Our Journey Started with a hour and a half bus ride along the northern coastline of Jamaica. We traveled from Montego Bay to Free Hill Bamboo, Saint Ann, Jamaica. What we were about to experience would change our Lives forever...
After turning off the main road it was another 30 minute ride up into the mountainous bush region, which is basically the dense rainforest like area of the island. Traveling through several small neighborhoods along a very narrow and winding road that only a skilled driver could navigate, we finally reached the summit. Once we reached the top, our Bus could not go any farther because the conditions of the road would not allow a vehicle of that size to continue.
From this point, our party of twenty four was greeted at the end of a dusty gravel road by a very courteous Mr. Christopher Binns. Half of the group then jumped in this truck and the rest of us took the Scenic route, Traveling on foot further into the jungle.
The Further we journeyed into the Jungle, the more it sunk in that we were in for an experience like no other. We suddenly were surrounded by the Lush Vegetation, and exotic bird sounds of the Bush. Plants and wildlife that would never bee seen unless you were off the beaten path and thats exactly where we were.
After another 10 minute Hike, we were finally at our destination known as "Stush in the Bush"! What seemed like an endless excursion was finally over, and we were ready to see if it was worth it. It was...
Upon our Settling, we were mesmerized by this amazing place. The fact that something like this could exist in the Jungle was unfathomable. Mr. Chris immediately began to enlighten us on the rich culture and history of Jamaica. He schooled us on the types of vegetables , fruits and "Herbs" that were native to the island such as Soursop, Lemongrass and Allspice. Just by looking around you begin to understand why Jamaica's national colors are Black, Green and Yellow.
After educating us for a bit, we left our belongings and began back out into the jungle for our "Farm to Table" experience. He explained how the Facility was maintained primarily with rainwater collected from the rooftops though an intricate system of filtering pipes that carried the water into a gigantic reservoir until needed. This place is almost entirely self sustainable as a business, using several Solar panels and a large Generator for electricity. They are a completely Vegan Establishment , using no dairy or meat products at all for their food prep and menu. I thought to my self... this guy is a genius, and this is a life style that I wouldn't mind having for myself. Allowing your patrons the option to pick their own food and at the same time plant more food for the future was certainly a grand design.
This was the first time I saw a pineapple grow in the wild amongst very many other fruits, vegetables and "Herbs". We chose the rosemary herb for our planting experience, and after our tour of the farm we gathered our fresh veggies then proceeded back to the dining Hall for the Grand Finale! A selection of Appetizers was made available to us to get started with.
As we reconvened at the Dining Area we were briefed quickly on the Menu Selections. We started with a fresh selection of mixed greens as a salad paired with homemade vinaigrette dressings, crispy green beans and more. Our main dish was vegan "FIYAH " grilled Pizza with all locally sourced organic veggies as toppings. Vegan Crust , Vegan Cheese , fresh pineapple , basil, oregano, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and more provided much pleasure for our pallets. As we piled on our toppings, the very helpful waitresses catered to our every need and roasted our pizzas to perfection. We washed everything down with a selection of wines and Fresh made fruit juice Blends such as watermelon ginger, and Lemongrass Iced tea.
After dining we finally had some time to marinate on what he had just experienced and tour the actual facility, including the kitchen which was like no other kitchen that I have ever seen. We finished with a few after dinner drinks including a homemade Rum Punch which was distinctively tasty. Mr Chris took time to engage with us more on a personal level as he explained that sadly the island has gone from a country of producers to a country of Consumers.
We all made sure we took a few Moments to "Ease our Mind" before gathering the energy to venture back into the bush and through the jungle to our bus. Suddenly it was all over, this magical experience allowed me to see Jamaica from an entirely different perspective of the average tourist. Contemplating my biological footprint was now a forethought when engaging in things, and that is what I believe this establishment is all about. If you or anyone you know is in Jamaica and looking to have the experience of a lifetime you can contact "Stush in the Bush" online and on all social media platforms here:
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stushinthebush/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/stushinthebush/?rc=p
Website- http://stushinthebush.com
