She moved from Brooklyn to Jamaica

Kenya was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She moved to Jamaica for just over a year. Currently Kenya lives between NY and Jamaica however she plans on making a more permanent move to Jamaica in the near future. We speak about a wide range of topics including the affordability of living here, why she feels Jamaica is the best place for her to live as well as her experience dating in Jamaica.
0:00 Intro
2:34 splitting time between JA and NY
3:11 Why Jamaica
7:00 Favorite Attractions in Jamaica
8:42 Cost of Living
11:28 Making a living on island
13:51 Dating in Jamaica
18:15 Would you recommend moving here?
21:09 Kenya's contact info
21:54 Closing out
Kenya's Contact
IG: @kenyamoni
www.woodandwataja.com
My Socials
IG: @throp
FB: throplife
Twitter: @throplife

[@karilledawkins]

Thank you. I love Jamaica 💜 I was born in JA, left at age 7. Tried moving back in my late 30's, stayed for 9 months. NOW, I'm back to stay. Haven't figured out the employment yet, but God is awesome and He always provides. USA was just getting to be too much 😂 I'm so happy to be back home in JA 💜

[@doxcb4717]

Welcome home Karille , I too am contemplating such a move

[@kailinyah8843]

I feel the same

[@karilledawkins]

@@doxcb4717 Thank you. Yes, plan it out. Once you are familiar with the area you will live, it’s with it! Everyday, I look around at the trees, birds and such and just feel incredibly blessed. The people are such blessings as well, love the personalities.

[@doxcb4717]

@@karilledawkins awesome ! Nothing like being one with nature . I too left as a young adult , I find myself these days yearning for a more meaningful life away from the rat race

[@karilledawkins]

@@doxcb4717 Hi. The rat race is something terrible. We do what we have to until we can do what we need to 😊 Hope you will get the opportunity for a more meaningful life soon 😊

[@paulhaye]

This interviewer is the best. He listens, and he’s just chill. I love that about him.

[@Throp]

Thank you for your commendations. Much appreciated

[@giniolamy]

I'm Haitian 🇭🇹 I love Jamaica 🇯🇲 can't wait to visit in October 1 for 3 weeks but I would really love to move there

[@Throp]

awesome!

[@markswife2012]

Mi love jamacia

[@suzetteatkinson5206]

Can’t wait to go home 🏡 in December my beautiful Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@Throp]

Awesome!

[@sheronjohnson2041]

Me too Suzzette😪😪😪

[@Throp]

@@sheronjohnson2041 yay!

[@shellywilks883]

Thanks again Throp for another amazing interview and video. Contents such as yours are deeply appreciated, you are a blessing to our beautiful island. Thank you ever so much!!!

[@Throp]

absolutely! thank you thank you!

[@vaneitaadams4790]

Throp. I LOVE this channel. What a treat!

[@Throp]

Thanks so much for watching

[@learningasigo1269]

I have never heard of her prior to this interview, but it didn't matter I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved this interview Throp. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@Throp]

Thank you SO much. I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@doxcb4717]

Welcome Kenya ! Glad that you chosen Jamaica to live , explore and enjoy life . You are so awe inspiring , wish you nothing but love and joy on your journey

[@Throp]

Thanks so much for watching

[@ingababy5196]

Another awesome video Throp👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Throp]

Thank you Ingrid!

[@happynation721]

Great content as always....Jamaica is so beautiful.

[@Throp]

thank you so much!

[@chrisnataylor8559]

Love all your contents my brother. Keep up the great work.

[@Throp]

Thank you so much. I will

[@sir.7421]

Mr. Wellington thank you for providing such great KZbin content, you are one of my favorite channels. I finally got a chance to watch your last 3 videos and they were great 👍🏾 keep up the Quality work, and like you said quality over quantity. I can’t wait to get back home to Jamaica 🇯🇲. NUFF RESPECT ✊🏾

[@Throp]

awesome! I'm so happy to read this. Thank you for watching and your support!

[@juliaforjustice505]

Planning my 5th trip from Canada! 3 weeks around your beautiful island with your fantastic people. As a white woman I strangely feel a bit the same .........I feel more like myself in Jamaica.

[@Throp]

This is amazing! I'm sure you will have a wonderful time while you are here

[@cks8819]

Interesting for real

[@waynegrant158]

Hope u do have a great time when ur trip come#1love

[@paulhaye]

Cool. Welcome.

[@DeanDavisChan]

No need to feel strange. Remember, the Caucasoid legacy on the island runs centuries. Caucasians are interwoven into Jamaican culture. Listen to dem Patois... Dem Bad... James Bond, Chris Blackwell, Marley, et. al...

