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Jamaica Me Crazy! A Great Affordable Winter Vacation



Yah Mon---noooo problem!

Sometimes you need to get a little crazy! Like when you've been stressed at work...freezing from the cold. Aching and in need of a change of scenery.

My suggestion--head south of the border--and i mean waaaayyy south, like to Jamaica.

My girlfriend and I recently took a one week, all inclusive trip to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and had our fill of no-stop food, drinks and music (think being on a cruise ship--but on land)!

From drinks like Rum Cream, Annie Palmers & Virgin Miami Vice--it was non-stop fun in the sun.

Things are looking up!
The beauty of the Caribbean was experienced on the cheap--like a Motel 6 on the beach, complete with food, wine, drinks and music. But that's ok--since we were on the beach most of the time.

Radiant flowers at Dunn River Falls

Much of what we saw was in specified "tourist" areas like Dunn River Falls park and the famous Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Unfortunately--area's we saw in passing were impoverished and made us wonder how the land of "don't worry--be happy" could live the way they do and survive. 

A local bus driver told us the average annual Jamaican pay was $5,000. 

Park official explaining coffee production in Blue Mountains
While getting updates at my request on Usain Bolt (world famous Jamaican speedster) and the legacy of Bob Marley--I was surprised to learn from our driver that Kenny Rodgers was big in Jamaica as well as reggae, country, R & B, etc.

One of the most memorable times we spent (besides lounging on the beach) was at their Beach Party complete with bbq buffet of bbq chicken, pork, fish as well as salads and desserts. Topping off the night were the sounds of several reggae bands and dancers.

The day before we left--I was called forth by the beach "DJ" to enter a beer chugging contest (won by a Chicago native) and danced to the Cha Cha Shuffle and other "danceable" hits.

Once of my favorite parts was being able to take my new Nikon 16mg camera and capture beautiful pics (see above)--and even offer several prints at my Etsy VerlinStudios shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VerlinStudios?ref=si_shop

All in all--and after consulting with a tourist who had travelled extensively and lived in Hawaii--we felt for the bang for the buck--the all-inclusive resort stay in Jamaica offered pretty much everything we were looking for. 

You had very affordable products (I bought two mango-wood decorative vases for my living room for  $70), great music, wonderful people and a very memorable vacation. And after all--isn't that what all of us are looking for?

Also--if you'd like to learn about great advertising ideas and tips, visit my advertising website: www.ondemandadvertisingsolutions.com and sign up for our free annual subscription to  Marketing & Business Update eNewsletter.
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