Capturing the Colors of Jamaica

Categories: Jamaica, Postaday, TravelTags: #BTB, #TPThursday, Jamaica, postaday, TravelAuthor: Marcia Mayne

Thanks to Cathy from Traveling with Sweeney, Marlys from EasyHiker and Renee of A View to a Thrill for tagging me for TravelSupermarket’s Capture the Color contest.

I can say this now, but I felt quite intimidated by this contest. None of the photos I wanted to share looked ‘right.’ It took me weeks to decide on these five. It was great going back through the photos and reliving the memories.

GREEN

King’s House official residence of the governor-general, the Queen’s representative. The house was built originally around 1870 but was destroyed by earthquake. It was rebuilt and this old carriage entrance was retained.

King’s House

BLUE

Earlier this year, I took a guided hike up Jamaica’s Blue Mountain. I didn’t make it to the top like I wanted to and I haven’t been back like I promised. But the mountain’s there when I’m ready again. Narelle, who blogs as Hakea, told me the Blue Mountains in Australia, where she lives, got their name from the blue tint that comes from the eucalyptus trees that are found there. There are eucalyptus trees on Jamaica’s Blue Mountain though I’m not sure if that’s where the name was derived.

Blue Mountains

RED

I had friends visiting in February and we decided to visit Falmouth in Trelawny. When we were leaving, our driver suggested we check out Glistening Waters Lagoon. The red on this row of warehouses near the harbor drew me in.

Falmouth, Trelawny

YELLOW

This spot yielded lots of color — the red of the warehouses and the yellow on this boat. Oh, and the water? It was actually glistening.

Glistening Waters, Trelawny

WHITE

Trident Castle, Portland

Trident Castle is probably the most unexpected property in Jamaica. As you come up on it, you can’t help feeling as if you’ve suddenly been teleported to Europe. Trident Castle was built in 1979 as a private residence for a German baroness. It’s changed hands and is now owned by a wealthy Jamaican, Michael Lee Chin.

This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website

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About Marcia Mayne

Marcia Mayne travels a world full of books, music, art, fun people and great food. She raves about them constantly. Currently, she is journeying through Jamaica, her home country, to discover the places she missed.

09 Aug2012 36 Comments

Jamaica50 The Colors of Independence

Categories: Jamaica, Postaday, Travel, Travel Photo ThursdayTags: #TPT, August 6th, Jamaica, Jamaica50, postaday, TravelAuthor: Marcia Mayne

This past Monday, August 6th, Jamaica celebrated 50 years of independence from Britain. The festivities here got off to a slow start primarily because we had a change of government in December and the word on the street is that the previous plans were scrapped. There was also a lot of talk that the government didn’t have the funds — at this moment, I have no idea where we stand in our talks with the IMF — so for a while, I wondered if we’d even have anything.

Meanwhile, Jamaicans in Canada, the US and the UK have been celebrating since last year. Whenever friends there would say they wished they could be here, I’d tell them they’d probably better off staying where they were as not too much was happening here.

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06 Aug2012 12 Comments

Happy 50th Birthday Jamaica!

Categories: Jamaica, Postaday, TravelTags: #btbg, Jamaica, Jamaica50, postadayAuthor: Marcia Mayne

Ernesto lost its steam overnight so today, Jamaicans are focusing on marking 50th years of Independence from Britain and celebrating big wins at the London Olympics. Our medal count’s now up to 2 golds, silver and bronze.

There’s no better way to celebrate than with this fabulous birthday cake that was featured recently in one of our local papers, The Daily Gleaner.

Happy 50th Birthday Jamaica

From the Jamaican Gleaner —

As we approach our country’s 50th anniversary, it seems Jamaican colours are popping up everywhere more than ever. Now you can have it in a cake.

A few months ago, wedding cake designer Shaun Grant, known for her amazing sugar creations, got an unusual request. “I was challenged to make a Jamaican cake,” she told Food. “The email I received said I seemed like the type of artist who could do something like that. I told her I would have to think about it.” And think she did. After only four failures, the owner of Delights came up with a cake representing the Jamaican flag in every slice.

