FantaSea
In 1998 I was fortunate enough to be invited to work for Spring Break in Jamaica by one of my very dearest friends, Allan Fantinelli. I continued to do this job for 2 months every Spring for 7 years, then vacation there for another couple weeks, soaking up the Caribbean vibe and some of the most picturesque views imaginable. I am so very glad I got these opportunities as I grew tremendously from them, learning a lot about myself and business and operating in the world as a woman. From the 1st year I worked as just a sales representative to the following years when I worked as a hotel liaison then becoming the woman in charge, I was working mostly with men and Jamaicans, both which were very challenging. Jamaica moves slowly, the people too. Things go wrong all the time, and it felt really crazy while working there, and despite loving to party, I couldn’t wait for the work to be done some I could relax and recuperate.
I returned in 2013 in order to take pictures, reminisce and voice record stories as to create a book based on my experiences. FantaSea by Kelly Kertz released for sale in 2021 on Amazon and is now in it’s 2nd printing! The story of Belle, a twenty-something traveling into choas mid Spring Break, encompasses epic views, adventures, wild parties, tons of beer & rum, and even Rostamon Billygoat, the FantaSea Tours company mascot. As a woman working in a 3rd world country, Bella finds it tough growing up but worth it for all the perks, fabulous music and hot men!
The story is dedicated to all the Jamaicans, business owners and staff who worked during this wild experience and of course, to the Spring Breakers who lived it. Yes, there really was a Rastamon Billygoat, but most of the stories have been reconfigured to protect those that I work with. There is not a single character other than Bella that is real, they are all made up fiction, woven between the tales that did actually come to pass. An except is from the final chapter: How I do hope this leaves you with the strongest desire to visit Jamaica. The entire island is exquisite and the people are some of the best I’ve ever known. Please do remember that you are visiting a foreign country, that things are much slower and very different, and you must keep your wits about you and stay safe. But do go…you will be so very glad you did!
I am currently working on the sequel and may even plan an additional book, finding writing to be a true pleasure! I hope you will be able to get a copy and enjoy the sunshine, crystal clear sure waters and perhaps even find yourself planning a little Caribbean getaway soon!