Jamaica is a Caribbean island country and is the third largest (after Cuba and Hispaniola) of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean. It was originally inhabited by the indigenous Taíno people.
The island came under Spanish rule after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494 with many of the original inhabitants either killed or died of diseases. After this the Spanish brought large numbers of African slaves to Jamaica as labourers. In 1655 England conquered it and named it Jamaica where it became a leading sugar exporter.
In 1838 the British emancipated all slaves, many of whom chose to have subsistence farms rather than to work on plantations. The island achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1962.
Kingston is the capital of the island of Jamaica, lying on its southeast coast and is the home to many of the attractions that include the Bob Marley Museum which is housed in the reggae singer’s former home.
Devon House is a colonial-era mansion, the Hope Botanical Gardens & Zoo showcases native flora and fauna. Surrounding the town are the Blue Mountains, some of the most renowned coffee-growing areas that are full of trails and waterfalls.
But we didn’t go here…
Our cruise ship dropped us at a place called Falmouth. The main thing to do for tourists in Falmouth, is to leave. Literally, there is nothing to do here. The main tourist things to do in Falmouth involve going to Montego Bay. I have absolutely no idea why we were dropped off here.
You come off the ship into a manufactured shopping mall that has massively overpriced trinkets and little else. As you walk out there is an interesting tourist walk that depicts a bunch of posters outlining the history of the country.
When you pop out from there you hit a pretty dingy slum, full of people so stoned that they can barely stay upright. The filth and stench reminded us of some of the worst places in India (still hands down the filthiest place we have ever been). The trinket shops had a ton of wooden gear (that you could never get into Australia).
Our market runs saw us being offered a singlet shirt for $44.90 USD, weed, and any other form of ridiculous things that you can imagine. The Rasta spirit is strong here, but if it was not for the odd ship that arrives, there really is very little reason for this town to exist.
The thing that amused Jill the most was this sign which was trying to urge people to stop dumping their trash everywhere.
The signs were an attempt, but they were failing dismally.
The smell emanating from the waterways was truly putrid.
Jamaica was one of my least favourite of everywhere we have visited so far. It gave a feeling that you were not safe, even in the touristy bits it saw me having cannabis, cocaine and sex offered within 10 minutes of landing. Beyond the offers, there was a very uneasy feeling that purveyed. The first three blocks from port was neat and calm, but if you kept walking there was an overwhelming sense that you were about to be mugged.
I would love to come back to Jamaica, but head to one of the other centres to try and really get a sense of the place as this little foray was not it.
Jamaica Mark II
After our first dud foray into the port of Falmouth the second time around we decided to do things a little differently. We came the next time and skipped town entirely choosing instead to head to a private resort (fee-paying beach), it felt better but was a full-on party beach. We paid for the transport and a beach chair and settled in for some sun, food and drinks.
The enclosed resort option is beautiful and feels much safer, so if you are happy holidaying in a compound then it can be lovely.
Jamaica Mark III
After two fairly ordinary forays into Jamaica, we were both left feeling underwhelmed by the nation as a travel destination. It was dirty, full of drugs and slums and the only real option for the tourist was to stay in an enclosed resort. Don’t get me wrong, the resort we visited was lovely, with good facilities, friendly staff, nice beaches and cool clear waters. It was perfectly OK if you like living in a compound.
So round three we once again landed in Falmouth and decided to take on one of the tour options, A day trip to Montego Bay.
This is one of the world’s best-protected marine parks with snorkelling and diving at coral reefs, numerous beach resorts, golf courses, and an amusement park.