Travel Featured
Jamaica … A true island paradise
What comes to mind when you hear of Jamaica ?
Perhaps you think of the fastest man in the world , Usain Bolt . Maybe you ’ re reminded of the captivating sounds of reggae music , or you become mentally transported to white sandy beaches . Last summer , I got the chance to tick this amazing destination off my bucket-list - I went to Jamaica .
I had been planning this trip for a very long time . Of course , a journey that far from home does take some planning . I flew from Abu Dhabi to New York and then connected in New York to Montego Bay , Jamaica . The journey was long . In retrospect , I should have stopped in New York for a night or even two days , that way ; I could have rested before continuing my journey .
My exhaustion vanished when I landed in Jamaica . Upon disembarking the aircraft , I was greeted by folk singers , who lined the pathway , singing melodious traditional songs . It made you feel as if your holiday had begun the moment you arrived . It was dark by the time I exited the airport and boarded the bus to the resort town of Ocho Rios . The one-hour thrifty minutes drive to the resort was thrilling to say the least . Jamaicans seem to live life in the fast lane and this certainly shows in their driving .
The following morning , I woke up to the sound of a cruise ship sounding its horn as it entered the port . Yes , my hotel was on the beach over looking the cruise ship pier . I opened my windows , to be greeted by the most spectacular white sand beach I had ever seen in my life . This beach would become my jogging trail and relaxation spot for the next two weeks .
A friend of mine recommended a tour guide to me by the name of Cool Marco ( http :// www . coolmarcojamaicatours . com /). This recommendation turned out to be the best gift ever . Cool Marco specialises in off the beaten path tours . He knows the island inside out . I wanted to escape the regular tourist traps and that ’ s exactly what I did . We trekked through hills , found hidden waterfalls and visited a little known beach in St . Mary , a parish on the north east coast of the Island .
There was something exciting to do everyday . The first week was spent exploring the northern and eastern coasts of the island , which is rich in coconut and banana plantations . The evenings were spent on the beach close to my hotel reading , listening to the sound of the waves and sipping on some Jamaican ‘ magic ’. During the second week , we explored the west coast going as far as Ricks Café in Negril , which is the island ’ s most westerly point . Ricks is a tourist hot spot , known for spectacular sunsets and cliff diving .
Other highlights :
• Jamaican food is delicious . Be sure to sample the tasty ackee , saltfish and roasted breadfruit , and fried fish , bammy and fried dumplings .
• Locals are kind and helpful . You could make genuine new friends .
• Visit the local crafts market for genuine Jamaican souvenirs . The prices are reasonable .
• Most places are within walking proximity in town areas . Go and see how locals live .
• Don ’ t believe all the rumours . I never felt unsafe there . Take all the precautions that you would normally take at home . Don ’ t show off valuables while out and about , etc .
After a long and tiring school year , Jamaica was exactly what I needed to unwind and it certainly did not disappoint .
Contributed .