Today’s blog will be a bit about the experience of the Oceans of Hope crew here in Jamaica from my point of view.

When we left the Bahamas we were all looking forward to coming to Jamaica – When I was signed on this leg I was looking at the map, and when I saw Cuba and Jamaica close by our route, I was so excited. But I didn't know if we were stopping at all. Luckily we did!

Almost immediately after our departure from the Bahamas the music was set on Bob Marley, the iconic singer from Jamaica. When somebody was to answer a question it was always “Jah Mon!”

We arrived in a beautiful bay with the clear turquoise colored water, pelicans flying by and palm trees swaying in the breeze. It is a very nice yacht club with good facilities. From a woman’s point of view the nice bathroom facilities and the possibilities of getting our laundry done is heaven. Now we don't walk around smelling like wildebeest that much anymore.

After clearing customs and lunch we went out for dinner and saw some of the true Jamaican life. Already on our way to the taxies it was “Jah Mon” in every sentence. The smells here are quite different than at home.

We cleaned the boat the next day upstairs and downstairs, inside and out. After a busy day, we made an arrangement with a bus driver to take us out on an excursion the next day.  In the morning we were already in Jamaica mode because we were late! But so was the bus driver, so it didn't matter. Off we went to see Black River and YS Falls. On the way we saw the various vegetation - palm trees, orange groves, banana groves and also some small fields with crops. What we were looking for were goats –because a national dish here is “curried goat.” Eventually we saw them.

There were tiny shops along the road where they were selling fruits, vegetables, sometimes a computer and lots of bars. Many of the shops and the houses are colorful in yellow, green, pink and red, but a lot of them look like they will fall apart in a storm.

We stopped in a town with little houses gathered together, maybe 30 houses. I saw a beauty shop and it wasn't any bigger than my cabin on the boat. A lot of the shops have signs up above the entrance that say “they are intending to apply for a license.” I had a soda in the supermarket, which wasn't any bigger than a small kiosk at home. Many of the goods are more or like the same as at home. What we don't have though are plastic bags of flour and rice, with no expiration dates! I bought a soda and received Jamaican dollars back and with them I bought sweets. I saw the most beautiful little girl with her hair full of braids. She was very happy for the sweets!

On the road again we were met with shrimp and crawfish merchants at a junction. The Oceans of Hope bosun Bertram, the brave birthday boy, bought some. At Black River went on a boat trip and we had a very inspiring guide. He told us all about the river, the vegetation and the wildlife by the river. In the late century they had the natural color from indigo - the color you use in dying denim fabric. Because of that trading they were the first town in the Caribbean to get a telephone and electricity. That is kind of strange to think about now. At the beginning of the trip he showed us a crocodile. Imagine just across the riverbank was the first crocodile and a little later the next one in the tall grass. It crossed my mind that it might be a phony one, until in the end we saw a gigantic one, even the guide was a bit surprised so they were real! It was a lovely trip – and a bit strange that we choose a trip on the water on our day off the boat!

Next stop was the YS Falls. None of us had the faintest idea of what to expect. It turned out to be a very beautiful waterfall with spectacular surroundings. Here the boys were enjoying themselves because it was time to play Tarzan. You could swing yourself out in the falls and swim up in the current of the fall. That made a lot of boys happy. There was amazing vegetation and I saw beautiful red ginger flowers.

When we made the arrangement we had talked about having a trip from 9:00-15:00. This also turned out to be Jamaican time, because we weren't home until 19:00. At that point we were all tired and filled up with all the impression, smells, and colors. But we had a big task ahead of us. It was Bertram’s birthday so we were to celebrate with him. We had dinner at the yacht club and drinks on the boat. We had a great night. Some went in town to party but that is not for me!

We have postponed our departure by one day because we have been invited to participate in an event at the yacht club. Perhaps we will end up in the local newspaper with the message of Sailing Sclerosis and Oceans of Hope. That would be awesome!

To summarize all my impressions of Jamaica, it is a very lovely country. I like the ever friendly attitude. The Jamaicans love to talk, the colors, the smell of the exotic flowers and the fertile landscapes. In the end, I must also say the inevitable Jamaican rum – don't worry girls at home, I bought some to bring back!

Report from Bosun Bertram:

Jamaica, mon! However much we all love the place, it is soon time to get moving. We have had some fantastic days here getting to experience the local Jamaica and some of the beautiful sights, including an incredible chance to celebrate my birthday in the waterfalls! We had been planning to leave this morning, but as a strike of luck we were so fortunate to run into the sailors from Blue Planet Odyssey who convinced us to stay for tonight's cocktail party in the yacht  club - more on that tomorrow! 

We have already done the final provisions and stocking up on fresh water, so we are ready to depart some time tomorrow morning, heading due south for Colon in Panama. 

Local time on board is 14:45 and our current position is 18°27.723'N 77°56.537'W.