What are tourists expecting when they visit Jamaica? - Page 2 - Jamaica Talk

bountyx · #16 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 04:36 PM

Oy! Missa Urban! Nuh badda bring dem argument eena dis ya tread ya.

Urban_DK · #17 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bountyx

Oy! Missa Urban! Nuh badda bring dem argument eena dis ya tread ya.

Whoa... Mi a only look pan di last post... all I saw was:

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrincessBlack

Why yu classing mi bush?? Rain forest is a more diplomatic word to say.

What else yuh woulda tink mi tink seh?

Jilly · #18 (**permalink**) 03-30-2005, 05:26 PM

My first trip to Jamaica was in April of 2001. This trip was planned by my girlfriends to help revive me from a nasty divorce. I was hesitant to go because I was leaving my children behind. I had never traveled outside the states prior to this trip. I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t do an ounce of research for this trip. I was still in a daze from the divorce. I digress…okay, so we land in MoBay and the first thing I feel is the heat against my face, the first thing I hear are the women singing in the immigration area and the first thing I see is that everything and everybody is calm. I knew I had uncovered something amazing from within me. The remainder of the week was just what I needed. I never ventured out of the resort that time. I was content with my surroundings there. I loved everything about it. I water, the sky, the people, the sounds, the food.

On my last day there, I told myself not to take life so serious and to relax. I have been back to Jamaica 9 times since that date. I have since ventured out farther, made some terrific friends and have fallen more and more in love with everything Jamaica. I too can not explain it to my family or friends. I feel at home with Jamaica.

lewiskei · #19 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 07:45 AM

What did I expect from Jamaica?

Hmm......
I expected (in no special order):-

Sun
Warmth
Greenery
Beautiful beaches
Blue/green sea
Poverty
Bad roads
Friendly people
Torrential rain (we went in October)
Devastation (we went a few weeks after Ivan hit)
Rum
Coconuts

.... and how did reality compare?......

Sun Yes, lots of it
Warmth Warmer than I expected
Greenery Most definitely
Beautiful beaches They certainly are
Blue/green sea Heavenly
Poverty Not what I expected. I thought it would be concentrated together, like in suburbs, but it wasn't. You'd get a 5 star hotel, 3 shacks then another 5 star hotel.
Bad roads

Say no more
Friendly people The friendliest on God's earth
Torrential rain (we went in October) Not too bad. Torrential, but only in short bursts
Devastation (we went a few weeks after Ivan hit) Not as bad as I thought, although we did go to Ocho. It was a lot worse in the south and west apparently
Rum

OH YES!!!
Coconuts As expected

.

bountyx · #20 (**permalink**) 02-06-2006, 02:12 PM

Good stuff

Kgn20 · #21 (**permalink**) 02-06-2006, 03:41 PM

rathid..two pages and nuh bady no mention big bamboo yet cho

....***runs back into the shadows giggling before dem dash dutty wata pon mi****.

blueeyed_cdn · #22 (**permalink**) 02-06-2006, 04:02 PM

Of course I had always seen these beautiful pictures of the beaches in Jamaica - and it looked wonderful, but I'm not that interested in lounging on a beach all day. A few years ago I dated a Jamaican man, and he kept talking about home, and that was when I really thought about going there.

I didn't really have any expectations - but like everyone else has mentioned, it just felt right.

For me, the people were the best part. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and in the span of 8 hours I feel I made some friends. I am looking forward to going back, spending a couple of weeks there, and seeing a lot more!

And I never heard of the "big bamboo" until I got home!

bountyx · #23 (**permalink**) 02-06-2006, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgn20

rathid..two pages and nuh bady no mention big bamboo yet cho

....***runs back into the shadows giggling before dem dash dutty wata pon mi****.

A weh dis fadda?