[@mrspecialedition]

I look forward to shows like this

[@Throp]

Awesome. Thank you for watching

[@simoneseiami5938]

I am really delighted about this channel, great content, just what my questions where about, staying more or longer in Jamaica not just for a holiday once or every other year. Kenya is a very inspiring and radiating woman, so interesting. Jamaica is realy a very special place, it is truly magic

[@Throp]

This is awesome to read. Thank you for your comment and for watching!

[@simoneseiami5938]

@@Throp Ahhhh...so sweet we have to thank you ;-))

[@lesmawatkins7020]

I really enjoyed this episode very informative look forward to seeing Kenya on your vlog…..

[@Throp]

Thank you for watching!

[@teesmith5702]

Thanks for showcasing that people can live and survive in Jamaica 🇯🇲 so many people (Jamaicans) on KZbin pushing the narrative that Jamaica is the most unsafe place on earth…you are debunking all of that…

[@Throp]

Thank you for watching! I love Jamaica and love living here

[@angiescarlett8059]

It's a fact that it's unsafe...dont downplay.I warned my uncle as he had the same attitude and gave your response regarding safety issues as you do and he was robbed and killed 18 months after moving back

[@teesmith5702]

@@angiescarlett8059 sorry about what happened to your uncle. Unfortunately though, people are robbed and killed all over many different countries every day. Some we hear about some we don’t. There are many Jamaicans who have moved back that I know and they are very happy.

[@annmarieseymour3848]

Awesome interview!

[@Throp]

Thank you so much!

[@Ms_T_Perfectly_Imperfect]

I love hearing these stories especially when I can relate to where they're coming from. I don't know if I could ever move to Jamaica because my family ties are not as strong as I would like, but it's nice hearing how her experience has been freeing. Thanks for sharing!

[@kenyaw2212]

Thanks for your feedback! Check out the reply comment I just wrote to @Anita G. I shared my opinion on how to move there if the family piece isn't applicable.

[@Throp]

Thank you for watching!

[@georgebromfield5008]

Awesome interview 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@Throp]

Thanks so much!

[@lesmawatkins7020]

This was amazing thanks for sharing

[@Throp]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching

[@opalfruitcake]

I just love these conversations you have. So interesting hearing people's stories. 😊😊😊😊

[@Throp]

Thanks so much!

[@anthonybrown1658]

it good to hear from you keep in touch

[@Throp]

Thank you for watching

[@ingb1266]

Great accomplishment for moving out of concrete jungle to the land of wood and wata!!! It is nice to see the young generation of now are making moves not to stay put but explore and make new diaries of their next phase in living. Throp love the story, Kenya continue the journey. Blessings one love. : )

[@kenyaw2212]

Give thanks, Ing B :)

[@Throp]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@chocolatequeen5953]

Compliment to you Thorpe ,on shaping up your beard , it makes you look a lot younger 👍🏿 Jamaica is really a beautiful place and you don’t have to be rich to live a comfortable life , all you need is an income ,whether that income is through retirement , investment or a job even thought you can’t rely on getting a job in Jamaica because the market is tough but if you do you can live a more comfortable life in Jamaica than you can in Brooklyn! 😊

[@sheronjohnson2041]

So true chocolate

[@Throp]

loll thank you for the beard compliment. Great insight here

[@lilneets5141]

Go girl! I need to look into this program. I would love to meet you.

[@876Misty]

The way she was doing it on Educational holidays is the way I did it for a long long time as well.

[@876Misty]

glorious interview. I LOVED IT

[@kenyaw2212]

​@@876Misty educational holidays are the best, aren't they?! Thank you so much for checking out the interview, Marilyn! I'm grateful for the love!

[@Throp]

Thanks for watching Misti!

[@michaelgrant5312]

Nice programme

[@Throp]

Thank you!

[@camzloren]

The part about JA men was funny! I could relate to what she said about being yourself more JA vs NY. Even in JA, living between the city and the country area, I find there is that feeling.

[@kenyaw2212]

Love the feedback here, Camille! I also relate to what you said about living btwn the city and the country area. Kingston city and Sav-La-Mar (closest thing to that 'city vibe') was a stark contrast for me when I explored Jamaica during that year. Thanks for watching!

[@camzloren]

@@kenyaw2212 lol, these are the exact locations I am talking about. I also live part of my days between Kgn and Sav. I'm gonna follow your page on Instagram

[@kenyaw2212]

@@camzloren No way! What a coincidence! DM me on the gram so I can know that you've followed me :) Can't wait to hear where you love to spend time in both those cities!

