Becoming a Beach Bum on a Jamaican Vacation

My wife and I have the following very simple vacation requirements: warm weather, rest, relaxation, good food, fine wine, sun-bathing on the beach, shopping, and occasional dancing. Tropical vacations would seem to provide what’s needed. We found that a Jamaican vacation is designed for people like us. It fulfilled our every requirement, and did so at a reasonable cost. We shopped around on the Internet before we bought, and found a great package deal.

We spent all of our four days in Montego Bay. Our hotel wasn’t on the beach, but within a short walking distance. With weather as fine as Jamaica’s a short walk is worth it for a great inexpensive deal on accommodations. Most of our time was spent on the beach. My wife’s a great swimmer and loves to be in the water. I’m more the jump-in-and-get-wet type. Splash and dash back to the blanket with a good book.

For a change of pace, one day we decided to forgo the beach and spend some time downtown shopping. You don’t play with price tags when you shop in Montego Bay, and I assume anywhere in Jamaica, you bargain. You want a deal, and the vendor does not want to let you go without a sale. Initially it’s frustrating to an American who is used to a fixed selling price, but after a few skirmishes, it becomes fun. It makes shopping a real sport.

In the evenings, after a quick walk back to the hotel to change, it involved only another short stroll to find sustenance in one of the many fine restaurants at the Oceanside. The food is absolutely delicious. I’m not sure how they do it, but I had a black bean concoction that must have been flavored with oranges. I still can’t get it out of my mind.

One other special evening was spent on an cruise around Montego Bay. There was dancing on the boat, which was quite a challenge for one whose entire dance routine consists of the old two step. But the Jamaican crew was only too willing to help me move my two left feet, although it was really my hips that didn’t know what to do. By the time I tried out my new moves at one of the local night spots, I made a commendable effort, overshadowed by my wife, or course, who has naturally mobile hips.

As with all enjoyable vacations, the Jamaican experience ended too quickly, but it was memorable. I enjoyed the place and the people. My wife and I intend to go on another Jamaican vacation in the near future, but this time we’re going to approach it from the sea on a Caribbean cruise.