Saturday, July 17, 2010

How to enjoy your visit to Kingston




(Tue Jul 13th, 2010, by Karen Thompson)

Kingston is the capital and cosmopolitan centre of not just Jamaica but the whole of Caribbean. The city, over the years has withstood disasters such as earthquakes, epidemics and fires and like the phoenix has risen from the ashes lively, vibrant and stronger than ever. It was here in Kingston that pirates once ran wild; however today it is arts and culture that reign supreme.


There is much that you can do and see in Kingston. To deviate a bit from the topic, it is also worth a mention that if you are visiting the island you can make all the difference to your trip by staying in jamica villas and cottages, ideally located in garden settings near the Caribbean Sea and offering you your own home away from home on the island.

Coming back to the activities you can do on the island, here are some options you can consider. You can start by visiting Hope Road and going by the number of attractions here, it could well be called Attractions Road.

Marley Museum: Jamaica is synonymous with Bob Marley and if you are a reggae fan you can visit this museum where you will find memorabilia, photos and clippings that bring him to life. You can also enjoy a 20-minute video show that has excerpts from his best concert performances.

Devon House: This early 19th century landmark was commissioned by George Stiebel, a shipwright who became Jamaica's first millionaire. The house is furnished with Caribbean antiques, including rich mahogany pieces. The courtyard has craft shops, restaurants, an internet café and bakery.

Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo: This is also on Hope Road and has on display the West Indies' largest collection of plants and flowering trees. You can spend some time in the beautiful gardens.

The Coins and Notes Museum: Also known by the name Bank of Jamaica's Money Museum, it houses amongst others, uncut sheets of J$500 bills, tools used to make money, old beads, Spanish pieces of eight or more.

Emancipation Park: See the Redemption Song Statue, named after Bob Marley's celebration of freedom from slavery. The park also features a jogging track and is the site of many cultural events.

Golf: For the golf enthusiasts, there are two 18-hole courses, Constant Spring Golf Club and the Caymanas Golf Club, six miles west of Kingston.

If you are travelling with kids and want to indulge in some activities that are meant for adults, you could do well by staying in Jamaica villas and cottages that specifically cater to families. Take the case of Silver sand villas, a secure community of villas and cottages located on the beautiful north coast. The villas encompass a private beach and offer amongst others childcare facilities. Also, if you wish to relax and remain indoors there are enough amenities to keep you occupied.

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