It is easy to wax lyrical about the island of Jamaica in the
north of the Caribbean; the glorious glow of its sunsets, the
unique and engaging ways of its people, the alluring white sandy
beaches and lush green mountains, the sparkling waterfalls. All of
these can inspire the poet in anyone. The beauty of this island
paradise has drawn visitors for centuries. At first it
was the wealthy few who were privileged to enjoy the unspoilt
tropical delights of Jamaica, but today the northern and western
coastlines of the island bristle with tourist resorts and
'all-inclusive' hotels. Natural attractions have been
commercialised to cope with the crowds and make the most out of the
tourists. Somehow the commercialisation has not spoiled Jamaica,
however. It still presents a magnificent kaleidoscope of colour and
beauty that makes holidaymakers sad to leave, and vow to return.The
name Jamaica originates from the pre-colonial native inhabitants,
the Arawak Indians, to whom
Xaymacameant 'land of wood and water'. There is little
left of the Indian culture; after being discovered by Columbus in
1494, Jamaica was ruled by the Spanish for 150 years and then by
the British for the next 300 years. Independence came in 1962 to
the Jamaican people, who are now a warm blend of different cultures
and nationalities, though significantly African based because of
the influence of the imported slaves who endeavoured to keep their
tribal traditions alive while being forced to labour on the island
plantations.There is, however, a little trouble in paradise: the
Jamaican people on the whole are poor, and very reliant on tourism
for their living. Some visitors object to being harassed by
vendors, unlicensed taxi drivers, hair braiders and the like. Crime
is also a problem. These minor irritations, however, should not
keep anyone away from savouring the spirit of Jamaica, which is as
rich as the lilt of the local patois and the rhythms of the reggae
music for which the island is famous.
|
Main Locations:
Flight Shops in India
Juhu Tara, Mumbai
Shop # 1 Ground Floor,
Marine Apartments, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai
Call
022 61510101
or
email
Phoenix Market City Mall , Kurla
Phoenix Market City Mall,
LBS Road, Near Kamani,
Kurla (West), Mumbai -400 070 Mumbai
Call
+91 22 61800505
or
email
|