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johngreek
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In the tropics!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am very very keen on the tropic places! I love the beach and endless summertime! I would love to visit Jamaika one day and I hope soon in the future! If any of you has been there, what city would you recommend? When is usually the best time during the year to get there? I prefer in a time with not too much crowd and fuss.. And by the way are there any nude beaches?? Ha ha!!
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jamaicajane
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Soca-robics for Jamaica Carnival and Bacchanal
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Every year leading up to Jamaica Carnival and Bacchanal, there are a series of socarobics sessions. They usually start at the end of January and end in late March or early April depending on the date set for the Street Parade, which is the biggest and final hoorah of Carnival season in Jamaica. Soca-robics is similar to aerobics, the difference is it is done to Calypso/Soca Music and what you are actually learning are soca moves to not only get you in shape but to prepare you for Carnival. The sessions are held at the Mas- Camp in New Kingston. Admission is usually free and it is nothing like going to a gym and dancing to music from a stereo. Big sound systems are at the venue and sometimes patrons are treated to live performances. You learn to gyrate your body and feel the rhythm of the Caribbean music and people. It is essential for those who participate in the street parade to go to socarobics because marching in the parade requires a lot of high energy, stamina and endurance to last for hours in the sun.
The big day is usually very exciting, thousands of people on the street watching or marching behind trucks vibrating with loud Soca beats. The costumes are usually very colourful and skimpy, most leave very little to the imagination. People get so carried away in the parades, so don’t be surprised if you see people lying on the ground gyrating in questionable positions. It’s all in good fun though as it’s the time of year, the so called “upper class” let down their hair and blend in with the locals. On carnival day, all class structures are forgotten. I usually watch the parade from my friend’s apartment which is by the street. We cook lots of food and there is always rum to go around. Strangers are always welcomed to stop by for free food and drinks.
In 2006 my picture even made it in the Newspapers just hanging out on the street with a bunch of friends. It’s all about good company.
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jamaicajane
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Red Bones Blues Café
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Food is a big part of Jamaican life and culture and this is evident by the variety of cuisines available especially in the capital city, Kingston. Red Bones Café merges European and Caribbean culture to create the most magnificent atmosphere making it one of Kingston’s most recognized establishment for fine dining. There are two tastefully furnished dining rooms, but personally I prefer the ambience of a candle lit dinner on the outdoor terrace or courtyard.
The food is as equally appealing as the décor and old world charm of the place; there is an interesting variety of appetizers, entrées and desserts on the menu.
I’m not a lover of Callaloo (a dark-green and leafy vegetable), but I thought the Callaloo strudel was to die for. It’s an appetizer made of callaloo and cheese enclosed in scrumptious flaky dough. There are various choices of salads and cheeses, garlic breads, meat and seafood dishes, pastas and even escargot. I’ve had the Greek salad and the shrimp linguine which was very pleasing to the pallet. For beverages, there are choices of red and white wines, cocktails, fruit juices as well as beers. A three course dinner for two may run you anywhere over US$100 but it is well worth it.
On an average night there is a soft jazz in the background while you dine but the Red Bones is also famous for having live entertainment. Some nights it may be poetry or a jazz and blues bands, and it wouldn’t be Jamaica if there weren’t reggae bands.
Overall it is a place worth dining at when in the city but you can also choose to enjoy a cocktail, outdoors by the bar and take in a live performance or the soft music on any given night.
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jamaicajane
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Emancipation Park
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Emancipation Park was dedicated to Jamaica’s emancipation from slavery in 1838. The park is about 5 years old and is centrally located in New Kingston. It’s a great place to chill and watch the busy city go by. There is a jogging path around the park and it’s a pleasant atmosphere to exercise in. On weeknights about 7pm you may be able to join in on free aerobics classes. You’ll learn the latest dancehall and soca moves while keeping in shape. Trust me it’s quite a workout.
At the centre of the park is a fountain which is beautifully lit on some nights. Most weekends you will find many a few newly weds and their bridal party in the park taking their post wedding photographs as it is a beautiful and well maintained place. Another beautiful addition to the atmosphere of the park is the soothing music that you will sometimes hear coming from the rocks. I was pleasantly amazed one evening to hear easy jazz instrumentals. At first I thought I was loosing my mind but then I realized the music came from the speakers within the rocks around the park.