The cake that fully embodies Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence was unveiled recently at a luncheon hosted by the Women Business Owners Network. But as Grant explains, the cake is pretty complicated and requires a lot of carving. “It’s actually three cakes in one – dark chocolate, cheese cake and green velvet cake – and it actually takes two hours to assemble free-hand.” The end result is a very moist cake that she guarantees tastes as good as it looks. She uses all fresh ingredients, noting, “It must not only look good, but it must also taste good.”

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY JAMAICA!

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04 Aug2012 2 Comments

Ernesto Threatens Jamaica50 Celebrations

Categories: Jamaica, News & Stuff, Postaday, TravelTags: #BTB, Ernesto, Jamaica, News & Stuff, postadayAuthor: Marcia Mayne

Ernesto, the latest storm to form in the Atlantic, is reportedly heading towards Jamaica. It could hit between Sunday and Monday.

Since news about Ernesto surfaced, we’ve had our eyes on the Olympics, Jamaica50 Independence celebrations, which kicked off at Jubilee Village on August 1, and weather reports on Ernesto.

If it hits, as predicted, and no one can predict with certainty the path of any storm, it could make for one memorable 50th anniversary celebration. Not only are we planning a grand party on August 6th, it will be another big day for the Jamaican Track & Field team at the Olympics in London.

No, as much as we would love the rain, we’ve already had several torrential showers this week, Ernesto is not welcomed at this party.

We’ve been lucky though. Several storms have had their eyes trained on Jamaica only to turn at the last minute. Their names no longer matter.

We’ve also been unlucky. Jamaicans of a certain age still talk about the hurricane (Charlie) of ’51 that claimed over 150 lives. And in 1988, Gilbert took direct aim at the island, leaving millions of dollars worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure. It was so devastating, a song, Wild Gilbert, which put to music what happened ironically became one of the most popular songs of ’88. I can still hear my niece, who was about 4 at the time, singing Wild, Wild, Gilbert, the chorus. There have been several others, though not as damaging but just as frightening.

Ernesto has already stopped cricket in Barbados and Jamaican fishermen have been put on alert. Although winds have decreased, the storm could still pick up strength, turn into a hurricane and head straight for us.

No, Ernesto must turn back, stall over water, or better still, dissipate.

We can only keep our fingers crossed. Reports this morning are that Ernesto will arrive here on Sunday afternoon. So we’re making sure there’s water in the house. No need to buy any thing that needs refrigeration in case the power goes out.

We’ll sit tight and watch – the Olympics, the Jamaica50 Independence Jubilee, and the weather reports, most likely in that order. We’ll also be praying that the rains and winds don’t do too much damage.

Unfortunately, we’re in the hurricane season so storms can come up at any time. In fact, Florence, the next one is churning around somewhere out there. We’re not paying attention to her just yet.

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01 Aug2012 14 Comments

Happy Emancipation Day Jamaica!

Categories: Culture, Jamaica, Postaday, TravelTags: Culture, Emancipation Day, Jamaica, postadayAuthor: Marcia Mayne

Emancipation Day, August 1^st, marks the day slaves in Jamaica and the former British colonies in the Caribbean, were finally freed.

On July 31, 1834, the eve of the day they would taste freedom, many slaves traveled to the tops of the country’s mountains so they could greet the sunrise and the dawning of the new chapter in their lives. At daybreak, scores more crowded into churches across the island to give thanks.

But they weren’t truly free. The ending of slavery came with a condition that slaves serve a 6-year “apprenticeship.” It ended 2 years early on August 1, 1838. On that day, the slaves were said to have demonstrated peacefully and burned the shackles that were used to bind some of them. (Tortello, Jamaica Gleaner)

Like the slaves had done years earlier, a group of friends and I decided to watch the sun rise on Emancipation Day. We traveled to Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann for a full evening of cultural performances. On the way, we wondered how the slaves must have felt — a mixture of excitement and fear, we were sure. They were not free economically. Their former owners, on the other hand, were compensated handsomely by the British Government for their loss.

I’ve always been in awe of my slave ancestors and because of that I was excited to go to Seville to be part of their remembrance. I was excited to go to Seville for another reason.

