Pictures of Jamaica

Top Five Jamaica Vacations Tips and Travel Advice

 Jamaica, Jamaica Tips, Jamaica Travel  No Responses »
Dec 082008
 

Jamaica is a unique place with a mystique and allure unlike any other Caribbean Island. Jamaica vacations are popular for people from all over the world who want to experience the culture and lifestyle or at least what they believe those things to be.

Travel to Jamaica is a wonderful way to enjoy a vacation and each year more and more people visit “The Land of Woods and Water” for some fun in the sun. Jamaica is unique in many ways and the popular idea of a laid back “No Problem Mon” attitude for everyone can lead to issues for some visitors.

In order to help make your vacation a likkle nicer we are going to list a number of top tips and advice for Jamaica vacations for anyone from a first time visitor to a long time friend.

Tip #1
Bring your camera and use it wisely

Everyone loves a vacation but often times many of us are having so much fun we neglect to record it on film or camera and as time passes so do those wonderful memories. A digital camera with enough batteries and memory cards to cover you time here can help create and maintain a lifetime of good memories but be careful. Everyone may like looking at your pictures of Jamaica but not every jamaican wants there photo taken. Be kind and ask before taking photos of people in public. Be polite and honest and you should have no problem but on occasion you will find someone who is adamant you not take their photo and its just better to ask then offend.

Tip #2
Plan your trip before you arrive and verify everything

Jamaica is a great place for a spur of the moment vacation and you can easily visit the island with little or no planning at all but in order to best enjoy your Jamaican vacation we suggest you lay out some basic plans for how to spend your time along with the more important things to do in any for of itinerary you think you need. You do not have to overplan your vacation but it is certainly wise to organize some aspects including accommodations, transportation and tours. Things change often in Jamaica and the wonderful bed and breakfast you stayed at on your first visit may not be the same place it was just 2 years later. Proper planning can help avoid these type of disappointments and make for a better vacation experience. Some of us get so into the laid back lifestyle we never leave the hotel and we end up not doing half the stuff we wanted to and that leads to regrets and hopefully more trips but a little planning and you can make your tours blend into your airport transfers and make the most of your time in Jamaica.

Tip #3
When in Jamaica, do as Jamaicans do!

Everyone has their idea of the perfect vacation and we would never judge your vacation preferences but many visitors to Jamaica miss out on the wonderful cultural experiences of the “Real Jamaica” outside the walls of the all inclusive resorts and far away from the “Fake Jamaica” some of these places offer. There is nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy the beautiful facilities of these walled fortresses but take a day or two to enjoy life outside the compound. Book a tour with a local Jamaican or drop into a local Jamaican restaurant and dine like Jamaicans do. The real beauty of Jamaica can only be found by living Jamaican.

Tip #4
Respect yourself and others mon

A vacation is often a well deserved break we give ourselves each year and sometimes some of us take the well deserved part a likkle to serious. Some people come to Jamaica with the idea that someone owes them something. These people act as if the world is theirs and the people around them are there to do whatever ridiculous request they can come up with because “i’m on vacation”. It’s an attitude like that which will lead to a horrible vacation. treating people like slaves in a country with such a horrible history of slavery won’t get you very far no matter what you paid them.

Tip #5
Buy Jamaican Build Jamaica

Jamaica is a part of what was once called the Third World. The politically correct phrase is developing nation these days but the harsh reality of the economic conditions make it feel like another world in many ways. Jamaica is a beautiful country with a wealth of natural resorces and beauty but things are not good for the average Jamaican. Tourism is the driving force in the jamaican economy but very few Jamaicans own the large prosperours hotels and resorts. most Jamaicans work for the tourism industry as drivers, maids, servants and entertainment staff and hospitality jobs are about the only legal way any Jamaican has to make money on the tourist that arrive here. If you have the opportunity to do so we suggest you travel to Jamaica and live with Jamaicans. Find a local resort or hotel that is Jamaican owned and spend your money with a business that will keep that money in country.

When you are in Jamaica take a chance and spend some time with jamaican people and spend your money in local craft markets restaurants whenever possible so that your valued tourist dollars make it into the community at large. Jamaicans will appreciate it and build a better Jamaica.

There are a slew of other tips and advice one can take with them on their Jamaica vacation but these five will make it a great vacation for you and Jamaica.

