Montego Bay, Jamaica

March 13-16 I participated in a familiarization trip to the Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I had never been to Jamaica before, so I envisioned a bunch of Rastas with dreadlocks walking around saying, "ya, mon". Turns out that is exactly what it was like.

I do feel like I learned a few things. For example, I had no idea there was a Red Stripe Light Beer that is actually more popular than the regular Red Stripe. They also have a soda called Ting that tastes kind of like Fresca. Mixed with vodka it becomes Ting with a sting. Other interesting facts...Dreadlocks need to be washed at least once a week. Rastafarianism is a religious movement and smoking marijuana is a sacrament that aids them in their meditation. Right.

Over 2 million people live on this 146 mile long x 21-55 mile wide island. The average yearly rainfall is 78 inches, so it is very lush and tropical. Their local language is called Patois. It is basically very literal English that is hard to understand because of the accent. For example, if you were a guy without a girlfriend, but you didn't care...No Woman, No Cry. Reggae music is everywhere, even at the airport. Bob Marley merchandise is sold on every corner and in every store. He is the ultimate Jamaican, no doubt about it. Lastly, you can grab an inner tube at 2am and wade in the lazy river at the resort's water park--and no one will tell you to get out. In fact, they will even bring you a towel.

Overall it was a really fun trip and a nice experience. I am glad to check Jamaica off my list and may even go back someday, mon.

Cancun & The Riviera Maya

At the end of February I took up residence under a beach umbrella in Mexico and read about the snow and ice back home. The first part of my trip was pure relaxation at a fantastic resort called Ceiba Del Mar. It has only 88 rooms and is a secluded hideaway in the Riviera Maya. They were nice enough to put me in a Master Suite, which was as good as it sounds. While you do absolutely nothing, the discreet staff brings you fruit kabobs and cold drinks. Breakfast, tea and the newspaper are delivered through a little nook by your front door at the exact time your specify. I was even able to see the eclipse without a cloud in the sky. Not a bad way to spend a few days.

The second part of my trip was a site inspection for an upcoming client incentive trip at the Sun Palace Resort. Suddenly I had to wear a wristband, search for an empty beach chair and even spread out my own towel. No more fruit kabobs, but still plenty of cold drinks. Back to reality I guess. At least it was a VIP wristband. The Sun Palace is a very nice resort in the main "vacation zone" of Cancun. The upside of moving from the Riviera Maya to Cancun is the crystal clear blue water that you could stare at for days. I used to cringe over a trip to Cancun, but I have to say that hurricane Wilma really cleared out all of the stuff I did not like about it. Today all of the resorts are brand new and beautiful. I would actually almost recommend it. All in all...a great trip.