Jamaica
Jamaica is an island-nation in the Caribbean, located to the south of Cuba and to the west of the island of Hispaniola
Regions
Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes:
- Clarendon
- Hanover
- Kingston
- Manchester
- Portland
- Saint Andrew
- Saint Ann
- Saint Catherine
- Saint Elizabeth
- Saint James
- Saint Mary
- Saint Thomas
- Trelawny
- Westmoreland
Many detailed maps at http://www.myhq.com/public/r/o/rootsgrrrl/#11107685021718493
Cities
Understand
It is said that Jamaicans often say "what's up man" even when addressing a female. Man in this context does not mean a male, it is simply used to mean friend, pal, etc. A number of other slangs are used in greeting adolescents and young-adults. A few of these slangs are "yow," "shower," "zeen" and "yugga-yow." Do not use these when speaking professionally.
Some Jamaicans are ignorant and will not tolerate constant bothering, so be careful when threatening or 'kidding' with a Jamaican. 90% of Jamaicans are cool and friendly people, however.You can tell a Jamaican to speak slowly when you do not understand what he/she is saying. Proper english is often reserved for professional atmospheres, so expect the general public to be speaking patois (see section on language). Not all Jamaicans sing and dance to reggae and other music, so know how to act when walking with a Jamaican. Understand also that not all persons in Jamaica have traveled the fourteen parishes; understand the situation when asking about an area or laughing at a person who has no idea of the location of a place.
Get in
By plane
- Both Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay receive hundreds of international flights daily. There are smaller airports in Negril and Ocho Rios, which can be accessed by smaller aircraft, such as Air Jamaica's shuttle and private aircraft.
By train
Jamaica has about 250 route miles of railroad, of which 77 is currently active to handle privately operated bauxite (aluminum ore) trains. Passenger and public freight service ceased in 1992, but increasing road congestion and poor highway conditions have caused the government to re-examine the commercial feasibility of rail operations.
By car
- Jamaican roads are not renowned for their upkeep. Roads in and around major cities are generally overcongested, and rural roads can be dangerous, especially in inclement weather. Alert and courteous driving is advised at all times. There are very few north-south routes as well, so travel from the north to the south can involve treks on mountain roads. These trips can induce nausea in the more weak of stomach, so it is advisable that if you suffer from motion sickness to bring dramamine or similar medication. Roads can be very narrow, and be especially alert when going around bends.
Jamaica, as a former British colony, drives on the left. Make note of this when driving, especially when turning, crossing the street, and yielding right of way.
There are relatively few stoplights. These only are generally found in major city centers, such as Montego Bay, Kingston, and Ocho Rios.
Renting a car is easily done, and it is advised to go through a major international car rental company such as Hertz or Avis, but good Jamaican rental companies exist, such as Island Car Rental http://www.islandcarrentals.com/ Do your research before renting and driving.
By boat
Sleep
All inclusive resorts
Some tourists visiting Jamaica prefer to stay at resorts. A number of these resorts are all-inclusive, meaning that a single fee pays for just about everything including room, food, drink, and activities.
Some well known resorts:
- Hedonism has a resort at Negril and Runaway Bay (Hedonism III).
- Grand Lido
- Sandals
- Beaches Negril, Dunns River, Montego Bay, Whitehouse
- Couples Honeymoon destination
It is always wise to check out good travel books and find an alternative to all-inclusives. Tipping is not permitted at all-inclusives, and the people who work there are paid very little. Guests are driven to shops and attractions which have made a deal with the resorts' owners, so there is rarely an opportunity to explore the real Jamaica and meet the people.
Get around
By bus
Don't be afraid to take Jamaican local buses. They are 10 times cheaper than tourist taxis. Don't let those taxi drivers rip you off. Be prepared to offer a tip to the luggage handlers that load your luggage into the bus. The ride is much different than you are probably used to. Many resorts offer excursions by bus. Check with the resort's office that is in charge of planning day trips for more information.
By taxi
Local taxis are an interesting way to get around and far cheaper than tourist taxis. They are often packed with people, but they are friendly folk and glad to have you with them. To get a local taxi, stand by the side of the road and fan your hand towards the ground. You'll be surprised how quickly you get one. It will just look like a local's car, which is precisely what it is. Don't be afraid because they are not hacks like the illegal cars in the USA. Seldom you will find one with a taxi sign on the top. The licensed ones usually have the taxi signs on their sides.
By car
A great way to enjoy a vacation in Jamaica is by renting a car (Island Car Rental is best) and allowing yourself to relax while your friend takes you through breathtaking countryside to various destinations.
Buy
Always stay up-to-date on the exchange rate and carry a calculator. It's easy to assume everything will be inexpensive when US$1 is the equivalent of JA$62.50 (9 Sept 05), but you'll want to avoid paying US$9 for a bottle of imported shampoo. Buy products made on the island. They are cheaper and you are supporting the local economy.
Prices are usually higher in tourist areas like Negril and Ocho Rios. Shops in "tourist traps" usually have higher prices than native ones, and you'll see the same items on offer in them.
Fruit and vegetables in Jamaica are glorious, gorgeous and inexpensive. Try the ones you've never had before so your palate can have a holiday too.
