Relaxed and in love with Jamaica now.

It's a pleasant country and the trip has been relaxing with some mild countryside outdoor fun, just as we expected, a good escape after frantic planning.   The wedding was a memorable day and indeed so many things went through on that day, that Lian and I have to use a couple days to "digest" it.

We are staying in the laid-back Treasure Beach area, in a boutique cottage with friendly staff.  I love hearing sea waves and being kissed by sunshine just right out of the backdoor!  Because this area is less crowded and it's a quiet season, virtually every place we visit is "private" i.e. just us and guide.  We'll run into a guy at the hotel bar and he's the guide for hiking and biking.   Swimming and Snokeling, enjoying good (and cheap) seafood and Jamaican jerk food (btw we found out Jerk Pork is the same as Chinese roast pork), reading together, etc. without any pressure allows us to communicate and enjoy.  The hot weather was good for wildlife - even without visiting areas like Ocho Rios, we see many insects, hummingbirds, goats, cows, etc.. It's supposedly to be rainy but we're blessed with some good timing of outdoor activities too. 

Of course, the most important thing is for Lian and I, the newly wed to spend quality time and get rest.  The slow pace of southern Jamaica fits us very well.  I hope the plans we laid out as a new couple will be implemented well :)

Thinking back, Jamaica is such a small country with tourism as the no.1 industry.. that makes people friendly and commercial, in general.  However, as we drive deeper and see many of the less touristy places in the hills, a picture of developing country emerges, that really looks like Southern China.  Though ethnicity is entirely different (Jamaica is mostly african-american mixed with many other ethnicities), similar economy situation deems developing nations very similar.  Of course, Jamaica is hugely dependent on UK (was colonized and people drive on the left!) and the US, and people follow the presidential election religiously.  The outward-looking mindset, and the large portion of returning Jamaican enjoying retirement back home.

Overall it's a easy, sunny country to visit.  We were mostly at Treasure Beach; the largest white-sand beaches are in Negril area where the all-inclusive resorts were pioneered (glad we didnt have to use those yet); Black River, Montego Bay, the city of Kingston are other areas of interest.