Remember Me
forgot your password?

Jamaica: the Treasure Island of the Caribbean

Jamaica. You are sitting in your cubicle bored to death with a tedious office job when suddenly this word just pops up in your head promising you a distant paradise surrounded by the blue waters of Caribbean. You start dreaming about your next vacation and go online to book an all inclusive package. Jamaica, wait for me -- I'll be coming soon!

Your flight lands in Montego Bay and you are plunged into the hectic atmosphere of the airport crowded by the hordes of tourists: groups, couples and families. A jolly tune of a steel drum band welcomes you and so do hundreds of merchants trying to sell you almost everything: beer, cool drinks, newspapers, souvenirs. They greet you in the Jamaican manner: 'Yah Mon' (yeah man), 'Y'allright?' (are you all right?), 'Whaapen' (what's happening?).

Finally you find the resort representative. 'No worries mon,' says he while helping you whith your luggage. Now brace yourself, the ride to your resort is about to star. The bus driver seems to have no regard to his, yours or pedestrians life and if you are motion sickness prone -- you'd better get a paper bag ready. Oh no, he seems to be driving the wrong side of the street! 'No worries mon', it's a tradition the Brits left here. By the way, this is a good reason not to rent a car in Jamaica.

Once you left the airport park you start noticing contrasts. The stunning Blue Mountains are surely a breathtaking view. But they are also a backdrop of the striking poverty reminding you that you are in a third world country. Shacks built of rusty metal and some unrecognizable materials occupy the sides of the road. They are homes for thousands of Jamaicans, and while you drive by you see some of them doing their daily business or simply sitting in the shade and relaxing.

You arrive to your resort which again is a striking contrast to what you have seen on your way there. Most Jamaican hotels are examples of luxury and comfort which are reflected in their far above average prices. You will find the resort staff friendly and welcoming. Let them care about your luggage and go to the nearby diner to enjoy some of the best food in Caribbean.

'Nyam' is Jamaican for 'to eat'. Jamaicans are well known meat-eaters and their favorite dishes are jerk chicken and pulled pork. Patties are also delicious, filled with meat and vegetables, sometimes too hot and spicy. Be careful -- most traditional dishes have bones in them, don't be shy to pick them out of your mouth and place them on the side of your plate, everybody does so.

Be sure to try two famous brands of Jamaica: Blue Mountais Coffee and Red Stripe Beer. And don't miss the awesome liquor they have there: Pimento Dram.

If you want to have some shopping fun, go to a local market, like the one in Ocho Rios. Enjoy the whirling atmosphere of a Jamaican marketplace where hundreds of merchants are desperately trying to sell you things you'd never need. Some will meet you before you get into their booth and take you inside constantly talking and piling one item on another into your face.

Jamaica's gems are not just white beaches or glorious nature. Jamaican people, vibrant and friendly folk are the true treasure of the island. Good buy Jamaica, Jah Bless, Likkle more, I'll be coming back soon!

Rate this Article: 5 / 5 stars - 2 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Travel Articles
  • More from Oleg Ishenko

Goddesses of Samba in Brazil´s Carnival: How are they Chosen?

By: Andre Skowronski | 03/01/2010
The objective of this article is to explain how samba dancing contests are held in the Carnival of Brazil, as to select the top samba dancers in Brazil.

Buenos Aires Apartments are a great choice for business visits and vacations alike

By: jamiehanson | 03/01/2010
When you think of vacationing in Argentina, Buenos Aires should come to mind, it is a beautiful city and is wonderful for vacationing. Being a city in a South American country, Buenos Aires, tends to more often than not have a nice weather and as such attracts many tourists at any given period.

Pamper Yourself on a Spa Holiday to Bermuda

By: John T. Dixon | 03/01/2010
There's nothing quite like a spa break to truly unwind. Holidays to Bermuda are the ideal time to enjoy a bit of five star pampering. If you are looking for a break that offers sheer relaxation, it's hard to do better than a visit to a spa on your holidays to...

