 |
| Montego Bay, Jamaica |
Cruising the amazing turquoise waters of the Caribbean is really quite something. If anything, my recent toe-dipping encounter only served to tease the senses! Each of the island countries you wash ashore on, is completely different. All have pretty chilled locals but the cultures and atmosphere are all different.
 |
| Good Hope, Jamaica |
Jamaica was the largest island nation I visited, with some 2.8 million people and all the usual social problems that go with that number. It has a pretty tumultuous history, having changed from Spanish to British rule in the 1600s and for much of its early history, it was home to a significant slave population. On the back of that slavery, Jamaica was for some 200 years, the world's leading exporter of sugar and rum. While visiting, I took the opportunity to explore an old sugar plantation, Good Hope. One of the oldest still functioning properties in Jamaica, it was established in 1774 by an Englishman, John Thorpe, who was at that time the largest land and slave owner in Jamaica. It is said that he was renowned for his good treatment of the slaves on his properties and that he built hospitals for the slaves and introduced farming techniques aimed at improving the working conditions on his land. Good Hope occupies some 2000 acres of absolutely beautiful land. The views are amazing and I was surprised by the lush, tropical and mountainous country I travelled through. Its easy to see how Jamaica reclaims the soil when left abandoned! Jamaicans are wonderfully welcoming and very proud of their island home.
 |
| Pirates of the Caribbean |
 |
| Grand Cayman Island |
From the beautiful beaches and mountains of Jamaica to the magnificent waters of Grand Cayman. This place is spellbinding. I can't begin to describe the colour of the water here and the beaches are divine. Grand Cayman is a flat island about 35kms long and 13kms wide. Originally founded by the British in 1700s, it is today famous for its off-shore banking and investment industry. Between that and tourism, it is a thriving and economically strong country which is reflected in the standards of living for the locals. Very relaxed and welcoming! I snorkeled some of their amazing reefs as well as the Kittiwake, a sunken WW2 vessel that's now an artificial reef. Definitely need to return to this little locale.
 |
| Playa Del Carmen, Mexico |
Final stop on this trip was Cozumel, Mexico and Playa Del Carmen. Both spots are situated on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, home to the Maya people. Both are rich in culture and history and are a sight to be seen. What I liked most about this area was the people. The Mexican people of the Peninsula, or the Mexican Riviera as it is known, are proud, friendly people. Those I encountered were extremely generous of their time in answering my questions about their home and its history. A short stop only, but enjoyed with a Margarita in hand, and a desire to return and explore further.
Jamaica was the largest island nation I visited, with some 2.8 million people and all the usual social problems that go with that number. It has a pretty tumultuous history, having changed from Spanish to British rule in the 1600s and for much of its early history, it was home to a significant slave population. On the back of that slavery, Jamaica was for some 200 years, the world's leading exporter of sugar and rum. While visiting, I took the opportunity to explore an old sugar plantation, Good Hope. One of the oldest still functioning properties in Jamaica, it was established in 1774 by an Englishman, John Thorpe, who was at that time the largest land and slave owner in Jamaica. It is said that he was renowned for his good treatment of the slaves on his properties and that he built hospitals for the slaves and introduced farming techniques aimed at improving the working conditions on his land. Good Hope occupies some 2000 acres of absolutely beautiful land. The views are amazing and I was surprised by the lush, tropical and mountainous country I travelled through. Its easy to see how Jamaica reclaims the soil when left abandoned! Jamaicans are wonderfully welcoming and very proud of their island home.
From the beautiful beaches and mountains of Jamaica to the magnificent waters of Grand Cayman. This place is spellbinding. I can't begin to describe the colour of the water here and the beaches are divine. Grand Cayman is a flat island about 35kms long and 13kms wide. Originally founded by the British in 1700s, it is today famous for its off-shore banking and investment industry. Between that and tourism, it is a thriving and economically strong country which is reflected in the standards of living for the locals. Very relaxed and welcoming! I snorkeled some of their amazing reefs as well as the Kittiwake, a sunken WW2 vessel that's now an artificial reef. Definitely need to return to this little locale.
Final stop on this trip was Cozumel, Mexico and Playa Del Carmen. Both spots are situated on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, home to the Maya people. Both are rich in culture and history and are a sight to be seen. What I liked most about this area was the people. The Mexican people of the Peninsula, or the Mexican Riviera as it is known, are proud, friendly people. Those I encountered were extremely generous of their time in answering my questions about their home and its history. A short stop only, but enjoyed with a Margarita in hand, and a desire to return and explore further.
