Jamaica. The Adventures Continue: Usain Bolt and Rick’s Cafe
If you haven't read the first part - it is here:
Usain Bolt - pride or „diva“?
On the second day we decided to go to the area of Trelawny, where Usain Bolt was born – the Jamaican sprinter, globally recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Our trip coincided with the period when Bolt was in the most active years of his career. He had already won eight Olympic gold medals and eleven World Championship gold medals in sprinting events. He also held the world records in the 100 meters at 9.58 seconds and the 200 meters at 19.19 seconds.
Bolt was also part of the Jamaican relay team that holds the world record in the 4 × 100 meters – 36.84 seconds.
Here, in the West, much was written about him and we expected to see something in his native land that would serve as a reminder of the great athlete.
We wandered around in vain.
Nothing.
We were disappointed.
Later we learned that the attitude toward him in his homeland was not unanimous. He lives and trains in the US and, according to some Jamaicans, he doesn't show up often enough and doesn't actively participate in their national celebrations. They even called him a „diva“ who doesn't care about Jamaica.
Look, Bob Marley is a different story...
Loved and respected everywhere. They are proud of him.
Dunn’s River Falls – My Big Challenge
According to our schedule, the next item was a visit to Dunn’s River Falls – one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Jamaica.
We had read that this tourist attraction offered a climb up the waterfall's stone terraces and we wanted to try it too.
Let's experience something good after many disappointments.
We parked the car and headed towards the waterfall.
In order to climb the wet rocks, we had to buy special anti-slip shoes. I was very pleased with them and even bought two pairs, which I still use to this day.
There are two options for the climb – with a guide or independently, at your own risk. Since I am a bit cowardly, I chose the guide. Our friends climbed independently.
We lined up and held hands.
One by one we climbed after the guide, as if following a path. It was very steep and difficult to climb the waterfall, holding hands. We had to step only on a very small and slippery surface.
Despite the special shoes we wore, many failed and had to quit. Many people fell.
The chain broke and I let go.
It's easier to climb alone.
There was no turning back, because we had already started. I was scared, but I had no choice.
I must note that this attraction is not for untrained people or those who do not feel confident in the water and on slippery terrain.
There was also a photographer who, of course, wanted us to buy the pictures from the time when we were at the waterfall. He was constantly with us and taking pictures.
This also struck me as a typical tourist trap: they offer you something that looks free, and then they won't leave you alone until you pay.
That is at least how Jamaica looked through our eyes in those days.
Dollar, dollar, dollar...
But I was pleased with my own achievement.
I never believed I would manage it.
An evening with Bob Marley
We set off for the hotel.
After dinner, a musical evening dedicated to Bob Marley awaited us.
The hotel organized some kind of entertainment every night. Otherwise, there wasn't much to do.
Leaving the hotel was unthinkable due to the high crime rate in the area.
The hotel also had several restaurants – Japanese, Chinese, à la carte, as well as a buffet restaurant.
We alternated them to avoid monotony.
If we hadn't taken those outings, I don't know how I would have endured.
The all-inclusive thing is not for me.
Rick’s Cafe – between the cliffs and the sea
Another attraction in Jamaica is visiting Rick’s Cafe – a restaurant situated on the cliffs by the sea.
Traditional Caribbean dishes and drinks are served here. There is a swimming pool and a rock wall from which the brave can jump into the water.
There are several levels to jump from – ranging from about 3 to 10.6 meters high. Only for the brave.
The view is beautiful, the music is reggae. The place is very popular.
A nature photo.
When you just believe someone
On leaving the cafe, we took the wrong way.
A young boy saw that we were hanging around and asked us the question:
„Where are you going?“
We told him and asked him which way to go. He told us we could follow him.
He was on his way to his grandmother, who was ill, and her house was in the same direction.
We followed him.
Halfway through, we began to doubt his sincere intentions as we started climbing hills and driving on gravel roads we didn't recognize.
Clearly, we hadn't learned our lesson from the previous adventure.
We were very easy to cheat. We just trusted people.
There was no way for us to turn back. No major road was in sight, and we kept driving behind him, at least until we saw asphalt.
Finally, we arrived at a place.
The boy disappeared with the small motorcycle.
He had received his money for bringing tourists.
From here others took over us.
They swarmed like hyenas to show us some cave.
Well, at least we'll see something since we've come this far.
The Cave and Another Lesson
Inside the cave there was a man beating on a small local drum. He was toothless and obviously in a rather peculiar state.
We were forced to give a few dollars.
We barely escaped.
After saving ourselves this time too, we decided not to ask anyone anything and to handle things on our own.
We had the feeling that every conversation, every service, and every direction ultimately led to the same thing:
dollar.
For them to show you the way – a dollar.
To get them to show you something – another dollar.
A dollar to open the gate for us?
The height of insolence came when we were entering the gates of the hotel where we were staying.
The guards asked for dollars to open the door for us.
My husband was furious and asked them:
„Why?“
They answered him:
„Let's buy some beer.“
We pretended not to understand and drove the car.
They had to open without dollars...
Jamaica – time for the next adventure
We were already sick and tired of this insolence and begging.
We had a whole week left and we had to do something.
We had left of the house Ian Fleming and the beach of James Bond, related to the film with Sean Connery и Ursula Andress.
But for that – in the next travelogue.
To be continued.
See more about the author Maria Sund here
