WORLD VIEW: Jamaica, Day 1
To be honest with you, I did not think our trip to Jamaica would turn out as interesting as it did. Never having been to the Caribbean before and basing my expectations on what I'd seen in TV commercials, I thought we'd be cut off from the culture by the confines of our tourist experience in Negril. Luckily, it wasn't like that at all - we met tons of interesting people and learned a lot about Jamaica ... and American tourists!
When we left Detroit, it was 3 degrees Farenheit, gray and snowy. After an all-day trek, with a layover in Atlanta, we cruised in over the sparkling water of Montego Bay with a view of lush, sun-dappled mountains, marked by pastel-colored houses and palm trees. As the plane touched down and the pilot announced our arrival, applause and "woohoos!" erupted. We had managed to pack only carry-ons, so we booked through Immigration and were soon out in the warm, late afternoon sun. We found our shuttle driver, who told us to grab a beer and relax while he rounded up his other passengers. So, we headed over to the outdoor airport bar and ordered some Red Stripes - it was finally time for D to break his self-imposed, three-month exile from alcohol! Talk about a "woohoo"! Our driver took quite a liking to him and popped by to chat with us while we waited. A woman selling discount books also approached us and we couldn't resist buying one after she made it a point of pride, "This book is only $5 - don't you think your lady would like it? Isn't she worth spending $5 on?," she cajoled D. Sideways, with a wink, she said to me, "Don't worry, I'll take care of you." It wasn't so much that we needed the book as it was this woman was charming as hell and we couldn't resist. But, the point is - be prepared to be solicited as soon as you step off the plane. Also, be prepared for the currency quandary. The exchange rate between American dollars and Jamaican dollars (or Jai) is astronomical - when we were there it was about $1 U.S. to $65 Jamaican. Plus, different places charge different rates - there is not a uniform system. And, you won't always get change in the type of currency you pay with. Everywhere we went accepted U.S. dollars, but often you'd get Jamaican dollars in return.
Finally, it was time to head out, so we boarded the bus and hit the road as the sun went down. We were joined by a very outgoing woman from New Jersey, who immediately pegged my accent as Midwestern because she had attended U-M. She was a lawyer on vacation with her pre-teen son, whom she'd given Benadryl for the flight because he was afraid to fly. He sat quietly next to her as she spoke loudly and confidently on many topics until we dropped them off at their hotel. Heading out of the Montego Bay, the traffic got really crazy. As the main street narrowed from two lanes to one, it was like an all-out, horn-honking gladiator battle to get ahead. Plus, there were people in the streets selling all kinds of things: Flags, eggs, peanuts and pastries, which flumoxed me. Who would want to buy an old pastry from the side of the road?
It took us about an hour and a half to get to Negril from Montego Bay, with stops to drop off other passsengers and for Red Stripe. You can drink anywhere in Jamaica - except around the steering wheel - our driver told us. Along the way, he also pointed out a Rasta selling ganja along the roadside. Most households in Jamaica derive at least part of their income from marijuana, he said, but the prime minister has been cracking down on its cultivation and sale, which remain illegal. Not surprisingly, he didn't campaign on an opposition platform, our driver said. It was only after his election that he sent soldiers to cut down the fields. When we asked why he'd do this in a country where so many people depend on marijuana as a cash crop, our driver told us it was due to the long arm of U.S. policy. Tourism accounts for 60 percent of Jamaica's economy, he said, with the United States being a main consumer. So, the government doesn't want to ruffle any feathers.
Once we'd arrived at our hotel, the Samsara cliffs resort, we unloaded our stuff and walked across the street for a candlelit, outdoor dinner at Choices restaurant. We wound up the night mellowing out, stargazing and laughing on the oceanside cliffs of our resort.
A perfect ending to the day that began a wonderful trip.
posted by Leslie @ 8:17 AM
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