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Benjis Paradise at Roaring River Head Westmoreland Jamaica

 Eco Tours in Jamaica, Places to visit in Jamaica, Things to do in Jamaica  No Responses »
Sep 242008
 

It could only be more perfect if the name were Alfie’s Paradise instead of Benjii’s Paradise but sadly Benjii got there first and made it his place before the rest of us found out about the river head of the Roaring River and one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been.

It’s a perfect place to be by yourself and appreciate the natural world around you. The sound of gushing water as the river comes bursting out of the ground is as relaxing as the cool crisp waters where you can get a fresh drink while you swim.

There is not much to say about the place except that it is a place where you can spend a day loving the beauty of nature and the sounds of birds and the mountain breeze blowing through the palm trees. Benjiis is past the Roaring River attraction and well beyond where the tour bus stops. It’s a tough steep drive that on a pretty bad Jamaican road but it is well worth the 45 minute drive from Negril and a great way to spend an afternoon alone if possible or at least with close friends or family.

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Some pictures of Jamaican birds and butterflies

 Birdwatching, Jamaica, Jamaica Adventures, Jamaica Flora, Jamaica Wildlife, Pictures of Jamaica  No Responses »
Jul 072008
 

Some pictures of birds and butterflies in Jamaica.

Red Billed Streamertail or the Jamaican Doctor Bird

 


 


 

Jamaican Oriole

 

Jamaican Kingfisher

 


 

Other Jamaican Birds and Wildlife

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 
 
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Jennys and Jackos Favourite Cakes and Restaurant in Negril Jamaica

 Jamaica, Jamaica Cuisine, Negril Jamaica, Places to eat in Jamaica  No Responses »
Oct 272007
 

Sign out front of Jennys Restaurant

Sign out front of Jennys Restaurant

Jennys and Jackos Favourite Cakes and Restaurant has been in the same spot on West End Road in Negril Jamaica for 30 years. Jennys and Jackos should really be called Dorothy and Jackos. Ms. Jenny passed on many years ago now but that spot was made famous as Jennys so when Jacko and his wife Dorothy took over they ripped down the old building and put in the new place while adding Jackos name to the sign and Mrs Dorothy now answers to the name Mrs Jenny far more often then her own name. Must be kinda weird for Tayon and Jennys other children who still live in the neighborhood to hear mommas name still used so long after she has passed on. I suppose thats a legacy of sorts.

Jennys is famous for its “special cakes” but popular for being the best value restaurant in all of Negril. It’s a locals restaurant that feeds the neighborhood and tourists alike. You’ll most often find the place packed with Jamaicans enjoying such island favorites as Ackee and Saltfish for breakfast and Brown Stew Chicken for lunch or dinner. Jennys has not only some of the most delicious food with generous portions but is down right cheap for the quality. The $200JA plate of Brown Stew Chicken is a heaping helping of vegetables, rice and peas and a chopped chicken quarter smothered in the delectable brown stew sauce. Not into brown stew? It’s all good cause Jennys does a mean Curry Chicken also.

Jennys is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with something on the menu for everyone. I have actually eaten more menu items but I always forget to take pictures for the blog. I know I had the Oxtail Stew and Curry Goat both of which were fantastic but no pics. I do have pics and write ups on each of these below though so enjoy. If you’re in Negril on the West End you should think about stopping by a real Jamaica eatery and dining with locals for the day at Jennys and Jackos. It’s located at the beginning of the cliffs just past Heartbeat Seaside Resort.

Ackee and Saltfish

I have no idea why but I never ate ackee and saltfish until this trip. Now that I think about things it may have been the idea that saltfish would not taste good for breakfast that kept me from ever trying any. I knew it was supposed to be the Jamaican national breakfast and everyone ate it but it was not very appealing to me at all. I forced myself to try it this go around and lo and behold it has become my favorite breakfast. I simply love the flavor and texture of an ackee and saltfish breakfast. The best deal on the menu is you ask me because for $250JA you get a heaping pile of ackee flecked with saltfish that has been deboned as best they can and the rest of your plate is covered in the most delicious steamed vegetables and dumplings. The breakfast plate comes with a mixture of steamed vegetables like green bananas, yellow yam, dasheen, plaintains, dumplings and of course a pile of callaloo. Soak it down with a glass of orange juice and its so sweet. Saltfish for breakfast is a unique flavor and you may better enjoy just a plate of ackee and callaloo if you’re not into fish.

