Jamaica is a slice of Africa in the Caribbean. Reggae New Year Extreme in Jamaica

Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean. A land of luxurious nature, pristine beaches, incredible waterfalls and romantic adventures. A land of coconut trees and a sultry midday sun. A country of picturesque rivers, mountain landscapes and evergreen forests, unprecedented beauty of bays and bays, magnificent sandy beaches and outlandish coastal reefs. "There are no problems in Jamaica" - this phrase expresses the basic life principle of the islanders. They constantly hum something, dance, whistle, in a word, they live in the rhythm of reggae! Here you want to live, enjoy life, enjoy the bright sun, warm sea and the beauty of the surrounding world!

General Information Capital: Kingston. Area: 10,990 sq. km. Population: 2 652 689 people. Admin. division: State with 14 parishes. State language: English. Currency: Jamaican dollar (100 cents). Geography: most of the island - plateaus and mountains up to 2,256 m. Geography: State structure: The head of state is the Queen (King) of Great Britain, represented by the Governor-General. The legislature is a bicameral Parliament. Consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives Climate: The climate is tropical, trade wind. Average monthly temperatures are from 24 C to 27 C. Precipitation is 800 - 5000 mm per year.

How to get there Flight: You can get to Jamaica using the services of Flights of Lufthansa, British Airways or the national carrier of Jamaica - Air Jamaica, with transit landings in Frankfurt or London. Airport tax for foreigners leaving the country is 27 USD. Visa: You can get a Jamaican visa upon arrival at Sangster Montego Bay International Airport. This requires a valid international passport, confirmation of hotel reservation and return flight ticket. The cost of a visa is 20 USD. Time: 8 hours behind Moscow time in summer and 7 hours behind in winter.

A Bit of History The most ancient inhabitants of Jamaica are the Arawak Indians. It is believed that they sailed to the Arawak Indians in these places in 250 AD. The first to arrive in Jamaica, of course, was Christopher Columbus in 1494, who named Columbus the land he discovered in honor of the august family, the island of Ferdinand and Isabella. But the name never became common. The islands were still called Jamaica, which means "land of springs." Jamaica became a colony of Spain, but in 1665 the island passed into the possession of Great Britain. The slave trade started by the Spaniards developed and flourished, many plantations were built on the island. For almost 2 centuries, there was a struggle between the colonialists and fugitive slaves. In 1830, slavery was abolished and the plantations fell into decay. In the former capital of Port Royal, the ships of English privateers were based - pirates, privateers who served the English crown, who attacked Spanish ships in the Caribbean. Apparently, as punishment for the robbery during the devastating earthquake, Port Royal went under water, where it remains to this day. In 1962, Jamaica became an independent state.

Negril To imagine Negril, it is enough to refer to the statement of one of the local residents: "You suddenly arrived where your heart has always been." The resort center of Negril has recently become. Even young Jamaicans remember the times when there was only a lighthouse here, illuminating the way for ships to bypass the rocky coast, and crabs were indigenous here (however, very tasty). The only refuge for tourists was a lodge called "Llantrissant", built by some Welshman in the early 20th century. He is still here. But what's around! Now it is a tourist center. The discoverers of Negril were the "flower children" - hippies, who in the early 70s chose this area for wallowing on the beach. The hippies were followed by normally dressed people and the construction of luxury hotels began. In the 80s, hippies returned here, developing the fame of Negril, but in a different capacity they were already lawyers, doctors, businessmen who annually visited their loved ones. Back to map

Montego Bay The second largest city in Jamaica is the capital of the resorts of the island of Montego Bay, Bay located in the northeastern part of the island. The Spaniards settled in this place in 1510 and called the bay "Sala Bay", since it was from here that pork was exported to the rest of the colonies of South America. In Spanish, lard is "mantega", hence the name. The locals call the city Mobay. The city has a huge selection of hotels, restaurants, an active nightlife, many shops and gorgeous white beaches. For diving enthusiasts, there is an underwater park. You can play golf on 18-hole golf courses that are open to everyone. Curious tourists can take a walk outside the city and see the ancient buildings of the planters or explore the reserve. Hand feed a hummingbird. It is also interesting to ride along the rivers in a canoe by the light of torches. The river takes you to the place where colorful reggae festivals are held every year. Back to the map

Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios Northern St. Anne's District with the towns of Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay is called the "District of Gardens" because of its magnificent nature. The most impressive attraction in the area is the many beautiful waterfalls. You can swim in the waterfalls, you can climb to the very top. In addition to waterfalls, the district is famous for the Fern Ravine, in which 500 species of ferns grow. In fact, this is not a ravine, but the deepest gorge along which the road runs into the interior of the island. The sun never peeks into the gorge because of the densest vegetation, so the temperature in it is always 10 degrees lower. Back to the map

Port Antonio On the east coast of Jamaica is Port Antonio, which still looks like a sleepy fishing village. Lush vegetation, waterfalls and caves are shrouded in the shadow of the mountains, overlooking the magnificent Blue Lagoon. Climate is Tropical. On the coast, the air temperature is 24 C - 35 C; in mountainous areas it is cooler, from 15 C to 27 C. From May to October, the greatest amount of precipitation falls. Back to the map

Kingston The capital of Jamaica, Kingston is located on the south coast, on the shores of a large bay. The metropolitan area is currently home to a quarter of the entire country. Founded by the British in the 17th century, it has long been the largest slave trade center in the West Indies. At the end of the 17th century, when the first capital of the island, Port Royal, was destroyed by a devastating earthquake, Kingston took its place. It is now the main port and economic center of Jamaica. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Kingston was destroyed by a cataclysm. Tourists in Kingston are interested in museums - historical, natural history, art, house-museum of the legendary Bob Marley and the residence of the main ruler. It is also important for travelers that there are many hotels in the city for every taste. In any hotel they will try to do everything for you to make your stay enjoyable, provide an opportunity for any activity: water sports (sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing), sea excursions on a boat with a transparent bottom, through which you can enjoy pictures from the life of the water kingdom. Many hotels not only provide all kinds of amenities for visitors, but also provide conditions for family vacations. The concept of comfort includes rooms with a beautiful view from the windows, and water parks with islets, slides and waterfalls and much more, in the flesh to the most exotic entertainment on the sea and on land. Back to the map

Kingston Photo View of the city from Port Royal One of the many hotels in the city Open-air party Fortifications in Port Royal

New Year A trip to Jamaica for the New Year is the best choice for connoisseurs of exotic holidays and lovers of active pastime. New Year's Eve is a big celebration here with all kinds of parties and colorful fireworks. On this day, Jamaicans either take part in folk festivals, or celebrate in a narrow circle in their villas on the seashore. Jamaica's New Year traditions are rooted in those glorious times when only a few indigenous people celebrated this holiday in the pristine nature ... By midnight, a rather heated crowd pours into the streets of cities ... The sounds of sirens, horns, church stakes and exploding fireworks are heard everywhere. Such a cacophony of sounds has long symbolized the exorcism of the devil. The Jamaicans, like the Russians, have a belief: As you celebrate the New Year, you will spend it. Therefore, most celebrate this holiday with family and friends. New Year's bustle does not disturb the relaxed atmosphere of this island at all. Everything here is always fun and cheerful!

Carnival The famous Johnkankus masquerade is one of the oldest traditions in Jamaica's New Years celebration. Its distinctive feature is its unusual costumes, made exclusively from rags, rags, found objects and unnecessary junk. Carnival participants wear masks, hats made from animal skins. All this action usually takes place to the music of local musicians and DJs. In order not to stand out from the crowd, we recommend that all tourists stock up on at least colorful clothes. But you can also make yourself a costume from scrap materials and feel like a native Jamaican!

Festive table In addition to various everyday dishes, all kinds of fruits, oysters and smoked salmon are always present on the Jamaican New Year's table. These dishes are believed to bring happiness and good fortune to the home. Worth trying!

And lastly ... For a successful holiday and no less successful celebration of the New Year, be sure to get yourself a multi-colored hat, like the most famous representative of Jamaica - Bob Marley

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It is not clear why, but the country is on the sidelines of the tourist paths "trodden" by Russian citizens. There are practically no Russians there. I happened to meet small groups of Russian citizens at the resorts in Negril. And so tourists are mainly from the States (regular flights from Jamaica from Montego Bay to Miami fly regularly).

