Jamaica 2019

Jamaica was the 28th country I visited.

I returned from Jam Rock a week ago and I miss it so much. My trip was only reassurance on my traveling still. Jamaica is a completely different beast and staying in an all inclusive hotel would not have allowed me to see the country for its real beauty, its warm and friendly people, near death driving, and cat calls.

I arrived in MoBay (Montego Bay) and picked up my car. The first piece of advice I received was (pretend this is being said in a Jamaican accent.) "Right side is suicide, man." I picked up my car, and with the VERY present piece of advice I set of to find my hostel, The Mobay Kotch.

Things I learned about driving in Jamaica.

1: FUCK. it is not easy.

2: People will and do walk right in front of your moving car.

3: There are no rules.

I turned on my

maps.me

and headed to my hostel with about 3% of my battery left on my phone. time past, the day fell, and the darkness of the city fell and as even more Jamaicans flooded the streets of MoBay, I was lost and map-less.

I started to freak out, and by freak out I said, fuck it and parked. My two options were to either find a place to charge my phone, OR sleep in my car and try again later. I decided to walk into a restaurant and ask to charge my phone. I was determined! I walked into a group of men talking and closing down shop and just begged for help. One of them men told me he knew where this hostel was and offered to take me. He hoped in my car and gave me directions.

I probably should not have taken a strange man into my car, but I was in that "FUUUUCK it" mode. I arrived safe and sound and met Vanessa, who owned the hostel, and her wonderful Rottweiler named Azura. I quickly made friends, and went out with three girls from the U.S., and Irishman (HOT), and a French chick. We ended up going out to Pier 1 and dank and danced the night away.

The next day we walked around hitting up Margaritaville for some food and swimming, beaches, and bars. The second night we went back to the "Ville" and watched people dance and party. I felt as though I was in a Sean Paul music video and I LOVED it! The night flowed on and as did the Appleton Rum, then shit got weird. We ended up going to this bar that was completely painted in baby blue and had women dressed in dental floss prancing around. After a few minutes there we decided to leave but we were not alone.

Now, this is were things get a little fuzzy. All I remember is seeing this Mexican guy I was talking to in Margaritaville. He pulled up in his nice ass car and we all tumbled into the car to escape out unknown threat. We ended back at Mobay Kotch a minutes later and safe and sound inside our hostel. I do, however, remember stealing a bag that contained some MMA gloves and some weird wrist bands/cuffs.

One the last day in MoBay as I waited for Ashley to arrive in Jamaica, The group of six turned into five and we traveled to Silver Sands beach and to have dinner. Silver Sands was absolutely beautiful and relaxing. No one hassling or asking for something. Just beautiful water and white sands. We spent the day relaxing, tanning, swimming, and talking. It was nice to have a relaxing day after two days of bars and dancing.

I met a Ash at the hostel around 6 and we ended up drinking and playing Cards Against Humanities, had a few laughs then slept to be able to leave early the next morning.

The next morning; Ash, the two girls from Ohio and the Irishman drove to Negril. It took about an hour and thirty minutes. the drive was easy and pretty. We passed through a few small towns and finally getting to Negril. We dropped off the Irishman at his hotel and the girls and I were off to find a place to stay and food.

We ate at this Rasta-urant. Food was literally cooked to order. We sat down, THEN they called the owner and chef of the restaurant. We waiting, chilled, and laughed while we waited for our vegan food. The company was great, food was good, and conversation was enlightening and refreshing. We learned about weed, Jamaica, and Rastafarian culture. Finally, we ended up going back and booking two nights in the Irishman's hotel.

That night the girls went out ate at a good local jerk chicken stand were we met this adorable guy named, __________. (I can not think of his name to save my life!) He took us to a reggae concert and to a local party. We danced and drank, had a great time and decided to go home early.

The next day we drove to the Pelican Bar and Treasure Beach. Both were pretty awesome. Between getting pulled over to check the car by some soldiers and cops because they wanted our numbers to driving on the sketchiest road at that point, I wished we had spent more time in Treasure beach.

Driving to Kingston was a trek and a half. I have never driven on a road like the road from Treasure beach to Kingston. Remember, I have driven in crazy conditions; through rivers, snow, sand, rain and pretty shady places, but nothing compares to Jamaican roads and drivers. This road from Treasure Beach to Kingston was not a road, it was more like a hiking trail that Ash and I drove on. It was INTENSE. Most of it was not paved and potholes galore! I thought it was pretty cool but it make the drive almost twice as long.

Once in Kingston, we just ate, slept, went to the Bob Marley Museum and then left. Ash and I felt that we needed more of a slow paced. Thus we headed to Port Antonio.

The drive to Port Antonio was super windy and led through the Blue Mountains, which were amazing. Winding and twisting through the jungle and small towns. The road was tight and scary at times but worth the drive. We arrived in Port Antonio and stayed at Great Huts.

Great Huts is hotel that promotes a sustainable lifestyle while helping the homeless and those that are suffering from mental illness. There we met a crazy fun lady from NYC, we ate jerk up the road, Boston Beach Jerk, and then headed out to dance. Then next day we went to Reach Falls, Winifred Beach, Blue Hole, Frenchman Beach, Living Daylight, and a Reggae Party.

The day was fun, relaxing, reflective, and delicious. Reach Falls was quiet, cold, and nice to see. Winifred Beach was my favorite. I loved the bay, the scenery, and the food there. We ate at Black's which was the cheapest food around! The sun was warm and the water was warmer. The Blue Hole only broke trouble. There was construction when we were there and I drove one of the tires of the car off the edge of the cliff. And yep, you guessed it. we were stuck. 15 Jamaican men and a truck helped us out of the hole. Embarrassing and hilarious, but it showed me how kind people are in the world.

Living Daylights. MUST GO. I would say go during the day. That way you will be able to see the view. This restaurant and bar are owned and run by Brandon and his wife. The food is farm to table, vegetarian/vegan options and AMAZING. We had a blast eating and talking there with Brandon and his wife. Brandon invited us to a reggae party that night. We went and danced, listened to music and sipped rum. The next day we just relaxed and tanned at Great Huts.

Finally on the last leg of my trip, Ocho Rios. I didn't have enough time for explore Ocho Rios. I hated our hostel. Except for Chef Vita and his vegan food upstairs. He was oh sooo hot and funny. We chilled and talked to him, smoked and hung out on the rooftop.

My last day consisted of going back to Silver Sands and just reflecting on my trip.

Reflections:

- Driving in Jamaica is fun, but can be unpredictable and dangerous. If you are thinking about driving, Just do it. It was the best way to explore the country.

- I needed much more time to really get to know Jamaica.

- Even though walking around can be annoying and intimidating; just do it. Get some tough skin and explore.

- I didn't feel unsafe, but I did not want to walk around at night in some cities. Just be aware of your situations and do not be flashy.

*****Woman, you WILL get talked to in a very sexual manner. You will be cat called, all the time. This will happen less of that outside of the major cities. *****

Day 1 to 3: Mobay and Silver Sands

Day 4: Negril

Day 5: Pelican Bar and Treasure Beach

Day 6: Kingston

Day 7 and 8: Port Antonio

Day 9: Ocho Rios

Day 10: Silver Sands and MoBay