Our Jamaica – Its People, Natural Beauty and Fruits tour arrived in beautiful Jamaica yesterday. We all agreed that the sunny 28C/89F was not very hard to accept.
Audley Nugent, our friend and regular driver/guide, was in top form and warmly welcomed us on our arrival in Montego Bay.
We were somewhat surprised when Tourism Jamaica told us that 58 planes and 2,000 tourists arrived in Montego Bay yesterday.
On our drive along the Caribbean Sea Audley gave us a lot of information about this beautiful Island. Its citizens originate from many countries. Audley says this is the reason for the beauty of the skin tones of the people as well as their motto, “Out of many, one people.”
For Ruth Howling this is like coming home since she has been here many times. It is Ruth Burkholder’s first visit and she looks forward to visiting the community in St. Elizabeth where her Grandfather was born in the 1860′s as a child of Plymouth Brethren missionaries.
We enjoyed our first delicious Jamaican dinner including pumpkin soup and red snapper fish at the Almond Tree Restaurant. In spite of a long day, the conversations around the tables were energetic as tour members became acquainted with each other.
Today we enjoyed walking through the farmers’ market which was very interesting. Janet was amazed how it has grown. We were told vendors also come from Kingston. Iona Shantz was pleased that she had purchased a cane in the straw market which helped in the walk.
We had traditional Jamaica meat patties for lunch at Mothers. Anne Reimer thought Wilmer oversold their value and Ruth B. thought he undersold their spicy taste. Many enjoyed the Island ice cream for dessert.
Following our drive through Fern Gully we were entertained by street actors on our drive from Shaw Park. Many photos and tips were given. Afterwards, Bob Kauffman gave the Fire Blower man with the donkey call $7.00 collected from the group. Audley said he will think he is in heaven. We all agreed their street performances were their way of making a living to feed their families. We commend them for their energy.
The free time to swim and relax with a book was enjoyed by all.
~ Wilmer Martin
Great to hear of your adventures in Jamaica!! I bet you are all loving the exploration of the island in such beautiful tropical weather!! Just to help you all feel better we are still enduring snow one day, -15 degrees another, and then rain today here in Ontario.
Say hi to Marilyn F from all her family!