Familiarize yourself with one of the most interesting culture around the globe, which is the Jamaican culture. It’s a culture that is most puzzling at times but when you get to know it, you will realize why Jamaicans are who they are. One of our most used sentence is “no problem man” and the reason for this is, most Jamaican try to avoid problems. Culturally most are friendly, hardworking and at times laid back. The island’s beauty, food, music, talents, resiliency and language is what makes us unique and celebrated by people all over the world. Of course Jamaica is far from being perfect, she has her flaws like most places, but there are so much positive and enjoyable things to know and do. Jamaica is a place of relaxation, fun and adventure, it never ends. Below are few of the places I have covered, but there are way more places and things to do. This blog covers a little of our history, hotels, some of our cuisines with recipes, travel and and even a page for JAmerican (Jamaican American) meals and pastries.
Let me help you with a few Jamaican Patois or Pawyah.
Patois: “Eff yuh nuh believe wah mi chatting bout, cum tuh Jamaica an si fi yuh self.”
English: “If you don’t believe what I am talking about, come to Jamaica and see for yourself .”
Patois: “A likkle added information gud at times.”
English: “A little added information is good at times.”
Patois:“No problem man, cum yah an si fi yuh self.”
English: “No problem man come here and see for yourself.”
Here is a link to convert your english words to patois https://jamaicanpatwah.com/translator.
Map Of Jamaica
Jamaica is surrounded by water and is made of 14 parishes. Each parish has it’s own town. Jamaica is 4240 to 4244 square miles (10,991 km) and has an estimated population of 2726,667 in 2018. She is the third-largest island in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola. Jamaica is found in the West Indies and lies south of Cuba which is 90 miles away, while Hispaniola lies 119 miles west of Cuba.
Jamaica Flag
Jamaica got her independence on August 6, 1962 and will have her 60th year of independence On August 2022.
The Jamaica National Flag was first raised on that day which was the birth of our new nation. The Flag represent the pride of Jamaica and her achievement as an independent nation. Our National Flag is highly respected by Jamaicans, because it shows how far the country has come in stepping out on her own.
Symbolism of the colors
The Jamaica Flag represents the bright sunshine, the land is green, the people are strong and creative. The symbolism of the colors of the flag are: Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people, yellow (gold), the natural beauty of the sunlight and the wealth of the country and Green signifies hope and agricultural resources.
The Jamaican Flag is the only national flag at present that does not contain a shade of red, white or blue.
Jamaica Has Two Major Airports. Norman Manley International and Sangster International.
Norman Manley International Airport formerly known as Palisadoes Airport, is an international airport serving Kingston, Jamaica and the surrounding areas. The airport is located south of the island. It is the second busiest airport in the country after The Sangster International Airport. There are many business people and tourist that comes through this airport but because of the tourist attraction on the island’s north shore the Sangster International Airport sees the impact of more tourist.
Montego Bay is the capital of the parish of St. James. Due to its location on the island’s north shore, Montego Bay has long since earned the title of the tourist capital of Jamaica. Montego Bay is a popular tourist spot that features duty-free shopping, a cruise line terminal, several beaches, resorts and lots of entertainment. The city is served by the Sangster International Airport and is one of the busiest and most modern in the Caribbean Islands.
Montego Bay All-inclusive Resorts Hotels
Most hotels in Montego Bay and other resorts areas on the north coast are all-inclusive. In the all-inclusive hotels food, drinks, entertainment and activities are included in your rooming cost. If you are doing an event, there will be extra charges. There are trusted tour guards and drivers known by the hotels, so if you did not book a tour and decided to do one at the last minute while in your hotel, you can communicate your desire to the front desk hotel staff and they can make the arrangements for you. It’s never a good idea to travel away from your hotel alone nor get into a private vehicle that is running as a taxi. Jamaica has her beautiful, but she also has her flaws.
Scenery of one of Montego Bay Beautiful All-Inclusive Resort
Hot Spots And Adventures
There are lots of hot spots and adventures in Jamaica. If you are a first time visitor to the island, it’s good to know. These hot spots are situated in different areas of Jamaica. Some hotels have a lot of activities and lovely beaches and many tourist don’t leave their hotel because there is so much they can enjoy.
Some of the main tourist attraction areas are in Montego Bay, St Ann, Ohio Rios, Negril. Other places that are quickly developing are Port Antonio, Runaway Bay, and Treasure Beach. There are many more areas to consider that has great adventures and activities, but you may not find the all-inclusive big hotels to stay as in the populated areas but may find family-run hotels. Some of these adventures can be a day trip and back to your hotel.
Here Are Some Things To Check Out In Montego Bay
Sailing & Water Tours | Cultural & Theme Tours | Day Trips & Excursions | Food, Wine & Nightlife | Sightseeing Tickets & Passes | Outdoor Activities | Shopping & Fashion | Shows, Concerts & Sports | Tours & Sightseeing | Theme Parks | Walking & Biking Tours | Water Sports | Multi-day & Extended Tours | Shore Excursions | Private & Custom Tours | Classes & Workshop
Parasailing In Montego Bay
Parasailing is an adventurous recreational activity where a person is being towed by a motor boat while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that resembles a parachute.
