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Jamaican culture represents a rich blend of cultures that have inhabited the Greater Antilles island, Jamaica. The original Taino Settlers, followed by their Spanish conquerors (who were in turn conquered by the British), all made major contributions.
Whether they are the descendants of the colonists or recent immigrants from the Middle East, people of all nationalities live and work together in Jamaica. Cultures have been mingling on Jamaica's shores for hundreds of years.
Jamaica's official language is English. However, Patois (Creole), a combination of English and some African languages, is spoken in rural areas and is used increasingly in urban areas. Most Jamaicans can speak or understand Patois, but it is not a written language. Jamaican speech, even in English, has a distinctive rhythmic and melodic quality.
 The main ingredients of Jamaica's language strew are Spanish, African, English, including Irish, British and American idoms and even Rastafarian. In Jamaica, you might hear your shoes referred to with the Spanish word "zapatos" and you might talk about where to "nyam", an African word meaning "eat".
Jamaican culture is also richly flavoured by its cuisine. The aromatic spices of the Caribbean have allowed the island's kitchens to create one of the most unusual fusions of flavours in the world. The most popular on the menu is called "jerk", a marinade that can be added to almost anything, but usually meat. The spicy sauce includes many of the island's native ingredients. Seafood is also prevalent on the island but most truly Jamaican dishes, which intimidate most visitors, include "cow foot stew" and "goat's head soups".
Religion is fundamental to Jamaican life, which can be seen in the references to Biblical events in everyday speech. The Guinness Book of World Records determined Jamaica to have most churches per square mile of any place on the planet with 100 different Christian denominatons. However the religions are not only limited to Christians but there are also Hindu, Juddaism, Islam, Bahai's and Rastafarians.
Jamaicans take pride in their artistic style. Influenced by the island's unique culture as well as European, American and African art forms, islanders have mastered a style all their own. The nation has produced many famous artists including sculptor and painter Edna Manley, painter Albert Huei and the self-taught artist Kapo.
Jamaicans are known for their willingness to dance. Dances found on Jamaica fuses the styles of Europeans and Africans into a unique form. Some of the local dancers are the "jonkonnu", a dance practiced by slaves at Christmas time, "bruckins" from the period after amancipation and the newer "ska".
European dancers like the maypole and quadrille are perfomed with "mento" music, while African dances like the "gerreh", "dinki-mini" and "ettu" were turned into commentaries on plantation living. New dances crop up constantly but these older styles are the basis for new moves. Dance halls are the best places to find new styles, but the traditional dances of Jamaican culture are kept alive by organisations such as National Dance Theater Company.
And of course, where would dancers be if it weren't for music. The most popular form of Jamaican music is Reggae, it has gained popularity throughout the world. Many Reggae musicians have grown to international fame, most notably Bob Marley. The popularity of this genre has contined to this day. Dancehall, a variation of Reggae, is also growing in popularity.
 The most common greeting is the handshake with direct eye contact and a warm smile. Once a friendship has been established, women may hug and kiss each cheek, starting with the right. Men often pat each other's shoulder or arm during the greeting process or while conversing.
Table manners are continental, the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Meals are often served buffet style. Try everything since it demonstrates graciousness. When not eating, it is acceptable to keep your hands in your lap. It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate.
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FROM THE DESK
The most memorable events were taking part in a Tea Ceremony and being asked by Ryoko's husband to give a talk about Australia to a class of 60 young people to whom he taught International Studies. I was so nervous but I did it! 
Having students staying with me has added such a dimension to my life. I have learnt so much of other cultures and I really enjoy helping these young people to live in Australia. They are such good company, especially now that both of my children are grown up and living away from home. We have family get togethers quite frequently so my students always meet them and keep in touch.
Unfortunately lots of people will avoid drinking coffee because of the amount of caffeine that it contains. But this is not the only ingredient in it and there are plenty of other ingredients that are actually beneficial to our bodies. 
In research carried out by various places across the world, the following benefits were found from drinking coffee.