A Mini Tour Around Bermuda

By: John T. Dixon | 03/01/2010
For such a compact and accessible destination, holidays to Bermuda can be surprisingly eventful. This island paradise, locked in the warm embrace of the North Atlantic Ocean, has an area of only about 22 square miles, but manages to pack in some of the most stunning beaches and coastal scenery...

Ghosts or aliens in an Irish bog?

By: Seamus Maguire | 03/01/2010
A series of strange and unexplained events over a period of nearly forty years in the Bog of Ardee in County Louth, in north east Ireland has never been fully investigated. There is evidence of what locals call a "presence" in the boggy terrain west of this small market town which defies rational explanation.

Dalyan- Ultimate destination for Turkish Holiday

By: Casper da silva | 03/01/2010
Planning for a real Turkish holidays? Then you must visit Dalyan for an exotic holiday trip with your family. Learn here what all you can explore in this beautiful place.

Volterra - an Etruscan Treasure

By: Tony Maniscalco | 03/01/2010
In a country as steeped in history and culture as Italy, it would be impossible to overlook the importance of Volterra, one of the lesser known hilltop towns in Tuscany. Its rich Etruscan heritage and extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, sees this tiny Tuscan gem as a destination...

The Animals of Bali - Mild Vs Wild

By: Peter Vasilou | 03/01/2010
The warm climate and lush sub-tropical vegetation of Indonesia provides an ideal habitat for a diverse variety of animal and bird species. For visitors to Bali, holidays are invariably themed with at least some kind of brush with the wildlife. Despite Bali's popularity as one of the world's favourite tourist...

Riu Hotel: A Piece of Paradise On Paradise Island Bahamas

By: Oleg Ishenko | 13/02/2007 | Travel
A traveler reviews a trip to the Bahamas and a stay at Riu Paradise Island All Inclusive hotel. The hotel is in prime condition and has a great service promising you a comfortable and relaxing stay. The downside is the relatively expensive food and drinks, but this is not something unusual for Bahamas.

Sandyport Beaches Resort: A Little Worn But Comfy

By: Oleg Ishenko | 12/02/2007 | Travel
A traveler describes a trip to Bahamas and a stay at Sandyport Beaches resort. Overall the hotel is satisfactory although it requires a lot of improvements. Prices at the hotel are moderate but the food is overpriced even in grocery stores. There are more useful tips in the article...

Paradise Island Harbour Resort: Generally Satisfied

By: Oleg Ishenko | 08/02/2007 | Travel
A traveler tells about his trip to Bahamas and reviews his stay at Paradise Island Harbour resort. Although the hotel requires some renovation it still provides a satisfactory experience and worth the money.

Atlantis Royal Towers: Nice But Ridiculously Expensive

By: Oleg Ishenko | 08/02/2007 | Travel
A traveler reviews a trip to Bahamas and a stay at Atlantis Royal Towers Paradise Island Bahamas. There are also some good tips on getting the most of your stay and saving a few bucks...

Radisson Aruba Resort And Casino: Review of a Trip

By: Oleg Ishenko | 05/02/2007 | Online Gambling
A traveler reviews her stay at Radisson Aruba, gives her impression on the hotel service, island attraction and gives some useful tips to make the most of an Aruba vacation...

Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resort in Oranjestad, Aruba

By: Oleg Ishenko | 31/01/2007 | Travel
A traveler reviews his trip to this small Dutch island in the Caribbean and tells about his stay at Divi Aruba All Inclusive resort

Guidelines to a Perfect Link Exchange Scam

By: Oleg Ishenko | 10/01/2007 | Link Popularity
Link exchange scam is an interesting theme for a study per se and still awaits its researchers. But in the meanwhile the SEO community is being successful in summarizing the guidelines for the most perfect link exchange scam. (Please, don't take them seriously:)

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.41, 6, w3)