Despite the beauty of the park the highlight of it is the controversial statue at the front of the park. The statue is of two nude slaves emerging from water and looking towards the heavens. There have been many interpretations of the meaning of it but to me it is symbolic of the emancipation of Jamaicans and Black people from slavery. The slaves standing tall above water and looking above is representative of their looking towards a brighter future.
The controversy however was not about the interpretation of the statue but rather about the size of the private parts of the statues especially that of the male. Many opinions were voiced and for almost a year it was the topic of many a debate. Some people believe that the woman’s breasts are too large and the male’s private part was too big. People gathered a more sexual than historical interpretation of the fabulous piece of art. It became a moral issue ,with many people refusing to take their children to the park due to the statue. Personally I believe that the private parts are in proportion to the size of the sculptures. I find it rather sad that people would miss out on enjoying such a wonderful park due to moral issues as I’ve seen many children happy at play in the park. It is possible to enter and leave the park without ever seeing the statue , so looking at it is not compulsory but rather a choice.
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jamaicajane
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Kingston, A City That May Surprise You
Although Kingston is the capital of Jamaica, it is not a destination that the typical tourist would opt to travel. Unlike Montego Bay and Ocho Rios there are no all inclusive hotels or attractions specifically geared towards tourism.
Many people tend to shy away from Kingston because of the crime issues, which is somewhat unfortunate because it is a city filled with potential and things waiting to be discovered.
For travellers who enjoy blending in with the locals and exploring a destination whilst not being treated like a tourist, this capital city may be your best bet.
Getting around is fairly easy as most of the hotels, shops and restaurants are usually in close proximity to each other. There are route taxis , chartered taxis , a public bus service provided by the JUTC (Jamaican Urban Transit Company) ,or you can choose to rent a car .The daring traveller may opt to take the JUTC buses, fares are JA$50 (US$0.70) per stage and that is usually enough to take you to most places around town. It is advisable to stay at the front of the bus and to tell the driver where you wish to go. They are usually happy to assist you by letting you know when your stop is up. The disadvantage of the bus system is that buses are usually overcrowded especially in peak hours and travelling may be rather uncomfortable, it is also the slowest method of transportation.
Route Taxis cost a little more than the bus usually Ja$60 (US$0.85), they carry 4-5 passengers . For an additional fee ,taxi drivers will sometimes agree to take you directly to your destination, if it is not too far outside of their normal route.
Besides renting a car, the most convenient way to get around is to charter a taxi. This will cost anywhere above JA$300 (US $4.30), depending on where you wish to go and the time. It is a little more expensive to travel at nights or in very heavy rains, because of the traffic delays. If you are lucky enough to find a helpful and pleasant driver then you may even bargain with him and arrange for him to take you around while you are in town. He may be able to fix a price which will enable you to save a bit. Every driver has a cell phone, sometimes even two so just exchange numbers with him and you should be good for the rest of your trip.
A Rental car is costly but very convenient to have, as you can go on your own time; however the roads tend to be very bad at times so you have to be on a constant look-out for potholes. It is also important to bear in mind that Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road.
Kingston is the heart of the Jamaican culture, music, fashion, food and entertainment. There are many restaurants to choose from , boasting both local and international cuisines. There is always something happening, especially the night life. Kingstonians go to parties and clubs after 12am and party until 4 or 5am sometimes even during the week. Some hotels have live entertainment and there are a few casinos around town.
In the days take a trip to a museum or a tour of Port Royal or the Blue Mountains, home of the world famous Blue Mountain coffee. If you like to laze on a beach and soak up the sun then there is a tiny island called lime Cay just off the coast of Kingston. A ten minute boat ride will take you from Port Royal to the island ,at a cost of about JA$700 (US$10) which also includes the return passage. It is well worth the trip.
When visiting Jamaica, don’t be too quick to overlook Kingston as it may well exceed your expectations.
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