JAMAICA - EILAND VAN DE RASTAFARIS

The Caribbean are world famous for its islands - many of them connected to the USA (like The Bahamas) but others independent. Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica; just to name a few. Jamaica I visited in 1992 like 99% of all other visitors: for the sun, the sea and the beach. My travellers spirit still had to be developed...

Unfortunately I wasn‘t very impressed by the island. The island is not only known for the rastafaris and Bob Marley - also the overwhelming supply of marihuana is a well known factor. The first salesman we already encountered before having set a foot on Jamaican soil - the stewart whispered he could sell us good quality.

Most hotels and resorts are hidden behind high fences and manned by armed security. Welcome! Of course the beaches were beautiful and the sea was clear, but it was a bit of a fake world. When we left the property - very much against the will of the hotel - and walked around Montego Bay town, we did not feel very safe. Of course we were as green as grass - but nevertheless. Also later messages from friends who have lived there for a while did speak about a lot of crime.

So all in all not really an island I would go back to soon. Haiti by the way is known to be worse - and also the Dominican Republic doesn‘t have the best image.Just give me Cuba!