- Negril Beach, Jamaica
I had been backpacking around Cuba for a few weeks during the summer of 2001. Travelling the country by train, taxi and various other means and staying in illegal private homes or ‘particulares’ along the way to Santiago. I couldn’t face the horrendous 16 hour train back to Havana* so I opted to fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica instead on a cheap flight with Air Jamaica.
We stayed right on the beach at Alfred’s Place in Negril. The soundsystem parties below in the bar were so loud, that a glass of water would vibrate straight off my bedside locker. Meeting the local characters for me was definitely a highlight. However, waking up, looking out the window and seeing paradise every morning was something I will never forget.
Jamaica is bitter-sweet for me. In the last hour, on the last day we were held up a knife point on the main street at 8am. I can still remember the glint of the knife in the morning light.
RESOURCES:
Jamaican travel safety advice
HOW TO GET TO NEGRIL JAMAICA
Fly into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Take a 60-90 minute shuttle van ride to Negril.
* in the link we ended up with the overnight train 7 or 8 not recommended