Utha

We had a wonderful day in Jamaica. My family and friend and I were there two weeks ago on the Carnival Victory.

We had reserved a private tour through the suggestions on this board, and I can't say enough wonderful things about Orville Taylor! He was waiting for us at the pier –

Our itinerary consisted of River Tubing, Dunns River Falls, and the Plantation tour; then lunch and shopping. Well, he fit it all into our short day!

First up was the tubing. Orville took us to the pull out area, waited until we were in the water with the guide, and then left to meet us at the other end. The guide was fantastic! He got all three of us into inner tubes nice big ones with bottoms in them so you wouldn't scrape your own "bottom" if you floated too shallow. The trip down the river was great - really relaxing, but really fun where the rapids were. About half-way, we got out of the tubes and were offered drinks - I tried a Red Stripe, the local beer. The guide showed us some of the local vegetations, we walked around a bit, and then got back in the water. The entire ride was great!

Next up, since we were now wet and it wasn't time for the Plantation tour, was Dunns River Falls. Again, Orville dropped us off, he had our tickets ready, and waited right there for us. We walked down to the beach -! Beautiful beach! We climbed about half-way up the falls , but my legs started to give out on me - it's a lot harder than it looks! So, we chose to get out and walk the rest of the way up on the path. The Falls are beautiful and I could have spent more time on that beach.

After we changed to dry clothes, Orville took us to the Plantation. Our guide was very well informed and we saw some magnificent views as the plantation is on top of a mountain! We were fed fresh coconut - after watching one of the men scale the palm tree bare footed and with no rope!

We then had about 1 hour left for some shopping and wanted to see some local crafts - Warning, if you don't want to be asked to look and buy, don't go to the craft market in town. I was not, at any point asked to buy drugs; and no one came after me or tried to physically get me in their booth. One woman did put a skirt on me while I was waiting for my niece to decide on a piece of jewelry. I just took it back off and handed it to her with a "no thanks."

All in all - a wonderful day and I would certainly go back to Jamaica. It's a beautiful country with friendly people.
www.geocities.com/orvilletay/

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