“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you’re riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!” A famous quote from Good ole Bob Marley!
Like every other country Jamaica has its ups and downs but I must tell you this place is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L and is still populated by wonderful fun loving people. How do I know this? Well, to be frank this is the place I call home. In my twenty four years of life – both in and out – of Jamaica I have witnessed some extremely beautiful scenery. In fact just the other day I visited a beach not listed on the radar, it goes by the name ” cotton tree” … It’s just a splendid sight to behold! On your next trip or visit to Jamaica, once you’re in the Ocho Rios area, please be sure to ask your tour guide about this hidden treasure… It is truly a master piece.
OK, let’s get cracking on the Top 5 Places to Visit in Jamaica.
Bob Marley’s Nine Mile – St. Ann
Give or take, you may already know this but for the prospective visitors reading this, allow me to enlighten you. Nine Mile is the Birth Place and final resting place of The late yet Legendary Robert ”Nesta” Marley, Popularly known as Bob Marley.
Fun Fact: Bob Marley was and is still best known for his reggae songs, which include the hits “I Shot the Sheriff”, “No Woman, No Cry”, “Three Little Birds”, “Exodus”, “Could You Be Loved”, “Jammin”, “Redemption Song”, and “One Love”.
Nine Mile is located just outside of a place we call Brown’s Town, St. Ann. On your trip to Bob Marley’s Nine Mile you will past through various villages. Be sure to ask your tour guide to stop at one or if time permits a few of these villages as it is truly an eye opener. This is where you learn about the rural parts of Jamaica – the real Jamaica.
Upon arrival at Bob Marley’s Nine Mile you will be most likely be greeted by a Rasta-man. He is responsible for opening the gate just wide enough for the driver to get on the compound and then, he locks it. Here is a heads up for you. They will be sure to let you know that the laws inside the compound are totally different from those outside the huge walls. What is so different? The Ganja and the herbs grown behind those gates are a spectacular sight!
Dunn’s River Falls – St. Ann
The famous Dunn’s River Falls is located on the island’s north coast, just outside of Ocho Rios. Dunn’s River falls is very unique. The sound of the waters rushing down those huge rocks, the fresh scent in the atmosphere, lush vegetation! Sigh, it’s absolutely extraordinary! As a visitor to this beautiful piece of paradise you are offered the opportunity to climb – whether up or down – the falls either by yourselves or with a tour guide. Hint, if it’s your first time I highly suggest using a tour guide as they already know the place and will be able to show you the foot holds among other things that will get you down the falls safely. At the top of the falls you will find tranquility.
Fun Fact: 1. There is not much noise from the rushing waters there only the wonderful sound of birds chirping and singing while too exploring there habitat.
2. While climbing down you will definitely notice some small pools naturally created by Mother Nature, where you can stop to rest, take pictures or do whatever you please. The Doctor’s Cove Beach –
Port Royal – Port Royal
Once upon a time Port Royal was a popular place where pirates would come and spend their treasures. It held the reputation as the richest and the wickedest city in the world! During the 17th century the British actively encouraged and even paid the buccaneers that were based in Port Royal to attack the ships belonging to the Spanish and French colonials!
Fun Fact: On June 7th, 1962 a massive earthquake struck Port Royal. This particular earthquake caused two thirds of this city to sink into the Caribbean Sea! Just like that!
Today Port Royal is known as ”The City That Sank” and is still covered by approximately twenty-five feet of water.
History is a wonderful thing. It is said that pirates from all around the world congregated at Port Royal after this devastating event. They came as far away as from Madagascar which is located on the far side of Africa.
The Rose Hall Great House – St. James
The Rose Hall Great House is a very popular attraction, both to locals and visitors. This great house was home to The Late Annie Palmer, otherwise known as ”The White Witch of Rose Hall”. As long as I could remember Annie Palmer has always been painted as a beautiful yet extremely devious character. Legend has it that Annie Palmer – The White Witch of Rose Hall – found great joy in practicing witch craft, poising the minds of young white women who came into the island and most of all… Legend has it that she was a born killer as all of her husband’s died suspiciously! Among other things of course but this would be too long for me to get into today.
And Last but definitely not least Dolphin’s Cove – Ocho Rios St.Ann
Dolphin’s Cove is labeled as the biggest maritime attraction in the entire Caribbean! Isn’t that something! Dolphin Cove is the perfect host for a family fun day. At a cost, you are presented with the opportunity to interact with their marine animals such as dolphins, manta-rays(without barbs), nurse sharks and so on. I think it would be easier if I gave you a synopsis of their packages:
o The “Touch” Program
o The “Encounter Swim” with the dolphins
o The “Swim With” the dolphins
o The Swim, Hold and Feed the Sharks &
o Be the “Sea Keeper For a Day”
Marine animals aren’t the only things that they cater for though, they host activities such as nature walks where you get to interact with animals such as:
Donkey’s, goats, sheep, the Iguana, Jamaican Yellow Snake (not poisonous), turtles, ducks, birds and so on. If you do not know what some of these animals are just do a Google search using the image feature, you will be sure to find what you’re looking for.
[ad_2]Source by Krystal Crumbie