Jamaica Mon'

Jamaica is a tropical paradise and a true gem of the ocean. I took a week long vacation there and I would love to travel back for more. You step off the plane, get your gear, and walk out into the warm humid air. I usually choose to stay at an all inclusive resort just to make it easier on myself. This trip I stayed at the RIU Ocho Rios. It is brand spanking new and BEAUTIFUL. There is plenty of space for all of the guests and a private white sand beach to sun bathe or snorkel. Of course, you can spend your entire vacation at your resort since you have unlimited food and alcohol, but I suggest seeing the country. Beaches, waterfalls, warm turquoise oceans, and reggae master Bob Marley are all in store for you!

The first place on the agenda was Bob Marley's hometown of Nine Mile. I suggest you go through a tour company as it is quite a drive through the St. Ann Mountains. The tour guides know where they are going and it is also helpful just to have a Jamaican resident with you. That isn't because the areas of Ocho Rios are dangerous, the people are very friendly and welcoming. In Nine Mile you get a lot small children asking for money or people trying to sell you certain "herbs" and the tour guide politely speaks with them if you don't wish to. Anyway, you drive through the winding mountains and get to see many homes and corner stores along the way. I love this part because you get a feel of how the people live and your view of the world widens as you go. When you get to Bob Marley's compound, you walk into a small open air bar where you can have a drink .....Red Stripe, of course! Then you get with your tour guide ( we got lucky and had Capt. Crazy- youtube him). For a few minutes you tour through a museum of sorts, viewing awards, gold records and pictures of the reggae king. Next, you go up into a small area and see the graves of his grandparents and also take a small tour of his home where he grew up. This tour is about 2 minutes because he lived in a two room dwelling. The tour guide shares lots of past history and sings some songs to create the mood. Last, you quietly walk through the building that holds Bob Marley's tomb. No pictures are allowed , as this is a very sacred place. I feel very lucky to have gone in there as his wife is trying to legally move his body to Africa. If this is something you would like to experience, I suggest you go sooner than later. An amazing experience, mon'!

Another excursion for your liking would be to hike Dunn's River Falls. Try to make a reservation on a day that cruise ships aren't at port, or it is quite busy. Dunn's River Falls is somewhat of a water park to the Jamaicans. There are places to hang out, eat, and listen to music. The main attraction is a large cascading waterfall that you can hike up. It starts at the beach, where the water runs into the ocean. You can hike up with a tour, but we did it on our own. Water shoes or some sort of footwear is definitely suggested if you don't want to crack your skull. They have handrails put into the rock to make it easier to climb. The water is cold but very refreshing. As you climb, different size wading pools await you. Swim around, jump in, take a rest, do whatever you want. There is no time frame. It's a fun place for adults and children.

Last but not least, The Luminous Lagoon. It is located in the town of Falmouth, outside of Montego Bay. This lagoon was created where the Black River meets the sea. It is encompassed my Mangroves and has something special living in the water. Don't be afraid. Microscopic organisms live in the water and emit a phosphorescent light when there is movement nearby. This may seem gross or creepy to you , but it is probably the coolest thing I have ever seen. It kind of reminds me of the movie Cocoon. You take a tour boat out at dusk and when it gets dark, you are able to swim , if you choose. I didn't even think twice and jumped right in! The water is very warm and shallow (maybe around six feet deep). The bottom of the lagoon is muddy but who cares! When you swim around, the water around you glows a bright blue!! It is so crazy , hard to really explain without being there. This is one of only four places in the entire world that you can do this. I will swim in that lagoon every time I go.

I didn't have much time to travel the whole island but I will go back for more. Jamaicans are extremely friendly and kind. Big smiles and lots of fun from this island paradise.