Photo Details: Doctor’s Cave Beach (IStockPhoto)

Imagine walking bare-footed and basking away along a perfect stretch of soft white sandy beach, enjoying the sun-warmed clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking views of a heavenly paradise. Well, forget about your imagination. Your dream to experience the perfect beach holiday can become a reality in the beautiful island of Jamaica.

Jamaican Beaches

Jamaican beaches are among some of the best in the world and are enough to entice and satisfy a variety of personalities. Whether you’re easy-going and you want to sit back and relax while you sun-bathe and sip a frozen cocktail or you are spontaneous and exciting and you want to indulge in fun-filled beach activities — there is a Jamaican beach to satisfy your unique appetite and varying budget.

1. Negril 7 Mile Beach

Listed among the top 10 beaches in the world, Negril’s 7 Mile Beach is unlike any other. As the name suggests, this famous beach is located in Negril and stretches across 7 miles, which is in itself a spectacular natural phenomenon. This beach is positioned westward and is known to have the most mesmerizing sunsets that the eyes could behold. It’s the beach of beautiful white sands, crystal clear greenish-blue waters, and is well suited for those who are impulsive and wants to experience the true island vibes.

2. Aqua Sol Beach & Theme Park

Aqua Sol Beach & Theme Park is synonymous with the word ‘amusement’. This beach is the ‘beach entertainment capital’ and is located pretty close to downtown Montego Bay, on Gloucester Avenue. Aqua Sol is the perfect choice for beach family vacations which are activity packed with beach games and watersports activities of all sorts. Some of which includes jet skiing, parasailing, wave running, riding banana boats and so on.
Despite the amazing and entertaining aspects of this beach location, its interesting natural features can easily captivate even the very reserved beach lover. At Aqua Sol Beach, it’s all about fun, sand and sea.

3. Doctor’s Cave Beach

As seen in the picture above, Doctor’s Cave Beach is the perfect pick for an extraordinary beach vacation. This beach is ideally located in Montego Bay within close proximity to the most popular accommodations and restaurants in and around Main Street Montego Bay.
Naturally, the beach collects deposits of impeccably clear and mineralized water from a nearby spring. Its unusually warm waves are uniquely complemented by golden sands and turquoise water which makes it a popular favorite among Jamaicans and visitors alike.
In an effort to satisfy any beach lovers crave for more than ordinarily walking along the beach or swimming, Doctor’s Cave Beach is also known for its various beach activities.

4. French Man’s Cove

As one of Jamaica’s most gorgeous looking beaches, French Man’s Cove beach is tucked away in Port Antonio. This unique beach goer’s hot spot has been a film location of some of our most watched movies including Knight and Day, with renowned actors Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise.
A visit to French Man’s Cove could be described as one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s quite a laid-back beach setting which boasts more than just another nice beach spot with buzzing entertainment. You will be able to enjoy one of the most remarkable scenery of shaded trees, a fascinating nearby river for further exploration and the true spirit of warm Jamaicans.

5. Boston Bay Beach

Locally called Boston Beach or Boston Bay, this is another of Jamaica’s beach paradise. It is located in Port Antonio and is what one could probably call the surfer’s delight. This lovely beach is the only beach location for surfing as it has some of the most enticing waves for windsurfing. Of course, on any given day, there are surfing lessons and equipment available and the persistently daring wave challengers.
Boston Beach is also renowned worldwide as Jamaica’s favorite “Jerk hub”, where beach lovers can indulge in this tantalizing tasty, smoky and spicy Jamaican tradition known as “Jerk”. This makes this beach the perfect place for a mixture of “island fun” and “island spices”.

There you have it! The 5 best Jamaican beaches chosen by popularity, exceptionally attractive waters, beautiful sandy shores, buzzing water sports activities and the unforgettable memories that they can add to any Jamaican trip. Don’t miss a trip to one of these fascinating beaches on your next visit to Jamaica, let KulchaTours take you there. Kulchatours offers geography themed tours and can easily facilitate your Jamaican trip for an unforgettable beach adventure. As we always say, all you have to do is “relax, learn and enjoy” Certainly, among the spicy cuisine, lively entertainment, friendly people and numerous natural lures, Jamaican beaches still remain one of the island’s most popular attractions.