Schuttzie · #24 (**permalink**) 02-08-2006, 06:51 AM

My husband and I had been listening to more and more reggae and decided we had to learn more about where it came from and the spiritual message of Rastafarians. I read about the Jamaican history and culture and decided we had to go visit. Dec. of 2003 we took our first trip to JA and travelled as much of the island as we could. I think at that point I fell in love with JA and its beautiful people and rich culture. We were always warmly welcomed and we chatted to as many people who would talk to us. We went through Fern Gully, too, and it does seem very tropical and beautiful.

We've taken 3 trips so far having just came back on Jan. 6th. Each time I go I feel a sense of coming home the minute you see the island and you smell the salty, warm air as the door is opened. Just wonderful! I alway end up tearing up some as we touch down.

I think there is something there that pulls at your spirit, it is very hard to describe unless you've been there. My family thinks I'm nuts, too. We want to move down there, also, when my husband retires (hopefully, 7 years from now). I've never been anywhere outside of the US besides Jamaica but for now, I don't want to go visit anywhere else. I wish we could go more often instead of waiting a whole year to go each visit.

Jomo's girl · #25 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 10:10 AM

I expected a week of fun in the sun. What I got was this invisible cord that has since pulled me back time and time again (next month will be my 10th visit).

I fell in love with the beauty of the island and the people. My best friends live in Jamaica and I love them and their homes dearly. I agree with whomever said when you have been there, you know. My friends and family here in the U.S. do not understand. If they don't go, they never will.

vision · #26 (**permalink**) 02-13-2006, 09:30 PM

I went to Jamaica in the early 80's to search out the roots and message of reggae music....it was like awakening on another planet...the heat, the outrageous colors of the sea and flowers...different food, different people...what a total adventure!! I was mesmerized!

I did crazy things like immediately jumping on a minibus to Kingston, from Mobay because I heard that Bunny Wailer was doing a concert there for the first time in 7 years (by myself)...had a wonderful time!!

After that first time I was hooked for good...I'm now living on the N. coast, building a guesthouse with a partner....don't follow the music so much now, altho I still love the vibe, but am now immersed in the peace, tranquility and beauty that greet me every morning!

Ras David · #27 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 06:20 AM

My best advice to those visiting JA for the first time is not to expect anything. try to go with no expectations or preconceptions, however hard it may be. Go with an open mind, soul and heart and just let sweet,sweet Jamdown do it's own thing. (Runs after Kgn20 wid a pail of dutty watta fi dash pon him.)

trubeauty · #28 (**permalink**) 03-23-2006, 11:52 AM

I go expecting to have a great time, I like to party and relax, and get away from my reality, when I go to Jamaica (this is my 4th year) it's a time for me to let my hair down and be pampered, I know this can be accomplised on any island but the people and culture is just so interesting to me

burringtonr · #29 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 08:03 AM

Our first trip was 02/03, and it was to Negril. We liked the idea of no high rises, and a laid back, peaceful feeling. I did not know what to expect, but when I left the plane, walked down the steps, the sun hit my face, the wonderful aromas hit my nose, and a smile lit me up! I took some deep breaths, and headed down the stairs, where I caught the attention of a airport worker, who noticed my attitude, and gave me a thumbs up. This was to be a wonderful week, too bad it was just a week. The people, what more can be said? The food? Excellent! Red Stripe-its Beer!, and Appleton rum, yum-yum. The avatar I have here is a sunset from Bloody Bay, one of my favorite photos, will be there in 3 weeks!

JamCan · #30 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bounty

I'm curious to know what is it that tourists expect from their vacations in Jamaica. What motivates you to want to come here? What are you anticipating when you reach? What kind of experiences are you looking to get?

I can't believe I missed this thread a year ago!

My expectations are exactly what I get every time I go. A new and different experience. I make a point of trying one of everything in the food department, visiting a new things every time.....I didn't go to Negril lighthouse til my 4th trip! Seeing old friends, rest and relaxation. Bamboo doesn't hurt neither...

. But thats not the reason I go.