I’m back! But before I get into details about my visit to the Iberostar Resort, as I promised, I’m going to share some of the things that I like about Jamaica. When I first visited Jamaica I was 20 years old. I went with 9 other young ladies and we stayed for 10 days. That’s a long time to visit a place for the first time. I was so young so it didn’t matter but I had such a wonderful time! The time flew by! When the 10 days were up we wanted to extend the time! We weren’t ready to leave! This was about 22 years ago, however, one thing that stood out for me; that I remember from that time as well as others was the tranquility of the island; the laid back – “no problem mon” – attitude. I was addicted and I knew Jamaica would be an island that I would continue to visit for the rest of my life. I love reggae music (and soca) so if you put those things together – peace, relaxation and irie tunes, one can’t go wrong!
A few Activities
We spent a full night at SunSplash; the big yearly reggae music event in Jamaica (now called Sumfest). By “full night” I mean we slept at the concert and had breakfast there in the morning. We couldn't leave at any point because of course they saved all of the artist we wanted to see for last.
We did the usual tourist things like, Dunn’s River Falls
and the 7 mile beach in Negril, ending the evening with an awesome sunset at Rick’s Café.
During other visits, I sailed on sunset cruises, marveled at the coral under the glass bottom boat excursion, experienced the thrill of a jet ski, fun rides on the infamous banana boat located on Negril’s 7 mile beach (I highly recommend the banana boat!) and partied hard at beach parties.
Food – focusing on chicken
The food in Jamaica is not like the Jamaican style food one might eat here in the U.S. and other parts of the world (that’s just my opinion). For example, Jerk chicken in Jamaica is so much tastier! Why, you ask?..... Because they use pimento wood. “Pimento wood is what gives true jerk cooking its unique flavor. The chicken grills on a bed of wet pimento leaves and sticks. The smoking wood infuses the meat, to the bone, with robust flavor. Aromatic with deep citrusy and smoky notes, the wood makes all the difference in the world.” urbandictionary.com.
I’m more of a curry chicken woman actually but if the jerk is cooked right (juicy and nicely seasoned as above) I’m just as happy. During my visits I didn’t need to eat in fancy places all of the time. That’s the somewhat unique thing about Jamaica, you can get a meal just about anywhere along the road; and a good one too! 20 years ago I was fine with dining in the back of some shack as long as the food was good! Today, at the ripe age of 40 something, it’s a different story. I don’t mind the shack but I do need a white linen cloth experience at some point during the trip.
*The 2010 Sumfest will be held in Montego Bay July 18 – 24.
Call Island Breeze Travel for details and reservations!
Email: islandbreezetravel@gmail.com
Phone: (516) 223-3821
