Colors of Jamaica - Photo Diary Part II

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Finally getting the second part of my Jamaica trip up on the blog. This post is crammed with pictures and little text. A photo journal if you will of all the places and pictures I loved most from my trip.

Breakfast

We had a fresh breakfast everyday - fruit and either eggs & toast, bacon, ackee fish, or french toast. It was served out on the back porch always with freshly picked flowers from the surrounding garden.

There were so many colorful plants in Jamaica that I couldn't help but photograph.

The Pork Pit

We went to The Pork Pit on one of the first days while in Jamaica and it was one of the best jerk chicken meals we had while there. The chicken was smoked and topped with allspice leaves for hours then served in either 1/4 or 1/2 serving. Allspice, also known as "Jamaican Pepper," is a main ingredient in jerk chicken.

The Mountains

Jamaicans are proud to call themselves the third worst drivers in the world, after India and Ethiopia. I wouldn't necessarily say they are the "worst." Rather, they drive fast, cut people off, and run lights on the reg, BUT they have quick reflexes, stay calm, and are incredible at maneuvering their cars into and out of any situation.

I figured this out quickly, but it wasn't until driving up through the mountains that I realized just how bad, yet incredible they really were.

We took a day trip to Ocho Rios to visit Bob Marley's childhood home and mausoleum. To get there, you had to drive up a mountain, through very narrow windy roads, which was both exciting and incredibly scary. There were more than a few instances I thought I would be meeting my death at the bottom of a 50-foot cliff. Driving was treacherous to say the least. The very narrow roads were littered with potholes, there was no guard rail, and everything from megabuses to sedans were flying around the tight curves all the way to the top.

Although long and bumpy, I loved looking out the window as there was so much to see. We passed so many people's homes and to see the way people lived - the colors, the hanging laundry, the vegetation, goats, cars, the architecture - was just so good. It was a big part of Jamaica that i'm sure most tourists don't get the chance to see.

*I loved this house. Lots of Jamaican homes have intricately designed bars on their windows since their windows are always open.*

Bob Marley Childhood Home & Mausoleum

Upon arriving to Bob Marley's home and mausoleum, we were greeted with Rastafarians and joints alike.

Bob's home was much bigger than I had expected and so colorful. Although traveling to Jamaica before the the recent fiasco in the U.S., Marley's house and the way people worshiped him for his lyrics and his beliefs was very impactful.

My favorite Bob Marley quote and one that is very fitting right now: "Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights, get up, stand up, don't give up the flight."

Shot through the blinds, a house outside of the Marley "tourist" complex.

Tour guides waiting for their next group.

*In memorial of Bob, joints were rolled and sold right outside of his tomb in these little huts.*

The Fruit Market

I love fruit markets. Why? Because they are so colorful. We drove through downtown Montego Bay to get more fresh fruit for breakfast. The choices were endless and the street was filled with vendors.

Most Jamaican's sell fruit that they grew themselves. Often times, they grow them on their farms in the mountains and bring them down to the city to sell at the market or to different resorts and restaurants.

Above is ackee fruit, used to make the national dish ackee with cod. Though you have to be careful with ackee as if eaten when unripe, it can be toxic and deadly. When ripe, the yellow arilli is the only portion that can be eaten and makes a de… — Above is ackee fruit, used to make the national dish ackee with cod. Though you have to be careful with ackee as if eaten when unripe, it can be toxic and deadly. When ripe, the yellow arilli is the only portion that can be eaten and makes a delicious meal.

The Craft Market

This place was cray.

Going to the craft market in Jamaica was one of the most entertaining, but also was one of the most annoying things ever. There were so many cool souvenirs to buy (i'm a sucker for souvenirs), but there were so many people begging you to come into their tent and buy something from them. You have to be assertive (which I am not) in situations like these and just say no.

We lasted 20 minutes then we were out. Plenty of time to spend lots of money and to take lots pictures though. Amiright?

Sailing

On one of our last days while in Jamaica, we went sailing on Lark Cruises. If you have the chance to do this, definitely do and definitely take a Dramamine beforehand!

We went snorkeling, swam and sailed around Montego Bay for a few hours. The captain of the boat, Carolyn, was born in the U.S. and moved to Jamaica about 27 years ago. She loved Jamaica and knew so much about it. It was great to hear her perspective on the culture and living there. This was one of my favorite days while on the trip. It was so relaxing.