Ackee and Salfish from Jennys

Fish Tea Soup

I just love a cup of fish tea. It’s a spicy fishy broth usually laden with fish bones and odd fish parts that makes a simply scrumptious soup ato me. I really like a well made fish tea and Jennys is a great example. I do wish they would dice the vegetables smaller but thats a personal preference. I like to dice vegetables in a soup and stir it heavily to break up pieces and thicken up the broth. Jennys Fish tea tastes great and has a thicker consistency than most but its still kinda light for my tastes. I like to taste the fish in a fish tea and not have the overbearing peppers and spice flavor. Jennys fish tea is a great balance between spice and fish.

Conch Soup

I’ll start by saying I don’t prefer Jamaica style conch soup but I like it. I grew up in the Florida keys where we had Cuban style conch soup and I prefer the taste and texture of that. Cuban style or Key West Conch soup normally has loads of small bits of diced conch meat and a much different broth and flavor to it. Jamaican style conch soup has much larger and more flavorful pieces of conch meat in the soup but a lighter/waterier broth. I like the Jamaican conch soup and the larger pieces of meat but I think again I personally would prefer smaller pieces of conch diced into the broth and a long slow cook to thicken it up.

Brown Stew Chicken

I had never had brown stew anything until this trip to Jamaica. (I know, no ackee and no brown stew until now) I had also never eaten at Jennys until we arrived at Heartbeat Jamaica and our first lunch on the island together as a family was here. The first meal I ordered was the curry chicken because it was safe but my next meal was the brown stew and its been my favorite ever since. I love brown stew chicken and brown stew fish. I especially like the chicken though as I think it just works better that way. I have had rice and peas before but rarely tasted the coconut milk in the rice until I ate at Jennys. Now I understand how rice and peas are supposed to taste and I love it. I can actually eat brown stew chicken, rice and peas every day and save a fortune over cooking at home while eating better.

Brown Stew Chicken at Jennys

Here is the takeout order Brown stew chicken dinner from Jennys and Jackos
Brown Stew Chicken takeout at Jacko and Jennys in Negril

Brown Stew Fish

Brown Stew Fish at Jennys and Jackos in Negril

The brown stew fish dinner meal is much the same as the chicken except that the fish is not fresh cooked for you. The brown stew dressing is added to the fish already cooked for that day. It’s the way many Jamaican restaurants do fish, they cook the fish early on in the day and then put it on display for you often in a glass case. This makes the fish dry and hard most often but heating it up in some brown stew sauce actually helps it out. Brown stew is not my favorite way to do fish and I much prefer it steamed. Brown stew is better with chicken I think.

Glass case at Jennys Restaurant

Steamed Fish

What’s not to like about steamed fish? That’s right nothing. What makes a good steam fish? I like the coconut. I prefer steamed snapper to begin with and yellowtail if possible. A steamed yellowtail snapper sounds good even right now. The steamed fish meals are prepared fresh and a great meal for lunch or dinner. Here is the fish I had for dinner just last night. Yes it has taken me over a month to finish writing this article and collect all the pictures of Jamaican food from Jennys.

Steamed Fish from Jennys

Jennys Cakes

They say Ms. Jenny made the best cakes and you can still get a great slice of cake from Jennys and Jackos. I have noticed that Jamaican cakes are a bit more dry then I am used to but maybe that’s how Jamaicans like it. Almost every slice of cake I have had here was very dry but it could just be me and the heat during summer. I don’t care much for sweets in the heat but I choked down a couple slices of cake with the kids and enjoyed it. I was told Jennys has the best “special cakes” and you could find a nice slice of ganja cake if you asked nicely and didn’t look like a cop. A likle bird told me for $600 Jamaica you can buy a bigfat slice and have a great trip in Negril. ya unnastan mon? :)

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Roaring Rivers Park and Mineral Springs Cave Bath

 Jamaica, Jamaica Adventures, Jamaica Caves, Pictures of Jamaica, Things to do in Jamaica  1 Response »
Oct 112007
 

Roaring Rivers Sign

Roaring Rivers Jamaica

I’ll start by saying don’t listen to this guy, he’s a sucker and him and his type are made to pay these kind of people. They prey on him and his type because they can and they let them. Don’t let them and they won’t bother. His experience is very similar in fact to mine but I’ll explain how things can go differently. I too was approached by a man on a motorcycle as I pulled into the local gas station for a refuel. I had actually just driven past the station and was on my way to the Roaring Rivers Park when I realized I was about to run out of fuel and it was best to turn around rather then risk it. I went inside as the attendant pumped some gas and I purchased a cold drink. While taking a sip outside the guy on the motorbike asked me, wa’ gwan?

