]]> Help Haiti Now is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

There have been many conversations had about the many similarities and the many differences between Haiti and Jamaica and I myself have used it as an example of why Jamaicans should care for their all important tourist industry by supporting local business and making sure more of the tourist money stays in Jamaica.

On occasion I have found myself stating that Jamaica is not so far from being just like Haiti a few more bad tourist seasons will certainly hold the country in poverty. Today we can see one of the great differences when you consider just how unlucky Haiti has been in recent times. Jamaica has it’s problems but for now Jamaicans should give thanks they are not Haitian.

Haiti must be the one of the saddest and strangest stories there is. Haiti has the kind of problems that normally only exist in the poorest regions of Africa and for being so close to the richest nation in the world they are poor beyond the imagination of many Jamaicans even. How can they ever overcome their latest and doubtless greatest tragedy? With the help of all humanity. From Americans to Jamaicans and all other nationalities we as humans must recognize the suffering our fellow humans are enduring and we must act now.

We are asking those interested to join us in supporting Yele Haiti by doing one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can click here to DONATE.

]]> Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resorts and Hotels is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Are you thinking about that spring or summer vacation already? This harsh winter weather has many of us thinking about a nice relaxing summer vacation on a beach somewhere. I myself will be kicked back and relaxing in Negril beach this summer but I have considered other vacations while I am here in America.

Myrtle Beach is an idea I have been entertaining recently. They offer great choices of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals offering excellent accommodations and amenities and it is just a short drive from our home in Florida.

If you are trying to compare Myrtle Beach resorts and hotels then be sure to check out the current specials and vacation packages offered at MyrtleBeachSeasideResorts.com. You can plan your entire vacation using the resources they offer or you can at least find a great hotel and work from there. Whatever you do I hope you enjoy a vacation this year.

]]> Travel and leisure articles directory is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

When you are bored and lonely with nothing left to do but hang out with your old man Rick (I hear ya Jane, I’ll blog more) and you are missing Negril Jamaica and the wonderful articles on JamaicaMAX you can spend some time reading up on other parts of the world by cheking out the Travel Articles at A1Articles.com which offers a wide variety of articles and reviews on worldwide travel destination.

I enjoyed reading about adventures like the Attractions for Travelers in Australia which gives me great ideas for where we might travel next after our time in Jamaica. Travel Articles are a great way for travel writers to syndicate their work to other travel websites and also a great way to supplement articles for writers who need a little help.

]]> Old Jamaican in the Caribbean Sea is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Here is a wonderful set of photos taken from the Negril Cliffs which features one of my favorite Jamaican fisherman out in the early morning as the sun rises on yet another beautiful Jamaica day. I watched this guy fish the local waters off and on for over a year before I settled to take his photo without his permission. I probably could have found him and asked him for it but it was nice to chat with him as he went on about his day completely oblivious to me while I sat and watched him from the seaside cliffs of a Negril resort in amazement at his strength and determination. Some of these Jamaica fisherman seem as old as the sea itself but do not be fooled, these guys are hard as stone and stronger than any two average men you know. They have been fishing these waters for over 50 years in many cases and pulled enough traps to feed a family for longer than I have been alive.

I was almost always amused and sometimes disgusted with how different our lives are and how as I sit there with my digital camera from the deck of my resort accommodations I can peer out into the distance and witness a real man working for a living from a hand carved dugout while I blog about my daily adventures and smoked a few spliffs over a cup of Blue Mountain Coffee in the comfort of my private room overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

It’s a sick and twisted world we live in and the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence but I would gladly trade my experiences and knowledge for his.

]]> Online shopping at ShopWiki for Jamaica Vacations is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Tis the season for some shopping online and while taking care of some last minute holiday shopping I came to realize there are lots of things to purchase for a vacation in Jamaica that one may not normally own already. There is more to bring than the seasons hot bathing suit and a nice sun hat, sunscreen and new sandals can all make your Jamaican vacation a better experience and no mall can beat the selection and prices available online.

The holiday shopping season is often a great time to take advantage of discount prices and free shipping on everything from popular Christmas gifts like electronics or jewelry to the more mundane like office supply and personal products.

ShopWiki offers a huge selection of buying guides so you can make informed shopping decisions using the comparative reviews and information on products you use every day. There are literally 1000’s of gift guides that detail the unique aspect or features of every product you can imagine and the best places online to buy them. If you’re doing some last minute shopping online for gifts this season consider tossing in some accessories for your vacation like a new dress for the weekend party or disposable underwater cameras for your Jamaica scuba diving adventures and capture the best memories you can.

]]> Some Negril summer sunset photos is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Here are some photos of sunsets in Negril for Summer 2009. Negril sunsets are beautiful year round but something about summertime in Negril makes the sunsets more colorful and brilliant. Sunsets on the beach are nice but I prefer the West End Negril sunsets from great spots like Ricks Cafe and LTU Pub.

