Anita & Sam

Sunday, March 16, 2008

JAMAICA

Hey Mon!

Well we decided to have a break from the UK and Europe and 2 weeks ago we went to Jamaica in search of some sun and warmth! After a 10hr flight from London we arrived in the Caribbean for a wonderful 7 nights. We were staying in a great town called Ocho Rios.




Jamaica was hot and sunny, just what we were dreaming of. We had booked an all inclusive resort package (most accommodation on the island is this type) . So all our food, drinks and activities were included in the upfront price. We found this a bit had to comprehend at first. It was a real novelty being able to walk away from a lovely meal without paying anything and order unlimited Jamaican rum cream without a second thought! So we had fun with that :)


We had really good weather but unfortunately we got quite badly sun burnt on the first day despite having cream on. We were blaming a year and half in England for making us so sensitive to the sun! Anyway, that kept us resting in the shade for the first few days.


Jamaica is quite a poor country and because of this the locals are always trying to sell you something! It's quite funny and you learn to not be too trusting as everyone is trying to hustle a dollar from you. Because of this culture, the resort is very well protected and security is important to protect the tourists. In fact, if you wanted to, you could have a great holiday without leaving the resort at all because they cater for all your needs. Having said this, even the security guard was keen to try and sell us some of the Ganja (marijuana)!

We were looking forward to exploring outside the resort though so we wandered into town a few times. This is in the village...


We visited the craft market where everyone asked us to look in their stall or wanted to braid my hair. It was great to look around and there were certainly some interesting characters. The people really do dress and look as you would imagine. And they do talk like they do in 'Cool Runnings' which is great fun. These pics were taken in the market...





We had a drink at a bar called Mamma Marley's (owned by Bob Marley's mother)!

Actually when walking around town, and our general impression of the island remined Sam and I of New Guinea (from what tiny things we can remember, and from photos).

We did a tour out of the resort to one of the most popular sights on the island which is the Dunn's River Falls. It was really beautiful there. Most of the visitors walk up the falls which gradually cascades down to meet the ocean over quite a distance. Because the falls aren't steep local guides walk up the falls with groups of tourist and this can take about an hour.


We were lucky enough to end up in a much smaller group with a guide who took us up the falls a lot quicker that most people and it took us about half an hour. He was really quick, but good, and at times it was fairly dangerous and difficult to climb. We had to hire special gripping water shoes. There were areas where the water was flowing quite fast and everyone needed to hold hands and help each other up. It was great fun and of course we gave our guide the tip he was expecting for his extra efforts once we were safely at the top.

Jamaica was such a fantastic place to visit and so different from all the places we've been recently. Everyone is so happy and relaxed there which makes it a great place to holiday.

This trip was extra special for Sam and I because this is where we just got ENGAGED! :) So that is our very exciting news to end this blog... This is us celebrating at one of the resort restaurants on the night we got engaged.
Bye for now, Love from us xox