Montego Bay and reflections on Jamaica

I feel like I'm commenting on weather too often, but it's the Australian way. Been wet every day, usually for about 2 hours, and managed to escape it every day except once. We went for a long walk along the beach at Negril, had lunch at Margaritaville, and down it came. We were a little too impatient and got wet before we could catch a route taxi.

Yesterday we left Negril for Mo Bay where we have two nights in a well located condo. It's a bit tired but overall very good. Great views across the bay and on the (not so hip) hip strip of Gloucester Avenue.

It started raining when we left Negril and i don't think it stopped till we got here. Roads were awash and, sadly, we saw lots of rubbish getting washed into the Caribbean. Not near Mo Bay fortunately.

Jamaica is a great place and i feel like the four destinations here have been in four countries. They've all been so different. The beach at Negril was the best, but it's too touristy. And with that goes everyone trying to sell you something. My most enjoyable stop was Ochi where we really lived amongst Jamaicans, and they weren't trying to sell us something or giving us a sob story.

They are really friendly and courteous people. 'Respect' and 'one love' are often mentioned. Bob Marley is done to death! He's everywhere.

Beach access was excellent at Negril but limited at Mo Bay and Ochi. Here at Mo Bay the entry fee is $6 each. Crazy. But it's clean.

Prices overall have been surprisingly high. Minimum wage is $50 per week so shouldn't be dear, but it is.

Sadly for the Jamaicans, a lot of the better shops are owned by Indians. The Jamaicans have the market stalls. There's a bit of resentment aparent against the Indians.

I'd love to see more Caribbean islands but, being so far from Australia, i don't think so. Asia is on our doorstep so better value there. And i hate long flights.