Jamaica Express » jamaica culture

Who Else Wants 5 Reasons to Say Yes to a Jamaica Vacation?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:47:34 +0000

There is no wonder why so many people embark on a Jamaica vacation at some point in their lives. With beautiful weather, white sandy beaches, and a plethora of activities to keep you busy, Jamaica has become one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. Here are 5 reasons why your next vacation should be a Jamaica vacation.

1. Beautiful weather

You simply cannot say it enough… the Jamaica weather is absolutely gorgeous. Jamaica is in the Caribbean so this means you’re almost guaranteed beautiful weather all year long. Generally it’s not too hot and definitely not too cool, which allows you to get maximum relaxation while on vacation. You can put on your bathing suit and lounge carelessly at the beautiful beaches Jamaica has to offer.

2. Jamaican beaches

With beautiful weather you know there are a number of beaches to choose from. In Jamaica, you’ll find it hard to run out of choices if you’re looking for a beach to enjoy. Many hotels are located right beside the beaches… so you’ll have quick and easy access. And there are numerous activities to keep you busy on the beaches from snorkeling to parasailing to just lazing under the sun. While there are many things to do in Jamaica, it is the weather and beaches that reel in most vacationers.

3. Wide array of activities

For many, the beaches alone sell because of how gorgeous they are. But if you’re looking for more than a beach vacation there’s no need to worry because you’ll be able to pick, choose and refuse from a long list of activities on your Jamaica vacation. From horseback riding to whitewater rafting to world-class golfing, you’ll never have enough time to experience everything that a Jamaica vacation has to offer.

4. Mountain ranges

While Jamaica is most known for its beaches and gorgeous water, it surprisingly has beautiful mountain ranges as well. During the day you may choose to hike through the different trails where you’ll experience scenery like nowhere else on earth. And if you wait around long enough, you’ll witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets on earth.

5. Many lodging options

Sometimes the lodging you opt for can have a significant impact on your vacation. But not to worry, the many lodging options available in Jamaica will allow you to plan your dream Jamaica vacation. Many people prefer the bed and breakfast option because it allows you to have a relaxing vacation… while at the same time encouraging closer interaction with the culture and people of Jamaica. In addition, a large number of mid-class hotels are available for you to choose from as well. And don’t forget the number of world class all-inclusive resorts that caters to your every need… and then some.

In all fairness, no other vacation can be compared to a Jamaica vacation. From the white sandy beaches to the mountain ranges to the varied lodging options, you will definitely leave satisfied when you take a Jamaica vacation.

Plan a Jamaica Family Vacation Without Breaking the Bank

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:33:04 +0000

Isn’t it time that you rewarded yourself? You work hard so now it’s time to play hard. Get away from the stress and hassle of your job for awhile and take the whole family on a vacation to Jamaica, which is the closest thing to paradise on the planet. And you can do this without breaking the bank in the process.

Jamaica was the first place to offer the all-inclusive resort idea. Instead of being nickel and dimed to death for everything, how about a luxury vacation where virtually everything is included at a single price after you arrive? In fact, these types of resorts, which are plentiful in Jamaica, are huge and offer almost anything you could want right on the resort property, so you do not even need to leave the resort after you arrive, and could leave your wallet in your room or in a safety deposit box at the front desk if you want to.

Many of these resorts also cater to the family vacation, and not just to the business traveler or the honeymoon couple. Many of these resorts offer babysitting services with certified and qualified babysitters who can entertain your kids for hours while you and your significant other enjoy some time together just getting to know each other again. Your kids will have the best time they have ever had, exploring the beaches, searching for treasure, and learning more about the culture of Jamaica and what makes Jamaica a premiere vacation spot.

If shopping is your thing, you will not be disappointed there either. Virtually all the area of Jamaica offer shopping in very unique gift shops, most of which offer items that are not available anywhere else in the world. And if you enjoy haggling, you will find that the typical Jamaican shop owner will be disappointed if you do not haggle with him to get a better price on that item that you have been looking at. This type of haggling is something that you have to become skilled at, and it only adds excitement and a bit of adventure to the task of shopping.

