Last night marked my first time watching a movie in the theatre here in Jamaica. It was a fun experience. The movie itself, Skyfall, was entertaining and kept me interested through the entire two plus hours. I had heard about the Jamaican movie experience- it is a little bit different as the national anthem is played prior to the movie and there is an intermission. So of course, I missed the anthem as I was out buying water. But I was there for the intermission, which was strange, in a good way. The crowd was into the movie, there was some commenting and opining, although a lot less than I expected given what it is usually like at live events. As far as the movie itself goes, it is what you would expect of a James Bond film. Daniel Craig is fine, in fact, everyone does a great job. The scenery and explosions are impressive, too.

This morning, I was up early for a walk to raise funds and awareness for diabetes. Hosted by fellow volunteer Wendy’s workplace, the National Volunteer Centre/ Council for Voluntary Social Services, the walk consisted of 10 laps around Emancipation Park, free diabetes screenings and a draw for prizes. There was a small turnout, but people seemed to enjoy themselves.
And of course, Wendy won the prize least suitable for her- a gift basket of hair products for Jamaican hair. It worked out well, however, as she gave it to her friend Annemarie, who celebrates her birthday tomorrow.

It was serendipitous event for me as well. I was asked by a couple to take their picture. It turns out the man is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of West Indies. He loves Hannah Arendt’s book The Human Condition, which is one of my favourite pieces of literature of all time. I also wrote my Master’s thesis on Arendt’s work. It is hard to find people who have heard of Arendt, let alone those who enjoy her. She is a controversial figure for several reasons.
In any case, it has already been an eventful day and I am headed out later this afternoon for several more.