JAMAICA
 |
Located just South of Cuba, Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles and. member of the British Commonwealth. Called "Yamyaca - land of wood and water or land of springs - by its original Taino inhabitants, Jamaica is without doubt one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean. This island combines stunning white sand beaches and splendid virgin rainforests, hills, mountains, old plantations, rivers, waterfalls, lagoons and generally wonderful natural attractions. Ad several historic sites and you will hardly find the time to see all of it. It is worth renting a car to tour the island and see the most interesting sites in the interior, for instance the Blue Mountains, where the world famous coffee is produced. |
 |
Everywhere, expect lush tropical vegetation, wild animals like caimans and crocodiles, monkeys, snakes and exotic birds. The Dunn's River Falls are famous: This cascade in the rainforest ends directly on the beach, where Ursula Andress appeared in her white bikini in a James Bond movie. Several Bond movie sequences were shot in Jamaica, and Bond author Jan Fleming - as well as actor Errol Flynn - had a house in Port Antonio. If you are of adventurous nature, you will love to drive around Jamaica, hike in forests and visit those amazing natural wonders this island is famous for. |
 |
Sadly, not many tourists do such excursions. Jamaica is a top destination for all inclusive resorts, and many visitors never leave the comfort and security of those beautiful beach hotels. Always located on stunning beaches, they generally exclude locals from their beaches, sometimes offering day passes at a high price for visitors. By doing this, hotel owners give their guests a sense of security, since many of them feel molested by vendors and beach bums. Nevertheless, this makes it difficult for visitors to access certain beaches if they don't pay for it, and it increases the sense of discrimination among the local population. |
 |
Though there are some security issues in Jamaica, nobody should hide in its resort. The general population is friendly and we never had any problem traveling by car through the island. In some places you better be careful, not too long ago their have been riots around the capital Kingston. But locals will tell you where to be cautious. Furthermore, homophobia among the island population and anti-homosexual legislation are a very much discussed item in the daily Jamaican press. Then again, Jamaica is known for its adult-only and naturist resorts! |
|
Jamaica has a vibrant culture and everybody knows the island's icon, reggae singer Bob Marley. The island also has excellent dancers and other artists. Jamaica's history provides for lots of historical sites to visit: Spanish Town, the former pirate den Port Royal and many other places remind visitors of important moments of Caribbean history, such as the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the British colonial times, the pirates and the runaway slaves. You can keep yourself very busy if you visit Jamaica. As for food, the big resorts offer international cuisine. But the island has lots of local specialties well worth trying, like the famous jerked chicken, or aki with salt fish. |
 |
If you look for good beach places, our choice would be Negril, a beautifully located site with many hotels.or the region of Port Antonio, which is more isolated and quiet. Montego Bay also has lots of hotels, but it's more crowded. Ocho Rios attracts mass tourism. In the big cities, you will find enough commodities like shops and supermarkets. Nightlife is not a problem. In summary, Jamaica appeals as well to visitors who like all inclusive resorts on a nice beach as to adventurous natures willing to go on a Caribbean discovery trip. "One love, one hearth..." - Yah man! |
|