]]> Luggage, leather goods & briefcases for travel is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Luggage is a practical item with a status quality to it. What I mean is that luggage is rather simple when you think of it as a bag to carry your things but one can also be judged by the quality or brand of the luggage they carry.

Name brand luggage from manufacturers like Hartmann luggage and Delsey Luggage or Tumi luggage show the world that the items in your case are worthy of a find piece of luggage and you are a serious traveler.

The luggage you carry can actually make you seem to be more or different than who you truly are for certain people who worship status symbols such as name brands. When shopping for luggage be certain to consult a proper luggage guide so you can understand the different types of luggage and the construction techniques that go into them.

]]> Christmas is almost here is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

My youngest son Robby has been wanting a bicycle for the past two weeks. He has had various types of scooters and wagons but no bicycle of his own yet.

The main reason for this was that when he first played woth a bicycle he fell off it and now he refuses to actually ride but instead he will push a bicycle around the yard. I never saw much sense in getting him a bike he wasn’t ready to ride so when his birthday passed in October I got him a new scooter to push around.

He uses the scooter but he has taken to pushing around the neighbors little girl bike and now he wants to ride it. It’s been rough year and I would need emergency loan lenders to come up with the cash for a bicycle now and a nice gift for Christmas so I have teaching him the virtues of patience and the manners to borrow the bike next door to practice on before he gets his own to trash.

Christmas is around the corner and if things don’t change I may need to check out one of these emergency loan lenders that can help me get some cash in place so we can all enjoy a nice holiday.

You can’t beat a good euphonious

]]> Bob Marley Museum in Kingston Jamaica is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

See more pics in the Bob Marley Museum photo gallery!!

Bob Marley is a legend all across the world but in Jamaica is his revered as a saint by many. His home in Kingston is an important part of the Bob Marley experience in Jamaica and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

The museum is home to the largest collection of Marley memorabilia and a great place to visit for an introduction into the history of reggae music. You will pass through rooms in the home where Bob cooked his food, wrote his songs and even see the very bed he slept in and the house slippers he wore while there.

The room carries a lot of history with loads of gold and platinum records hanging in rooms on the guided tours and even more newspaper articles from around the world highlighting his shows in places like Japan and Africa. It was nice to visit the first time just as much as it was the 5th and now 10th time I have gone. I particularly enjoy reading the newspaper articles for various opinions on Bob from people all over the world.

You will see the room where Bob was shot and even the original bullet holes still in the wall. There is a wonderful little spice garden and of course a huge shop full of Bob Marley things for sale. The tour ends with a somber music video highlighting his career and music. It’s nice to see Bob in the rare home movies and pictures throughout the museum. He seemed at peace for much of his life and the home reflects that.

You cannot take photos inside the Bob Marley Museum but the memories stay with you. If you make it to Kingston and appreciate the mans music you have to take a tour of the Bob Marley Museum as part of your Jamaica Vacation.

]]> Reggae Sumfest 2009 Friday International Night One is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

The second night of Reggae Sumfest 2009 was actually a bit of a let down for me. This was International Night Number One and the line up was heavy on pop and sparkle which is not really my style of music. The night started early with some great new performers like Ras Penco and Hezron which were followed by strong performances from Lutan Fyah and Coco Tea but the rest of the night was weak and full of pop and r&b artists that did not interest me much.

I took lots of breaks and sat out much of the mid section of this evening . I skipped performances by Jazmine Sullivan and Keri Hilson and the only reason I watched NeYo was to see how he reacted to Jamaicans using his music as they have. He paid tribute to Vybz Kartel and Spice by letting the crowd sing their song to his beat. It was a weak attempt to make a connection with the crowd but it seemed to work Many fans went along with it but there were quite a few hisses and comments about his lawsuit over the use of his music. Seems he has a few people out there that like the Vybz Kartel version of his riddim.

NeYo on stage at Reggae Sumfest 2009

I waited it out for the finale with Morgan Heritage and Queen Ifrica but I faded out before the sun came up and Jah Cure went on stage. I was actually sitting on my ass when he went live and I jumped in the bus home while he was performing. I was simply out of gas and unable to stand up any longer after two full days on my feet.

Morgan Heritage put on a strong group performance and then went into solo pieces for Gramps, Peter and the youngest brother and it was a treat to see the many different musical styles they have grown into. Gramps and Peter have more reggae and r&b influences but the younger generation shows more rap and hip hop.

Morgan Heritage Live at Sumfest 2009

Queen Ifrica has impressed me with her powerful stage presence and her ability to sing gracefully but with power. She did a rendition of Michael Jackson Man in the Mirror and she did it with style. The crowd appreciated her performance and everyone sang along as part of the Sumfest Michale Jackson Tribute.

Queen Ifrica Live at Sumfest 2009

Queen Ifrica tributes Michale Jackson Man in the Mirror at Sumfest 2009

Reggae Sumfest 2009 Friday International Night 1