The language is exclusively English. Ignorance of the language does not in the least interfere with a comfortable vacation. An experienced tourist knows how to survive and get maximum pleasure abroad for a tourist who does not fucking know a foreign language. But this is a topic for another conversation.

So, the most vivid sketches about the country. 98% of the population are black citizens. If you move 200 meters away from the tourist centers (hotels, beaches, adjacent cafes and restaurants), then you will not see white people at all. They all live differently. But mostly very poor (we traveled a lot around the country).
Tourists are not allowed to pass. At every step, they try to offer three main services: 1) Taxi (even if he is not a driver himself, any citizen of the country is ready to organize a taxi for a certain fee anywhere), 2) Marijuana (offered everywhere, at any time and in any quantity). It turns out that almost 50% of the total in Europe and 36% in the US is marijuana from Jamaica. It is considered to be of high quality. 3) Braiding. Lack of hair is not a problem. They will be glued to you if you wish. Actually, these and other proposals from local residents pursue only one goal - to rob tourists. Everything in Jamaica is subject to this. Moreover, money can be asked for and just like that :))) Especially if you delve into poor neighborhoods. I had to deal with this :))) It is better to always have a trifle at the ready and gladly give it to the locals who begin to cling, pretending that you really like them.
By the way, I think it is precisely because of the criminal situation that most hotels in Jamaica operate on the "All Inclusive" principle. This is when you live in a hotel without leaving it. There and all the pleasures (private beach, all sports, free food and drink at any time of the day [it is already included in the price of the tour], all excursions without leaving the bus, etc.). But you cannot understand and recognize the country in this way. And to spend your vacation like that, you don't have to go that far. Therefore, based on personal impressions, I recommend that when traveling to Jamaica, not to choose hotels that operate on the principle of "All inclusive".

As an alternative hotel, I recommend the hotel where I stayed with my family myself - "Doctor" s cave beach Hotel. The hotel is located next to the eponymous and the best beach in Jamaica. This beach is a national treasure of the country and is depicted on the 50 dollar Jamaican banknote. in Montego Bay, the largest Jamaican resort.In addition to the tourist area, there are also "local neighborhoods" with all the Jamaican exotic.

In Negril and even in Ocho Rios, you will not see this. In Negril there is a continuous tourist zone, and the police cordon will not allow local residents to visit it, not only with drugs, even with fruit.

In general, the tourism business in the country is very well organized. As we understand (this information needs to be clarified), no matter what company you arrange for the tour, the Jamaican "Holiday Service" will act as the host. It is there that there are Russian-speaking guides. Mostly Poles, as well as locals who in the past studied in the CIS countries in the direction of the Workers' Party of Jamaica (according to one of these guides). The availability of round-the-clock support (including by phone, though local, there is no roaming with Jamaica) from these guides helps in all situations. The only thing to remember is the guides (who are local) to thank. However, they themselves will hint at it.

The host travel agency will offer a range of excursions. The most interesting is a trip across the country, through the Blue Mountains to the capital, Kingstone. There is nothing to watch in Kingston, and there is no time left. However, if you are a fan of Bob Marley, you can go for 30 minutes in his museum. But nature, mountains, waterfalls will leave an indelible impression.

On the way, there is the opportunity to taste the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee right at the plantation. Although it can be tasted in the hotel restaurant. To be honest, there is more talk about its taste and aroma. In short, for an amateur ... It is interesting to go to the waterfalls in Ocho Rios, as well as to the south of the country.