All our tours offer a visit to any beach of your choice check, out our Jamaican adventures.

Photo Credit: Margene M Stewart (DreamsTime)

The Christmas carols, lights, decorations, the tree, gifts, festivals, and carnivals etc are all reasons why we love the Christmas season. Although some things stay the same across cultures; there are some customs that makes Jamaica a little different when it comes to Christmas.

Weather

It doesn’t snow in Jamaica … ever. During the Christmas season you can expect the same warm climate, however a few cold fronts may come in here and there, but overall you can still wear your sandals and shorts and lay on the beach.
Here is a quick summary of what the weather is like in Jamaica in December:

Taken from: Jamaica-guide.info

Jamaica is a fantastic getaway during the Christmas season, especially if your looking for an escape from the cold.

Christmas shopping and events

The recent renovation of the Coronation market in downtown Kingston in 2010 has attracted more business and thus maintained the tradition of last minute Christmas shopping there. Coronation market is well known to host multiple events, sales and numerous discounts for shoppers to get food, gifts and home items for dirt cheap prices. As a consequence it is always packed around the Christmas time, with people hustling to find good deals. Some popular events around this time of year is visiting the ‘Waterfront’, to see the fireworks. The Waterfront is a port in the Kingston Harbor where people would go at night to see Christmas Day and New Years fireworks.

Boxing Day

On the Jamaican calender, immediately following Christmas day, is boxing day. To this day, there is really no true significance to why it is still being celebrated. From my memories, we spent boxing day to plan family Christmas dinners, or parties, finish our leftover or to go out with the family, but as far as I am concerned it’s another day to take off from work. See this post taken from the Jamaican Gleaner that talks about Boxing Day as well. It is also a custom for Jamaicans to extend their holidays as long as possible. For example, if labor day happens to fall on a Thursday, you may get that Friday off as well. If we celebrate Easter on a Sunday, we may extend it to Easter Monday as well, and you head back to work/school on Tuesday or even Wednesday in some cases. Its funny, but I think the ‘no problem man’ attitude transcends into our holidays.

Food

First of all, Jamaicans eat fruit cake during the Christmas season, but it is in no way similar to American fruit cake. Jamaican fruit cake is very dense, thick and rich. I know that’s a very vague description, but I could find no other way to describe it. You can’t really compare it to anything, because it is so unique, but GOOD. It is the premier choice when it comes to Jamaican desserts. If you are interested about the recipe see here.

Photo Credit: Patience 21964

Another favorite is the Sorrel drink. It is made from the Hibiscus flower plant and is very popular in Jamaica. It can be combined with Ginger, nutmeg, or Vanilla spices to give it a little zing. People also choose to add rum to it as well. Sorrel is a very popular drink during the Christmas time in Jamaica.

We should never forget the reason for the season, and why Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year. We all have our own traditions and customs during this season and we learn to celebrate them.
If this post wasn’t enough to get you in the Christmas mood, I’m sure this would. Listen to the the story of “The Night Before Christmas”, Jamaican style:

Traveling to Jamaica during the holiday season? Contact Us with your questions and concerns!

Also, reply to or tweet this post with an answer to this opening statement: “Christmas in Jamaica for me would be …”, and I will send the “Our Jamaica 2012″ magazine to your email address!

Patty, though not as popular as Jerk Chicken is in fact a Jamaican cuisine. Its easily accessible, cheap and is a must have should you ever decide to visit Jamaica.

Patty is a golden crusted pastry filled with either ground beef, curried chicken, callaloo (similar to spinach) or cheese.

Photo Credit: Delicious Cooks.com

Patty is similar to the American Hamburger or Hotdog; its the primary Jamaican fast food because it’s cheap and you can get it almost everywhere. Patty is integrated into Jamaican culture because people enjoy across diverse age groups and socio-economic status. With its thick and flaky outer shell and scrumptious filling; once you speak with any Jamaican they will let you know why Patty is not only common, but a favorite among Jamaicans for years.

