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June 27, 2008
What a week...
... it's been here in Jamaica.
I've been extremely busy so I'm sorry for not posting anything sooner. It has definitely been a business trip, not that I didn't expect that but still.
So a few things...
Tonight I had real Jamaican jerk chicken in Jamaica from a roadside jerk stand cooked up in an oil drum oven. It KICKED ASS. I know it's against all the health and safety guidelines to eat food from roadside vendors but you should have had this stuff. I never realized that Jerk is a form of BBQ because you can't get it that way in the states or even in most of the touristy restaraunts here.
I also ate at Cuddy's which is a restaraunt named after a famous cricket player from Jamaica. It was a totally happening barstaraunt that was jamming a mix of Rap from the US and rap from Jamaica at deafening levels, but I absolutely loved the atmosphere, the food, and well... the Jamaican Rum... yeah... WOW.
I've been back and forth between New Kingston and Portmore. I'm living in possible the most posh apartments in the Capital city of Kingston, but I haven't seen a beach. I'm hoping that I get to see one before I leave.
I didn't just try Jerk chicken I ate oxtail and some other local fare like gnaps which are like an indescribably amazing mix between a lime and a grape. It was all very good.
Aside from that I've also tried lesser options like the local BK, Dominos, and KFC (god bless the carribean for attempting southern cooking)They leave much to be desired leading me to draw the final conclusion that American's know best when it comes to greasy fast food and foreign nations know best when it comes to food worth eating. The Carribean certainly has a flavor all it's own.
For those who are reading this who are coming to join me, be sure to remember a few "tings":
Sunscreen is not readily available at the grocery stores so bring some.
We are having trouble setting up wi-fi at the apartments so bring an ethernet cable.
Be prepared to be blown away by the culture but be very respectful because you really have to earn the islander's trust if you expect them to respect you.
Let all your stress go and just roll with the punches during your travel, and consider all departure times approximate especially through American Airlines. If you get canceled in Miami ask them to rebook you on Air Jamaica and don't settle for the $10 meal vouchers go for the $25's
Eat in Seattle because MIA has horrible food options and the airport stinks so horribly you won't want to breath let alone open your mouth long enough to consume food.
When you get to the Jamaican airport if your VIP transport doesn't page you, follow the customs/immigrations signs and when you get to immigration (the windy lines) there will be an information booth at right. Go there and talk to the people.
Be prepared to tell the immigration folks the address to the apartments and that they are an apartment. They'll grill you on why you are here and it can be a bit overwhelming when you first finish the epic international journey so think it through on your way to the desk.
In Miami International you'll probably have to exit the secured area and re-enter because there layout sucks so be prepared to go through security again.
When you walk out of KIN go straight ahead don't turn right.
You have to turn the hot water on at your apartment with a special switch make sure to ask where it is or you'll be taking a cold shower in the morning.
Read the welcome packet right away.
That's all.
Posted by Decemberice at June 27, 2008 11:02 PM
Comments
I think Jamaica sounds a little bit more fun and laid back than India. :O)
Posted by: Austin at June 29, 2008 12:25 AM