Bob Marley Mausoleum

 
On my first Saturday off, after a wonderful time in Adelphi outside Montego Bay Jamaica. Bonnie, Ellen, Mercy and I hired a driver to take us on a 2 hour long drive through the Jamaican country side to a place called 9 mile. Not Eminem's 9 mile but rather Bob Marley's 9 Mile. The name of a rural area where he grew up, had a family, lived and of course wrote numerous of his songs. On our way through the hills of lush green rain forests we saw many interesting things, such as papaya trees, avocado plants, banana fields, tree frogs, shanty houses a KFC (yup a Kentucky Fried Chicken) and the inevitable Marijuana plants. As our tour guy pointed out the plant just growing along the side of a very narrow, very windy, very muddy (thanks to tropical storm Nicole) road we saw a small boy sitting next to it... SELLING the leaves. 

We were also literally ambushed by about half a dozen other small boys shoving their hands into our car, trying to sell us papaya and avocados that they had probably stolen from the neighboring fields. I did buy an avocado the size of a cantaloupe and in 2 days ate it... it was the most amazing avocado I have eaten in my life! 

As we approached  9 mile and the Mausoleum where Bob Marley rests we were rushed into a gated community that houses the museum, gift shop, childhood home, burial for some of Bob's relatives, as well as the Mausoleum containing his mother, brother and himself. This elaborate area is covered with the Rastafarian colors Red for the blood of the lamb, Green for the earth and Gold for the sun. Add to the mix Black for the skin of the people and you complete the Rastafarian color symbolism.  


We were able to meet up with some people from Bob Marley's family as well as his best friend. It was an amazing expereince to not only see where and how Bob Marley lived but to talk to people who still miss him every day. His friend told us while we were in the Mausoleum where Bob rests today, that he sometimes brings his dinner in to the Mausoleum and pretends he is eating with Bob. He told us how much Bob loved the kids, his music, and this place he grew up in. Bob apparently returned here often and would lay on the rock I have shown below to either sleep or write some of his songs. 


We were fortunate enough to see the inside of his home, they have kept it relatively the same, and we sat on Bob Marley's bed with his sheets and pillows still there. It was a wonderful experience, somewhat spiritual. While I was there I felt like I should stop and meditate, the area was very calming, relaxing and humbling. On our way out we were greeted by some of the local kids who were more then happy to take our photos, hang out with us and show us their school. 


There is one thing that I have learned among the so many things that Jamaicans have taught me, and that is that no matter who you are, no matter your color, size or poverty level. They are all willing to give you the time of day, so say "Wong Won" which means whats up, to wish you a good day, to simply smile at you. This was how I felt at 9 mile, like everyone was smiling at me, grateful for me to be there and share the experience that is Bob Marley. That is Rasta.