Jamaica man!

Here is a shot of Ocho Rios (translated: 8 rivers), Jamaica. The landscape in the other 2 ports, Key West and Grand Cayman, were both totally flat. So this was a more scenic view to wake up to the morning we arrived in Jamaica. We were pretty low key with our event planning before arriving at our ports of call so as Paul & I walked off the cruise ship (Heidi had a "chill out" day) we weren't quite sure what to do. After considering some options, we decided to find a taxi and go for a tour of the island -- well, what we could see in 4 to 5 hours anyway. We found the most wonderful taxi driver/tour guide ever! This turned out to be a fantastic experience.

Here is Horace Hobson (aka Mark). He works for Maxi which is a taxi/touring company -- very legit company. His cell phone number is (876) 861-0153. If you are ever going to Jamaica, I HIGHLY recommend him! He is just an independent driver and if he has clients then he works and he gets paid. If he doesn't find any tourists then he makes no money. He was telling us that because so many people prebook their shore excursions that people like him get passed by and it is really hard on the locals. He said he had only had 2 other tours since Christmas eve. He is married and has a 12 year old son that he is very proud of. He wants so much more for his son. So for $70 he drove Paul and I through areas of Jamaica that I'm sure most tourists have never experienced. He was very knowledgeable and was especially anxious to tell us about all the plants and fruits. He told us how everyone basically lives off the land. If you click on the photo above, he is pointing at the bananas that are growing on that tree. They were everywhere! He says they belong to everyone and if you want on, you just pick one. He pointed out the different leaves and told us how to boil them or crush them or just chew on them and how they helped with different physical needs. We drove through local neighborhoods and saw all the kids in their school uniforms. Education is a huge priority here. All the students wear uniforms and you can tell from the uniforms if they are in the morning or afternoon classes or if they are in the specialty schools. All the students looked clean and sharp and very impressive.

He drove us through the ritzy neighborhoods as well. He showed us Mick Jagers home and Johnny Cash's also. He said that property there is quite cheap and property taxes are next to nothing and even if you don't pay your property taxes for like 10 years, the government won't ever take the property away from you.

Now here is a unique residence. Horace said that a 53 year old man lives here in this cave that is just right on the side of the road. He said the guy has lived here for about 30 years. It made me cringe to imagine someone living like this but then when I saw the "for sale" sign there out in front, I just had to smile!!!!!