Where to get it

Its often debated which places are the best to get a hold of a Patty. There’s Juici Beef Patties, Tasties, Mother’s, Golden Crust or any corner store/restaurant. However, I recommend Juici Beef Patties because their food tends to be more fresh and they offer the best variety of Patties. Some examples include: Chicken, Callaloo, Lobster, Shrimp, Fish, Cheese and even Veggie Patties. If you’d like to make the Patty for yourself, you can get the ingredients here.

Combo it up

Patti can also be combined with other foods. A popular combination is Coco Bread, which is basically two thick loaves of bread that sandwich the Patty in the middle. Some people like to eat Patty with Bulla (pronounced ‘Bul ah’). This is a dense cake that has various spices such as ginger and nutmeg. Bulla tends to be dry so I recommend you have a drink on stand by to wash it down.

Patty and Cocoa Bread                                          Jamaican Bulla
Photo Credit: Jamaicascene and joylcampbell

Patty Memories

Patty was derived years ago from the English Cornish Patty, and today if you ask any Jamaican about Patty, they would share their own Patty experience and how they like to eat it. Its like the Patty is more than just a fast food, there is an emotional attachment to it. I haven’t had Patty in over a year, and I could relate what it made me ‘feel like’ or the memories I had from eating it. However, I couldn’t do the same if haven’t had burgers and fries in over a year. Patty is feel good food.
A nice warm Patty is a good ‘grab and go’ while shopping in the hustle of downtown, on while you’re on your lunch break at school, at the corner shop with your friends or after a long day spent at the beach.

Patty is not a revolutionary food, many countries have their own version of a Patty. However, the Jamaican Patty is the essence of culture food, similar to how the Jerk Chicken is culture food. Its Jamaican and we share pride in that our version is unique. That’s why if you were ever to spend at least 2 seconds in Jamaica, you must delight yourself in sampling the Patty, in order to have the true Jamaican experience.

If you enjoyed this article about Jamaica, check out our Jamaican adventures. Share, with your friends and leave us a comment!

Compared to other countries, the education system of third world countries (especially the Caribbean) differ greatly in their curriculum and teaching styles. This post explores what the education system is like in Jamaica.

People had often asked me about my experience going to school in Jamaica. My observations of the Jamaican education system are based on experience, not ‘hear say’.

What is school like?

First of all, Jamaicans are highly religious people. Therefore the students were always encouraged to have morning devotions before classes and were taught moral values from elementary stage. As a former British colony, Jamaica fashioned its schools after the British education system. The schools are separated in infant and basic school (from ages 3-6), primary level schools (for grades 1-6), secondary included high schools, technical schools and trade/vocational schools. Some high schools are separated into Boys and Girls schools, and you are required to where uniforms up to high school level. Caribbean Studies has some good details on the structure of the Jamaican education system.

The school curriculum is mandated and provided by the government and is similar to the British system. We were always taught to speak and write ‘standard’ British English. Even though our dialect is Patois. We also use British spelling, therefore we spell words like ‘color’ as ‘colour’ and ‘center’ as ‘centre’. Jamaican teachers are passionate about their students (at least all the ones that I came across). They do not mind spending time with the students that need attention. The teachers are also allowed to discipline their students until they get to high school stage; then the punishment changes.

The Jamaican schools also separate the grades into academic tiers; which are levels such as A,B and C that are based on academic performance. Therefore, if a teacher believes a student is not performing as good as the rest of the class, the student won’t necessarily repeat the grade, rather they are placed in a lower academic tier for the next year. For example, if you were in grade 2A and at the end of the school year, you averaged lower/ranked lower than most students in your class, next year you won’t enjoy grade 3A with your friends. Next year you would get placed into grade 3B or 3C. That’s right; new teacher, new friends and new bullies. Your teacher also has the right to call out your grades in the classroom if they choose to, and distribute reports that compare how you are doing with other students. This is also done publicly, so everyone knows (and can judge you) when you are not doing well in school. The purpose of this, however cruel you might think, is to shame you to do better.

