First Trip to Jamaica for my 30th Birthday, just wanted to say hi :)

Hello everyone! It's funny because I almost feel as if I know some of you that have been avid posters on this board because for weeks I have been browsing and taking in opinion and information for my up coming trip.

I'm 30 years old and have travelled quite a bit but it was Cuba that had won my heart many years ago and have taken close to 20 trips there now and as my 30th birthday approaches I've thought about moving on to Jamaica and it so happened that a very old boyfriend of mine from highschool, now we are talking 15 years ago probably now added me to facebook and to my surprise has now moved back home to Jamaica. After only a short 2 week chat over BBM on our blackberries he has extended an invitation to come visit him whenever I like. Now I know he hasn't seen me in a long time but surely he must remember that if someone gives me an opportunity I always take it so I"ve booked my air flight :)

He lives in St Beth's and because I haven't been to Jamaica before I suggested we move around a bit so that I can see all that I can in my short one week vacation. When I get off the plane on Sept 17th we are heading directly to CocolaPalm in Negril for 2 nights and I want to thank everyone who posted on these boards especially the lengthy trip reports that I was sucked into as if I was on the beach myself that helped me in my decision on where to stay. I can't even express how excited I am about this trip. Andre has been a long lost friend I had no idea what had happened to him and although our puppy love teenage love story did not work out he will always be someone I consider a great friend and to be able to reconnect with him and share such an adventure as my first time in Jamaica has got me so excited!

The more I read the board and the stories of those who now consider Negril there home I am worried that 2 nights will not be enough but my Adventure does not end there, I will stay with Andre for 3 nights and tour some of St. Beths such as Treasure Beach, Black River, YS Falls and Lovers Leap and then head back to Montego Bay for 2 nights before I say goodbye again to a friend and hopefully the new love of my life, Jamaica.

I do have a few questions, when we arrive on Saturday afternoon I know the best of the west across the street is considered one of the best places for Jerk Chicken, but what are the thoughts on Rick's ? By the sounds of it, is it as commercial and touristy and a rip off ?? The pictures of the sunset from there though just look to die for. Also, if me and my local friend are looking for some music maybe some dancing a couple cold beers where would the best place to go be that wasn't commercial and touristy? Maybe even a place where we could sit and talk if we didnt feel like dancing as 15 years gives many a things to catch up on.

Also this might sound very naive but because it's my first time and I'm travelling with a local male although he's just a friend will I catch any flack for this?? He doesnt seem to think so but I'd just like to be prepared for any ignorance that I might have to face.

Again thank you all for sharing and i hope that when I return I can share my stories with such enthusiasm as you all do here.

hi manda81. welcome. i hope you have an awesome trip to JA. i think touring around with a Jamaican will give you a great first trip so you're lucky in that regard. I'm on this board so you know i'm biased but if it was me i'd spend more time in Negril and skip Mobay but maybe its better to find out for yourself no? As for Jerk you'll get plenty of opinions. Only thing i don't like about Best in the West is you don't get rice and peas with your chicken but the chicken is pretty good. I like 3dives better both for the food and the atmosphere (and the curried goat), but lots of good options. Treasure beach is really cool. I haven't been to Rick's in over 10 years but it's probably worth going at least once on your first trip.

Best thing about JA is the people. i think you're going to love it.
peace,
goatman

you will love jamaica!

i hope you "like" the guy - ha!

sounds like you're stuck with him for a week

whether you like him or not - lol

and that could make things very interesting :-)

Welcome, I am with goatman, if you can skip mobay stay, because once you see negril beach there is nothing like it anywhere. enjoy and can't wait to hear how your reach was.

Attachment 3051Attachment 3050Attachment 3049Attachment 3054Attachment 3055Attachment 3056Attachment 3057Attachment 3052Attachment 3053also, suggestion about Ricks, I think Xatbi is a better place to see sunset not touristy, everytime I go to negril always go there for sunsets the best vibe for me.

I would pipe in and say skip MoBay also. I do not see the point of that place. I know some people might have some fond memories, but to spend a few days, you would be much happier, I think, in Negril or Treasure Beach. Negril is a happening place. Treasure Beach is very laid back, like being in a very groovy countryside. If your friend has people down there, you will have a great time.

Negril is stunningly beautiful. I also chime in to say, the view from Ricks is the same as many places right along the west end road on the cliffs.

One thing to keep in mind that while it is cool to look around Jamaica while you are there, you will have the drive between MoBay and Negril and then the drive between Negril and Treasure Beach AND, if you go directly to MoBay from Treasure Beach, you spend part of the time driving through the hills and it is beautiful and you see all kinds of interesting places. Anyways, its really how you want to spend this trip! One thing about vacations, they should be ALL ABOUT YOU!

Thanks everyone :)

Unfortunately I've already booked my last two nights in Mobay :( But I think it will be a great learning experience and at least I can say I've been there.

Seveen - You are right we'll both be pretty much stuck with each other for a week but I know we're friends anything other than that well I haven't even thought about it lol But we're quite similar so I think we'll be okay travel buddies but you're right it should make for a very interesting trip lol

Debrahmw - My friend has a car and I was worried about all the driving but he's assure me he's looking forward to being able to take me to some of the places he hasn't been able to visit himself in a while and so the car rides are something I'm looking forward to as road trips are a favourite of mine :)

negrilbay- thank you for the suggestion I will definitely look into Xtabi

Was wondering as a complete newbie to Jamaica does anyone have little tips they would like to share that they wished they would have known on their first trip? Could be anything small I might not have thought about?

Tip: practice keeping quiet instead of answering every question that is asked of you! I don't know how it is in Toronto, but in the US we reveal more of ourselves to build connection with others, and it is often quite safe to do so. In JA, what you reveal may be used for someone else's favor/benefit, and not your own.

Montego Bay - you and your friend will find some fun, I am sure. Have a great time, and come back here with your trip report!

Manda81...have a fabulous first time! Hanging out with a Jamaican you trust...you'll get to see things your first time that so many never get the opportunity to see because they've chosen to stay in their resort (to each his own).
As someone who lives here...I say there's no need to be quiet (unless you're naturally that way)...just be yourself....you'll be respected more!
Have a blast!!

Hi Manda! Welcome to the board! You're going to love Jamaica! I'm kind of a newbie myself. My husband and I took our first trip to Negril this past April and we already have our next trip planned. Be warned – you may never want to vacation anywhere else again. It's highly addictive. After your first trip you'll understand the phrase “Once you go..you know”

We stayed at the Coco La Palm and it's beautiful. I haven't been to many Jerk Chicken places in Negril, only “Best of the West” and it's truly delicious. It's right across the street from CCLP. If you go, I recommend the Jerk Lobster.. I still dream about it...

As for Ricks Cafe, I was determined to avoid it like the plague because I heard it was a total tourist trap, but we ended up stopping in our last day to catch the sunset off the cliffs. it's totally worth stopping by just once to see the cliff diving. I recommend going around sunset time and nursing one overpriced Red Stripe while taking in the vibe. It's fun.

Here are some pics:

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...6/06ricks7.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/.../06ricks78.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...6/06ricks9.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/.../06ricks10.jpg

I agree with Lisa, just be yourself and enjoy the experience.
And it WILL be an experience that you'll never forget!