his face and he breathed a sigh of relief. Naturally, during the trip we engaged in a meaningful conversation. He enlightened me about his family life and roots and of course he was equally fascinated with my origins and history. Whilst we had lots to talk about during the short flight, as soon as the plane landed he got up and left speedily. As per the customs and traditions of the country he would not want to be caught chatting away to a female on the airport premises.What really surprised me though was the fact that he tracked me down and called me the next day. He managed to get hold of my mobile number through a friend of his who works at the airport. It was quite a fantastic gesture on his part to invite me over to his family home and date farm situated outside of Riyadh city. His family were kind and pleasant and they went out of their way to make me feel comfortable in their home. They shared family photo albums with me and gave me an indepth insight into Saudi culture and customs. Naturally I will never forget them due to their sheer kindness and hospitality. It is individuals like these that build countries and nations. They are the ambassadors of their country by promoting their country and customs in a positive manner. Two weeks ago I was on a flight from Riyadh to Jeddah and as always the plane always takes off late due to the fact that all the passengers need to be rearranged on the flight to prevent unwanted males and females from sitting next to each other. The seat next to me was allocated to a religious Saudi man who refused to sit next to me. He asked me to stand up and move to another seat. I refused telling him that there are no other seats available and that if he is uncomfortable sitting next to me then he should leave. After his short performance with the air hostesses, he eventually returned to the seat next to me. But what really made me laugh about him was the fact that he sat in the extreme left corner of the seat, took his shemagh (red and white chequered scarf) and covered his face with it. It was as though he was sitting next to a poisoned ivy lololol. For the entire one hour flight he never moved or said a word and neither did he partake of the onboard snacks and refreshments. During my trip to Dubai last year I recall being sandwiched inbetween two obese gentleman. It was the most horrific flight I ever had as I could not move. Both gentleman hogged the chair armrests and I was unable to pass to utilize the bathroom. I felt suffocated. But the passengers who took the cake for me was a Chinese couple my family and I encountered during a trip to Dubai from South Africa. Mom's younger sister sat to my left and on my right was a Chinese gentleman who was seated next to his wife. Correct me if I'm wrong but I am yet to encounter Chinese people who are friendly and approachable. Any way, there was no real interaction with the couple, that is until the gentleman started drinking like a fish. He became rowdy and started arguing with his wife. His wife moved over to another seat so he then decided to start an argument with mom's sister and I..." You talker talker.....talk, talk talk, talking too much...." he said whilst pointing his fingers at us. I fail to understand why do airlines serve alcohol onboard a flight. It turns a sweet, quiet, meek individual into a monster.The person becomes an absolute nuisance to other passengers on board. The UAE always prides itself in believing that it is a Muslim country, yet their is nothing Islamic about the country, its policies or its airlines. Having encountered numerous issues with Emirates over the years I have stopped using the airlines. Well folks these are just a few of the colourful characters that I have encountered whilst traveling. As Ralph Crawshaw once said, "Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel's immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, but with experiencing firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be the right and only way." Having said that I do look forward to my next trip and who knows the seat beside me could be yours!!

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