If you plan ahead, even a few weeks, you can usually find great deals on airfare. The Jamaican airports are served by many commercial airlines, and cheap seats can usually be found with a bit of digging and planning. If your travel schedule is flexible at all, the cheapest seats are usually flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If a luxury resort is just outside of your budget right now, do not let that disappoint you because you have a lot of other lodging and hotel possibilities. There are many upper end and middle rated hotels available at very competitive prices, and many of these also provide special interests for the kids as well as the whole family. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, there are also several bed and breakfast options available to you, where you can really get a chance to mingle with the locals and learn more about the Jamaica history and culture.

Your choices within Jamaica are plentiful. You can choose the bigger cities of Jamaica for your vacation, or you can opt for a bit more quiet time with quieter and less crowded beaches at other areas of Jamaica, like St Thomas, St Lucia, and Montego Bay, each of which offer their very own unique flavor of relaxation, sight seeing, and yes of course, as much night life and dancing as you may care to do.

If you have never been to Jamaica, make a point to plan a vacation there in the near future. You will wonder why you never vacationed there before, and it will almost certainly become a part of your regular vacation planning.

A Guide to Your Holiday in Jamaica

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:33:09 +0000

Jamaica is one of the beautiful places in the Caribbean islands that is rich in culture. Its cultural heritage is a beautiful amalgamation of African, British, Spanish and Asian traditions. A Holiday in Jamaica is bound to be full of countless trips to adventurous destinations, a relaxing sea beach sunset and a sumptuous meal on the sandy beaches savoring on variety of delicious traditional dishes.

Jamaica is no different from any other Caribbean Island, it has the same charming feel on the beaches, the same serene peace on the green lands and the mountain peaks, and a nostalgic history which will take you back in times of history. A holiday in Jamaica can be a one stop destination for everyone. There are plentiful mountainous terrains in Jamaica for people who love the hills, whereas the fascinating wildlife, plant species and natural beauty will attract nature lovers at large. And the sea beaches on the south coast shall be an extra layer of icing.

Holiday in Jamaica is especially loved by people simply for the happy ambience that it creates blend beautifully with the soft music of its folk songs dwindling in the air. The weather in Jamaica is just perfect almost all the time and this is yet another reason why people just love going on a Holiday to Jamaica.

A Holiday In Jamaica will have in store for you a wide spread 200 miles of beaches that are fringed with palm trees and golden sand that shine under the steaming sun and the sparkling crystal clear water, the spectacular mountains and a downhill biking on them, river rafting and the rolling waterfalls and not to forget the exciting and lively nightlife.

Since the weather is almost stagnant all the year round at some 30-31 degrees with moderate rainfall too, any time of the year is ideal for planning a holiday in Jamaica.

Now… you Too Can Learn About Ocho Rios, Jamaica

admin — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:47:19 +0000

Ocho Rios, which translated from Spanish means “Eight Rivers”, is a gorgeous town on the north coast of Jamaica. Over the past twenty years, “Ochi” (as the locals refer to it) has grown from a sleepy fishing village into a popular tourist destination. As a matter of fact, Ocho Rios is the second most visited tourist destination in Jamaica.

Although Ocho Rios translates into eight rivers, it is in fact the stunning waterfalls along with the flora and fauna that catch your attention first. In addition, Ocho Rios, Jamaica owes a large part of its fame to Dunn’s River Falls, which is a highly touted attraction. In fact, Dunn’s River Falls is one of the most photographed and climbed locations in Jamaica.

There is great fun to be had swimming near or under the cool water of Dunn’s River Falls. But you may very well find that it’s the splendid scenery that captivates your attention. Whether you decide to climb the falls or not, you can witness spectacular scenery peering over the falls.

Another famous attraction near Ocho Rios is Fern Gulley, which is a rocky gorge of tremendous depth. For four miles from the coast of Ocho Rios, Fern Gulley weaves its way up into the mountainous area of the island. As you reach this beautiful location, you can find over 500 species of tropical fern and foliage that is typically only found in a tropical rainforest.

