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Overlooking Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

There’s a good reason why the the Jamaica Tourist Board tag line is, Once you go, you know, because there’s nothing like Visiting Jamaica. If you’ve never had the Jamaica experience, do yourself a favor and book a quick get-away  first chance you get. Believe me, you won’t regret it. I went to Jamaica for the first time back in 2007 with my wife (though she wasn’t my wife at the time) and we had a great time. During our trip in Jamaica we visited several spots: St. Andrew, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, Montego Bay, Spanish Town and Negril. My wife is Jamaican and was raised in St. Andrew so none of the Parishes of Jamaica were new to her, but I on the other hand was completely entranced by the sheer beauty of the island. The sights were spectacular and the people were as friendly and welcoming as any visitor to a new country could hope. We also got a chance for a brief drive by infamous Tivoli Gardens and Trench Town communities, on the outskirts of West Kingston.

L to R: Spanish Town, Resort in Ocho Rios & Montego Bay

While in Ocho Rios we visited Dunn’s River Falls, a magnificently beautiful waterfall standing over 600′ ft. located right on the beach. It was originally featured in the very first James Bond film, “Dr. No.” and remains as spectacular as it was then. The day was perfect, that is until I ruined my Canon XT DSLR Camera while climbing the waterfall.  Storing it in my backpack was not the smartest move on my part. Of course I had insurance on the camera, which I highly recommend. Other than that little mishap, the entire trip was an absolute delight.

The Bob Marley Factor

Of all the places we visited while in Jamaica I’d have to say that the most fulfilling visits was to the Bob Marley Museum on the legend’s ‘s old estate on Hope Road in Kingston. As a ‘tourist’ (I hate to use that word) I half expected a corny rushed tour of the property with not much time to explore and soak in the essence of Bob right? Not true at all. There was a in-depth tour, detailing his life, career and challenges, a brief video of old interviews and footage in his screening room and even an entire room wall-papered with old newspaper clippings. But after the walk through we were pretty much left to our own devices. We were able to check out most of the rooms, like the tiny kitchen with it’s old blender and pots where he often cooked ital rastafarian grubbage for guests as well as the recording studio where he actually cut some of his hit songs. No photos allowed though, damn!

Pictures taken at Bob Marley’s old estate on Hope Road.

We hung out on the property with some of the locals many of whom had been around during Bob’s time and I made a few friends as well. They keep his memory alive by spinning vibrant tales about his concerts or an old incident they still laugh about with fondness. It was an amazing feeling to plant my feet in the same soil in which the legendary Bob Marley once played football (we call it soccer), which was one of his favorite things to do at home. My fiance and I enjoyed Jamaica so much that I suggested we get married there. Which we did in July of 2008.

Jamaica has now become a second home to me and we’ve been back a few times since the wedding. Another place to scratch off the old bucket list. If it’s not on yours add it, and GO!