In Jamaican history, Seville is important ground as it is the location where in 1492 Christopher Columbus first set foot on our soil. It is fitting then that Seville’s Emancipation Jubilee, the largest of the island-wide events, attracts up to 7,000 people.

Emancipation Day 2012: Waiting for the bus

I was also looking forward to hearing the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Seville and greet August Morning, as some people call it, like my ancestors had done.

By the time we made our way into the park, around midnight, the parking lot was full and cars lined both sides of the street. Inside, the excitement was palpable. As we arrived, the crowd burst into applause as an energetic group of drummers finished their act with a flurry of acrobatic moves.

I walked around a bit trying to find a place where we could spread a blanket – the terrain in some spots was pretty rocky – but

Emancipation Day 2012 – A taste of rum for the ancestors

eventually we did find a place that gave us a view of one of the monitors. We got food and someone passed around a bottle of rum. We had been told to bring mugs for hot chocolate tea but that line was so long, we would still have been waiting.

Sometime after midnight, we heard the sound of a helicopter above and someone said the prime minister, Portia Simpson-Miller, was arriving. She didn’t stay long after delivering her message.

Someone in our little group said they felt raindrops and before we knew it we were scrambling to find shelter.

The rain came in spurts and we took advantage of the lull to find our vehicle. I prayed that it would stop long enough for us to return to the park and see the end of this year’s observance. Unfortunately, it did not cooperate. We’re such wimps, I thought.

Would those hardy people from whom we spring let a little rain dampen their celebration, I wondered as we agreed to pack it up and leave. And during the 2 hour drive back, not a drop of rain was in sight.

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31 Jul2012 24 Comments

Jamaica50 Giveaway

Categories: Jamaica, Postaday, TravelTags: #BTB, #Jamaica50Giveway, Independence, Jamaica, postaday, TravelAuthor: Marcia Mayne

As you probably know, on August 6th, Jamaica celebrates 50 years of Independence from Britain. Jamaica50 events that have been going on all year both here, in Jamaica, and internationally will culminate in a grand celebration on Independence Day.

You can join in the celebrations by participating in InsideJourneys’ Jamaica50Giveaway. It’s the first contest I’ve run and I’m pretty excited about it. Entering is simple.

Here are the mechanics:

Answer any one of the five questions below through the comment box. If you are selected the winner, you’ll receive $50.00 from me.

Four other entries will be selected at random to receive InsideJourney’s ebook, 50 Reasons to Visit Jamaica.

And, a late addition: 3 other prizes, drawn at random, will receive a beach bag, photo album or coffee mug from Sandals®.

The giveaway is open to everyone who has an email address. To be eligible for the first prize, you must have a Paypal account. Winners will be selected via Random.org.

Here are the Questions:

1. What year did Jamaica become independent?
2. What country was Jamaica a colony of?
3. What are nationals of Jamaica called?
4. What is the capital of Jamaica?
5. What is Jamaica’s second city?

They are fairly easy questions and most of the answers may be found on this blog (hint: backread now!).

Emancipation Park dressed for Jamaica50

There Are Two Ways To Enter:

Write the answer to the question you select in the comment box below. Like us on Facebook and let us know you did in the comment form or tweet this message, “Enter InsideJourney’s #Jamaica50Giveaway to #win $50.00! Ends 9/30 http://insidejourneys.com/?p=9497” OR
Write your answer to the question you select in the comment box below. Follow us on Twitter and tweet this to qualify: “Enter InsideJourney’s #Jamaica50Giveaway to #win $50.00! Ends 9/30 http://insidejourneys.com/?p=9497”

DON’T FORGET THE HASHTAG! #Jamaica50Giveaway

The InsideJourneys’ Jamaica50Giveaway runs from July 31 to September 30, 2012. To qualify, all entries must be received by 11:59pm, EST on September 3oth.

Good luck! I am looking forward to all of your entries.

