I LOVE JAMAICA, MON!

Well, after arriving in Fortaleza, Brazil yesterday evening, it is safe to say two things: First and foremost, Jamaica was in my top 3 favorite places traveled so far in my professional career. It could have been the fact that it was Jamaica...and everyone knows Jamaica is paradise. Or it could have been that Jamaicans are some of the nicest people and have such a "no problem, mon" demeaner that is makes things easy. Or it could have been the 85 degree weather and sun, pool, and beach that I was able to experience. I think what really made it wonderful was the atmosphere at the national track in Kingston where we raced.

I ran a season's best time in the 800 of 2:00.08 and placed third behind Jamaican Kenia Sinclair and fellow American Phoebe Wright. I even got to meet Usain Bolt!

 It was bitter-sweet running this time because although it was a season's best and very close to my personal best 800-time, it was .18 from the World "A" standard. (In which you have to run to go to the World Championships this summer.) Aside from this small disappointment, Jamaica was an awesome experience.  I met a new friend, Jane, an American high jumper, and we explored Jamaica a little.

Beach time at Hillshire Beach with (from right) Jane, Duane, me, Rob, and Pete.

 We went to the local beach in Kingston known as Hillshire Beach and ate fresh fish by the beach for lunch. By fresh, I mean cooked in front of us, bones and eyeballs...eww. But I tried it...and it wasn't bad :)

After our competition, we kicked back by the pool and drank Red Stripe beers :)

Next stop, Fortaleza, Brazil and Belem, Brazil. Updates to come sometime this week :)