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios (Spanish for “Eight Rivers”). It’s capital is Saint Ann’s Bay which is on the north coast of Jamaica. When someone flies in to Montego Bay and wants to go to Ohio Rios, it will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by vehicle.
Things You Can Do In And Around Ocho Rios
Dunn’s River Falls Vacations | Mystic Mountain Vacations | White River Reggae Park Vacations | Coconut Grove Shopping Village Vacations | Dunn’s River Craft Park Vacations | Ocho Rios Clock Tower Vacations | Taj Mahal Mall Vacations | Reggae Xplosion Museum Vacations | Turtle Beach Vacations | Mahogany Beach Vacations| Turtle River Park Vacations | Green Grotto Caves Vacations | Island Gully Falls Vacations | LandMark Plaza Vacations | Coyaba River Garden Vacations | Ocho Rios Craft Park Vacations
Negril
To get to Negril, it will take you about 1 hr and 20 minutes to 2 hours from the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay.
Seven Miles - Negril Beach
Negril is located on the far western side of Jamaica and is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Jamaica, along with Montego Bay and Ocho Rios
For years, Negril’s beach was rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by several travel magazines. The beach’s length is significant — the two bays (Bloody Bay to the north, and Long Bay to the south) comprise the Seven Mile Beach. The beach is actually a little less than 7 miles in length, with Bloody Bay being around 2 miles, and Long Bay being just under 5 miles. It’s actually called the Seven Miles Beach, even though it’s a little less. Bloody Bay is home to the large, all-inclusive resorts, and Long Bay has all-inclusives and smaller, family-run hotels.
South of downtown Negril is West End Road, known as the West End, which is lined with resorts that offer more privacy. These areas have access to waters used for snorkeling and diving, with jumping points reaching more than 40 feet (12 m) high.
Many vendors and shops are located around the beach resorts; however, they are predominantly located on the south end of the beach, where there are fewer all-inclusive resorts
OK! Now Let's Talk About Our Food
Below Are Some Of Our Most Popular Cuisine
You will not be able to sample all of our Jamaican Cuisines on your first visit. Below are some of our favorites you may find, in the all-inclusive hotels. You may have tasted some of these before in the country you are from, because of migration and other scenarios. You can find the recipes for these dishes that you can try at home. These cuisines and pastries are very easy to make.
Likkle taste of Jamaica
Jamaican Jerk chicken is all about the seasoning or spiced that is used to get that unique taste. It won’t be jerk chicken unless you use those unique blend of Jamaican spices.
Get the taste
This dish is one of Jamaicans loved cuisines but not on a regular basis. It can be eaten for lunch or dinner. You may find this dish in the all-inclusive hotels.
Jamaican Ginger Beer
Jamaican loves their ginger beer. Add this to your
Mackerel Dinner and you need nothing else.
This complete meal hits right at that spot. This beer is made from
ginger and is non-alcoholic but is on the sweet side, with a little
frizziness to it.
Jamaican National dish
The ackee fruit (Blighia sapida) is the national fruit of Jamaica. This is one of our loved Jamaican cuisines cooked with salted fish (cod fish). It known by all Jamaican as the “national dish of Jamaica”
Fried Ripe Plantains
Plantain is a popular fruit grown locally that is usually served as a side dish with many Jamaican cuisines. Jamaicans used both green and ripe plantains but in most restaurant ripe plantains is more served than green plantains. Jamaicans used plantains in many other ways.
Tradition Pasties
Jamaican Christmas Cake
This is our most loved pastry at Christmas time. It’s a tradition that you can find in every Jamaican home at that time of the year. This delicious cake has many names such as black cake, rum cake and Christmas cake or pudding. This cake can be either steamed or baked. It is rich in alcohol, and has a combination of dried fruit and spices. When you eat one slice of this cake you’ll want another slice and another. Most Jamaican use this cake at their wedding. Sorrel Drink is usually served with his cake at Christmas
Jamaican Spice Bun
It is not known where or who brought the spiced buns to Jamaica. I think it's originally from the hot-cross-bun. Jamaicans are gifted in blending exotic spices together to get those rich flavor that is part of our culture. The spice bun or Easter bun is more like a fruit cake but with a different texture. In most homes traditionally, this bun is eaten on Good Friday with tin cheese. It's very delicious and people in Jamaica and Jamaican diasporas has to have their bun with cheese when Easter comes around. Over the years Jamaicans have added more flavors in making the Easter Bun.
More Pastries & Snacks
Jamaicans loves pastries and many like to have some form of pastries as desert especially on Sundays. There are unlimited types of mouth watering pastries that are around. These are some of the many, you may find locally in the little corner shops or even in the hotels.
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I am excited to get you familiar with more of our customs, food and entertainment. We have so much more to offer! Drop by regular for more of our sweet tooth pastries and Jamaican delicious cuisines.