Answering the call of Fish Dunn

There are places in the world that don’t just invite you to visit—they demand that you surrender, listen, and become part of their rhythm. Portland, Jamaica, is one of those places. Away from the crowded beaches and tourist hubs, its hills hold whispers of Maroon history, its rivers wind through stories of resilience, and its waterfalls flow with a quiet kind of magic. On this trip—an escape off the beaten path—I found myself answering a call I hadn’t expected. With the expert guide of Teika of Being Jamaican, I was transported into a place and space that I did not know I needed.

Facing the Water

I have always admired waterfalls from a distance, content to soak in their beauty without surrendering to their depth. Fish Dunn was different. It wasn’t just another stunning cascade; it was a series of intimate pools, each one inviting yet unfamiliar.

I hesitated at the edge, feet skimming the water, heart racing with the familiar pulse of fear. Teika's  from Being Jamaican, said: “Hold a vibe.” That simple phrase carried weight—an invitation to let go, to trust, to be.

I stepped in.

The cold rushed around me, exhilarating, refreshing. With every breath, I willed myself to relax, to trade tension for surrender. The water was perfect—crisp, clear, and full of life. In that moment, fear had no place. Only presence remained.

The Art of Being Present

Fish Dunn demanded attention—not in a loud, commanding way, but in its quiet insistence that I feel. The rush of the water over smooth rocks, the embrace of each pool, the laughter that bubbled from somewhere deep within me—I was here, fully.

Nature has always spoken to me, grounding me in ways nothing else can. Among the huge rocks and the symphony of water, I felt at home. It was a reminder that sometimes, the only thing standing between us and peace is ourselves.

The Soul of a Community

This journey wasn’t just shaped by nature; it was woven together by the kindness of strangers who felt more like family. Being Jamaican curated an experience that included the women in the village who welcomed me, offering  conversation and a space to change. The fireside meal—gungo peas simmered in coconut milk, hard food nourishing both body and spirit. We even witnessed Sanya, who made the meal, picking the bananas off the tree right beside the waterfall.

Respecting a place means more than admiring it—it means listening to its people, honoring their traditions, and moving with humility. Traveling off the beaten path with Being Jmaican, is an invitation not just to explore, but to learn. In the heart of Portland, I found that the most precious gems aren’t always the places on a map, but the souls who share their stories along the way.

Conclusion: A Birthday Like No Other

As I left Fish Dunn, I carried more than just memories—I carried a deeper understanding of presence, of courage, of gratitude. It wasn’t just a birthday celebration; it was a transformation.

The water welcomed me, the hills embraced me, and the people reminded me that true adventure is found in connection. Jamaica, in all its beauty, had gifted me something I hadn’t even realized I needed—space to just be.

Peace and Blessings

Being Jamaican offers authentic Jamaican experiences travel off the beaten path. 

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