Classroom resources

One disadvantage, (or advantage based on your perception) is the lack of resources in the classroom. Some include as TV’s, computers, projectors etc. Some schools may be able to afford to have these resources available to them, but this is not the norm. A good example would be that a school might have a library, with nothing but the bare necessities of what a library should have. The books may be outdated and a savvy internet cafe may not be available to go ‘Google’ something. Some schools suffer due to the lack of good teachers. Normally, the student:teacher ratio is high. Classes on average have a student head count of around 25-30. So, even though teachers will try to assist students that need more attention, often times students that have trouble grasping material will get left behind. Of course this will not apply to all schools, but it is a reality for most. The point is, most students have to make do with what they have.

For the most part, education is seen as a ticket out of poverty. For students, it is a stepping stone to better not only themselves, but their families as well. Education, starting at the high school level is not funded by the government. So, for parents who strive to pay for their child’s education, they would expect that child to have a better opportunity at life and in return help their parents. It’s an investment, so often times it is taken more seriously. KulchaTours is offering a Schoolaz Tour that explores the education system in Jamaica. You get to visit an elementary level and secondary level school, observe students, talk with teachers, while visiting various attractions across the island. The purpose of the tour is to observe the education system in Jamaica.

So how do you view the Jamaican education system? What things have you learned from this post? How do you think the school system in Jamaica can be improved?

If you enjoyed this article about Jamaica, check out our Jamaican adventures.

image credit: IStockPhoto by jaminwell

Jamaica has proven itself as a formidable opponent in athletics. After witnessing the stellar performance from the Jamaican track team in the 2012 London Olympics. People can’t help but to ask, ‘so what’s the secret?’

Jamaica, as small as it is, rivals any country in the world in producing great sprinters. The achievements are startling, beginning with Herb Mackenley in the 1950s, to Merlene Ottey in the 80s & 90s abd continues on for the current male and female sprint stalwarts including Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, Rohan “The Beast” Blake and the legend in the making, double Olympic champion at 100m and 200m as well as triple record holder 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay, Usain “Lightening” Bolt. Great runners who represented other countries such as Lynford Christie, Donovan Bailey, and Sanya Richards also have roots in the tiny island.

What is the reason for this success? Some say the secret is in the yams or the fast twitch muscle fibers. It could be anything from an ‘all natural, no Burger King’ diet, running uphill and downhill for muscle conditioning, or maybe there’s something in the water. The stories are endless, and the theories are many, but take it from a real ‘bawn and grown’ Jamaican; the secret to their success is a lot simpler than you think. When you look at the interviews of the athletes, they seem to repeat the same things, training hard, eating right and that their love for the sport is what motivates them to be stronger, better … faster.

Whatever the reason, the passion for running, the training regiment and the physical environment are summed up in a 4 day track and field festival in Kingston called “Champs” – which is short for Boys and Girls Championships. “Champs” is where the best athletes introduce themselves to the National audience. Over 100 high schools across the country compete for the boys and girls sections of the championships at the national stadium in front of a sea of ecstatic supporters wearing vibrant colors and waving flags that represent their schools. It’s an exciting atmosphere to witness the friendly rivalry between schools, and spectators boasting of which school is better. Many observers including Ato Boldon, ESPN analysts and Michael Johnson, Olympic champion and BBC analysts believes that “Champs” is the factory from which stars are born. Our Track Attack tour features attending a Champs event. The video below really captures what the “Champs” event is all about, the breeding ground for the next best Jamaican athletes.

The point is, if you come across any good Jamaican athlete, chances are that they have been training in their sport since High School/Elementary stage. Before Usain Bolt was Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt, he was training from High School and represented his school, Kingston College in the Champs games. Bolt was already a popular athlete in Jamaica before he represented the country on the world stage, because he always performed well for Champs events. I knew of Olympic record holder, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as a good runner because she made a name for herself at Champs. In fact, we went to the same High School, Wolmer’s High School for Girls. Jamaican athletes are good at what they do, because they have been training from a very young age.

Visit Champs and see for yourself! Observe the nursery from which great sprinters come. Take the chance on your tour to watch children race at school during break periods. Go to the training camp of world beaters, you may find one there working out. Hear the coach’s views on the training regiments, upcoming talents and the motivation behind this success. Enjoy the exotic food, culture and beaches while you are there. Make friends and experience the island’s natural beauty, we guarantee it will be a memorable event.

Check out our Track Attack tour for details. The next Champs event will be on March 30, 2013.

