Here's the scoop about Jamaica from a couple who's been going there for 30
years and just got back from another trip last week. It's a FABULOUS country
primarily due to 3 reasons. The friendly people, the spectacular scenery, and
the wonderful climate.
You mention your interest in "performing arts, dining, shopping and overall
sight-seeing." Plenty of great sight seeing. (Port Antonio, Dunn's River
Falls, Green Grotto Caves, Negril, YS Falls, Blue Mountains, Green River
Rafting and more) If you're gonna go shopping you're gonna get hussled. I have
found wearing a hat and sunglasses with a set of headphones and a strong "NO
THANK YOU" can help or just point to your head phones, bop your head and say
"respect mahn" and keep walking . . . But, you're still gonna get hassled.
The hassling goes down the further away you get from the tourist spots you go
and you can get to know the true Jamaica. It bothers some people but we're
kind of immune to it.
Dining can be fabulous but you've really got to do your homework to find the
best spots. Just ask lots of questions when you get there. Some of the best
Jerk Chicken and Pork we've had we got right at a road side stand.
Performing Arts? . . . Lots of great shows at the all inclusives and live
reggae elsewhere. But, any live reggae means lots of partying. Partying is
big in Jamaica . . . it's just part of the culture and it's a fun place. That
may turn you off but if you ask enough questions you can find some very serene
places. And, you can always go to the live reggae shows and not party. But,
you will get hassled and some of us "ugly americans" will be partying.
Plenty of horse back riding spots around.
You're uptight attitude gives us some concern that you may not like Jamaica.
It's a pretty laid back party kind of place. If you're seasoned travelers you
may be OK, but you should continue to do you're homework and look at another
country. Jamaica's not for everybody. An all inclusive is a good way to start.
Try to get out a wee bit to see what the country is really like.
Annnnd . . . as far as "ugly American's go" not all of us are so ugly because
we like to let our hair down. Sometimes if you really get to know us and give
us a kiss on the cheek we turn into a handsome prince.
Mark and "Sintia" |
