Election Day - 2011

As people gather all clad in their various party colours of green or orange to vote on this 2011 election day, the excitement continues to build.  So far there is peace and we hope that this remains.  I have heard few honks of the horn and whistles blowing as that will be reserved for the grand announcement of the winner; later some will celebrate their parties victory while others will mourn their loss.

To an outsider looking at the days events unfolding you can't help but feel like you are a part of an island wide sports day.  People singing, dancing and cheering their team to victory.  Guaranteed not many know what their party truly stands for, they simply vote for the party because their mother, father or grandfather used to vote for this party; "their team, is my team".  It's like an inheritance.

Campaign Party

I only hope that whoever takes power today of our little paradise will be able to lead our country in the right direction, educate the people and give them jobs.  Hopefully they will not be just great speech makers and instead take action that is desperately needed. 

May the tempers of our passionate people be low and the love for our country run deep.

As is said in our Anthem "To our leaders, great defenders, grant true wisdom from above, justice to be ours forever, Jamaica land we love!"

Don't be afraid of mosquitos we've got apps for that.

Jamaica is home to two very misunderstood creatures.

Our Croaking lizard, named for the loud croaking noise that it emits,  is in no way harmful to humans but it does get rid of unwanted bugs like mosquitoes. 

If you do encounter these creatures on your visit to this unique Island, resist the urge to run or harm it. 
It is not dangerous and in fact it is spending most of its night happily, and hungrily, protecting you from harmful bugs.

A Large Croaking Lizard getting warm on my verandah

The other animal that helps to reduce mosquito populations is our Golden Silk Spider .  This spider can be very intimidating due to their size but are not poisonous and stay to their webs.  Most people love to take pictures of them especially in the morning as their webs are large, well designed and glisten like fine silk. 

Just hanging out in a parking lot

Green Grotto Caves

Jamaica is full of little mystery such as secret waterfalls, an extinct volcano and many caves.  The most famous of these caves is the Green Grotto Caves situated about 25 minutes from Ocho Rios on the outskirts of the small town of Discovery Bay. 

The caves have been seeing visitors from the 18th century and was once home to the first Jamaicans, The Arawak Indians.  Evidence of this settlement has been found in fragmented pottery and adzes that are occasionally unearthed as archaeologist continue to discover more secrets about this fascinating cave.

As you explore the depths of this cave, walking down rustic steps to the Grotto Lake at the bottom of the cave, you will be filled with awe at it's beauty. 

Heading to Grotto Lake 

Magical

 

 

The Lake is home to various fish who, due to the fact that the cave is dark most of the time, are now blind.  During the tour at the section where you are at the lake the guide switches off the lights to give you a sense of what the caves earliest dwellers would have had to live in....really amazing!

Reflective Lake

The cave has not been completely left without inhabitants....it is currently home to many families of fruit bats that huddle in the holes in the roof of the cave, don't worry they are not dangerous but do occasionally swoop down as they go from hole to hole.

Green Grotto Caves Residents

After your beautiful walk through the caves, you'll stop by the Green Grotto bar and enjoy some rum and fruit punch while listening to the steel pan band playing in the echoing cave.

Enjoy a Drink

I highly recommend this as a must do tour!

For further information, please feel free to contact me.  Kristy B.

How's The Weather?

I am guessing that right about now, as many places are dropping temperatures rapidly, that many are dreaming of a winter escape. 

If you are able to getaway, Jamaica is truly a "hot" spot for many travelers this season.  Imagine laying on the sand and returning with a superb tan in the dead of winter.  Right now it's hot, hot, hot.....head to any of the hotels relax, enjoy and sip tropical drinks. 

When visiting Jamaica the best advise you can follow is to make a few trips outside of your hotel to experience the Island. Dine in style at fantastic restaurants, sometimes missed, because of the all inclusive foods at the hotels; visit Scotchies for the best "Jerk" you will ever meet, enjoy the top-notch and award winning attractions and soak in the beauty of Jamaica. (Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6647181)

Next time you are shoveling the snow from your driveway just close your eyes and remember Jamaica awaits.

Restaurant Week - so far so good!

I have gained about 5 pounds from the delicious and affordable food from some of the greatest restaurants during restaurant week.

On Friday I went to Evita's Italian Restaurant where I enjoyed a fabulous atmosphere and fantastic service and food.  Did not expect anything less from them.  Very consistent in food and service.

