Jamaica is not only for sun and fun; it also has history,
culture, art, and best of all shopping. It sometimes takes a little courage
to travel to a strange country, especially when you have never been away
from your familiar surroundings. Don't be afraid to go out, be open to other
cultures, other people, other food, and different climates, there is so
much to discover. Be open, self assured and do not hesitate to be yourself.
Jamaica's regions have their own individual uniqueness,
whether it is north, south, east, or west. Montego Bay is the capital of
the Parish of St. James and the second city in Jamaica. When Columbus sailed
into the area in May 1494 he was the first European visitor. In his log,
he described Jamaica as 'the fairest island that eyes have beheld; mountains
and the land seem to touch the sky'all full of valleys and fields and plains.'
Columbus also made friends with some of the local Tainos, and called the
Bay " El Golfo de Buen Tiempo".
In Jamaica, the Spanish mariners found a gentle American
Indian people, the Tainos; a peaceful people who had never experienced war.
Unfortunately, under the Spanish settlement, the entire Indian population,
almost a hundred thousand, died from a combination of forced labor and European
infections like the common cold, to which they didn't have any immunities.
The island was named 'Xaymaca' bye the Tainos, meaning 'land of wood and
water.' The words 'hurricane,' 'tobacco,' and 'barbecue' were also derived
from their language.
Montego Bay is the gateway for visitors to Jamaica and
the Caribbean. Long known as the friendly City, Montego Bay is a complete
resort. Jamaica's largest destination stretches fifteen miles along the
coastline from the luxurious Tryall Club in the west to Greenwood in the
east. The blue waters of the Bay are fringed by mangrove wetlands and beautiful
white sand beaches, surrounding the old town, which nestles at the feet
of lush green mountains. Located on the north coast, with a population of
just over 100,000, Montego Bay has been one of the world's famous playgrounds
of the fun loving since the 1950's. It has a first class international airport
and modern port facilities for cruise and cargo shipping.
A more recent offshoot of reggae, Dancehall, has become
the driving force for a younger generation, heavily influencing local and
international trends in fashion, dance, and even street language. It's not
only Jamaica's music that is being recognized around the world. Montego
Bay plays host to a roster of music festivals, including the largest reggae
show on earth, Reggae Sumfest. Jazz and Blues lovers can catch the annual
Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.
The National Dance Theatre Company showcases Jamaica's
colorful history and contemporary ideas, while groups like the Jamaica Folk
Singers and University Singers perform traditional song and dance that honor
the country's past.
Kingston's lively theatre scene offers a rich variety
of locally themed and topical plays. A variety of Jamaican paintings and
carvings are on display at Kingston's National Gallery. Regular exhibitions
grace art galleries all around the island.
Jamaica is truly a shopper's paradise where nobody leaves
empty handed, especially in Montego Bay. Shopping seems to be one of the
most popular pastimes of cruise passengers. There is a moderately priced
pier to downtown shuttle, dropping passengers off at the City Centre Shopping
Mall. This enables those who are looking for the finest in duty free merchandise,
to get themselves the highest quality jewelry, perfumes, fine linens, crystal,
and more. Shops located at this facility are "guaranteed shops"; this enables
passengers to return merchandise for any reason. Also within the City Centre
are shops that offer cigars, Blue Mountain Coffee and a wide selection of
items that are of interest to visitors.
Official currency is the Jamaican dollar. The current
exchange rate is about US $1.00 ' JA $46.50 but this can fluctuate. A visitor
can exchange at banks and exchange bureaus only. US dollars are widely accepted
and major credit cards are also commonly used.
Montego Bay, Jamaica is a complete resort that has it
all.