The rest of the excursions are less interesting. The cost of each excursion per person is approximately 80-95 am. dollars.
Kitchen. Jamaican cuisine cannot be called completely unusual and exotic. But everything is pretty tasty. Both prepared in the restaurant and in "local eateries". Everything is cooked: pork, beef, goat meat, chicken, seafood (fish, lobster, lobster). The piquancy and pure "Jamaican" taste comes from the use of local sauces and seasonings. Of the purely local delicacies, the specially prepared aki fruits with salted fish should be noted. It is really delicious and is served everywhere. Other exotic fruits include cooked breadfruit and sweet sap fruits. The rest is like everywhere else: bananas, coconuts, pineapples, oranges, etc. Moreover, in poor neighborhoods you can buy and chew peeled sugarcane. So that would enhance the experience.
There are a lot of things made from sugarcane in Jamaica. The first and foremost is, of course, rum. It is sold everywhere, in unlimited quantities, in different brands and in different tastes. In tourist areas, it is more expensive, 200-300 meters from hotels, 2-3 times cheaper. Well, it's like everywhere else in the resorts.

If we talk about prices in general, then vacation in Jamaica is not cheap. This is not Egypt or Thailand. But if money was found for a trip to Jamaica, then I think there should be no problems there either.

An interesting observation. If you buy a trip to the hotel on the "All Inclusive" system or go to the hotel with one breakfast, but without being tied to the hotel you will not deny yourself all the pleasures, leave the same amount of money. So, decide for yourself how to go. I have already expressed my opinion.
Successful trips to you.

First acquaintance with Jamaica

The first impression of Jamaica was unexpected. I flew to the Caribbean Sea region, and after a long travel in Mexico I expected to see more signs of "Latinos", and it felt like I landed in Africa, where I was also lucky enough to visit.

I have been on the island of Jamaica, Caribbean, West Indies for a week now. Guided tour guide in a travel company. This week I am gaining practical experience in conducting excursions. I settled in the town of Montego Bay, north of the island, away from "civilization", an area that can only be escaped by a car that I do not have. Public transport - these are old passenger cars, mostly Toyota with red numbers. Stuffed full, going in a certain direction. But I haven't used it yet. Firstly, they do not pass near the house, and secondly, foreigners are not recommended.

In cities, especially in Down Town areas, the likelihood of meeting "unpredictable" guys is high, but it is not recommended to appear on the periphery of one. Marijuana is smoked everywhere, many have illegal weapons. There are many poor people who can commit crimes for money and food. There is no Internet in the house either. The house is new, the area is prestigious. Mainly houses for rent for employees of large companies, business people. Everyone has transportation, by implication.

Traveled along four tourist routes. First impression: despite the forced isolation and limited "immersion" in the life of local people, the image of the "Jamaican people" is already taking shape), through communication with drivers, neighbors, sellers, employees of tourist facilities. People are different. But there were also those with whom we had an interesting conversation about life, about faith.

The nature is beautiful - green hills all over the island, many rivers, waterfalls, mountains. The tops of the mountains offer breathtaking views - hills, mountains, the rugged coast of the Caribbean Sea. The island is 225 km long from west to east, and from 35 to 82 km from north to south, an area of about 11 thousand square meters. The roads along the sea allow you to develop speed. And inside the island the roads are narrow, often serpentine, the traffic is slow.

But where is the hurry? The inhabitants of the island say “There are no problems in Jamaica. If you have a problem, then this is your choice. " Wisely))

Christmas in Jamaica

Hello everyone from Jamaica on Christmas Eve and the upcoming New Year!

Jamaica is actively preparing for Christmas. This tradition was introduced first by the Spaniards and then by the British when they seized the island from the Spaniards in 1655. In the 18th century, there were about 20 thousand English settlers on the island and about 300 thousand African slaves worked for them, who were also converted to Christianity, but they continued to profess their beliefs in secret. Therefore, Christmas here has a touch of African rituals.

As in many other countries, Christmas is celebrated here on December 25th. In Jamaica, this holiday is called Jonkanu. For two days, the streets of the cities are filled with merry people dressed in a variety of fancy dress. Musical performances are everywhere. The traditions of celebrating Christmas in Jamaica are influenced by the rituals of African secret societies. And the very idea of the holiday belongs to the slaves, for whom Jonkanu was their main, long-awaited holiday.

Christmas in Jamaica is not considered a family Christmas, so most of the indigenous people gather in numerous bars with noisy companies. Another part of the population, following tradition, celebrates the holiday in the church. Parties are also very common that offer entertainment for all tastes: a large assortment of various treats, fun music and dancing.

Map of Jamaica, Caribbean

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