Jamaica_ Ocho Rios in St. Ann Parish_ Part III

Let's start with a cruise ship! These have become quite controversial since my last post, but I did mention they would be a recurring theme. This is the popular Ocho Rios port where at least one cruise ship can be seen pulling in almost daily. Downtown Ocho Rios comes alive whenever a cruise ship is in port, with tourists flocking to restaurants, bars, shops, markets and so much more. They are essential to businesses in that area. Being a Jamaican person myself, I love to see the city full of people from across the globe. There is another port in Falmouth. I've seen a cruise ship pulling in there, when I was en route to Montego Bay, but I've never been walking around in those neck of the woods. I have however made a stop on a bus in Falmouth to a famous area, where tourists and locals alike can get a glimpse of bio-luminescence. One of the few places on Earth, where this natural wonder may be marveled. A sight I've always wanted to see, but have yet to. There's always next trip. ;)

Check out that depth of field. Did you also notice the construction to the left? Beyoncé joke...

Seriously though, on this last visit to Jamaica, I noticed on my way to the airport, on the air conditioned non stop bus we opted for, that the north coast is drastically different from my January 2015 visit. There is construction lining the highway from Ochi to MoBay. Jamaica is becoming a tourist haven, party paradise, and I kinda like it. A tiny complaint, I guess would be that, there are hardly any real Jamaicans living in Jamaica. Except for the ones, who have lived and worked abroad and are now retired. They have purchased homes along the coast, which double as vacation rentals. A good idea, I presume.

Well, what do you know? Real Jamaicans, living on the island. I love to see tourists and Jamaicans alike, coinciding in harmony. Although, there was a notable fight that day caused by some guy and his lady over empty beach chairs???

Fortunately this had nothing to do with me. I guess he wanted to seem tough and impress her. They totally did not mess up my vibage! Ironically however, although Jamaican men are notorious for their cat calling especially when they see a female walking alone, I have never had any issues or spats with any Jamaican man on the island, ever... I am quite famous for taking long walks alone, wherever I am and oftentimes when I travel. Yet, no issues have ever arisen with any Jamaican man. On the contrary, they are always helpful, even when I decline their advances. They usually immediately propose marriage, lol... The women, however can't stand my sexy...

Jokes...

Empty beach chairs... Look at this guy, way too cool for school. At the famous Margaritaville Beach in Ocho Rios. You can buy a beer for $600 JMD and have access to this tiny clean beach all day. Get ready for snobs though. I've visited a lot of the Margaritavilles on the island. My favorite one is in Negril, on the most gorgeous beach. They are tourist traps and the menus are in USD, but I like them. Markedly however, I have never spent any money at any Margaritaville but if there is a Margaritaville, that means there are plenty other fun things to do in the nearby vicinity. The next two photos are of other fun things to do in the area close by...