We headed into the port area which again clearly funded by the cruise companies. It was interesting. The area was nice; full of shops; minimal hassle, but then once you'd gotten outside of the customs area, it was people almost begging you to take a taxi, a tour or to buy something from them. We did actually stop and chatter with a few locals who were nice. People loved talking to us about cricket and particularly Ricky Ponting.
Before heading to our tour meeting point, we stopped in for some shopping back in the port zone and of course picked up cheeky top and a Jamiacan jacket. Next it was off to the horseriding tour meeting point.
We met our very cool Jamican guide and driver - Captain K, then headed off on a scenic drive to near a place called Runaway Bay. Seeing the houses and hearing about the history and people of Jamiaca was quite interesting. The houses can take up to 15 years to complete and owners tend to build their own homes with the help of their friends and family. In addition to this, they would start just with a room or two with a bathroom until they have enough money for each extension. This allows for no mortgages and then houses eventuate into quite large establishments.
As a bit of crowd participation on the bus on the way there and back, our guide got everyone trying to speak with a Jamaican accent and he taught us Irie, meaning good. He also had all the nationalities sing their national anthem. All Americans, two Aussies and 1 girl from Brazil. We sang on our own to randoms, good times. The new Australian of our group did not exactly know all the words either.....deport him!
The horseriding was very easy, actually a little too easy. They didn't even allow us to trot! Not happy Jan!!!! Thankfully, the ocean ride with the horses was absolutely fantastic. Everyone loved it. It was so refreshing for the horses in the water and they seemed to really like it. It would be good for the review of the shore excursion to reflect the snail pace. We left there with some good times, a cd with some photos and we shared a plate of their Jerk chicken on rice and a couple of cheeky Red Stripe local beers. Bet you didn't see that one coming?
Once we headed back to the ship, we were still pretty hungry so it was off to Park Cafe for a very late lunch. We weren't disappointed! As it was so late, it only gave us time to head back to the room, shower up and watch an afternoon movie, then it was straight back out to dinner. We took our time and they weren't scared to lay the drinks on us.
We were there till ten, then it was off to the 70s street party on the promenade deck. This was great fun! We were hopeful of getting a flashing ring and ended up with one each. Woot! Fast hands like Kung fu masters, thank you! We danced and sang in the street along with the performers and loved it. We moved on to the High Tide bar to catch up with April and chatted with a few others while there.
Next we decided it was time for our nightly installment of the casino, but once again it was to no avail.
We finished up pretty late and so that put an end to another great day. Ps we were feeling a little drunkish after a 6 drinks each at dinner and the bar, so it was definitely time to call it a night!
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