Jamaica
In the voice of Damian Marley, “Jamaica, Jamaicaaaa” from the titled song “Welcome to Jamrock.”
“Greetings,” “Blessings,” and “Wah Gwaan.”
Yes, Jamaica! I have always felt a connection to you! Even when I first moved to New York, not knowing anyone, it was Jamaicans, who helped me along the way. From the culture to the food to the music, I am totally immersed. So it was befitting on my first trip there, I experienced it as an authentic Jamaican would. I was exposed to certain things that most tourists don’t get to see or do. I was given this opportunity by Antonio Carol and his family to accompany them on a journey back to the country where Antonio was born. He hadn’t been back in more than thirty years. It was an unforgettable experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.
Antonio and I arrived at Montego Bay airport at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, January 11th where we met with his family, who drove us two and half hours to a house in Port Royal, where we stayed for most of the trip. Soon as we arrived at the house, we freshened up and went straight to a party right across the street at a place called Gloria’s, which is a popular seafood restaurant.
While enjoying the festivities, it was then that I realized Jamaicans love to party just as much as my people, New Orleanians. We were invited to another party the next day. Before the next party, we spent the day on Thursday visiting family in Kingston and coming back to Port Royal to explore. We got a chance to talk with locals, learn the history of the area, and sample a natural drink called Spirulina, which consisted of Starfish, June Plum, Pineapple, and of course Spirulina which is a dark green algae. One thing I love about Jamaica is the love for pure natural things. The food, the plants, the herbs, even the air is all fresh and natural. I didn’t have any sinus problems like I normally do when I go to other places.
Friday, we drove to the countryside of Claremont, Saint Ann to visit more family. Our first stop was at a place called “Bumpers,” a popular location for tourist to rest after a visit to Bob Marley’s burial site. I didn’t get a chance to visit the site myself, but there’s always next time. I will make sure of that.
Anyway, we got an opportunity to meet the owner Mr. Carlton, who is in the picture with Antonio below, as well as enjoying some jerk pork with rice and peas with a few drinks. It was a delicious meal. Mostly, all the food I had was tasty during the trip. In fact, I think I gained a few pounds. After relaxing a bit, we decided to stay with Antonio’s family members, who own a beautiful house there. They took us to the town area, where all the residents go to socialize and carry on with their daily activities. We sat in a restaurant called Central Snacks to observe everyone and then took it in early for the night.
Saturday, we were awakened to breakfast followed by a tour of the countryside. It was so calm and beautiful. Seeing the different fruit trees, animals, worn down roads, and architecture of the homes gave an excellent scenery. As we walked, it rained, but it would come and go until finally, it was only the sun. We continued until we got to the main town where we visited the school Antonio attended as a child. Next, we did a little shopping at the street market and then stopped for some beef patties with coco bread.
Later, we found ourselves learning what happens during the process of breaking up marijuana, and knowing the difference between good and bad. Breaking up good weed “Sensimina or Sensimilla,” which is usually sticky requires you to use something, such as a knife to clean it off your hands as shown in the video below. Amongst other things, Jamaica is also known for marijuana, so I could not go without speaking on this. It is of abundance, and yes you can get it anywhere even though it is illegal in the country; however, laws are changing. We ended our night getting food from an outside vendor and chilling at a bar called Good Time, and that it was.
Sunday, we drove to Ocho Rios to check out Dunn’s River Falls and Park. It cost 2500 Jamaican dollars ($20 US) to get in, but it was worth it. It’s where the river meets the sea. It was such a remarkable place, and I was able to climb the river falls. I fell a couple of times and got my phone wet, but I still enjoyed myself. However, I would recommend a waterproof camera and proper shoes. The rocks will hurt your feet.
Next, we made our way to Waterhouse in downtown Kingston to attend a street party in which a local bar put on. A good bit of the neighborhood came out to enjoy. It was such a surreal moment. I was partying in an area known for its poverty, and most importantly it’s violence, and it felt like anywhere else. Just ordinary people who were having a fun time. Antonio and I even went on a tour with a local reggae artist named Real Kash, who is actually from the neighborhood in Waterhouse. He told us that things are getting better and that violence has cut down for a couple of years now. I was happy to hear that for the residents. Waterhouse is truly a special place that should be recognized.
Now, Port Royal is known for seafood, so I couldn’t leave without trying it. Monday we went to Gloria’s to have some, and it didn’t disappoint. I had the Buccaneer’s Mix, and I could barely finish my plate. It was very gratifying. After lounging, we drove to a craft market to pick up souvenirs in downtown Kingston. We spent most of our day shopping and going to Waterhouse to handle some family business. In all, the most fun part of the day was getting Real Kash to sing for me on the spot. It was a great way to end the night.
Our last day in Jamaica consisted of going to Claremont, and Waterhouse again to say goodbye to family members and friends. The trip’s theme was all about family and never forget your roots. It was a delight to see Antonio reconnecting with people he hadn’t seen in a long time. It touched my heart as well as Jamaica itself. Touched me in such a profound way, that I want to buy a house there. God willing!
Caution:
But while Jamaica may have its highlights, however, there are some things that I must give caution to especially if you plan not to stay at a resort as I did.
Violence and poverty are of concern. While I was there, I heard many horror stories and was told to be watchful. There were some areas where we couldn’t bring our cameras, so we wouldn’t look like tourists to prevent from being followed and kidnapped. We had to blend in as much as possible so we wouldn’t bring attention to ourselves. We had to take alternative routes while driving through Kingston and be in certain locations before night. I also witnessed the slums and other impoverished areas that had no lights, dark alleys, and necessities that were not available.
Also, there is a water problem. I was astounded by this because water surrounds the entire country. There were some places without hot water, would shut off at certain times, or no water at all. For example, you only had access to a hose outside to fill buckets to bathe and flush toilets. I had to do this for a toilet I used. With all the tourism dollars flowing into Jamaica, it is inexcusable for Jamaican citizens to be living like that. Jamaicans should demand proper functioning water. These issues need to be addressed by the government.
Nevertheless, I still would recommend anyone to Jamaica. All countries have their problems, so please don’t let this deter you from going to this beautiful country. The resorts are nice but get to know a Yardie (Jamaican) and explore the real Jamaica. Majority of the people are very hospitable. Trust me, it’s more than what you see on TV. Please visit! It will change your life!
“Yeh Mon, Every-ting Criss”
Thank you, Jamaica! Love you!
Travel Tip:
Do not travel alone. Know where you are going and be careful in cabs. Bring mosquito repellent, cleaning wipes, and lots of sunscreens!
Check out video and pictures below:
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Ultimate Jerk Centre – Montego Bay
Port Royal
Gloria’s – Buccaneer’s Mix- Steamed Fish with Curried Shrimp and Festival- Lobster with Fries
Star, Olivia, and Da-Vid
“Bumper’s” -Claremont, Saint Ann
Moringa and Sorrel
“Sensimina”
Jerk Pork with Rice and Peas (Top Right), Beef Patty with Coco Bread (Left Middle), Ackee and Saltfish with Sweet Plantains and Dumplings (Middle Right), and Salt Mackerel with Yams, Banana, Callaloo, and Ginger Tea (Bottom Left).
Dunn’s River Falls and Park, Ocho Rios
Craft Market
Waterhouse, Kingston
Real Kash and I
Antonio Carol and I
Pure Coconut Water.
Ate coconut jelly for the first time!
