Key West
Key West's reputation has certainly undergone a makeover over the years. When Ernest Hemingway called the island home from 1931-1961, Key
West was a quiet, laid back port town with its own character and a unique charisma. To visit Key West now is to find an island that has been almost
completely commercialized, with small pockets of the old Key West disappearing
fast.
Not that this is a terrible thing. The confluence of people
into Key West makes for a more diverse atmosphere and a fun-loving destination
365 days a year. Key West still embodies a true "laid back" spirit and
a quirky self-deprecating humor; even the cemetery is a source of offbeat
amusement. Think about it, how many places have you visited that actually
celebrate the sunset?
Key West has been an inspiration to countless authors and
artists. Among those who have called the island home, besides Hemingway, are
John James Audubon, Tennessee Williams, and John Hershey.
While over 1.2 million people visit Key West annually, only
30,000 people call it home on a permanent basis. But those 30,000 are fiercely
loyal. Nicknamed "The Conch Republic," Key West even has its own flag!
Most permanent residents have called Key West home for generations, and many
would confess that they have never left the island. Can you blame them?
Festivals and celebrations dot the calendar year-round in Key
West. From Hemingway Day in July to Fantasy Fest in October, your visit has a
good chance of coinciding with a local event.
Of course, over time, the secret of Key West has gotten out.
The amount of hotel rooms has tripled, and the delicate balance of natural
beauty has been threatened. The only living coral- reef in North America is
found here, and steps have been taken to ensure its continued survival.
What will never change is the beautiful weather and
breathtaking scenery you will find in Key West. The island is only twelve square
miles, easily covered on foot or bicycle. With all its commercialization, Key
West has managed to maintain a unique flavor all its own.
Ocho Rios
Jamaica's name comes from an old Arawak word, Xaymaca,
meaning "land of wood and water." Looking around the island, it's
plain to see where the Arawaks came up with that description. The lush greenery
of Jamaica's inland contrasts perfectly with the pristine white sand beaches
along the island's northern coast. Ninety percent of the island's 2.5
million residents are of West African descent, with the remaining population
consisting mainly of small pockets of European minorities. The island lies 90
miles south of Cuba, and trails only its neighbors, Cuba and the Dominican
Republic/Haiti in size, weighing in at 4,400 square miles.
In recent years, Jamaica's image has taken a bit of a
beating, as some tourists have bristled at overly aggressive vendors and a
rising crime rate. Some of the more affluent private resorts have taken to
forbidding their guests from leaving the resort without a guide. Of course, this
means that some people aren't getting the true feel of this island nation.
Travelers to Jamaica need not feel unsafe. As long as you
take the same precautions that you would take in any major American city, you
will have little to worry about. On the whole, Jamaica's people remain
friendly and hospitable, and they are proud to welcome you to their island
paradise.
Ocho Rios is on Jamaica's north coast, 64 miles or an hour
and a half's drive from Montego Bay and two hours from Kingston, Jamaica's
capital on the southern coast.
This small city has become a hugely popular tourist
destination, with pretty much every major cruise line making a stop here. It has
embraced the economic boom that has come with the tourism industry, and everyone
is trying to get a piece of the action.
You may get the feeling that each person you meet here is
trying to sell you something, and to some extent that is true. The people of
Jamaica are poor, in general, and the little crafts they are constantly peddling
may mean dinner on the table that night. If you do not want what is being
offered, just politely and firmly tell them you are not interested. You need not
feel intimidated.
If you come to Ocho Rios during the month of February, you
will be treated to the Reggae Sunsplash Festival, celebrate the beautiful sounds
of traditional Reggae music as well as the fascinating Rastafarian heritage.
So enjoy Ocho Rios beaches and restaurants. Negotiate
yourself a good deal on some souvenirs, and allow yourself to get lost in
Jamaica's island beat.
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