“Giveaway ends September 30th at 11:59 PM EST. Open to anyone with an email address. First place winner must have a PayPal account. Winners will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Facebook and Twitter are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.” a Rafflecopter giveaway

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07 Jul2012 8 Comments

Akwantu: the Journey, a New Film about the Maroons

Categories: Culture, Jamaica, News & Stuff, PostadayTags: Akwantu, Culture, Jamaica, Maroons, postadayAuthor: Marcia Mayne

Akwantu: the Journey, a new documentary film by writer/director, Roy T. Anderson, a Maroon, answers the question, Who were the Maroons?

Akwantu: the Journey documents the struggle for freedom of the Maroons of Jamaica who were able to flee the plantations and slave ships to form communities in some of the most inhospitable regions of the island. Poorly armed and outgunned, the Maroons faced down the mighty British Empire led by such brave warriors as Cudjoe and Nanny. Cudjoe who has historically been described as a “short almost dwarf-like man” fought for years to maintain his people’s independence and freedom. However, Cudjoe also held the belief that the only way to secure a stable future for his people would be to negotiate a long-term peace with the British. This way of thinking, some would say eventually lead to the signing of a peace treaty with the British in 1739. Nanny, a spiritual leader skilled in the use of herbs not only managed to keep her people healthy, but safe as well by utilizing effective “guerilla warfare” tactics to defend against the vaunted British firepower. More about the Maroons.

Watch a preview here.

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29 Jun2012 6 Comments

James Bond and Jamaica Mark 50 Years

Categories: Jamaica, Postaday, TravelTags: Dr. No, Jamaica, James Bond, postaday, TravelAuthor: Marcia Mayne

James Bond, the British super agent with a licence to kill, was introduced to the world, in 1962, in the now classic thriller, Dr. No. Bond, the brainchild of the British author, Ian Fleming, was ‘born’ in Jamaica. Fleming had visited Jamaica and fallen in love with the island. In 1946, he purchased a property and built Goldeneye, his Jamaica home. It is here that he escaped, every January and February, to write the Bond books. He has been quoted as saying he doubted the books would have been written had he not been on the island.

photo: johanoomen

Dr. No, the first of the books to be adapted to the screen, was also set in Jamaica, and was filmed entirely on location on the island.

As you might imagine, the filming of the first James Bond movie was a big deal in Jamaica at the time. There were almost daily reports in the local paper, The Gleaner, of movie-related news, for example the arrivals of the stars, Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, the location where filming would take place, etc.

Several locals, including the men who played Three Blind Mice, the photographer, Freelance (Miss Jamaica 1961, Marguerite LeWars), as well as the band, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, appeared in the movie but the real “star” was the island. Filming took place at different locations in Kingston, Port Royal and Ocho Rios, most notably:

Palisadoes Airport: James Bond makes his first appearance in Jamaica at Palisadoes, which is now known as the Norman Manley International Airport.
King’s House: In the movie, Bond goes to Government House though he actually went to King’s House, the residence of the Governor General, the Queen’s representative in Jamaica.
Morgan’s Harbor Hotel: Byron Lee and the Dragonaires are seen playing that infectious number, Jump Up, Jump Up, at Morgan’s Harbor Hotel, which is still located on the airport road.
Dunn’s River Falls: James Bond and Quarrel hide from Dr. No’s machine near Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios.
Laughing Waters: Probably one of the most eye catching scenes in the movie is when Urusla Andress walks out of the sea at Laughing Waters near Ocho Rios
Reynold’s Bauxite Terminal: Dr. No’s lair at Crab Key is actually Reynold’s Bauxite terminal in Ocho Rios

Filming on the island wrapped after about six weeks with the remaining scenes done in Pinewood Studios, London. Several months later, on August 6, 1962, Jamaica went from British colony to an independent country (More on Jamaica’s anniversary in a later post).

Dr. No was released on October 5, 1962 but didn’t have its premiere in Jamaica until September 17, 1963, it was till playing a year later.

Live and Let Die and The Man With The Golden Gun both have scenes that were in Jamaica, however Live and Let Die was the only other James Bond movie to be filmed here.

Fifty years later, Bond is as popular as ever. In November, the franchise will release its latest installment, Skyfall. I cannot wait!

Set Your DVRs!