What was once a small fishing and banana port has since blossomed into a major tourist resort. Although it is now a world-renowned tourist destination, the culture still persists in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. And there has been a number of new beaches, hundreds of added acres, and even more hotels and restaurants and shopping areas added.

One of the more recent additions to this town is the deep water pier that has space for up to three cruise ships. This added space has made way for a whole new wave of tourists. There now are cruise ship visitors that sprawl throughout the town on a regular basis. And this is just another great way that you can reach the wonderful town of Ocho Rios.

Among the many things to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica includes Chukka Cove, Safari Tours, and Dolphin Cove. Chukka Cove is a farm and stable where you can ride… no matter what your experience level. The beach ride takes you to a dairy and cattle farm to the beach through the waves. Safari Tours allows you to embark on a river tubing ride or a nice hiking trip through the hills, finishing off with Dunn’s River Falls. Lastly, Dolphin Cove allows you to interact with the dolphins by touching, playing and swimming with them.

Although Ocho Rios, Jamaica was once a small town, it has now turned into a major resort. The culture is still prevalent, but there is far more to do with added shopping areas, hotels, and attractions.

What is so Special About Negril, Jamaica?

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:47:24 +0000

When you’re thinking about selecting a destination for your vacation in Jamaica, Negril may definitely come to mind. This is because Negril, Jamaica offers a little bit of something for everyone… from its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture to its wide variety of lodging options. Find out why if you’re looking to have fun or just kick back and relax, Negril should be the place to go.

Located in western Jamaica, Negril extends from the nineteenth-century Negril Lighthouse at Negril Point all the way to Bloody Bay in the Parish of Hanover. Negril offers spectacular scenery that can be found in very few places around the world. From the dramatic rugged cliffs at West End you can view miles of pristine white sand beaches.

If you are looking to kick back and have a good time, Negril, Jamaica is the place to do so. There are miles of crystal clear water to have fun in and the beautiful white sand beaches provide an area to relax under the sun. Negril has even been coined the “Capital of Casual.” Aside from the light-spirited atmosphere, this phrase also comes because Negrilians carry out business and pleasure efficiently with little formality.

Believe it or not, the first visitors to Negril in large numbers were hippies. Because of this, it helped promote and carry on the carefree environment that still exists today. The truth is, if you want to make new friends and become acquainted with Jamaicans and their culture, Negril is one of the best places to do so.

While the spectacular beaches and stunning scenery is enough to attract any vacationer, there is a wide variety of other entertainment to embark on. There are a number of different bars and clubs to stay entertained through the night. Families and couples will find a plethora of activities to participate in and have fun at Chukka Caribbean Adventures. Some of the activities offered include a river tubing safari, a 4×4 adventure, and a canopy tour.

In case you’re wondering, there’s a wide array of places to stay… whatever your budget. From high-end all-inclusive resorts to hip hotels to small affordable rooms, there is something for everyone. Although you will have far more activities to do at an all inclusive resort, there are plenty of things to keep you busy away from your room as well.

Selecting a place to vacation at in Jamaica can be difficult because of the many options to choose from. But Negril, Jamaica certainly has something to offer the most discerning traveler with spectacular scenery, gorgeous beaches and a number of activities to keep you busy. Keep this in mind… the next time you’re considering a Jamaica vacation, keep Negril right near the top of your list.

Hip Hop Culture

admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:47:29 +0000

Hip Hop is a culture, or what people liked to call “subculture”. Hip-Hop started in he mid-70s in NYC, New York. The big “hip hop” movement started at The Bronx by DJ Kool Herc (real name Clive Campbell) which came from Jamaica and got his records with him to the US.

Herc’s idea was to get the “Soundsystem” style, which was known in Jamaica and do it in a local different style, although the base for the whole Soundsystem was the same: A big street party with microphones, speakers and turntables.

