Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Man!
The second port of call during our weeklong cruise to the Western Caribbean was Jamaica. We stopped by Ocho Rios where Marc and I joined a shore excursion offered by the cruise line. We were really wary of all the reports we read about Jamaica being dangerous and all which is why we decided to join a guided tour. Our tour began early in the morning and lasted shortly after lunch.
This is what greeted us upon arrival in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Pretty cool, huh?
Upon arrival in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
At the Coyaba Gardens
At the Coyaba Gardens
The following are pictures taken at the gardens. During our visit, there was a local guide that showed us around. She was a very young girl who pointed out the different flora that grew in the area. The garden was very pretty.
Beautiful flowers
I haven't seen bananas growing on trees ever since I left Manila centuries ago. Goodness, I remember my parent's bedroom overlooking a banana tree which bore fruit every year.
My most favorite stop during the guided tour was the stop in Dunn's River Falls. It was absolutely wonderful. We didn't realize that the falls connected to the beach. I really did not plan on taking a dip here. In fact, I had read about a staircase which visitors who did not want to get wet could climb. I actually walked on it. However, the allure of the clear blue waters was just too much to resist. Despite not having any towels or replacement clothes with me, I just went for it and swam at the beach. Boy, was it pure delight. Marc and I took turns swimming since we had to look after our clothes and camera.
At Dunns River Falls
At Dunns River Falls
Marc was dressed for the falls. I told him to go for it and he did. I think he enjoyed it a lot, as you can see. How many times can one walk up any falls anyway? Certainly not Niagara nor Yosemite.
Marc climbing the falls
Marc further up
Another view of the falls
This was the beach at the foot of the falls.
Don't let this picture of the beach fool you. The beach was teeming with swimmers. Though there were bus loads of cruise ship visitors to the falls and beach, we were all outnumbered by locals enjoying the beautiful waters right in their backyard.
On to the next stop!