That was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. We docked in Jamaica on a lovely sunny summer morning, and our excitement was over the top. Several factors contributed to that:
We had never been to Jamaica before.
A private tour guide was waiting for us at the port (I highly recommend booking a private guide, and I'd be happy to arrange one for you if you book a cruise with me).
The pictures of our destination, "The Blue Hole," looked absolutely amazing.
We expected a typical, formal tour guide experience: a polite greeting, a handshake, and a straightforward drive to the Blue Hole with occasional comments here and there about life in Jamaica. However, our experience was far more vibrant. Our tour guide, with a huge smile on his face, warmly greeted us as if we were close friends or family members. He gave us all hugs and led us to a comfortable, air-conditioned van, while telling us stories and giving us insights about Jamaica. While it was a bit overwhelming at first, his genuine friendliness immediately put us at ease and definitely increased our excitement.
The drive to the Blue Hole was long, but far from dull. Our wonderful tour guide shared fascinating stories about living in Jamaica, taking us on a route that offered a rich cultural perspective. We passed by Bob Marley's house, stopped at the spot where Columbus once docked (perfect for a memorable photo opportunity), visited a local food place to sample traditional Jamaican jerky, and even bought exotic fruits from a vendor on the side of the road. Finally, we arrived at the breathtaking Blue Hole. I won't do our experience justice by simply saying we had fun. It deserves a post of its own! Stay tuned for more on our incredible adventure.