What can one say about Jamaica that has not been said before. The weather was perfect. The skies were picture postcard fabulous. The Caribbean waters were warm and inviting. The beaches were white and full of tiny little shells. The fact that they were broken or partial shells made it seem all that more magical. A perfect island to seek rest and relaxation.
Is there anything I did not like about this West Indies paradise?
I am not all that crazy to return anytime soon. It was nice, it was great to get away and land in 80 degree weather and leave the cold dark mornings of the mid-west behind. I have been to two islands in the Caribbean, Nassau and now Jamaica. In both places I felt very uncomfortable at times.
At the airport I wanted to bitch slap the porter. I had to go looking for my luggage. I am always terrified of loosing it.(remember Cancun when I was without my suitcase for five long smelly days!!?) He was taking his damn sweet time. The other porters were busting their butts and loading 15 or more bags and hustling out to the bus area. Not my porter. He had my two bags and three others that belonged to some very nice, very patient people. (obviously, they had never been to Cancun during a hurricane).
And then he told me I owed him MORE money...as a tip. Joe arrived and slipped him more money and I went to grab it back. It was a triple tug of war between all of us. They won.
Maybe it is the obvious poverty that surrounds the resorts. It makes me feel too...uncomfortable.
I'd rather go to Ireland or Spain, maybe Italy. Paradise is wonderful but I guess I am more of an adventurer than a tourist.
2 comments:
I know a lot of people who are uncomfortable about Jamaica and the Bahamas. There are so many poor, and many seem to resent the tourists. It would bother people like you and me, who did not come from wealth, to be seen as being exploitative.
This is why I prefer St. John and Virgin Gorda. Even more beauty, and more acceptance and respect from the islanders.
For an inexpensive vacation in a gorgeous setting, I recommend the Algarve in southern Portugal.
Almost forgot...
Jamaica was the lovely one, I played her well
As we lay in the tall grass where the shadows fell
Hiding from the children so they would not tell
We would stay there ’till her sister rang the evening bell
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these empty hours
Say you will come again tomorrow
The daughter of a captain on the rolling seas
She would stare across the water from the trees
Last time he was home he held her on his knees
And said the next time they would sail away just where they pleased
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these lifeless sails
And stay until my ships can find the sea
Jamaica was a sweet young one, I loved her true
She was a comfort and a mercy through and through
Hiding from this world together, next thing I knew
We had brought her things down to the bay -- what could I do
Jamaica, say you will
Help me find a way to fill these sails
--Jackson Browne
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