There are Four Elements of Hip Hop, but the two most important, popular and relevant these days are DJing & Mcing:

1. Deejaying – The DJ with two turntables “breakin’” the old funk records and loop them. The first came from Jamaica and is Herc. For being DJ that you need a pair of turntables – which is a most. A mixer is necessary these days, but back in the 70′s a lot of hip hop DJ’s were deejaying without any audio mixer. The DJ is the main man for the street party or any other party. Later DJs found the “scratching” techniques and been perfecting it until this days under the term “turntablism”

2. MCing – The MC came from the same place: Jamaica. Kool Herc was actually the first known MC and DJ. But somehow it became too much and he had to get an MC, and he was doing the DJ Part. The MC duty were to shout, to “get the party going” he is the Master of Ceremonies, classic MCing started as shouts and screams to make the crown get crazy: “Blow Your Hands in the air, and wave ‘em like you don’t care”, or “Everybody scream!” , “Say Aaaaaaahhh!”. Modern MCing from this kind are for example “The roof, the roof is on fire! We don’t need no water..”. Later came the the type of Emceeing known to you today as “Rap” – what you can hear in rap music this days.

In these days hip hop is a mainstream music genre all over the world. For example: Glastonbury Festival opened with rapper Jay-Z, which made uproariousness after Noel Gallagher (Oasis) told hip hop isn’t got no place in the festival. Also in the last few years – US rappers like Lil’ Wayne and 50 Cent sold over 1 million of records in a week.

Air Jamaica Vacations

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:33:00 +0000

Jamaica is the finest island and tourist destination in West Indies. The island is filled with mouth watering food, pleasing to the ear music, white sandy beaches The history and culture of this island has an almost hypnotic affect on its visitors. Air Jamaica Vacations offer the perfect opportunity of turning your dreams in to reality by visiting Jamaica. These holiday packages take you to the most popular destination of Caribbean. During air Jamaica vacations, you can visit the most renowned destinations like Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Jamaica has the most picturesque beaches in the world, as the history, nature and culture smash together to make a breathtaking experience, Your Jamaica vacation would start from the very moment you set your feet on this beautiful island. Tourists can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling as well as the beaches of Jamaica and they can relax and listen to the excellent reggae music and can taste the spicy cuisines that are readily available.

Some of the major attractions of Jamaica are Doctor’s Cave Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Treasure Beach, The Black River, Somerset Falls and Boston Bay Beach. All these places are well worth visiting and are renown for their exclusive attraction to this islands visitors.

Visiting Montego Bay during air Jamaica vacations is an absolute must. It is the second largest city in Jamaica and is world famous for its Caribbean shopping and the historical Rose Hall Great house. This island is always a popular destination with tourists and vacationers. The Dune’s River Falls is another one of the popular attractions where. Tourists can take pleasure in Snorkeling in the waters near Ocho Rios, which has a incredible palm lined white sandy beach.

There are numerous hotels and spicy food stalls on all the beaches of Jamaica, where you can tantalize your taste buds with the local delicacies. Many couples come here on there honeymoon to relax in the presence of this islands immense natural beauty. You also can enjoy various adventure sports like river rafting and water diving here.

The island Jamaica is also famous for some of the finest golf courses in the world. So as you can now see a tourists can enjoy air Jamaica vacations with all these activities.

Air Jamaica vacations offer the perfect opportunity for visiting this islands picturesque beaches. Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the popular beaches in Jamaica. This white sandy beach is spread out over almost eight km. The sea here is clear with a almost blue crystalline quality. This is one on the major reasons why tourists can enjoy swimming and water sports here. There is a beach bar with changing rooms here, so you can prepare yourself for the beach.

Cornwall Beach is another beautiful beach. The beach is always full and it is covered by crystal white, smooth, sugary sand. The water of the sea is clear and calm therefore, this is the ideal place to visit with your whole family.

Treasure Beach is also one of the most popular beaches, which is sited on the South coast of Jamaica. Though the beach is always full with vacationers, it is not suitable for swimming.

Somerset Falls are the most amazing falls that again are world renown The waters of the Daniel River fall down in a deep chasm through a rich deep forest. Blossoming vines, foaming flows and beautiful waterfalls make this place in to a site of incredible beauty that must not be missed on your vacation.

Jamaica Tourisms

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:32:41 +0000

Jamaica, the Caribbean island rich in flora and fauna and many spectacular beaches, has an immense potential for tourism. Visitors can keep themselves engaged in recreational activities, sightseeing trips, rejuvenating energy treatments and more.

