After spending time in Negril and Montego Bay, I met my mom and we ventured to Ocho Rios and on to Portland to see a property she was referred to by a friend. We ended up taking a mini bus from Ochi to Portland which was about a three hour trip. Imagine me sitting with my small rolling suitcase in a van packed to brim with riders. I’ll insert the photo I took of my set up. It was a cramped ride-to say the least.
We were let off on the side of the road (my mom was told of a specific marker to keep an eye out for and we were in communication with the landlord before starting the trip, so she was expecting us). From the van it was about another ten-minute walk. We actually got off a little further than we should have, but we made it. I was surprised to see a small cook shop when we arrived. The owner told us she and her daughter own and manage the shop. There were a lot of emotions I felt while walking through the property. Mostly amazed at the beauty of nature overall, and my embarrassment not knowing the look of fruit trees or really anything about agriculture. We walked through the place and I could see us building there. The land is flat, it is close to the main road, and close to attractions in Portland. I really liked the seller and loved that she and her kids worked together. It felt familiar and like, if they can do it, we can do it too. I also want to support the people of Jamaica so buying from a farmer would be a dream. As we left the property I felt very enthusiastic about the potential to buy an acre or two from her. We discussed pricing, and she was selling an acre for what seemed to be a very affordable price. We had a couple more places to see on this visit, but I felt like this was the place to beat.
