Jamaica Day 3 (part 1)

I almost am embarrassed to admit it, but we actually set an alarm while on vacation.  We wanted to get on the road early since we really had no idea where we were going.  So we got up, packed a backpack, went and had our breakfast at the hotel, and got on our way.  Our semi-plan was to head into the interior of the island to try and find some waterfalls and caves that we saw on the map.  We were really trying to just get off the beaten path and hit some non-touristy places.  This is the part of the trip (any trip) that I love, the unknown.  I could read 20 tour books, and plan every trip to the last minute, but it's what is not in the tour books that makes a vacation. 

Years ago when I was in Jamaica I visited the famous Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios.  Although beautiful, it was overcome with people from resorts and cruisers.  Jamaica is a large island with beautiful coasts and mountains, and many more waterfalls to be visited, and me being a romantic, I couldn't wait.  We were hoping to have time to hit a couple of falls, and then head to the Black River for some rafting.  So with only an idea, and a tourist road map we headed out.

 

 

We followed the coast to a town called Savanna-La-Mar.  From there we were going to head inland, however like a couple days before, we got lost.  We were trying to find Mayfield Falls, and just like getting lost before, a Rasta on a bike pulls up beside us and tells us to follow him.  Knowing how this works we told him we were fine and didn't need his help.  He informed us that the Mayfield Falls was closed due to a drowning the day before (really don't know if he was telling the truth) and that we should check out the Roaring River Caves instead.  He was very persistent about us following him even going so far as to tell us his Grandmother lived by the caves and he was on his way there anyway.  So in the end he won, and we followed him to the cave. 

We arrived early and no one was there. This time we only gave the guy on the bike $ 5.00.  Then another Rasta appeared and told us that he would be our tour guide.  We tried to convince him that we didn't need a guide, but  to find out that the locals actually lock up the entrance to the caves and only a few of them have keys, so we got ourselves a tour guide.  Again nothing in this country is free.  Instead of going straight to the cave, the Rasta (who claimed to be the medicine man or Doctor of the village) gave us a tour around the mountain before entering the cave.  This is a Jamaica that many don't get to experience.  Along the way we came across children bathing in a creek, a new born goat standing for the first time,  and almonds, apples, pineapple, and cocoa all growing in the wild (and we were able to taste everything.)

 

 

Then we entered the cave.  The caves are dark, and the only light is the lighter that our guide had to light his . . .medicine.  To me once you've seen one cave you've seen them all, but this one was a little different as there were swimming holes where the water would pour into from somewhere.  Our guide allowed us to swim in a couple different places, and even showed us some small cubby holes to twist ourselves into to experience the rushing waters.  Now this was awesome.  The caves themselves were not that large, but the experience of walking through an actual village, and swimming in pitch black caves was priceless.

 

When we were done, my husband gave our guide a substantial tip (some of the best money we spent) and we headed back to the car only to find the guy on the bike was still there.  He wanted more money.  I reminded him that he was supposed to be at his grandmothers, and we did not ask him to wait.  I was getting very irritated and angry, and I had to walk away.  My husband gave him another $ 5.00 just so he would quit harassing us and we left. 

 

Next on our list was YS Falls.  The drive between the caves and the falls was full of surprises, one being bamboo lane.  Basically it is a strip of road that is covered on both sides with enormous bamboos.  It was beautiful and I asked mu hubby to pull over.  I jumped out and tried to get some pictures before the cars came flying past.

 

 

 

 

Jamaica Day 2 (part 2)

RICK'S CAFE

 

After we had enough sun, sand, and Red Stripe we headed to Rick's Cafe to catch the incredible Negril sunset.  Rick's Cafe is a tourist trap, but nevertheless it is a must see when in Negril.  Rick's Cafe is located on the west end of Negril and has been a staple in the town since 1974.  Not only is this place a restaurant and bar, but you can also take a chance and dive the cliffs, with the highest platform being about 35 feet.  You could actually spend all day here jumping and swimming in the crystal clear waters, drinking and eating, and enjoying the live bands, but as I said it is a tourist trap, and can become extremely crowded. 

www.rickscafejamaica.com

When we first arrived we climbed down the stairs and watched the numerous tourists and their in-house professional divers.  Then my husband decided to give it a try.  Although it was tempting, I decided to sit this one out.   I was enjoying just watching the people.  There were those (like my husband) that actually had the "balls" to jump, and then there were those that stood on the platforms whining and crying and basically just holding up the line of other divers.  Rick's Cafe also has professional divers that put on an awesome show with their acrobats.  A couple of hours after we arrived the winds started picking up, causing the waters to become rough, and they closed the cliffs down.

 

With the sun starting to set it was the perfect time for some photo ops, before heading back up the steps to catch the band. 

 

We decided to grab a couple of sandwiches and Red Stripes while listening to the band. The food was so-so for the price, and the beer although ice cold was crazy expensive.  What do you expect at a tourist trap though? After listening to several Bob Marley tunes we decided to walk around.  We came across a group of people from Canada that had Chinese Lanterns, and were sending them off over the waters.  What an awesome idea?  The lanterns were absolutely gorgeous against the blackness of the night, and it was entertaining watching the people try to figure them out.  Yes a few got away.

 

 

What a long marvelous day it has been.  Exhausted and knowing that tomorrow is going to be even longer we headed back to our hotel, freshened up, walked across the street for a few nightcaps, then back to the hotel and straight to bed.