[@barbtb6594]

Nice seeing you cous

[@Throp]

Thank you!

[@hughrobinson915]

Things to think about is were you feel comfortable your happness comes first😊

[@Throp]

solid advice

[@sharonkennedy7956]

Like Kenya my family are Jamaican and I love Jamaica for the sun, sea and vegetation. The people can be tricky but I love the vibes. I am getting ready for my next trip with a plan for permanency. Just back from Ghana and Cuba, both amazing countries but Jamaica has my heart.

[@Throp]

awesome. thanks for watching

[@OkayOkay-nh5yh]

Totally agree with her...one can be oneself in JA..strees free..the snow,coldness,heavy clothing...the ratrace...Jamaica is ones home...whatever skills one has,work on it..let it work for you in JA..love Jamaica..

[@sprintcritic8639]

She should start a KZbin channel about her tourism business to show Americans what Jamaica has to offer. 🇺🇸

[@Throp]

I BEEN telling her loll

[@janetmatthews7973]

I got to get out of the US … thank you for all these videos

[@Throp]

absolutely! thanks you for watching

[@Shauntay76]

Thank you for asking her questions for single women .

[@Throp]

absolutely. It seems like a topic many are interested in. I'm thinking of doing an episode dedicated to this specifically

[@Shauntay76]

@@Throp That would be awesome.

[@chelseaclinton2927]

She's such an amazing woman.

[@kenyaw2212]

Thank you, Chelsea! I appreciate your words!

[@Throp]

she is indeed!

[@ncssmith7833]

Hope you can do another show with her with a fixed mic.

[@pameladelisser1525]

Did she say anything about how lovely some off the spots are?

[@lavernesummers859]

A Jamaican man will see a woman for the first time walking with her child and say, " Wah, a your yout dat, gimme di next one nuh? Major crudity, that is my word.

[@eileenwatt8283]

And you say. " you not qualify to be a dad cause you don't know how to talk to women " .

[@rabianharris1170]

I am back home now as we speak. I am from the best parish in Jamaica. I am dreading going back to the US of A.

[@Fari-100]

Uh, oh.... ok, which parish is that? 😅

[@rabianharris1170]

@@Fari-100 Portland

[@Fari-100]

@@rabianharris1170 oh, you know what is true? Me cyaan even argue wit dat 😄

[@rabianharris1170]

@@Fari-100 Absolutely

[@Throp]

Love Portland. Fav part of the island

[@mandeg7540]

Can't wait move to JA

[@Throp]

Awesome idea/decision

[@kabeloinnocent3918]

Please tel me what currency is used in Jamaica

[@Throp]

Jamaican dollars but USD, CAD, euros and pounds are accepted everywhere

[@anitag6925]

Very interesting....but what if you aren't fortunate enough to have family from Jamaica? It seems so much more challenging to navigate trying to move there, if you don't have that safe place to land when you get there.

[@kenyaw2212]

You bring up a good point, Anita. I still don't think it's impossible if you don't have family. I think it would be a matter of visiting often and creating a community of friends/extended family. The more you visit, you can travel around the island and see what area you feel most comfortable in and then start to network. I truly think it can be done if you use discernment and aren't afraid to explore. Thanks for your feedback!

[@Ms_T_Perfectly_Imperfect]

@@kenyaw2212 Discernment is very very important. I appreciate you sharing your experience and advise 🙏

[@Throp]

Thank you for watching!

[@suzettephinn7829]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Throp]

thank you Suzette!

[@nikkicoleman1928]

Thanks again for another wonderful talk! I am a teacher and was interested in hearing Kenya say that she was also in education. I thought that she would say she was going to pursue education as a career in JA. Is it a difficult profession to enter in JA? Thanks again!!

[@Throp]

Thank you for watching! I’m unsure of how difficult it would be to become an educator here as a foreigner but I do know it’s possible

[@tastesweet9027]

Not difficult actually you most likely get first pick,I would suggest if you're interested look into a private school,public/ government school don't pay well.

[@nikkicoleman1928]

@@tastesweet9027 Thank you so much! This is very helpful.

[@leahashaallen736]

Queen Kenya

[@Throp]

Thanks so much for watching

[@v4vibrationofficial]

I applied for college at the University of the West Indies Mona for track and field... I don't know how it's going to happen or how to get it done but I am in New York now Manhattan. I desire to get to the land of my forefathers.

