Our list of things to do in Kingston, Jamaica expanded recently when our home stay guest, J. Nichole Noel joined us on a trp to the Farmer's Market in Portmore. Farm-fresh produce straight from the Garden Parish of St. Ann and the Food Basket Parish, St. Elizabeth, all at mind-bogglingly low prices, had us heaving home loaded baskets. 

Since then, Neita's Nest's kitchen has been stewing tomatoes, pickling beets, freezing pumpkin soups and drying herbs ensuring nothing goes to waste. 

Photos taken by Spoken Word Artiste, J. Nichole Noel, recent Neita's Nest guest from Canada.

When a guest comes,
When they want fun,
When they are want a great time
I simply recommend one of my favourite things...
A visit to Devon House in Kingston.

Touring this historic landmark exposes the sensibilities to some of our gentler and gentile experiences. An equally delightful walk through the many shops in the garden courtyard excites all the senses to experience things Jamaican; chocolates, patties, tropical fruit-flavoured ice creams, art and craft, jewelry, rums, fine dining and wines, enjoyed equally by locals and visitors. The surrounding lawns with park benches offer the perfect vantage point for watching the traffic go by in the distance, assuring that you are either on vacation or know how to find time to truly live.

Built in 1881 by the first Jamaican millionaire, George Stiebel, Devon House sits in all its grandeur on 11 acres of sprawling greenery in the heart of this capital city.

Spoken Word Artiste, J. Nichole Noel chose Neita's Nest Bed and Breakfast for the Kingston leg of her first vacation in Jamaica. As if the stars aligned in her favour, she seemed to channel top Jamaican painters, entertainers and producers and was able to have audience with many. Masters of the Fine Arts Alexander Cooper and Stafford Schlieffer, Producer and Song Writer Mikey Bennett, Theatre Producer and Patron of the Performing Arts Buddy Pouyatt, Allah of the Chalice Band, Saxophonist, the inimitable Dean Fraser, and Grammy Award Nominees Freddie McGreggor and Beres Hammond all made her 9 days memorable. 

J. Nichole is in love with life and passionate about sharing her gift of the written and spoken word. She shared just-penned compositions inspired by her experiences during her visit, as well as snippets from her recent production "For Women Only...But, Men Can Come Too", first staged in Brampton, Ontario and about to go on tour this summer.

There was a rhyme and a reason for her being here at Neita's Nest.

Hanging out under the stars with the stars at Port Royal, Kingston.