Roaring Rivers mineral springs

I told him I was on my way to the river with my kids, generally a likkle more information than most will need or I ever give out but I was feeling talkative that day. He said he lived near the river and was one of the best guides in the area. He claimed to have been born there and a lifelong resident. I’m still uncertain about that part but he does know the area and was a decent enough guide. Does a person or family even need a guide at Roaring Rivers? Not really but it’s kinda nice the first time to learn about the place and it’s history as well as the natural flora and details about the river and its workings. They lay claim to being one of the first and most natural attractions in Jamaica with little to no development of the park. The Roaring River is actually the meeting of an underground spring which is a no swim area and used solely for drinking purposes or the river which is fed from the surrounding mountains and tropical rain fall. The summer months are the rainy season and the river peaks in October when the banks nearly overflow with the freshest, coolest and cleanest drinking water on earth. It’s a very nice place and the surrounding mountains and lush tropical setting is enough for a visit. The river and underground mineral springs cave bath are a plus.

Me and Robby in the Cave

Mineral deposits in Roaring Rivers Cave

Roaring rivers cave is a nice place for a cool swim in the healing mineral waters of Jamaica in the Westmoreland Parish. The cave is simple underground cavern with built in steps and some added lighting so you can truly enjoy the beautiful walk down into earth. The cave walls and ceilings are covered in shiny crystallized minerals which are awash in the waters at the base of the cave. The mineral springs inside the cave are said to offer the most healing of all mineral springs in Jamaica.

Mineral springs inside Roaring Rivers Cave

The Roaring Rivers park wiki says the park is on the site of the Roaring River Estate which belonged to the Beckford family: Peter Beckford, William Beckford. The river and cave are now manage by the Roaring River Citizens Association, a local community group that charges a small fee for park entry and use of the cave and mineral springs.

If you love swimming in the natural mineral springs as much as I do then you may spend quite a bit of time at Roaring Rivers. Thus far it’s the best choice near Negril for a relaxing dip in the cool refreshing waters and a great half day trip for just about anyone.

Take a look at 94 total pictures from Roaring Rivers Park and Underground Cave

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A day trip to YS Falls down South Coast Jamaica

 Jamaica, Jamaica Adventures, Pictures of Jamaica, Things to do in Jamaica  No Responses »
Sep 222007
 

YS Falls Nature Attraction Main Gate

YS Fall sign indoors

We decided to take a day trip down the South Coast of Jamaica from here in Negril and visit the YS Falls Nature Attraction and the surrounding area. We have taken numerous tours down the South Coast of Jamaica from Negril since we bought the van and have seen a number of places we would like to stop in but YS Falls comes highly recommended as one of the nicer waterfalls in Jamaica and we thought it would be nice to see the difference between this and Mayfield Falls.

We took a long drive and stopped a few places so it took almost 2 hours to get there when it should be more like 1 1/2 I would think. It did seem a bit farther than Mayfield but if waterfalls are your thing then it’s well worth the trip. YS Falls has a total of 7 much larger and more majestic looking waterfalls when compared to Mayfield. The height of some of the waterfalls must be over 30 feet or more and the water moves with much more force here than it did at Mayfield. The YS Falls trip was more for the kids and they were very excited about spending time in the river again like we did at Mayfield but YS Falls is a little different. There are only but a few places to actually get off the trail and into the river. There is no riverwalk like at Mayfield and the only time spent will be in the few large pools and swimming holes. I also found that most of these pools were more tailored to adults as the water was turbulent and too deep in many places and the rocks were precarious and no fun to stand on in the two pools we did try out.

YS Falls swimming hole

Waterfalls at YS Falls in Jamaica

Tall waterfall at YS Falls in St Elizabeth Parish Jamaica

There was one pool with the rope swing that seemed the more popular swimming hole but this spot is definitely not cut for young ones as the water moves to swiftly and the drop off from the next waterfall is right there. They actually keep a guide posted to watch no one slips over but he’s got a lot of people to watch and a lot of ground to cover if one does slip. I wasn’t very excited about having the kids in this pool alone and we ended up taking a trip further up to see how those were. Of course the water is pretty cold at all the spring fed rivers but there is a much denser treetop canopy at YS Falls and little to no sunlight in many places. The damp dark feeling is nice but very cold for young ones and they could not handle the water for more than 10 minutes without need for a sun break which was hard to come by.