Eat
Jamaican food is a mixture of caribbean dishes with local dishes. Although Jamaican food gets a reputation for being spicy, local trends lean towards more versatile food variety. Some of the caribbean dishes that you'll see in other countries around the region are rice and beans (which is cooked with coconut milk) and patties (which are called empanadas in spanish speaking countries). The national dish is Ackee and saltfish, and MUST be tried by anyone visiting the island. It is made with the local fruit called Ackee, which looks like scrambled eggs, but has a unique taste of its own and dried codfish mixed with onions and tomatoes. You probably won't get a chance to try this food anywhere else, and if you really want to say that you did something uniquely Jamaican, then this is your chance. This is 100 times better than the tinned ackee. Another local food is called bammi, which was actually invented by the now extinct Arawak (Taino)Indians. It is a flat floury cake normally eaten during breakfast hours that kind of tastes like dried bread. There is also hard-dough bread, which comes as a solid loaf, so you must make your own slices. It is normally eaten raw, but I recommend toasting it, for when it is toasted, it tastes better than most bread you'll ever eat. If you are looking for dishes with more meat in them, you can try the jerk flavoured foods. The most popular is jerk chicken, although there is jerk beef and jerk pork. The jerk seasoning is a spice that is spread on the meat io the grill like barbeque sauce. Keep in mind that most Jamaicans eat their food well done, so expect the food to be a bit drier than you are accustomed to. There are also curry flavored foods such as curried chicken and curried goat (yes, I said goat) which are very popular in Jamaica. tThere will be no mistake oo eating deer for goat because there are no deers here. Of course, if you don't want to try the local food, you can be sure to find a Burger King, Pizza Hut, McDonalds and KFC in every major city as well as other towns in Jamaica.
Drink
There are many drinks in Jamaica to be found. Standards such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola can be found, but if you want to drink local soda, you can try Champagne cola or grapefruit soda called "Ting" cola and also Ginger Beer a non alcoholic beverage made from ginger. The majority of soft drinks come in glass bottles, which are a novelty in the western (and especially North American) Hemisphere. If you are looking for something a bit "harder" you can try the local lager called Red Stripe (which is exported to many countries in the west, so there is a good chance you have already tasted it). Most beers can be found in Jamaican pubs and hotels. A local hard drink is Jamaican Rum, which is made from sugar cane. It normally tends to be overproof and drank with cola. DRINK WITH CAUTION! It's not designed for someone who is drinking for the first time. Since Jamaica is from a British heritage, the drinking laws are 18 and over, but they don't generally enforce it as strict as it would be in the Western countries (minus the ones with no drinking laws, of course). Don't come to Jamaica thinking you'll be able to drink whatever alcoholic drink you want; you'll be able to drink eventually!
Work
Unemployment in Jamaica is at a high. The government does not invest in venture to turn over capital but instead sells government paper to banks and overseas financial entities at very high interest rate. In an effort, as they say, to balance the budget [which the People National Party (P.N.P) has been trying to do some 16 years now] a prominent member of the party describe this as been the most massive transfer of resources from the poor to the rich that has ever occurred in this country since the abolishment of slavery. A whole lot of people who should be gainfully employed in the work force are not as a result of government policies. The garment industry for example has seen a sharp decline over the years due to soaring interest rates. so now banks make money, not by lending money to potential investors, but by buying government paper so the unemployment in the country is as a direct result of government policies. Agriculture, manufacturing, and various other sectors are in a shambles causing many workers to find alternatives.
Stay safe
As in any foreign country, should any emergency situation arise, especially at the domestic level, it is advised to immediately contact your government's embassy or consulate. Governments usually advise travelers staying in the country for an extended period of time to notify their embassy or consulate so they can be contacted in the case of emergency.
Note that homosexuality is not generally considered acceptable in Jamaica, and can lead to violence'. Do not display affection to people of the same sex in public - Jamaica is not a country renowned for its tolerance for homosexuality.
Marijuana, although cheap, plentiful and powerful, is illegal on the island.
Stay healthy
Medical facilities on the island are not always up to par with health care standards of your home country. Falling ill can sometimes result in major medical fees. Therefore, it is advised to buy travel insurance, as this will ensure piece of mind in emergency situations.
The water quality is generally good and safe to drink. However, Jamaicans generally boil their water, and it is likely best to follow the Jamaican people's example. Water service in rural areas can sometimes go out for several hours at a time. Individuals in rural areas have their own water tanks, which catch water when it rains, so be ready to draw from a tank instead of turning a pipe. Bottled water such as Aquafina and Deer Park are widely available.
Respect
The Jamaican people are a very generous and warm people. Returning this warmth and friendliness is a great way to show them you appreciate their country.
Chances are, you will be approached at one point or another during your travels in Jamaica for money. Do not feel pressured into giving money. A strong 'me allright' and walking away is usually the best advice for instances such as this. This also applies in the infamous straw markets.
That being said, if you befriend or encounter one of the many wonderful Jamaican people and you wish to give a friendly gift, that is perfectly acceptable and welcome. Just exercise common sense when it comes to money.
Cultural respect is far more important. You are guests on their island. Please know also that when speaking to the elderly and those above you, it is recomended that you say yes ma'am or yes sir. Never say ahh when asking an official or elderly to repeat a statement. Good home-training and manners should be displayed at all times. Respect the environment and the people. It is a simple rule of thumb that should always be applied when traveling abroad.
Contact
>