Eastern Parkway is the spot where the Jamaican taxi men hang out to solicit passengers. - photo by Robert Lalah

The following are feedback letters to last week's Roving With Lalah feature.

I enjoyed reading your article, 'Jamaican taxi drivers in NYC', on Thursday, January 4. I hope you had an enjoyable time in New York. I agree with Desmond, that the Jamaican food is here in the U.S.A., however, the taste is not like the food back home.

The taste of the Jamaican soda in the U.S. is not as good as the soda in Jamaica. Oh, for a Bigga cream soda, and some good curried shrimp! I look forward to my visit to Jamaica this year. I might choose July because it's mango time. I get nostalgic at times, and really wish that things were better in Jamaica.

PAULINE

MizJori@aol.com

I am a Jamaican living in New York City. I read your article on Jamaican drivers in NYC, and enjoyed it.

LEE PUT

leeput08@yahoo.com

I write to extend appreciation for your article in The Gleaner dated January 4, 2007. It is an excellently written article bearing the facts and the trials of Jamaicans in New York and other foreign cities (countries). Well done.

JOSHUA SPENCER

Toronto, Canada

joshuaspencer@rogers.com

First, let me start off by thanking you for the wonderfully entertaining articles you have written for The Gleaner. Your stories bring me back to some of the most memorable times I've had in Jamaica.

The things I enjoyed most about Jamaica were my encounters with the elders of the country. These gems of the island always had stories and history to share. The most enjoyable times of my visits were spent in the countryside, away from the touristy coastline.

Alas, it's been five years since my last visit. Jamaica is worrying my heart with all of the violence and murders. And this is coming from someone who spent a lot of time on the island over the past 20 years, and not at SuperClubs, but Black River, Barbican and Standpipe.

Your stories bring back warm memories and wishes for every parish in Jamaica to reflect the good that is still abundant in the communities you visit.

WENDY CAIN

California, USA

Love the article! Keep it up.

GORDON SWABY

gos641@hotmail.com

It was really nice of you to write this article, especially about the dollar vans. When I was planning my trip to New York, my friend happened to mention this as a great way of getting around, and honestly I thought she was having me on for a laugh!

I thought, how could they have taxis that charge so little for fare? Then I got there and decided to see for myself and took one from Utica to King's Plaza. Truth be told, I enjoyed my ride. It was very entertaining. I even helped out by collecting some fare for the driver.

Only we Jamaicans could think up something like this, the driver even had the latest DVD of Passa Passa showing in the van. I wish there were dollar vans in England!

BLAKEY

leisablk@yahoo.co.uk

I totally enjoy your articles and look forward to reading them each Thursday. I just read the piece entitled 'Jamaican taxi drivers in NYC', and found Desmond quite the character. Keep up the good work.

C. HART

yougogirl51@hotmail.com

Being a huge fan of your articles, I thoroughly enjoyed today's regarding your trip to New York. Having lived in New York, for far longer than I care to admit, I can totally relate to your drivers' responses.

I recently travelled home to Jamaica and despite the rain, malaria threat and potholes, it was still a glorious trip. Thanks for all the great stories that keep me longing to go home.

NEELA I. BAJUE

New York

Bwoy, you can certainly make me laugh. When you talk about Jamaican language, a yu dat. Keep up de good wuk. Yu always mek fi mi day.

LALAH FAN

Campbell2005_jm@yahoo.com