Now, if you are as passionate about James Bond movies as I am, I’m happy to report that on July 1, Encore is marking the 50th anniversary with an all day marathon of James Bond films. It’ll start at 7:00 a.m. with Dr. No and end with Never Say Never Again. Following the marathon, every Thursday nights in July, beginning at 8:00 p.m. they’ll show other Bond films uncut and commercial-free. Set your DVRs!

Other Bond Events

‘Designing 007 – Fifty Years of Bond Style’ opens on July 6. Tickets cost £12.

photo by: brava_67

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28 Jun2012 30 Comments

#TPThursday Bamboo Rafting in Jamaica

Categories: Jamaica, Postaday, TravelTags: Bamboo Rafting, Jamaica, postaday, TravelAuthor: Marcia Mayne

Traveling down a river on a bamboo raft is possibly one of the coolest experiences I can imagine. I have to imagine it as I arrived too late to make the trip. What I got instead was a mini demonstration of raft making and a lesson from a raft captain on what they have to do to maintain their crafts.

Bamboo Raft making, Jamaica

First, a little background. Rafting started with the Rio Grande River in Portland. Back when banana export was a major money earner for Jamaica, Portland farmers used rafts to move their produce down the Rio Grande to the wharf for shipment overseas, mainly to the US and other Caribbean islands. Boats taking bananas out would bring visitors into Port Antonio, Portland’s capital and rafts began doing double duty: ferrying visitors on a languid ride down the Rio Grande as well as carrying bananas to market. Over time, the idea was transported to other areas of the island that had large, navigable rivers.

Bamboo Raft making, Jamaica

How Rafts Are Made

Rafts are made from mature bamboo canes that are cut in lengths of approximately 30 feet, then lashed tightly together. Two or three layers of bamboo are tied together to form the floor of the raft, and a seat is created for up to 2 passengers. Another bamboo, cut several feet long, is used to steer the raft.

As rafts can get pretty heavy, pulleys are used to lower them into the water and hoist them back out again. A raft can last up to 6 months after which time it has to be replaced. Each captain has at least 2 rafts. Captains are trained to maneuver the raft.

Bamboo Rafting, Jamaica

Where to Go Rafting in Jamaica

Rio Grande, Portland: The Rio Grande rafting tour is the granddaddy of rafting tours in Jamaica. The 7-mile trip from Berrydale in the Blue Mountains to Rafter’s Rest near Margaret’s Bay lasts 3 hours.

Martha Brae, Trelawny: The 3-mile journey down the Martha Brae takes about an hour. If you wish, you can even go for a swim.

White River, St. Ann: If you’re in the Ocho Rios area, check out the 45-minute trip down the White River. Following the trip, your guide can take you to Mahogany Beach for parasailing and other beach activities.

Lethe, St. James: This hour-long rafting trip takes you down the Great River.

Raft trips are accompanied by knowledgeable raft captains who will explain the flora and fauna of the area or entertain you with stories while you meander down the river. If you’re interested in doing a raft trip, your hotel or cruise line can schedule one for you.

I’ll write a follow-up when I have my own rafting experience.

This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website.

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27 Jun2012 4 Comments

5 Reasons to Get Out of Negril and explore Westmoreland

Categories: Jamaica, Postaday, TravelTags: Abeokuta, Blue Hole Mineral Spring, Chebuctoo Great House, Hilton High Day Tour, Jamaica travel, Manning's School, Mayfield Falls, Negril, Negrl Hills Golf Club, Peter Tosh Memorial, postaday, Roaring River Cave, Royal Palm Nature Reserve, Seaford Town, WestmorelandAuthor: Marcia Mayne

Negril’s legendary 7-mile white sand beach and its laid-back attitude draw thousands of visitors annually. Most are content with relaxing on the beach that straddles two parishes, Westmoreland and Hanover, but there are several reasons to get out and explore what lies beyond the sand on the Westmoreland side.

The eighth largest of Jamaica’s 14 parishes, Westmoreland takes up the south western end of Jamaica. It was first settled by Taino and Ciboney Indians, remains of whom have been found in Negril and Bluefields, which lies several miles up the coast from Savanna la Mar, the capital. Christopher Columbus stopped in Bluefields, known then as Oristan or Oristano, and a settlement was formed there in 1519, making it one of the oldest settled areas in the island.

