Have you ever watched a movie over and over again just because of the destination it took place in?
I have. It was How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Set in the beautiful country of Jamaica, everything looked so serene, relaxing and of course all of those hot Jamaican men didn’t hurt. I would watch it over and over thinking to myself, “man, only if I were rich, I’d be there in a split second”
Well, two years ago I found out a couple of things – 1) you don’t have to be rich to leave the country and 2) Jamaica is NOTHING like the movies
In 2007, just a few months before our daughter, Kaydence, was born, my husband and I decided to go on a babymoon. When he asked where I wanted to go I told him that I had always dreamed of seeing Jamaica. So that was that, we hit up a travel agent and made plans to go. We picked out one of the most quiet towns, Negril, where no building was any taller than a palm tree. We were escaping the city life and boy did we do just that.
A view from the plane window.
Our place to stay for 6 long nights was at the Couples Resort on the long, sandy, white beach of Negril. This was perfect because there wouldn’t be a child in sight, except of course the one I was carrying. To go into all of the details of our trip would take forever but I can say this…
- Jamaican drivers are INSANE, really, I don’t know how we survived the drive from the airport to the resort.
- Seeing people walk goats on a rope is cute until you realize that’s what the “local meat hamburger” is made out of.
- Jamaican Pepsi and American Pepsi is NOT the same, if you love Coke then you’ll love their Pepsi
- Jamaican’s love pregnant women, but don’t dare tell them your babies are any bigger than 5lbs. I had Jamaican women joking and laughing with me about my “big’ baby. I nearly made a woman pass out after telling her my first child was 9lbs
- You can leave the resort and not be harmed. The people of Jamaica are kind, generous and the most easy going people you’ll ever meet. My husband still says “no worries maaan” to this day.
- The sun in Jamaica is POWERFUL, there isn’t enough SPF in the world to prevent a sunburn for my pale skin there. (see below) That was before the sun poisoning set in and I spent 2 days crying in bed over the blisters that had formed.
- If you’re a picky eater, expect to eat Jerk Chicken and Cocoa Bread for 7 days straight.
- Shopping outside of the resort is amazing. The clothing, artwork, carvings, it’s all so incredibly beautiful and worth checking out.
And my final tip…don’t expect everything to be like it is in the movies or you’ll be disappointed and miss out on the true beauty of visiting a foreign country. The men are not busting at the seems with big robust muscles serving you mock cocktails and shirtless on the beach but they do make you feel like you’re right at home and welcome you with open arms. It’s truly an amazing feeling to be welcomed into a family you never knew you had until you got there.
About Cat Davis
it looks beautiful there! I’m glad you were able to go and enjoy yourself. Goats are good for cheese….that’s about it in my opinion. Don’t think I could ever eat one ~ they’re too cute!
THanks for the tips the pictures look great all but that sunburn bet that hurt. I am so happy that you were able to visit such a wonderful place so that you could share with us what to and what not to expect
Great story! I used to watch that movie a lot too because it looks so beautiful there! And ouch about the sunburn. that could not have been fun while pregnant. Poor thing.
It looks so beautiful there
Ugh sunburn I get the same way, I think I use my suncream in two days LOL
Goat meat or anything else…oh I don’t know could I take it LOL
Great post! It looks truly amazing there!
Wooo whoo if its a vacation it has to be better than here my best friend went there on her honeymoon and she said the same things you did.
I have learned to have no expectations about anything because you will be disappointed-I know that’s somewhat pessimistic, but it’s ultimately true. It looks like you had a wonderful time on your ‘babymoon’
We went to Couples in Negril for our honeymoon too! I thought it was jus like the movies! Of course, I am easy to please since it was the first time I had ever been out of the states and the first time I did a vacation without children!
Oh my! I’ve never been there…but thanks for the tips in case we do go! : )
The Hubs and I LOVE Jamaica… we have been there 4 times (3 of them on a cruise)… and we even took our kids their once on a cruise. They absolutely adored it… I totally agree with you about the drivers!! I just sit in the cab with my eyes closed and PRAY!!! But the people there are so sweet, and loving. I can’t wait until we have enough money to go back. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Wow! Looks beautiful! I would love to go there some day!!!
I would love to go on a dream vacation. Of course I wouldn’t want to get sunburned.
i love the idea of a babymoon! your pics are awesome, esp. the rainbow!