Jamaica is well known for its rich and diverse culture. From it’s people, music and food, this little country carries a big personality!

We ‘Kulcha’ rich!

Our National motto says “Out of many, one people”. Although the majority of our people are from African descent, we also have large groups of people from Asian, Indian and European nationalities. Traditions from these nationalities have shaped our folklore, food and music.

Jamaica was originally occupied by the indigenous ‘Arawak’ Indians then the slave trade was later introduced. Once a British Colony until 1962, Jamaica has a history of slavery that had brought the Africans to the island. After slavery was abolished in 1834, the island became a center for agricultural trade and commerce and people from Asian and Indian backgrounds settled there.

How we speak

Patios, pronounced “Pat-Wah” is a Jamaican dialect that is spoken throughout the island. It is not a language, its a dialect that contains a mixture of English and African words that was created during slavery when the slaves were taught to learn and speak like their English masters. Patois has been spoken on the island for over 100 years, and even though we read and write in standard English, everybody on the island talks “pat-wah”. Here a few words and there translations:

“Wah Gwan” (pronounced ‘waah-gwaan’) = Whats up?/Whats Happening?
“Ova Deh So” (pronunced ‘ova deh so’) = Over There
“Mi nuh know” = I don’t know
For a full list of Patois words and translations see here.

Music and Dance

Jamaicans are very expressive when it comes to music and dance. Music and dance is embedded in how we communicate our struggles, victories, our views on politics and spirituality. Even as children, you learn to respond to music by dancing and singing. Bob Marley did a great job at introducing Reggae to the world in the 70′s, but Jamaican music was taking form long before, during the time of slavery. Traditions of drumming and chanting was passed down from African descendants, and the music and dance evolved over the years. If you want to watch a history of how Jamaican music and dance evolved from the 60′s (after independence in 1962), you can click this link here.

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Good question. Of all the popular destinations and tours at your disposal, why would anyone choose Jamaica?

Jamaica is known for its music, astounding natural beauty and its laid back culture. But what makes it special is its people. Jamaicans are friendly and accommodating to visitors and we are confident that it won’t take too long before you start saying “Yeah mon” and “Wah gwan”.

Everyone plans to go to Jamaica at some point in their life. Visitors flock the island every year, whether via cruises or air travel because they are attracted to the culture, the music, the food, it beaches and its people.

Otherwise called “The land of Wood and Water”, Jamaica has a lot to offer to appease the various interests of our guests. If you enjoy the outdoors, you may be interested in zip lining through the forest, horseback riding on the beach, or hiking the Blue Mountains. If you are seeking more secluded, quiet ambiance, there are multiple spa packages, botanic gardens and natural springs to see. If you wanted to experience the city, historic landmarks or music, there are attractions for that taste as well.

Adventurers

Some tourists enjoy high energy/pace activities, whether it be hiking, scuba diving, zip lining or enjoying an ATV ride through the forest. We’d like to call them adventurers. They crave the thrill of exciting experiences. Adventurers are very curious and intend to explore and make discoveries. Here are some excursions that may be good for this type of tourists:

• Chukka Cove: Hot spot for ATV tours, zip lining and horseback riding on land or in water.
• Dunns River Falls: This popular destination for climbing a 900ft cascading waterfall that empties into the blue lagoon.
•  Blue Mountain Peak: Hiking the highest mountain in the island that rises 7402ft. high.
• Dolphin Cove: Go swimming with the dolphins!
• Frenchman’s Cove: Perfect place for scuba diving, snorkeling and water skiing.
• Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon: Come here and see how this natural spring glows in the dark, and then you go swimming in it!

Adventurers would enjoy our Geo-Crazy or Herbal Healing tours. KulchaTours is flexible enough to include visits to some …

5Days visiting breath-taking landmarks and historical sites in Jamaica.

Get a close up view of a few of the islands popular feats of nature and observe major economic activity on which the country is dependent.

Examine the physiology of the interesting stomblo land mass called the Palisados that is the site of the airport and infamous Port Royal known for pirates but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692 due to liquification of the sand beneath it.

Tour starts at the Green Grotto limestone cave then on to Ocho Rios to experience one of the worlds spectacular waterfall. Tour an old sugar plantation, the main economic activity until recently when tourism and bauxite mining took over.

