"Rasta_Rob's Irie Jam-Down Page" Jamaica by Rasta_Rob

Jamaica Travel Guide: 2,967 reviews and 4,800 photos

The "Doctor Bird" - Jamaica's National Bird

Land of Wood and Water

The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is a lush, mountainous nation of 2.5 million people. The island itself is nearly 150 miles long and 50 miles wide, with dramatic mountain ranges, windswept rocky shores, white sand beaches, and tropical rain forests.

Although it is best known for its pristine beaches and famous resorts, Jamaica is also the birthplace of reggae music, made famous by native son Bob Marley. Other popular West Indian music genres such as Soca, Marengue, Dancehall, and Calypso thrive in Jamaica, especially around Carnival time.

Jamaica boasts a culinary tradition as diverse as the people that make up its population. The island is famous for such dishes as jerk chicken, rice and peas, curry goat, pepperpot soup, and many others.

Jamaica is also a birder's paradise. The island is home to 29 endemic species (including the Red-billed Streamertail found on this page) and another 20 or so endemic sub-species. More endemic bird species occur in Jamaica than on any other Caribbean island or most other oceanic islands in the world. The island's diverse landscape encompasses a variety of habitats and elevations, making birding both a challenge and a rewarding way to see the island.
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Pros and Cons

Pros:great food, beautiful scenery, warm people, rich musical tradition
Cons:crime, poverty, violence, aggressive vendors in resort areas, worthless government
In a nutshell:My former home and dear to my heart, but spend your vacation in Hawaii

Last visit to Jamaica: Feb 2001
Intro Updated Aug 17, 2003
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Reviews (6)

Aquarius Oriental Fried Chicken - Jamaica

Road Food Things to Do (1)

If you are driving between Kingston and Port Antonio on the 'Junction' road, be sure to stop at Aquarius Oriental Fried... more travel advice

Celebrity Retreat High in the Blue... Hotels (2)

The most beautiful setting of any hotel in Jamaica. Strawberry hill is a collection of ornate, plantation-style... more travel advice

Tropical Paradise & Scuba HQ Hotels (2)

Well off the 'beaten path,' Dragon Bay is a perfect place to relax away from the mega-resorts of Montego Bay, Negril,... more travel advice

The Birthplace of "Jerk" Restaurants (1)

Boston Beach is a roadside collection of outdoor jerk pits, where you can buy jerk pork and chicken right off the grill.... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Duppy Know Who fi Frighten

Tourist Traps (1)
Dunn's River Falls

Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 20, 2002

0 photos

12/00 Birding Trip Report

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Comments (15)

nomada Mar 4, 2003 at 1:06 AM Report Abuse

Muchas felicidades Rob !!
mocca Mar 4, 2002 at 9:55 AM Report Abuse

good page man
Herttuli Jan 3, 2002 at 9:08 AM Report Abuse

very good information :-)
axidty Nov 13, 2001 at 11:58 AM Report Abuse

thanks for all the great info!
caprice4u2 Oct 14, 2001 at 5:45 PM Report Abuse

great stuff, cheers !
kristineb Sep 29, 2001 at 9:31 AM Report Abuse

looks amazing!
mangoblue99 Aug 14, 2001 at 4:58 PM Report Abuse

IRIE TIMES MON..
jill_archer Jul 24, 2001 at 10:47 PM Report Abuse

very nice page with interesting travelogue.!!!
rachel_sun Jul 13, 2001 at 7:06 PM Report Abuse

exellent tips,brings mems flooding back
TracyG Jun 9, 2001 at 5:36 PM Report Abuse

Good info.........