Jamaica: Day 1

Getting to Jamaica was actually very cool for me. Flying over water for the majority of the time was a new experience. And it was very awesome to see the little islands that dotted the ocean. And they were mostly just little strips of green with white sand outlines. I don't know what country they belonged to, but they were cool to see. Landing in the airport in Montego Bay was a new experience for me as well. I'm not sure how much damage the hurricane last year did here, but you could definitely tell a difference in our airports and Jamaica's. It's pretty much a third world country here, or at least a second world country (note to self, look up what third world country even means). It wasn't that it was scary or anything, it was just not... Not much, I guess I'd say. It's hard to explain without being here, but just walk into somewhere like JFK or ATL's airports, and then think about your church, without any decoration on the walls. That's what I was reminded of. And the line through immigration and customs was LOOOONG, which may be normal, but I was new to it, so it was interesting to me.

Once we got out of the airport we had to take a shuttle to Negril which is about a 90 minute ride out of Montego bay. It was very interesting. I've never been anywhere that rides on the opposite side of the road before. That was the scariest part. They drive like maniacs here. I'll never get mad at people who drive bad in Virginia again. They honk for the right of way here, they drive right through stop signs, and they only leave inches of room when they are passing. It was an experience. We also got to see plenty of the poverty stricken towns around here. One that I remember was Lucea (pronounced Lucy). It's not that they are all poverty stricken really, but it just seems that way. I guess because there are so many people on such a small island. Hotels are big business around here and beyond that it's only markets and crafts. They had an underwear shop here last year, but they closed it. I guess folks don't need to wear much underwear here. Anyway, it was quite a show, and not what I was expecting, but I guess we're just blessed to live in America where we don't have as much of that.

Once we pulled in to Couples Resort it was paradise. We don't have to lift a finger. I was going to carry my baggage (cause Sarah said if you don't you have to pay like five bucks to people who carry it ten feet) but the guy was like, "You're on Vacation Mon! No problem!" So that's absolutely nice, and you're not allowed to tip here on the resort so that makes it even nicer! The lobby here overlooks the pool, which looks out on the beach. Because we didn't bring the camera cord I can't show you a picture of the beach, but just imagine a desserted island with beach chairs and you'll get a good idea. It was weird for us yesterday time wise. We got up so early and were travelling all day. When we got here we lost an hour, they are Eastern but don't have daylight savings time, but we were exhausted by time we got here. Like I said in the last post we slept on the beach for a while after dipping in the water. Then we ate, then we went to bed! At like 9:45! So we're ready for a full day today.

Sorry if this post is stream-of-conciousness, but we're about to go eat breakfast. I want to get as much of my thoughts down as I can each day. Then I'll refine them into a longer post when we get back!

It's actually not all that busy here so there aren't a ton of people on the beach. The water is warm and the hammocks are so relaxing afterwards. The white sand is unbelievable soft, and the food has been great so far. Well Sarah's here, so off we go. See you all soon, but I hope not too soon. :)

Love,

The Johnsons