Top Jamaica hotels
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Coming in towards MoBay from the Cockpit country, we found our way to the Rocklands bird sanctuary at Anchovy. Here we had the opportunity to see some of the fabulous bird life from the Cockpit country, up close and personal!
Jamaica has several major religions: The religion most commonly associated with Jamaica is Rastafarianism. Rastafarians beleive that Haile Salassie, the former leader of Ethiopia, is their leader. Rastafraian generally are free spirted, and believe in the spiritual use of marijuana; also known as Ganja. They speak with a specific accent known as patois, and claim not to eat pork or salt.
The cities in Jamaica are very difficult to see. Homeless people are everywhere on the street and out in the open for everyone to view. The poverty level is so great that it is very humblling to see people growing up and living that way.
It is standard practice to tip, in restaurants, at the airport, etc. Talk to the people and enjoy yourself, show respect towards the people and chances are you will receive respect in kind. A bit of advice: Your 'friend' on the street is likely to be trying to make a living. Don't make the mistake of thinking everyone who talks to you is your friend. Be polite and friendly, but be firm. Many people are aggressive in their efforts to sell you goods and services. This can be intimidating. Don't put yourself into situations you can't get out of. Say no thanks and walk away. When buying goods at the markets, barter!
The locals are so laid back they're horizontal!! In the all inclusives you get faster service because you've paid for it but out and about the service can be really slow but remember this is they're way of living so try and bite your tounge and not complain.Everyone says 'Irie man', it means loads of different things but you'll hear it all the time.
Just be warned... the local merchants are relentless. 'No Pressure, No Problem' is what they say, but they don't let you out of their booths without buying something. We even tried telling them we were out of money, but they wanted to give it to us on credit and come collect the cash at the hotel we were staying at.
Jamaicans are a friendly people - a nice smile, a pleasant hello, and 'nuff respec' will take you a long way as you travel throughout the country. The tourist areas may get you hassled by aggresive hustlers but a firm and polite 'No thank you.' will usually go a long way. Just basically 'do unto others as you'd have them to unto you' and you'll do fine.
As much negativity that we heard prior to trip, we never encountered any problems with the locals...Actually we found them to be, hard working people just like us....There were a few here and there that we could have done without, but thats everywhere in this in the America and the World!
Jamaica has a reputation as being dangerous and full of hustlers. This is unfortunate, as the bad areas are really confined to small parts of Kingston. as a general rule, keep your belongings with you and out of sight if possible, and just use your common sense. Don't accept lifts from people and keep to the main roads and you'll be fine. You can get people coming up to you on the beach offering you anything from hair braids to drugs, a polite no thank you will be enough to discourage them.
Not Cultural as such, but didnt know where else to put it, Currency:Its a good idea to change your money once you get there (Sterling anyway) better rate of exchange, I went to a shop next to the market in Port Antonio, again big queues..but you can also use your visa etc.There is also a telephone place within the main square, not very private but it served the purpose.
Blue Cave Castle Negril
5 Reviews and 132 Opinions One of the most beautiful spots on the cliffs, Blue Cave Castle actually has its own cave, making it...
Couples Tower Isle Ocho Rios Ocho Rios
7 Reviews and 1157 Opinions We got married on the beach at the all inclusive Couples Tower Island on 10/2/10. I cannot say...
Round Hill Hotel & Villas Montego Bay
9 Reviews and 343 Opinions I got to stay one night (only one night boo!). We arrived at night and left after breakfast. I did...
Reviews and photos of Jamaica attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Jamaica sightseeing.
More Regions in Jamaica
Q: We will be stopping at Ocho Rios for one day this January on a Carnival cruise. Do you guys have any ideas for using this short...
A: Well, you can do the touristy things like Duns Falls http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/3e837/19dc08/ and swim with dolphins in pools or sit on the beach and if you can...
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