Jamaican Honeymoon

by Keith
(North Carolina)

My wife and I were married in June of 2010.

We choose Jamaica because we wanted something tropical, and everyone who we knew that had been on a cruise with a port call to Jamaica told us that this island is the one they would most like to return to.

This was a double treat for me because I had never been out of the states.

We landed in Montego Bay and immediately felt more relaxed. Getting through customs was a breeze, everyone was most helpful.

We stayed at the Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios, so after gathering our luggage, we boarded a tour bus for the hour and a half ride to the resort.

About 45 minutes into the trip, our bus broke down....we were told that it could be another 2 hours before another bus could pick us up.

So, here we are, stranded on the side of the road, somewhere between MoBay and Ocho Rios...with twenty or so other couples. Too bad you say? Not really!

We broke down in front of a local rum bar called Girley's Bar and Restaurant. My wife and I thought it was the coolest thing, I mean, you're in Jamaica, just enjoy the experience!

We got to experience a little of the real Jamaica, right off the bat, and unless you go off the resort, you don't get to do that!

Our bus finally came, and we boarded for the rest of the ride. Our bus driver was most knowledgeable about the area pointing out areas of interest.

We finally arrived at the resort and got settled in. Our luggage was in the room before we were. To be honest, we never touched our luggage except to pack and unpack. The resort was great and the people there were most helpful.

Of course you expect that at resorts, so we decided to go off the resort again to really experience the people. Jamaicans are beautiful people!!

We went shopping at some of the duty-free stores in Ocho Rios, but found most of them to be owned by Indians. So, we went across the street to the market where the locals sold their stuff. This was an experience in itself.

The higglers were a little pushy, but if you didn't want to buy from them, you just walk away. Anyway, I'd rather give my money to them.

We also took a taxi ride through the town and into the countryside and up in the mountains...and Jamaica is just one big mountain. We toured from the very poor to the very rich neighborhoods and met some most interesting people. We even bought some spices from "Dennis the Spice Man" who made his spices and sold them from the road side. "Respect" to Dennis if he ever reads this.

Also, on our trip we toured, by horseback, an old sugar plantation that was started in the 1500's by the Spanish. The tour ended up on the the beach where we got to ride our horses through the surf in the Caribbean Ocean! On the beach, we met Patrick who sold us some Jamaican beads. Our tour guide, Orlanda, and his crew were great...."Respect" to Patrick and Orlando!

Most of the rest of our trip was spent relaxing on the beach or around the many pools at the resort. Our last night, we went to a "Soon Come Back" party at the resort....and then it was time to come home. The week went by very quick.

We did many things while in Jamaica....saw many sights....and sampled some of the best food in the world....and there is nothing like real Jerk chicken!

But the thing that stands out most about the trip, was the people. Everyone we met was most helpful....everything we asked, the answer was, "Yah Mon! No Problem!" We love our trip so much, that we are going back in December.

We can add validity to the saying... "Jamaica, Once you go, you know!"

-Keith.

More Jamaican Travel Stories here.

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