On Sunday, I enjoyed dinner at Christopher's at Hermosa Cove.  The atmosphere was amazing.  My mother in law had a coconut soup to start.

Look at the presentation!

 

 

 

Both meals were absolutely fantastic!  You won't be disappointed.


Kristy B

It's Restaurant Week!

If you are currently on vacation in Jamaica...you could not have chosen a better week. 

Restaurant week begins November 11th - 19th, 2011.

This is the week that many of our fine restaurants offer exceptional rates for a three course meal, not including drinks.

Below is a list of participating restaurants broken down by price, category and area.  If you can get out and enjoy this offer, I highly recommend it!  The price for each category includes your choice of appetizer, main course and dessert.  Beverages, GCT (Tax) and gratuity are additional.

Epicurean - JA$3,800.00

Kingston

• Cafe Eurasia Tapas & Wines
• Strawberry Hill
• Rojo at Spanish Court Hotel
• The Terra Nova Hotel

Montego Bay

• Marguerites
• Sugar Mill Restaurant at Half Moon

Delectables - JA$3,300.00

Kingston

•  Caffe da Vinci
• Columbus Restaurant
• Jewel of India
• Red Bones Blues Cafe
• Trattoria Baci
• Whitebones Seafood Restaurant

Montego Bay

• The Houseboat Grill (Cannot describe how good - ambiance and menu amazing experience)
• Robin's Prime Steakhouse

New York

• Miss Lily's

Ocho Rios

• Platinum at The Jewel
• Dunn's River Resort

Savory - JA$2,000.00

Kingston

• Boone Hall Oasis
• Chasers
• China Express (Try the Capital Ribs)
• China Max
• Cuddy'z
• Dragon Court
• Dragon Palace
• Gimbilyn at Alhambra Inn
• Grog Shoppe
• Guilt Trip (Amazing Award Winning Desserts)
• Hotel Four Seasons
• Isiaa's
• Japanese Restaurant Cocoro
• Mango Tree Restaurant Bar and Lounge at Altamont Court Hotel
• Melting Pot at Knutsford Court Hotel
• Morgan's Harbour Hotel & Marina
• Prendy's on the Beach (great fried fish and bammy...must try!!)
• Royal Palace
• Starapples
• Susie's Bakery and Coffee Bar (Fantastic Salad Bar and delicious desserts!)
• Tamarind Indian Cuisine (a mix of Indian and Chinese cuisine...unbelievable!)
• The Terrace (Highly Recommended!)
• Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records

Montego Bay

• Angela's Italian Restaurant
• Pelican Grill (great Jamaican cuisine and Jumbo Malts)
• Pier 1 on the Waterfront
• Prince Wales at Half Moon Shopping Center
• Seahorse Grill at Montego Bay Yacht Club

Ocho Rios

• Christopher's at Hermosa Cove
• Evita's Italian (One of my favorite restaurants - you will not be disappointed)
• Mykonos (Fantastic and Authentic Greek Cuisine)
• Spring Garden Cafe (Nice Seafood)

Tasty - JA$1,450.00

Kingston

• Dragon Garden Restaurant (Love the Peking Duck)
• East Japanese (Nothing Short of Exceptional!)
• Gloria's, Port Royal (Very Authentic and Very Good Jamaican Seafood, not a great ambiance)
• Ocean's 21 Seafood Restaurant
• Pushpa's
• Raffaele's Gourmet Pizza
• Shirley Retreat Hotel
• Sonia's Homestyle Cooking & Natural Juices
• Truck Shop

It will be a very exciting week for visitors and locals....hope you are here!

If you need to ask any questions about your trip to Jamaica feel free to contact me, Kristy B

Beautiful Views

Where ever you are in Jamaica you are never far from a beautiful view.  Jamaica is home to majestic mountains, rivers, lush tropical rain forest and of course panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.  My advice to you, when visiting Jamaica, never leave home without a camera, you will regret it. 

This is the view from my balcony which is not far from the heart of Ocho Rios.  The sea last night was like a glass floor, I felt like I could walk to the horizon.

The view from my balcony

For more beautiful pictures visit My Perfect Jamaica on facebook.  See the beauty of our Island in the sun.

In the words of A.L. Hendricks who wrote the song Jamaica Land of Beauty with music by Lloyd Hall:

From Riverside to Mountain, 

From Cane Field to the Sea

Our Hearts Salute Jamaica

Triumphant, Proud and Free.

For more about this beautiful Island contact me. Kristy B.