Visiting Jamaica

HISTORY

        Jamaica was occupied by the Spanish from 1494 to 1655. The English came to Jamaica and invaded and captured the island for their own. Jamaica became a British colony in 1707, then became a "Crown" colony in 1866. A "Crown" colony means a UK government stands-in for the monarch back in the UK.  After the English captured the island they began using a British government to control all overseas territory. This type of action caused the English Civil War. After the war, the locals of Jamaica wanted a rule that only locals and not whites should govern the island and the British parliament. 

Before Visiting Jamaica

        If you are not staying at a resort where the airport transportation is included, getting around Jamaica can be expensive. Taxis and any other forms of transportation can cost you a heavy amount of money. Renting a car is a better choice than paying taxis, but be mindful to you look out for potholes, aggressive drivers, and make sure you drive on the left side of the road and not the right. Buses can also be a cheap alternative choice but choose a respectable and reliable company. 

    Sometimes when traveling to other countries, I recommend you use a local withdraw machine to have local currency. Jamaica does use and accepts the US dollar. The US dollar is used almost everywhere in Jamaica. When buying from their supermarkets and street shops or vendors just have both currencies just in case.

Perfect Place to Visiting

        Jamaica is a perfect place for good vibes, relaxation, peace, and meditation. Everything that you need to help you relax Jamaica has. Beautiful beaches where you can be lazy and enjoy the view from your hotel room or on the beach itself. When in Jamaica, they have delicious tropical fruits and the most luxurious and all-inclusive resorts. The tourists just love the atmosphere that Jamaica gives off when spending time there. 

Attractions

        Locations like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, and Port Antonio are huge tourist spots. Jamaica has a reputation for having one of the best Caribbean hotspots. Negril Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The beach reaches from Bloody Bay to Long Bay and the Negril Cliffs are just south of the town. Negril Cliffs provides a very popular and beautiful view of the sunset and an adventurous activity of cliff jumping.

Food 

        Jamaican food is very delicious. While most hotels cater to boring food like hamburgers and pizza. Jamaica has Jerk chicken, curried goat, and many other delicious delicacies. (Growing up my dad would make Rice and Peas, Jerk chicken, and a lot of other Jamaican dishes.) I recommend you should try national dishes like ackee (a fruit) for breakfast or whenever you want to eat it. A nice cheap meal would be Jamaican patties (a pastry filled with meats or vegetables).

Culture

        Jamaican music is worldwide famous, because of their powerful Reggae music. The rhythms of their music give off a heavy African tune. Reggae is mainly used to define Jamaica’s music, the island’s musical culture starts with Reggae, and that's why people are sometimes familiar with Jamaicans and their rich culture of music and dance. In Jamaica, they do not just listen to the words of their songs. They feel the vibration, they feel their bodies run free through the songs and the beat with every fiber of their being.

        

        In Conclusion, I definitely recommend that you should visit Jamaica. You will never forget the time that you spend there. Make sure you plan months or even a year in advance.