Spend Quality Time on Serene Jamaican Beaches

The white sandy beaches of Jamaica with their visual splendor are wonderful locations to idle away your holidays. These beaches are home to a number of resorts, spas and night clubs. There are many opportunities to go surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and indulge in other water sport activities. Visitors will really enjoy swimming and bathing in the calm waters of the sea. The north coast of Jamaica is the popular tourist center. Kingston areas, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril have Jamaica’s finest beaches.

Hike through the Mountains and Keep up the Spirit of Adventure

The mountain ranges of Jamaica are an eye-catching view and are a constant source of attraction to tourists. During the day time, you can hike through the different trails, and at the same time, enjoy the natural beauty of this place. Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains in the eastern section, Red Hills, Carpenter Mountains, the May Day and Bull Head Mountain are some the popular mountains that attract tourists. Jamaica is also blessed with many glorious waterfalls, rivers, mineral springs, cays, harbors and bays that increase the tourism potential of this place.

Enjoy the Best Accommodation Facilities

Since the prospects of tourism are high, the island now has a number of hotels, resorts and lodges, providing cozy accommodation. Continental dishes, baby sitting services, recreational facilities and even sightseeing trips will be arranged by these resorts. You can even find the liveliest nightlife in these places. Reggae music, the popular Jamaican music, Calypso, Folk, Jazz and Gospel music can be enjoyed. Visit to the local markets and malls will leave you with memories of a good shopping experience.

Natural beauty, hospitable people and comfortable lodging options provide a welcoming atmosphere for the visitors and make this an ideal destination for tourism.

Jamaican Cuisine a Rich Heritage That is Jamaica

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:32:53 +0000

The early settlers that arrived in Jamaica from South America was the Arawak Indians, around 650 AD, and named the island Xaymaca or “land of wood and water.” The Arawak Indians peacefully lived on the island and the sea’s bounty.

In 1494, Jamaica, the Caribbean’s third largest island, Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World, landed on this island for a visit.

The History of Jamaica is told by the motto which is “Out of Many, One People” and it is a saying that could equally be applied to Jamaica’s food, and it is a history of Jamaica that is told by the food Jamaicans consume.

In the Caribbean, Jamaican cuisine is possibly the most delicious and diverse of the foods in the islands, with over 30 different food types to enjoy.

Jamaica’s national dish is Ackee with salt fish which is prepared with the indigenous fruit called Ackee. As an ornamental tree only a few of islands grow ackee, and as a tree that bears edible fruit Jamaican’s are the only people that look at it as a food. Bright red in color ackee fruit when ripe will burst open and reveal a bright yellow flesh with large black seeds. As a Jamaican breakfast food the flesh is very popular, although if this fruit is eaten before it becomes mature is it poisonous, and never open an ackee pod, it will open by itself when it becomes safe to eat.

Jamaican cuisine has many influences around the world, although it is simple and addictive, and something that one cannot pass up, the food is a combination of the various ethnic and cultural backgrounds that make this food so very delicious.

Jamaican food is long on flavor and variety with a tendency to very hot like the Jerk Chicken and Pork that visitors would receive from the roadside Jerk huts. The term jerk from Jamaican Jerk History is said to come from the word charqui and jerk also derives from a blend of cultures that are part of Jamaica’s unique history. The food is highly spiced and the main seasonings are allspice known as ” pimento”. Although, Jamaican food is best known for its famous jerk seasoning.

The Indian and Chinese cultures influenced the food in Jamaica in many ways. The food of Jamaica is very healthy which includes food with plenty of natural and unprocessed food items, quite different, and understandably so, than what one might find in more northern countries.

The Jamaican food, language, religion, their arts are influenced by the various nationalities that make up their culture, and this island has scenic beauty which inspires the Jamaican people.

The product of a rich heritage that is Jamaican cuisine. There have been many cultures influencing their food giving it a very unique taste, flavor and aroma which attracts many travelers to the country. The food in Jamaica is one of the best reasons to visit the island, and is a wonderful discovery for most travelers, and is a true calling card for Jamaica.

Jamaica Express » jamaica culture

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