Tania (Mrs. Cuba) and Paul started our trip by taking us to the mountain tops so we could get a good aerial view of Kingston. What a treat! Kingston is a big, sprawling city surrounded by smaller communities such as Constant Spring, Cherry Gardens, Half Way Tree, etc etc. We could see everything from up there including the sea! The homes clung to the dirt mountainside and we were able to get a closer view of the fire damage from earlier in our trip. We winded down the mountain cautiously; some roads are in disrepair and the road makes sharp bends. We were able to see many of the neighborhoods and their respective shopping districts. It was interesting to hear the locals' view of their city and the direction it is heading. Much of downtown Kingston is abandoned and the shopping, businesses (money) have moved uptown. As we wound down towards the waterfront we were able to see what they meant. We did stop in Half Way Tree to go shopping for Jamaican goods prior to hitting the road again.
We were able to see the downtown waterfront where the park meets the sea. What beauty, and such potential! Paul showed us a beautiful revival style theatre his uncle was involved with years ago. He tried to bring shows and productions to Kingston, but eventually the poverty conditions in the area took over and the theatre faded out. Its structure is still there and is boarded up. There are many highly unique buildings in downtown with gorgeous architecture. We wrapped up our driving tour at Devon House and had a lovely lunch of chicken curry patties and ice cream. This time Christina sampled the coconut (heaven) while Cindy had the fruit basket!
Tania, our lovely hostess, with us at Devon House
View of Kingston, and beyond!
That evening we departed with Frank and Carmen to Port Royal. Port Royal is across the bay from Kingston and is situated at the end of a cape. At one time it was known notoriously as sin city, a dangerous place, because of all of the pirates who called it home. Port Royal was once the capitol of Jamaica prior to an earthquake in which part of the town was lost in the sea. Below is the entrance to the park at Port Royal.
A very old church in downtown Port Royal (~1600s)
Our lovely dinner hosts! We dined at a local fish restaurant where the tables were literally on the end of the pier overlooking the sea and Kingston!
Port Royal: Local fishermen's boats just returned from catching our dinner :-) We enjoyed the freshest fish stew. Cindy had brown fish stew and Christina had steamed snapper for dinner. The entire fish was served on the plate, head on of course! The meal was accompanied with festival (a fried dough), bammy and salad. The freshness of the fish was incredible!
Port Royal: Local fishermen's boats just returned from catching our dinner :-) We enjoyed the freshest fish stew. Cindy had brown fish stew and Christina had steamed snapper for dinner. The entire fish was served on the plate, head on of course! The meal was accompanied with festival (a fried dough), bammy and salad. The freshness of the fish was incredible!
The view of Kingston and the Blue Mountains from Port Royal
Relaxing Carribbean sunset
Cindy with Morgan's Harbor behind, and more Blue Mountains in the distance
Amazing
Frank made sure Christina & Cindy were well taken care of by sending them home with plenty of bammy and festival! Thanks!!!!
Thanks again to our gracious hosts for sharing an unforgettable Saturday with us!
Relaxing Carribbean sunset
Cindy with Morgan's Harbor behind, and more Blue Mountains in the distance
AmazingFrank made sure Christina & Cindy were well taken care of by sending them home with plenty of bammy and festival! Thanks!!!!
Thanks again to our gracious hosts for sharing an unforgettable Saturday with us!
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