The Journey to Jamaica- It’s all good mon!

Apply coats, scarves, gloves, 2 pairs of socks, boots, hats, snow pants. Let the dogs out, then reverse. Once again, apply coats, scarves, gloves, 2 pairs of socks, boots, hats, snow pants. Repeat and repeat and repeat. Such is winter life up here back of the beyond in Ferry County, Washington. It’s just life for us hardy northern types. We like our 4 seasons and snow and the out door life, but there comes a time when Sparky and I look at each other and say we need some sand and sun! Warm air, ocean breezes, palm trees and sand. Steel Drum bands and Jerk Chicken. Then we know it’s time for us to sound the retreat and head for our favorite island in the sun. Jamaica! We started visiting Jamaica when we lived on the East Coast and could get a direct 4-5 hour flight from Detroit or Philadelphia. Moving to Washington made it a tad ( HaHa!) more difficult but we are determined and so we drove the 3 hours to Spokane. Flew to Seattle then to Tampa and on to Miami. One overnight stay and a 2 hour flight to Montego Bay and here we are!

Why Jamaica? So many reasons, but with all other things equal,like the resorts, the beaches, the amenities, what puts Jamaica on the top of our list is primarily the people. The Jamaican people are truly kind, laid back, easy going and always eager to help. No matter that the island is terribly impoverished and unemployment is sky high, the phrase you hear non stop is “It’s all good mon.” Jamaica is not all prettified for the tourists either. It retains that air of exotic wildness so you know you are in a different country while you’re here and you didn’t just take the USA with you as you headed to the Caribbean. There’s goats roaming freely down the highway. Ancient vehicles loaded down with anything and everything imaginable. People perched on the running boards of pick up trucks moving down the road. Roadside shacks set up with shells for sale, or gauzy bright colored beach cover ups. Oil drums converted to barbecue grills serving up fresh caught fish, or jerk chicken or curried goat.

Maybe you’re an armchair traveler who enjoys travel from the comfort of your home via photographs in a magazine. Maybe you’re a restless spirit who lives for the next adventure or maybe your content to sit on the beach and watch the waves. Whatever your pleasure, I hope you enjoy these pictures. Journey on!

This what we left behind when our Jamaican Journey began last Saturday.

This what Sparky and I found when we landed in Montego Bay. I know. Don’t hate me 🙂

Little shady huts and rows of ocean blue and white stripped beach loungers.

The Lagoo.n off the main beach with its tiny island

At dusk, the Cruise ships head out from Oho Rios.

This is a Coconut Palm Tree at night. Just in case you’re curious. LOL!! For whatever silly reason, I felt compelled to take its picture.

Sparky. My personnel Cabana Boy. Ha! He didn’t leave there for 2 days!

I was with him!

“Get a picture,” he says. ” I’m going to build one at the house and put a Hot Tub in the middle.”

The view from our balcony early in the morning. You know I’m not a late sleeper even on vacation.

This silly Pigeon just sat there until I fed it French Fries. Off the boat docks, the fish swarm all over when I toss them bread crumbs. Doesn’t take much to make me smile.

Every evening ends with a stage show out in the open. The Steel Drum Band was awesome. Not just drumming but amazing choreography too. Music and dance run through the heart of the Jamaican people.

A down side? OSHA would not approve 🙁 But unfortunately, this is the way it works here.

OK…one last picture before I head out into the sun and a nap under the Palm Trees.

Wherever you are today my friends, I hope you are all warm, safe and enjoying life.

Thanks for stopping by today and letting me share some time with you.

Journey On!

Hugs and much love from me,

Karen, TJG