Added: 07/22/2005 |
Jamaica ? Your Favorite DestinationJamaica is an island in the West Indies, 145 km south of Cuba and 100 161 km west of Haiti. The island is made up of coastal lowlands, a limestone plateau, and the Blue Mountains, a group of volcanic hills, in the east.
From the warm ocean breezes of Montego Bay to the glitzy shores of Negril, Jamaica remains a favorite destination for sun seekers of all ages and interests. The island is well-known for its all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, couples and singles. From exciting hikes through mysterious landscapes to heart-stopping descents into dark caves and deep waters, Jamaica's adventurous side promises to thrill chary enthusiasts and dare devils alike.
Jamaica's shores are as beautiful below the surface as they are above, especially along the north coast, where conditions are wonderful for scuba diving. Treasures range from shallow reefs, caverns, and trenches, to walls and drop-offs just a few hundred yards off-shore. Most resorts provide small sailboats, and yachts and cruisers can be rented as part of hotel packages or at daily or weekly rates. Jamaica has spelunkers salivating. The island is honeycombed with limestone caves and caverns, particularly in the west, but extreme caution should always be exercised, especially in unmapped areas. An interesting small fact about fauna - over 252 species of birds can be found in Jamaica. Of these, 27 are found nowhere else, including the national bird - the streamer-tailed Hummingbird or Doctor Bird.
Unlike other nearby islands, it caters to all comers: you can choose a private villa with your own private beach; laugh your vacation away at a party-hearty resort; throw yourself into the thick of the island's life, or concentrate on experiencing the three Rs: reggae, reefers and rum.
Jamaica has a panoply of sports and special-interest activities for those to whom bumming out on the beach spells boredom. Hikers could spend weeks exploring Jamaica's embryonic trail system, mainly in the Blue Mountains, or tramping rough bridle tracks nationwide. Rugged Cockpit Country is little explored, yet tailor-made for experienced hikers. Horseback riding is a great way to explore Jamaica and most resort areas have stables. Many organized rides lead through plantations, with some trekking far into the country's interior.
Jamaica's character arises from its complex culture, which aspires to be African in defiance of both the island's geography and its colonial history.
For centuries, Jamaica has welcomed settlers from all around the world. This small island has played host to the Amerindians who discovered it, to Europeans who fought to own it, to Africans forced to call it home and to Asians, Indians and Middle Easterners searching for a better life. Each group carried with it a story and tradition, throwing everything into Jamaica's melting pot.
Truly a nation "out of many, one people" Jamaica is a multifaceted mosaic of international customs and traditions. Our ancestors, from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, have helped to shape our culture, creating one that is uniquely Jamaican.
It's undoubtedly worth visiting one of our many theatres or stage shows and be delighted in performing arts, showcasing everything from Jonkonnu to jazz. If you want to dance too join in the wild revelry of Carnival and Augus' Mawnin or just follow the reggae beat, pulsing from street corners and rum bars island wide. After that, it's nice share a meal with native people -ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit, escoveitched fish, bammy and festival. In Jamaica, you'll discover new worlds, and familiar ones too, lots to learn about, and even more to love. No wonder we've been called 'the biggest little island in the world...'
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