Things You Must Do In Jamaica

Days 1572 - 1578
Sunday, July 8 - Saturday, July 14, 2012  

Day 1572 (  )

Sunday, July 8, 2012

A couple of my Japanese teacher friends did some sort of teacher's exam today. I always hear that this exam is extremely difficult and only the best of the best will pass it. If you pass it, then you are seen as a permanent Japanese teacher with lots and lots of benefits. Also lots and lots of work. If you fail, then you are a temporary teacher and you will be given only a yearly contract, not many benefits, but lots of work. The failure rate is very high.

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Day 1573 ( Things You Must Do In Jamaica )

Monday, July 9, 2012

Today was extremely hot and muggy at work. After work, I went to a Costco store about 10 mins by car from my apartment. I went along with the owners of the yakitori (chicken on a stick) restaurant that is near to my apartment. This store is gigantic and has lots and lots of foreign goods that you won't find in your everyday Japanese store. So I went on a shopping spree. I was warned early, that I should be careful because people tend to go bonkers here then when they look at their final bill, they can't believe the price. Meaning it will hurt your pocket. 

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Things You Must Do In Jamaica 

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are quite a few more fun stuff to do in Jamaica. Actually many of these things, I have never done myself either because of lack of interest or no time. Here we go:

Hike Blue Mountain (Portland / St. Thomas)

I have never gone the full length of this journey before because hiking just isn't my kinda thing. However I have been to the foot of the mountain with some friends. I heard that the tracks are very narrow and it takes about 6- 8 hours to hike the entire way. I also heard that at the top is super cold.

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Visit Lime Cay (Kingston)

Another area that I've never been to. I heard that this is a nice boat ride to a small islet off Jamaica.  

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Go to a Ninth Night / Wake / Nine Night / Nai Night / Dead Yard (Anywhere)

Alright, this might seem strange but it's actually fun. This is some sort of tradition (more than likely from Africa) that Jamaicans inherited. A huge celebration is held on the ninth night after a person dies. Sometime its not exactly on the ninth night but there is still that celebration/mourning event on the night before the actual funeral. I think the aim of the celebration is to chase the spirit of the dead away or to celebrate the death of the person because they are no longer suffering in this life. I'm not exactly sure. 

Anyone reading this and has never been to one, may feel that there is a sad tone. But, that couldn't be further away from the truth. Many people will gather and there will be loads of food and music and fun Jamaican stuff. 

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Climb the Dunn's River Falls (St. Ann)

I have done this maybe 2 or 3 times in my lifetime. Each time I'm in pain the next morning. But doing it was always exciting. 

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Stay at a Jamaican Resort (North Coast)

There are several of what I would consider A-Class Beach resorts in Jamaica. Especially on the North Coast, tourist areas. Two of the most famous resorts in Jamaica are Beaches and Sandals, both owned by the same Jamaican-born multi-millionaire, Gordon Stewart . 

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Eat Jerk Chicken / Ackee and salt fish / Fish and Bammy / Banana Chips (Anywhere)

I mentioned some of these foods in my blog post on Jamaican foods. If you try any of them, you will understand why I told you to. 

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Go Snorkeling or Diving (North Coast)

This also I have never done, because of the simple fact that I cannot swim. Hey, but It looks like fun.. 

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Go Rafting on the Rio Grande (Portland)

This too seems exciting, but I've never done it before.

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Play With Dolphins at Dolphin Cove ( Ocho Rios, St. Ann )

I have never even seen a Dolphin before coming to Japan. They are very much in Jamaica though...

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Visit Port Royal (Kingston)

Once considered one of the richest and wickedest cities in the world. But outside of Pirates of the Caribbean, almost no one outside of Jamaica knows about Port Royal and it's history of pirates. Finally, the Jamaican government has applied for Port Royal to become a World Heritage Site. A part of the city can still be seen underwater. It sank after a great earthquake in 1692.   

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Day 1574 (  )

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Left work early again today. Saw a hornet devouring another insect while on my way home. This Japanese hornet ting can royally screw you over if you don't be careful. 

Later I got a call from a company that would like to give me a interview this Thursday. If the interview is successful, I will speak about Jamaica, in very bad Japanese on TV during the Olympics. 

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Day 1575 (  )

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Had evening conversation after work, where my student mainly spoke about his trip to Hokkaido last week. 

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Day 1576 ( Interview )

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Went to a place in Tokyo known as Akabane Bashi after work today. It is very close to Tokyo Tower. I did a brief interview in Japanese, while a camera was rolling. They asked me quite a few questions about myself and Jamaica. Some of the questions I didn't understand that well, then the interviewer had to make it simpler for me. In all it took about an hour, and it was a great experience. I'm not sure if I will be selected but let's see.  

Saw a small snake on my way home from Tokyo. Summer has officially opened the gate for all manner of insects and animals in my area. 

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This stupid Japanese, put up a video of himself breaking the law on youtub

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Day 1577 (  )

Friday, July 13, 2012

Had normal work, then rushed off to the YMCA then to the Kawasaki area to meet a friend of mine. 

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Day 1578 ( Snow White )

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Today was my last Saturday at the YMCA for the next 2-3 weeks. A welcomed relief, trust me. I realize that a few persons are telling me that I am getting slimmer. This maybe the cause. Getting extra money but, working like crazy. 

Went to a little party in the night, and while heading home, I saw another black dude on the train, which is a very rare siting in my area. So he asked me if the train was heading to Tomioka, to which I said "yes, that's where I am heading" .... We chatted for a bit, then when we got at the station, I saw a friend of mine there waiting on me to my surprise. 

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 I watched Snow White and the Hunts Men. It was like a clash between one of those mid-evil times war movie like Alexander, along with Lord of the rings. It was a good watch but it wasn't extremely great. I give it a 6.5/10.