Jamaica No Problem

When I decided to take a trip to Jamaica a few months ago, I was bombarded with opinions from my friends, family, and even strangers at times. It seems that people who haven't personally been to the island, have a perception that it is a scary, dangerous place. The stories I heard from people who had heard from someone who had heard from someone else, terrified me. It got to the point that I considered not going at all, even after the trip was paid in full.

Upon arrival, my nerves had the best of me. Waiting for drug dealers and criminals to pop out of every shadow, the airport in Montego Bay shocked me. As it turned out, no one offered me any ganja, no one hasseled me or tried to abduct me. As a matter of fact, the Jamaicans that I encountered were among some of the friendliest people that I've ever met, offering a quick smile or a bit of conversation.

Thinking back on the entire vacation, I can't think of a single time when I felt threatened or scared. I walked the streets of Ocho Rios with the best of them, and had an amazing time.

Even now, when I tell people that I've been to Jamaica, some look at me like I'm crazy, but the bottom line is, from the peaks of its mountains, to the depths of its blue sea, Jamaica is beautiful, and so are its people.