In the end all of the pools were nice but not exactly what we were looking for. We truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the waterfalls are much nicer but for a day swimming in the mineral waters from Negril I think Mayfield is a better choice. The fact you can easily rest in many arts of the river and truly enjoy the rushing waters plus the ability to walk directly up the river to the top is much nicer a day overall. We ended up spending most of our time in the man made pool with water recirculated in from the river. It’s very nice to sit in the calm mineral waters under the lush vegetation but I think we would have much preferred actually being in the river.

YS Falls also offers a unique “Canopy Tour” of the area with zip lines tied high up in the trees. You can ride the zip line from the top of the falls down to the bottom for what must be an exhilarating tide. The cost was a bit more than dad was willing to spend for himself and the kids of course are too young. I would say that YS Falls is much better suited to adults and older kids interested in swinging from the ropes and zip lines available. If you’re looking for a relaxing day in the mineral springs I would suggest you try Mayfield Falls instead.

Click here for more pictures of our YS Falls Adventures

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A Tour of the Original Mayfields Falls and Mineral Springs

 Jamaica, Jamaica Adventures, Jamaica Wildlife, Pictures of Jamaica, Things to do in Jamaica  No Responses »
Sep 152007
 

Mayfield Falls Sign

We had the chance to take a trip to Mayfield Falls with a group of local children and some guest from Heartbeat Resort courtesy of one of the guests named John. It was his last full day in Jamaica after 4 beautiful weeks and he wanted to give something back to some of the neighborhood children that had brought him so much joy in his last days here.

The kids at Mayfield Falls

With a little planning we decided that it would be 5 adults and 5 children piling into our van for the 1 1/2 hour drive to Mayfield Falls via Sav La Mar. We booked a tour guide and lunch package with the Original Mayfield Falls and headed off for the park early that morning. We were given directions to Mayfield Falls by the office staff when we purchased our tour package but we missed a turn and ended up taking an alternative route which ended up being a pretty bad road. There are some potholes on most of the roads in Jamaica but on this trip much of the road was gone and I certainly advise you to take this trip with an experienced guide of some sort because getting stuck or lost out there would be no fun. Eventually our bad road meets up with the road we missed or the good road but then both f them get horrible, the entry road to Mayfield Falls is in horrible condition and extreme caution is advised. I could not understand how they could let the road deteriorate to such poor conditions for one of the nicer natural attractions in the Negril area but things became a bit more clear once we arrived on scene.

Smiling Faces at Mayfield Falls

There are now two attractions on the Mayfield River. The Original Mayfield Falls is where we chose to go based on local advice that the falls and river are much nicer here. The newer attraction is named Riverwalk at Mayfield Falls and they have strategically placed themselves on the roadway before Mayfield and overwhelmed the place with signage to make it seem they are they one and only attraction and the one everyone has come to see. You can see this is having an effect on the Original Mayfield Falls and is certainly costing them a lot in lost business and revenue. I have not decided whether we’ll stop by the other one next time or not. I think it’s kinda wrong whats being done and its apparent to me anyway that they are stealing their business by being somewhat deceptive in using the name Mayfield Falls instead of Mayfield Riverwalk or something and the signs are misleading.I think the staff and management needs to clear things up by creating some nice new signage of their own letting everyone know there are two places to see. I understand that Riverwalk is a newer and nicer facility but somewhat overpriced when compared to the Original. I cannot of course confirm this yet so I guess I should then huh? Settled then, I’ll go to Riverwalk next and compare them for you. Hows that?

The whole crew poses

Anyway the Original Mayfield Falls has some very beautiful scenery and we ended up having an incredible day hiking up the river to the main falls. I have to say here that without the wonderful services of Gary the Wonder Guide who with three kids hanging from his arms and neck was still able to skip up the river like a stone over the water it would not have been so nice a trip. If you go you simply must have a guide to help you navigate your way to the top or you’ll simply never make. The trip up is about an hour hike over some pretty tough terrain but well worth the effort. It’s an awesome nature walk through towering forests up the river with tons of great spots to swim in the cool mineral waters. You can drink the water direct from the river and it’s like drinking bottled water before they bottle it. It’s very refreshing and cold. The kids were good in the water but a few of us adults took a minute getting used to it. It’s definitely invigorating and according to many locals the mineral waters have healing powers and can aid in all sorts of ailments.