All this while staying at an all inclusive luxury hotel near beaches with plenty of fun activities.

Gallery

What’s Included

• All-inclusive hotel
• Guided tours to landmarks
• Tour materials
• Land transportation
• Free KulchaTours souvenir
• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Fun activities at selected hotels
• Hotel taxes and service charges

Calendar for 2012

November 27 – December 2

Itinerary

Things to Know

Language: English
Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
Weather: It’s nice.
Passports: Required
Visa: Not required.

Book This Tour!

*Full payment completed 6 weeks in advance and is based on group of 20 persons. Double occupancy.

5Days of visits to Jamaican learning institutions from elementary to college level in a unique setting.

Take a look a the learning institutions from elementary to college level and get an insight into the failure and successes of an education system that is resource challenged yet manages to produce respected scholars and professionals who have made an impact both locally and on the world stage.

Start with Waldensia Primary and All Age School where the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt attended,then on to a traditional high school where preparation for the work force begins.

Finish your tour at a university and assess the standards, strengths as well as the short comings. On all tours, interact with the students and teachers. Share thoughts on any issues or just enjoy the glowing faces and vibrant nature of the students.Pause at refreshing and interesting locales for food and fun.

All this while staying at an all-inclusive luxury hotel near beaches with plenty of fun activities.

Gallery

What’s Included

• Airfare and All-inclusive hotel
• Guided tours to learning institutions
• Tour materials
• Land transportation
• Free KulchaTours souvenir
• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Fun activities at selected hotels
• Hotel taxes and service charges

Calendar for 2012

March 13 – March 18
Sept 10 – Sept 16
Oct 30 – Nov 4

Itinerary

Things to Know

Language: English
Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
Weather: It’s nice.
Passports: Required
Visa: Not required.

Book This Tour!

*Full payment completed 6 weeks in advance and is based on group of 20 persons. Double occupancy.

5Days of Jamaican immersion into the exciting atmosphere and world-renowned camps that produce record breakers in track and field.

Who faster? That’s the slogan being used by a shoe company featuring Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man.

Jamaica, as small as it is, rivals any country in the world in producing great sprinters. The achievements are continuous starting with Herb Mackinley in the 1950s, to Merlene Ottey in the 80s & 90s through to the current male and female sprint quartets including Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell, and Shelly Ann Fraser that devastated the recent Olympics and World Championships. Great runners who represented other countries such as Lynford Christie, Donovan Bailey, and Sanya Richards all have roots in the tiny island.

What’s the reason for this success? Some say the secret is in the yams or the water or fast twitch muscle fibers.

Visit the island and see for yourself. Sample all the food, drink all you want and observe the nursery from which great sprinters come. Watch children race at school during break periods and visit track meets where some of the best are identified. Go to the training camp of world record beaters, you may find one there working out. Hear the coaches views on the training regiments,upcoming talents an d the motivation behind this success.

Start with Waldensia Primary and All Age School where Bolt attended, then on to a high school where preparation for “Champs” the all island track meet that is the most excited in the world for school age athletes. Meet and greet atletes at the Racers Track Club or the MVP Track Club. You may be able to attend Champs or any other meet including IAAF events depending on tour dates.

All this while staying at an all-inclusive luxury hotel near beaches with plenty of fun activities.

Gallery

What’s Included

• All-inclusive hotel*
• Guided tours
• Experienced chaperones at schedule track events
• Tour materials
• Ticket to track event
• Land transportation to tour sites
• Free KulchaTours souvenir
• Airport transfers
• Meals**
• Fun activities at selected hotels
• Hotel taxes and service charges

*Hotel accommodation in Kingston is not all-inclusive.
**All meals included except for meals in Kingston.

Note:  Please contact us if you need assitance with Airfare quotes.

Calendar for 2013

March 27 – April 1 (Track Event: Boys and Girls Championships)
May 1 – May 6 (Track Event: Jamaica Invitational)

Itinerary

Things to Know

Language: English
Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
Weather: It’s nice.
Passports: Required
Visa: Not required.

Book This Tour!

***Must be paid 6 weeks in advance and is based on group of 20 persons. Double occupancy.