Westmoreland is also home to a large population of the descendants of indentured laborers who came from the Indian subcontinent to work on the island after slavery was abolished.

Nature

Royal Palm Nature Reserve: Part of the 10,000-acre Great Morass, the wetland area extending from Westmoreland into the neighboring parish of St. Elizabeth, this 300 acre expanse of towering Royal Palms, is the largest stand in the world. The half-mile boardwalk allows you to see up close many of the more than 300 species of reptiles, birds, and butterflies, and over 114 species of flowers. There are also extensive deposits of peat. Open daily, 9-6. Cost: $15 adults, $7 children. Located in Sheffield, a few miles from Negril. 876-364-7404

Mayfield Falls: Billed as Jamaica’s #1 eco-tourism destination, Mayfield Falls boasts waterfalls, 21 natural pools, 52 varieties of ferns, and flowers, butterflies and birds. 876-610-8612

Roaring River Park & Cave: The park and cave are located on the Roaring River Estate that was once owned by the Hay and Beckford families and later taken over by the West Indies Sugar Company (WISCo). The property gets its name from the river that provides water for much of the parish of Westmoreland. The limestone cave and a blue hole, which sits on private property, are both major attractions for the area. Guided tours of the cave and community can be provided by residents of the community for a fee. Located near Petersfield, a visit to Roaring River can be paired with a trip to Abeokuta (below) a few miles away.

5 Reasons to Get Out of Negril – Abeokuta

Abeokuta Private Nature Park: When slaves came to this part of Jamaica, they brought with them the memory of the place in Nigeria where they had come from. To them, this small corner of Westmoreland reminded them of it and they named it Abeokuta. Now a nature park, it was officially opened in 2003 by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica. On the grounds are the ruins of an old great house, an aqueduct, which channels water from a river a quarter mile away into a near Olympic-size pool. The pool is possibly one of the oldest swimming pools in Jamaica. From Abeokuta, you can see as far as the coast. 876-891-0837 Located near Dean’s Valley.

Blue Hole Mineral Spring: I have not checked out this spring yet but it looks very inviting. Pool and mineral spring. Wabba 876-860-8805 Near Negril.

Sports

Negril Hills Golf Club: 18 holes, par 72, 6,333 yards, tennis court, pro shop and restaurant. 876-957-4638. Negril

Culture

Seaford Town: One of Jamaica’s best known German communities, Seaford Town, welcomed immigrants from Germany in the 1830s. A small museum documents the history of this community.

Hilton High Day Tour: A day tour of Hilton Plantation can be combined with a trip to Seaford Town, a few yards away. The tour includes a buffet lunch of roasted pig. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the plantation, which is located in Westmoreland’s Montpelier Mountains.

Although Seaford Town and Hilton Plantation are located geographically in Westmoreland, they are best reached from Montego Bay.

Heritage Sites

Manning’s School – Thomas Manning Building

Manning’s School: Although not a tourist site, Manning’s, founded in 1738 on land bequeathed by Thomas Manning in 1710 for a free school, is the second oldest high school in Jamaica. Its main building, now a library, is a Georgian structure that was constructed of timber. It has a vented gable roof, a cupola with fixed jalousie to provide ventilation, and deep verandahs on the sides. Located in Savanna la Mar, the capital.

Negril Point Lighthouse: Built by a French company in 1894 on a 14 foot deep tank which is filled with water to keep the lighthouse stable in the event of an earthquake. The lighthouse is painted white and rises 66 feet above ground.

Negril Hills Golf Club

Chebuctoo Great House: This Georgian style great house was declared a national monument in 2008. Chebuctoo, which is located on a pimento farm in Cave (near Bluefields) got its name from the Indian name of Halifax, with which Jamaica had significant trade in the 18^th century, especially in salted fish.

View of the Caribbean Sea from Chebuctoo Great House

Music

Peter Tosh Memorial: A few miles up the coast from Bluefields is the community of Belmont where a monument to Winston McIntosh, popularly known as Peter Tosh, a founding member of The Wailers and a son of Westmoreland, is located.

Note: My roots go deep in Westmoreland. I also graduated from Manning’s.

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