Main Waterfall at Mayfield Falls

The goal of our hike was to reach the largest waterfalls at the top of the trail where we were able to slide behind the waterfall for a cool pic with Mathis, one of the local youths we took for the trip. It was a great accomplishment for us as a family to make it up there together and we all had a great time hiking the river. Both my kids and the local kids had fun and a new experience and there have been almost daily requests to return ever since we got back. We’ll certainly be taking more trips to Mayfield and for sure we’ll got to Riverwalk at Mayfield next so we can compare.

Mathis behind Mayfield Falls

Our tour package included lunch at the on site restaurant and we were served a delicious meal of Jerk Chicken, Rice and Peas and Veggies along with a cool glass of fresh squeezed mango juice which was perfect. You certainly have the option of bringing your own lunch if you prefer but it’s not worth it. For the price paid the local food was awesome and not having to worry about was even better. We enjoyed our time at the river and left the work up to the very capable and friendly staff for the day. If you’re interested in more information on tours to Mayfield Falls please contact us for more details.

More pics from Mayfield Falls in the Jamaica photo gallery

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Selinas Coffee Bar and Eatery for Sunday Brunch and Webcast

 Jamaica, Jamaica Cuisine, Jamaica Tips, Negril Jamaica, Pictures of Jamaica, Selinas Coffee Bar  No Responses »
Jul 292007
 

Start your day in Negril Jamaica with Selinas Coffee and Eatery

Selinas Coffee Bar Sign

We stopped it for the Sunday Brunch and Webcast at Selinas Coffee Bar on Negril Beach recently and had a great start to a fabulous day with Big Roys pancakes and some fresh roasted Blue Mountain coffee. The food is always great at Selinas and we ate so fast I never even took a pic of the beautiful spread before us. I’ll have to go back again soon for some better pics of the delicious pancakes.

We we’re still on US time and arrived when things we’re supposed to start at 10AM but found the band still pulling together after 11:30AM. The kids we’re ready for the beach and so we’re we so we missed the live show but we’re glad to catch up with the crew from RealNegril.com and be a part of the show there.

If you’re on your way to Negril beach and need a bite to eat or a cup of coffee and the best hand squeezed orange juice in the world then stop by Selinas for breakfast.

Selinas is at Norman Manley Blvd on Negril Beach

Selinas Coffee Bar Front View

Join the Live Webcast and Chat each Sunday Brunch

Selinas Coffee Bar Stage

Enjoy local Jamaican food and the best cup of Blue Mountain Coffee in Jamaica

Selinas Coffee Bar

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Some first photos from Heartbeat Seaside Resort in Negril Jamaica

 Heartbeat Resort, Jamaica, Jamaica Accomodations, Jamaica Adventures, Jamaica Travel, Jamaica Wildlife, Moving to Jamaica, Negril Jamaica, Pictures of Jamaica, Places to stay in Jamaica  No Responses »
Jul 182007
 

View of Caribbean Sea from Negril Cliffs and our front porch

This is our view from the front porch on the first morning in Jamaica. We’ve been in Negril for just over ten days now and it’s time I got some new photos and stuff up. These would be some of our first pictures here in Negril. It’s summer time of course and although the sun is hot the city life is pretty quiet. Not many tourists in town for the heat of summer so things are extra slow right now. Often times we find ourselves the only patrons of an establishment and some times they open up just for us. There is a good and a bad to that in that we are met by friendly faces but times are tough and everyone wants to make something from us.

We’ve gotten used to it quickly and a firm “No Thank You” covers almost everything. We got beat over a few meals because we didn’t think to ask about the price before we ordered some places. They’ll hit you hard at the end if they can and don’t be embarrassed to negotiate any check handed you. Times are tough all over and my money is best kept in my pocket. Jamaicans actually appreciate a good barter but have no love for a cheap person. If you can’t settle a deal they will probably curse you for wasting their time as if it were more valuable then yours.

Negril Beach on 07-07-07

Negril Beach in the summer is a beautiful thing and the sun shines down on us all day long here. The beach and water are our favorite spots so far and it’s been a lot of relaxing and chilling in the sun for us since our arrival. We’re slowly moving out and about and I have loads of more stuff to post about but a big part of our stay was the water fun for the kids. Our room at Heartbeat in Negril has an awesome view and the easy access to the beach and seas makes snorkel trips and frolicking in the water an easy activity for us all.