[@teesmith5702]

Try to date a man who can at least meet you half way…..some of those Jamaica men are straight up opportunistic…… it’s harder to meet educated men in rural Jamaica due to lack of educational opportunities….all the major universities are in Kingston… very unfortunate… the struggle is real…

[@kenyaw2212]

You can say that again, Tee!

[@Throp]

good advice

[@Jamcore2008]

Yep we all are forced to move outside of the parish or country .

[@TheBlueMahoe]

I been on Flatbush. its an experience

[@davidtorres6491]

Cool

[@jennistrachan6433]

Nice vlog but how about interviewing Brits/Canadians who have made the move or are transitioning?

[@Throp]

Great idea. I do know of a few people who fit into this category

[@jennistrachan6433]

@@Throp great. Once I get an interviewer from the Uk 🇬🇧 Re: their experience I will subcribe! The challenge is on Throp!!😀

[@Ms_T_Perfectly_Imperfect]

@@Throp Annesha Adams has a KZbin page. She moved from Canada to Jamaica and I think might be a great idea to connect.

[@Ms_T_Perfectly_Imperfect]

The website for the sea moss doesn't work 😕

[@Throp]

That's my fault. It's actually an IG account @woodandwataja

[@Ms_T_Perfectly_Imperfect]

@@Throp thank you so much for replying!

[@kenyaw2212]

​@@Ms_T_Perfectly_Imperfect Thanks for your interest in the sea moss! Feel free to send me a DM on my business IG that @Throp just shared with you. Much love!

[@Throp]

@@Ms_T_Perfectly_Imperfect absolutely!

[@chocolatequeen5953]

It doesn’t matter were you are in this world , if you are not rich you going to need an income to survive whether it’s a retirement income , dividend or earn profit from investment or a job ! Even if you own land , you still going to need the land to generates an income 🤑

[@Throp]

income is extremely important

[@whothecapfits4798]

If you are earning in us 💰. If you took out a mortgage left Jamaica and working in US yea cost of living appears cheaper especially as the dollars slides..

[@jahmallajaima]

Cost of living is cheaper in JA? Really because all I hear is how expensive JA is and I live in Hawaii. My nephew was saying bell peppers were like $4.00 a lb ( US) , bananas $1.00 a lb. Bell peppers (organic) is here is around da same price. Been thinking of moving there but knowing how much everything is there. Land prices there are as expensive or more then here. An acre of land there $60,000. You can buy land here for $30, 000. An acre or more depending where you buy. Hmm you not “ Colombia cheap” I also considered maybe living in Colombia as it’d be easier in some ways as I have dual citizenship , it is cheaper there. However I always come back to JA . JA calls me. I love so much about there. Da vibrancy , character of da people, da music, food, beauty of da land. And I know one reason I feel so connected to there is i had a past life in JA.

[@Throp]

I definitely would not consider Jamaica to be a cheap place. However compared to living in NYC it is more affordable to live in JA and have a comfortable lifestyle. Land price here can certainly be expensive depending on where you are looking. Again however, in general compared to NYC it is much more affordable. Most especially when it comes to property taxes. Now access to affordable and reasonable financing in Jamaica is a whole other story

[@jenniferjemison636]

Jah...good things cost more! Everything has its' price and brand Jamaica is no different😁

[@vaneitaadams4790]

If one is coming from Atlanta, Jamaica is not cheap. The house in ATL suburbs for $350,000 is $500,000 in St. Ann Jamaica; A comparable house in Atlanta suburbs for $180,000 is $300, 000 in St. Ann.

[@opalfruitcake]

Do you know of any English people who have made the move? I'm English and would love your to speak to someone from the UK as you can imagine the move would be more considered and costly.Thanks as always for a great video.

[@Throp]

This is a great idea. I do know someone. I will reach out to them

[@jennistrachan6433]

Same here opalfruitcake….uk based….

[@lorrainegivans2620]

Greetings, I made the move from London to Jamaica about 10 years ago. One of the best thing that I have ever done. It is not without its challenges, but the peace of mind that I have far outweighs all. Blessings 🙏🏾💕

[@chocolatequeen5953]

There are a lot of Brit on KZbin that have move to Jamaica just typing British citizens who have moved to Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@eileenwatt8283]

Watch this channel. "Dat me seh" she's from the UK but she returned. Check out her channel and contact her

[@deniseedwards8080]

came across by accident. REFRESHING!!!! Exhaling from all the expected negative experiences and nay sayers.....sex...crime.....politics...power/racial/classist dynamics etc. None of that pushed on you here. If one going to make the transition from foreign to island life, make some adjustments if it is worth it and do it. Don't be the 'shoulda woulda coulda'. Made the mad plunge myself many years ago and still can't believe how many people settle for living miserable sun deprived lives in foreign. (And they come stay with me for FREE and brag about their mortgages....car notes...and how they want to get away from the rat race and eat good food, fresh air, and live like how I'm living. When they leave, I howl with laughter...no mortgage...no car note...lol). Like Ms. Bennett said 'Colonialism in Reversal'.

