introduction- tastymakeshappy

[tastymakeshappy]

Hello,

I just visited Jamaica 2 weeks ago, Negril specifically, and I loved it. I went with a friend, and we also didnt stay at an all inclusive resort. Instead, we got a cheap hotel, and walked to the beach every day. It was nice, because we got to see the real Jamaica, the people, tried local foods, etc. We connected with a Taxi driver, and called him every day to drive us to various places. We felt safer going with him as our hotel manager recommended him.

It can get uncomfortable at times, if you walk around, people may stop you and try to talk to you. Ultimately, they want to sell you stuff, and make money off you in some way. They may not sell anything specifically, however they can get you anything you want, and if they can't, they have a friend who can. That's such an interesting aspect of their culture. They are mostly friendly, but they can get pushy. We never felt scared, but it was uncomfortable at time, so just be prepared for that. Sometimes, you just want to be left alone to enjoy yourself, but they keep pushing and pushing to talk to you, and if you don't they get offended. But don't worry, they will eventually find someone else to bother

We really enjoyed trying their local food. If you are interested where to eat in Negril, check out some of my reviews:
Push Cart is a very nice place, great sunset, and great food:
http://tastymakeshappy.blogspot.com/2010/01/steamed-fish-local-jamaican-food.html
You have to try patties, Juici Patties in downtown are great:
http://tastymakeshappy.blogspot.com/2010/01/patties-jamaican-food-experience.html
Here are some breakfast ideas:
http://tastymakeshappy.blogspot.com/2010/01/not-so-light-breakfast-local-jamaican.html
Jerk chicken and jerk pork are a must:
http://tastymakeshappy.blogspot.com/2010/01/jerk-pork-jerk-chicken-local-jamaican.html
Fresh fruits are all over:
http://tastymakeshappy.blogspot.com/2010/01/local-fruit-jamaican-food-experience.html

Don't be surprised, nothing is cheap. The prices of food are about the same as here (maybea little cheaper if you stay away from the tourist traps and hotels at the beach).

I hope his helps. You will have fun!

Zorana

[ECO]

Welcome to the forum.

I took a look at the links to your blog, great photos and a big thumbs up for trying all of the great food that Jamaica offers! The next time you go ask for some "Betty" for your coffee, it's sort of like condensed milk.

[Wahoo]

I want a hat like the one the dude is wearing in the first pic in the fresh fruits link--very Carmen Miranda-ish! Terrific Jamaican food pics! I want to nyam them all, but they all look so tasty, I don't know where to start, so I'll just start with a cold Red Stripe or rum punch while I wait for a couple of those mouth-watering patties.

Welcome to JAB. Now I'm gonna have a second look at those links.

[tastymakeshappy]

Thanks! I went to Jamaica to enjoy the beach, but I had no idea that dining can be such an adventure. The food was surprisingly good, and I sure will made an attempt to cook some of it.

I did try some condensed milk, not really knowing what it was. It was at a restaurant that was not near any tourist towns. I asked for milk and they gave me this little container with something creamy. I poured the whole thing into my coffee so it turned out really sweet. But it was good.

Definitely fun to try new things. And I am so glad we didn't stay at those all inclusive hotels, and got the chance to go around and interact, and of course eat at local places.