Nate and I went to Jamaica in February of 2005, a few months before Nate started to plan his around-the-world trip. We stayed in an old hotel that was full of charm, and explored the streets for our meals every day. We made some delicious discoveries, but the constant haggling from locals was a downside. One day we rented a car and drove to some waterfalls in the southern part of Jamaica. On the way we saw poverty-stricken neighborhoods, and got a dose of reality during our vacation. Jamaica has some beautiful sights, but I think traveling there once was enough for us.

Rafting on the Martha Brae

Nate got a chance to "drive" our bamboo raft

Our guide carved his artwork into a dried melon (which we then felt obliged to buy)

Posing on our balcony

Our hotel was called the Casa Blanca

Exploring the balconies of the hotel

We caught some of the sunsets on camera

This one was truly spectacular

We had direct access to Doctor's Cave Beach, one of the nicer beaches in the area

Nate drove our rental to southern Jamaica. The locals drove very fast, so the trip was nerve-racking!

The locals lived in wooden shacks

YS Falls had beautiful waterfalls

The drive was worth it for the breathtaking sights

We felt like were in a jungle

You were permitted to swim and dive into this lagoon

We found an informative sign about marijuana!

Our parasailing adventure

A view of Doctor's Cave Beach from the boat

Enjoying the Jamaican (or is that American?) cuisine...

...and beverages at a local restaurant.