Yesterday was our first day of exploring Jamaica. We went to YS Falls where some of the more courageous people did the canopy zip-cord tour. I would not be one of those people. Heights aren’t exactly my specialty. I was very content just laying on the rocks watching the water falls. The colors of the flowers and the water here in Jamaica are just amazing. There were little hummingbirds by the trading post (souvenir shop) that were just gorgeous. The male birds had long tail feathers making them even more colorful than the females. To get to the Falls, one rides a on a wagon pulled by a Massey Fergusson tractor (no green ones down here- they use the good stuff). Ahhh… it reminded me of the hay wagon rides we would do on the country roads with friends when I was little.
Robert is not only our driver but is also our friend. He spent the whole week with Candy, Kimberly, Nicole and I last year so we really got to know each other. On the way back from YS Falls, Robert took us to his home. It was an honor to have him share his home with us. Robert’s home is small yet meets his needs. He said that when he gets money, he would like to fix his ceiling that was damaged by Hurricane Ivan. In his back yard, Robert has a chicken coop. It looks very different than the chicken mansion I have at home. There are also goats in the back, but this is Jamaica so there are really goats everywhere.
When we leave, Robert doesn’t know when he’ll work again. The American recession has also affected the tourism industry in Jamaica. 60% of Jamaica’s economy comprised of tourism. Thus, America’s economic downturn has greatly impacted this already poor country.
We stopped at a grocery store on the way home and got a few provisions. Upon our return to the Whistling Bird, we got ready for supper and walked a tiny bit down the beach to Irie for supper. It was good. This year the menus had prices in American money instead of Jays. Our dollar is equal to about $79 Jays though the conversion rate fluctuates.
Robert is not only our driver but is also our friend. He spent the whole week with Candy, Kimberly, Nicole and I last year so we really got to know each other. On the way back from YS Falls, Robert took us to his home. It was an honor to have him share his home with us. Robert’s home is small yet meets his needs. He said that when he gets money, he would like to fix his ceiling that was damaged by Hurricane Ivan. In his back yard, Robert has a chicken coop. It looks very different than the chicken mansion I have at home. There are also goats in the back, but this is Jamaica so there are really goats everywhere.
When we leave, Robert doesn’t know when he’ll work again. The American recession has also affected the tourism industry in Jamaica. 60% of Jamaica’s economy comprised of tourism. Thus, America’s economic downturn has greatly impacted this already poor country.
We stopped at a grocery store on the way home and got a few provisions. Upon our return to the Whistling Bird, we got ready for supper and walked a tiny bit down the beach to Irie for supper. It was good. This year the menus had prices in American money instead of Jays. Our dollar is equal to about $79 Jays though the conversion rate fluctuates.
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