Beach near Heartbeat Seaside Resort in Negril Jamaica

Our room does not have direct beach access and we are not on the famous Negril Beach. We’re currently at the base of the Cliffs of Negril and about a 2 minute cab ride at $150JA for the four of us. We do have a beach we can use that suits us just fine and it’s been a lot of fun for the kids to spend hours playing with some of the local boys on the beach. It’s behind a restaurant that seems more a late night bar but the day time crew at “On The Rocks” has been great. The beach here at Heartbeat is great but we much prefer the Negril Beach for a nicer cleaner beach with more activity and things to see. This beach is not maintained and some odd things are washed up on shore.

A Picture Perfect Day at Heartbeat in Negril Jamaica

Sun rise over Negril Beach and the mountains of Hanover Parish

One of the best things about Jamaica is all the natural beauty around us. On our 3rd morning in I got up a it earlier than usual and was able to catch a great Sunrise from the rocks outside our room. I was able to get a decent shot of the sun rising over the Negril Beach with the Mountains in the background that was just an awe inspiring thing to witness live. No camera can do the colors any justice and my amateur photography is not up to the task yet. I’m still learning the new camera and whats best to use in conditions like this but man it was worth waking up early thats for sure. It turned out to be a picture perfect day. I caught the sunrise, a trip to the beach for some fun in the sun with the kids, some beautiful snorkeling along the coast of Negril after a fabulous lunch of local cuisine and ended the day with a perfect Sunset from the vantage point of our room and the porch out front.

Negril Beach on 07-07-07

After the sunrise and a likkle brekfast we ran down to Negril Beach so the family could finally see the famous beach. It was pretty hot and we had things to do like hit the Hi Lo so we we’re not there very long. After the trip to Hi Lo we decided to have lunch at Jennys Restaurant just up the road from us as no one wanted to cook or wait for something to be cooked. We took the Brown Stew Chicken because it was ready and we wanted to try it. It’s become a favorite meal especially for the low price of $200JA per plate. A full meal consists of healthy portion of chicken served with rice and peas, cabbage and vegetables. My review of Jennys comes soon.

Brown Stew Chicken at Jennys

Later in the day the kids hit the beach and dad did a little snorkeling off up the coast and around the rocks near the hotel. The water s great and the kids are taking to the sun and sea better than expected. They both have a few extra bite marks from the bugs but we’re controlling it. The beach is close by and easy for them to swim and me to explore while still watching them. This is nearly the same spot as the sunrise pictures but looking back towards the beach.

Kids swimming at the Heartbeat Seaside Resort Beach

The sea life around Negril is awesome and the short dive I took on our third day was great. The biodiversity near shore is still strong although I was disappointed in the number of game fish to be found. There are tons of tropical fish of all flavors and the pictures above are a small sample of the underwater photos I have been able to take. I’ve see a lot of things on snorkel trips around the cliffs here in Negril and I’m looking forward to taking the camera on some bigger dive trips as we go further off coast and into some deeper waters on a glass bottom boat soon. Their seem to be loads of juvenile tropical fish in the area with lots of small butterfly and other damsels. I was surprised to see a few Rock Beauty Angels and a Juvenile Queen Angel but my shots on those are shoddy. I need a weight belt for better motion control and shot consistency.

Juvenile French Angel off the coast of Negril Jamaica

Juvenile French Angel

Juvenile Banded Butterfly Fish

Juvenile Banded Butterfly Fish

Pair of Banded Coral Shrimp

Banded Coral Shrimp

Large Snail off Negril Jamaica

Large Snail off Negril Jamaica

I took a little nap during the afternoon showers which are very common here in Negril. It was nice to wake up to a cool refreshing breeze whipping through our room as it raced in from the ocean in front of us. The ocean breeze is really nice when we have it. Right now it’s hotter then heck in my room tonight as I type this blog post. It’s 11PM and about 85 C and I’m sweating like a pig in my bed. Theres a decent breeze tonight so I bust open the windows and hope for no mosquitoes. The afternoon showers make for some great cloud formations and leads into a perfect sunset and an end to a perfect day.

Rain clouds form as afternoon showers arrive in Negril Jamaica in Summer 2007

Rain clouds form as afternoon showers arrive in Negril Jamaica in Summer 2007

Sunset in Negril Jamaica

It looks like we’re falling in love with Negril Jamaica and I thinks Heartbeat has someting to do wit dat mon. A far I concerned we cyan stay here f’ever.

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