Well here we were at Montego Bay, Jamaica a couple of weeks ago. It seems so long ago, now we are immersed in the Covid pandemic.
I thought I would post a few memories of the visit, to lighten our present experience.
First stop is the port of Montego Bay to pick up our ship the Marella Discovery 2.
The all-inclusive Discovery 2 is a pleasant, medium size ship.Small by present, mega-ship standards, that still retains a degree of old world cruising style.
The reason for cruising on this ship at the present time, is that it will call at Cuba for 3 days. This will give me time to explore this formally, famously difficult to visit island. But before that, its time to explore Jamaica, and experience what this exotic tropical island has to offer.
Some of the interesting places we will be visiting over the next few days will include, Fern Gully and the Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rhios. Fern Gully is a tranquil road through tunnels formed by hundreds of towering fern species, with roadside vendors, who sell some unbelievable wood carvings.
Another interesting calling point will be the old Hampden Estate, which is set within the famed “Queen of Spain Valley". The estate covers approximately 3500 acres and is the home of the famous"Trelawney Rum"
We will also take time to visit the Dunns river falls. Dunn’s River is a short stream dropping only 55 metres from its source to the sea. The river is fed by spring water, rich with calcium carbonate that deposits Travertine, forming a sequence of tufa terraces. This type of waterfalls is described by geologists as "a living phenomenon" because they are continuously rebuilt by the sediments in the spring water.
Dunn's River Falls is one of the very few travertine waterfalls in the world that empties directly into the sea. You have the chance to walk up the falls if you so wish, and this is very popular. Several small lagoons are interspersed among the vertical sections of the falls, that are great to rest or soak in. The falls are bordered by lush, green vegetation that shades the area from the sun and keeps the area, and climbers, cool. Great when its 34C or higher.
Popular with visitors and locals alike, Scotchies turns out what many believe is the best jerk in Jamaica. Pork,chicken and fish is slathered in a secret recipe of chiles, cinnamon, garlic, nutmeg and more, then roasted in an open-air barbecue pit over flaming pimento wood.
Traditional side dishes include breadfruit, roasted yams, rice and peas, and festival (fried corn fritters). Your order is bundled up in foil for takeaway or eating in, under the thatched roof. Red Stripe or whatever your favourite tipple, is always available at the bar.
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