[@Throp]

Thanks so much for watching

[@claude6480]

😊😊😊👍👍👍

[@Throp]

Thank you!!!

[@cattb5271]

Her honesty is refreshing baggage should be designer only and best free or discounted.

[@kenyaw2212]

This comment gave me life!

[@Throp]

ahahahaha

[@rosieposie6888]

Does the Host have a Jamaican background???

[@dwayne1star317]

Yes

[@kenyaw2212]

Yes

[@Throp]

I sure do

[@caroldawkins6897]

We do speak english no need to try to twang but i guess its deep rural

[@Throp]

Westmoreland right?

[@noriwilliams4637]

make your own almond milk its easy and cheap.

[@kenyaw2212]

Great suggestion!

[@Throp]

Thank you for watching! Great suggestion. I hear oat milk is fairly easy to make as well

[@empressnannah3830]

My people there is always two sides to a story.

[@norval82]

University of Alabama?

[@Throp]

Our bad, University at Albany

[@Jamcore2008]

She kinda reminds me of a former principal of Mannings . Mrs wagstaffe

[@wycliffewilliamson1229]

People's friendly video,

[@cosmicwisdom999]

Yup.....that's Jamaican men for you having many many kids and that's all they want with no planning behind it....lol

[@Throp]

ahaha it happens

[@javonwatkins6924]

Learn patwah tried of Jamaicans twanging we need to embrace patwah twanging doesn’t fit the people glad seh she move to ja 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲one love

[@Throp]

Thank you for watching!

[@teesmith5702]

It’s not only people who understand Patois watching these videos…sorry…Patois is not a universal language….She is an American…shush….

[@rosieposie6888]

I think she has a JA boyfriend🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@eileenwatt8283]

Why? A woman doesn't have to have a man there to keep going there. That's so old fashion thinking. Woman can't go places by themselves without having a man there.

[@kenyaw2212]

I don’t have a Jamaican boyfriend. My father lives in Jamaica, as does my granny and 96 year old great-gran. I’ve also made a ton of friends over the years of visiting there. JA is home. Sorry I didn’t have a more juicy story for ya :-)

[@justtime2670]

@@kenyaw2212 one advice for you as a Jamaican myself the more local you became the cheaper and better Jamaica becomes for you

[@kenyaw2212]

@@justtime2670 I agree 100%

[@eileenwatt8283]

@@kenyaw2212 people are just so silly. Sometimes they are projecting. When I tell a particular friend I'm going to Europe she ask the same dumb question "if I have a man there". It's so condescending. Her husband tells her I'm comfortable in my own skin. Which I am. They never ask men those questions.

[@northside3701]

I always tell people this, if you got money, you can live anywhere in JA, obviously not the ghetto and remote areas.. Seems as if Americans gonna eventually take over the island, o well , that's just gonna drives in more money for the island lol

[@Throp]

Great advice

[@lornajackson628]

Personal I would only visit not live have my reasons 🇯🇲

[@Throp]

fair enough

[@paulhaye]

You’ll soon find a nice Jamaican man, lady. Make sure he has a minimum of a college degree though. It’s not about the money, it’s about the character. Good luck.

[@Throp]

Good advice Mr Haye

[@elfredawright]

You do not need a college degree to have character. It helps to navigate your way positively from a materialistic standpoint, it however, does not give character to a human being.

[@WWEENETWORK]

LITTLE LONDON IS NOT THE PLACE TO DATE...LOL....SORRY. I CAN INTRODUCE YOU TO SOME...PROPER ...HOLDING THEIR OWN...NO 5 KIDS TYPE MEN BOYZ...LOL

[@Throp]

ahaha We all went to UA at different times

[@Engagenumberone]

Lmao. Some of these guys lined up to breed her.

[@anngore3842]

A foreigner dating in Ja especially a female ?? Good luck.

[@anthonybrown1658]

Hello Kenya good luck

[@kenyaw2212]

Thank you, Anthony!

[@Throp]

ahaha it's tough out there everywhere. Trust me