Over the course of several years (1999-2001, 2016), I made more than ten trips to the Caribbean (West Indies). I went to Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, the British Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic. I went to the Dominican Republic four times, three times to judge the national sheep and goat show (in Santo Domingo). I also went to Jamaica more than once, with the most recent visit being in 2016, to do some consulting. I would love to go back to any of these islands (or other Caribbean countries, for that matter). Who wouldn't?
Most of my travels were associated with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), whose mission was to promote US livestock genetics to other countries. I served as their technical expert for small ruminants and would do educational seminars, as part of their trade missions. My trips to the Caribbean were especially enjoyable because of my travel companions from MDA: Marilyn B., Errol S. (RIP), and Henry (Bud) V. (RIP).
I'm not a hot weather or beach person, so I never imagined I would like the Caribbean so much, but I did. The beaches are nothing like Ocean City and the islands are absolutely beautiful. The cultures are rich and the people are friendly. Food's great, too. If I'm going to drink alcohol, I'd rather it be rum than vodka or beer. And music, I love Caribbean music, especially Trinidad with its steel pan drums.
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