Jamaica is an island of exquisite beauty located in the West Indies just south of Cuba. It has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios cascades down a limestone hillside from pool to pool down to the sea. This town is named after the Spanish term Las Chorreras meaning The Waterfalls. Once a fishing village it is now a tourist destination known for its nightclubs, restaurants and beautiful Spanish architecture. In 1962 the James Bond film Dr No was filmed here.
Jamaica means “Blessed Isle of Springs” It is also known as Xaymaca which means Arawak Island of wood and water. It also has another name Jahmekya which means Rastafari revelation ground and intonation of the heights of Mount Zion. Jamaican water is like crystal in the most part, but of course, the natural environment is being polluted and contaminated like it is everywhere else.
Looking through these eyes it is easy to see the beauty of Jamaica, but all is not right here in paradise. There are a lot of problems in the land of no problem mon. Political corruption, violence and the effects of globalisation on local food systems to name a few. Jamaicans are bewildered and confused at the level of inhumanity that is occurring in this microcosm of a world in social and moral decline.
Tropical Beaches Sunsets
The sun rises and sets on this island as a fiery orange ball. The island of wood and water is renowned for its spectacular tropical sunsets and sunrises. Life here runs on Jamaica time and if you ever get a chance to visit the island you will be dazzled with its breathtaking beauty and the cruisey pace of island life. Combine the sunset with the Jamaican food and we have a match made in heaven.
If you were searching the world for the best beaches then, of course, Jamaica would definitely be a strong contender. White powdery sand, flat crystal clear water and swaying coconut palms and Poinciana trees. Where do you find a freshwater waterfall cascading down on to the beach. You do in Jamaica. It’s the veritable garden of Eden if you can imagine what that would have been like.
Jamaican Food
Jamaica food is influenced by many nations. Just as in other Caribbean islands, Jamaica food recipes have been influenced by the Chinese, Portuguese, West African, Spanish, Syrian, Dutch, French, British and Indian. It is a lush tropical island paradise and there is an abundance of exotic fruit and vegetables to eat. Traditional Jamaican Food is healthy and wholesome.
Jamaican food is spicey, original and unique. It is healthy, tasty and utilises all the fresh exotic tropical fruits, vegetables and spices of the island. Papayas, Mangos, Oranges, Grapefruits, Lemons, Limes and Tangerines. Soursop, Pineapple, Watermelon, Mammee fruit and Star Apple.These are just some of the tropical fruits of Jamaica.
Jamaican Travel
Jamaica travel is not for the faint hearted. If you are thinking of taking a vacation here then prepare yourself for the breathtaking exotic and mystical beauty of this Caribbean Island. Jamaica has a rich oral history and for all Jamaica’s beauty, there is also the opposite. Jamaican history shows that it was once the home of the Arawak Indians, then became the haunt of Pirates and now is reeling with the effects of globalization and exploitation. Political unrest and social problems have plagued the small island over recent decades.
Jamaica attracts tourists from all over the world. Holiday travellers from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are prolific due to their Commonwealth connections from the past.
Once you have finally landed on Jamaican soil, you are on Jamaican time. Whilst remaining alert, the pace is much slower and after a few days of good Jamaican food and medicine, you can start to relax into it. Jamaica culture is friendly and worldly, the people having been exposed to many different nationalities vacationing on the island over many years.
The Sights and Sounds of Jamaica
The sights and sounds in Jamaica are like nowhere else on earth. The coastal areas are quite stunning and contain some excellent hiking trails, the highest peak being in the Blue Mountains. For a rather more sedentary experience, the Milk River Spa contains natural mineral waters which have a constant temperature of over 80 degrees.
There are many beaches from which to choose and the blue waters contain some of the world`s most amazing underwater wildlife. The white sand of Jamaica is unsurpassed and the waters around its coastline are crystal clear. Snorkelers will enjoy seeing sunken ships, incredible cave formations, and coral reefs. One of the most popular spots is Negril where guided snorkeling tours are on offer. Turtle Beach and Mallard Beach are two of the most popular beaches, with many of the beaches boasting tourist amenities, activities, and entertainment, together with food.
Jamaican Tourism
Jamaica is an island nation that lies in the sunny Caribbean Sea. It has become increasingly attractive for tourists in recent years, partly due to cheap flights to the region.
Tourism is one of the primary sources of income for Jamaica and the Jamaican tourist has virtually taken over the island. Some of the special places to visit are Port Antonio Jamaica, for its quiet white sandy lagoons and laid back atmosphere. Portland tourism is definitely on Jamaican time. The soil is rich here. For a famous Jamaican experience go to Negril and visit Ricks Cafe.
The Jamaican sunsets are legendary and provided there is no cloud this is a popular place to view the sunset over dinner or a cocktail. You can also dive off the cliff here, if you are game, into the crystal clear Caribbean water. Make sure it isn’t barracuda season though. A Negril vacation is action packed with every kind of water sport and Jamaican vendors selling their wares.
Frequently asked questions
Who were the Jamaican Maroons?
Question
The people called ‘Maroons’ were enslaved Africans and their descendants. They fled from bondage by escaping from plantations and forming new societies. For nearly a century, these communities waged a devastating war against the colonialists from their strongholds in the Jamaican hills. Recognising the freedom they had fiercely seized, the British were forced to propose treaties granting them land and partial autonomy.
Nature played an important role in the Maroons day to day life and survival. Their dependence on nature was not only for living but also for fending off invaders.The Maroons utilised their environment far more effectively than the British in achieving their dual goals of sustenance and battle. Their African knowledge of biology, geology, herbal medicine and farming was used to alleviate the stressful conditions of their lives.
Utilising the forest in their wars with the British, they developed good camouflage and ambush techniques which baffled their opponents.The ‘five finger wins’ (cacoon)vine was used to make traps. Pointed stakes were rammed into the bottom of the traps to impale unsuspecting animals and people. This had a devastating psychological effect on attacking soldiers as they were forced to watch their comrades die a slow death. The Moore Town Maroons also used the cacoon vine to prepare f delicious stew called ‘Rundown’.
Camouflage or ‘Bushing Up’ as it was known involved the use of leaves, branches and blossoms to make it impossible to find them in the jungle. Bathing in a stream with certain leaves disguised their body’s odour so they could not be hunted by Indian scouts or dogs from the contract Cuban slave hunters.
A complex understanding of birds and bird calls was needed to communicate without anyone knowing it was them.
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The peaceful (now extinct) Arawak Indians were the first inhabitants of the islands. The existence of their war like adversaries the Caribs made constant migration throughout the islands a necessity for these people.
Jamaica has over two hundred native species of orchids and hundreds of imported varieties and hybrids. As a result, there are orchid shows especially in the spring and fall.
Jamaican Performing Arts Theatre promotes the knowledge and appreciation of Jamaica’s art and expressions.