Wake up in the morning to take a shower, I get to sleep in 45 minutes later than usual because we are not getting picked up until 9:30 by Clifton. Turn on the shower and hope for good water pressure (this has been a slight issue since we arrived, but I have thus far faired better than Keith) -- decent water pressure -- GREAT! I still have conditioner in my hair -- water pressure drops to a TRICKLE. drop. drop. drop. Nothing. Are you kidding me? I get out of the shower and rinse my hair in the tiny sink. Laughing [View Full Entry]

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Wake up early in the morning to get ready for the internship, we are told Clifton will arrive at 8am to pick us up, it's a big morning down at the MOH/PAHO because it's World Blood Donor Day and it's lots of festivities down at the office. In an attempt to eat breakfast before our ride, I make a soy drink from powder I bought at the market the other day (Bannana and Pineapple flavor) -- looks like cloudy yellow in my water bottle -- tastes like -- interesting -- drink it down. Wait out on the porch for our ride. [View Full Entry]

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I made it to Jamaica but not without adventure... Keith (my travel buddy and fellow Intern) nearly missed our flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Kingston -- I was planning on stalling the plane as long as possible. Then we are waiting to depart and are told that our plane has mechanical difficulties -- It's okay though, we're still going to fly! (Comforting!) We land in Kingston, and are clearly directed to go to the "Visitors" side as we were two out of five white people on the flight. I get through customs fine and Keith on the other hand looks suspicious [View Full Entry]

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Got up this morning to get ready for the first day at the internship. Ate breakfast, and made bets with Keith about breakfast and if it would be Ackee and Saltfish again (thank GOD it's not. I hate fish, and Keith isn't a fan either). Breakfast is some sort of flavorless hotdog/sausage bits. Hrm. Clifton the driver arrives a little after 10am, and takes us to the PAHO/Ministry of Health building -- Keith and I were hoping it was within walking distance -- but it's not very close and through some interesting parts of town to say the least. I see [View Full Entry]

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Churches and Weddings in Negril Jamaica has been named the country with the highest rate of churches per square mile. Negril alone is home to at least ten places of worship. During your vacation you're likely to find a lively church with friendly locals who will offer to show you around and give suggestions and advice to help make your trip memorable. While churches and other establishments don't have an actual street address and buildings are not numbered, Negril is a small town. Hop into any taxi and they'll know exactly where the churches are located. If you request a "charter," [View Full Entry]

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A Rastafarian Binghy One cannot come to Jamaica without meeting the dreadlocked Rastafarians who live the "Ital natural-livity" lifestyle and praise Jah (God). If you're curious to know more about the rasta faith, try to schedule your vacation during a "binghy." A binghy is the monthly celebration of the Nya Binghy rasta tribe, held on one of the many mountains inland. If possible, go with a rasta friend or guide. Nya Binghy rastas are not overly welcome to Bermuda shorts wearing, non-spiritual tourists from "Babylon," who attend the celebration to merely capture the spiritual event on came [View Full Entry]

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One of the world's most amazing, unexplained healing springs is Firewater. This still somewhat secret healing spring is located in the hills of St. Anns in a small rasta community. Firewater was diiscovered around 80 years ago by the 107 year old woman called Aunty or Granny May. Her birth name is Mehala Smith and she will proudly tell you that she was born on March 8, and that she is 107 years old. Granny May lives at the top of a hill overlooking the community and loves visitors. Be prepared to sit for a long time as Granny May enjoys [View Full Entry]

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Sex, drugs, rock and roll, and reggae; the lure of the combination of these sins is what drives thousands of Spring Breakers every year to Negril, Jamaica. This hot spot for college students instills fear in the hearts of Christian parents across the country who worry about the temptations this home of Hedonism brings each March. Negril is the last place many Christian families would consider when planning their yearly vacation. But if you quickly dismiss this tropical paradise due to its well-deserved reputation, you'll be missing out on the closest thing to Paradise you'll ever see bef [View Full Entry]

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When I decided to return to ships for another contract, I made some clear goals for myself. Experiences I wanted to have that I could accomplish during this time at sea. The biggest one was getting my dive certification. Done. I also wanted to go parasailing. Also done. With less than 2 weeks left on the ship, there was one more I had to do: go horseback riding in the ocean. I rode horses as a kid. Took lessons at a farm up the road. Would ride at different friends' houses. Did a 4-H horse club. Tried to convince my dad [View Full Entry]

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Backpacking the Beaches of Negril While Broke Day One While it doesn't cost a thing to lay on the seven miles of Beach in Negril, accommodations can be steep; especially at one of the many all-inclusive hotels that stretch all along the Norman Manley Beach road. But broke backpackers know how to live a lifestyle of the Rich and Famous while spending as little as possible. One of the hippest, as well as cheapest places to stay on the beach is Roots Bamboo. (Norman Manley Boulevard (876-957-4479). The bungalows here are small, simple and clean, but most importantly, cheap. At $20 [View Full Entry]

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