Jamaica Photo Diary

Poui Tree

2009-07-25T17:23:00.003-04:00

A photo from earlier in the year when the Poui Trees were in bloom.

A Quiet Path

2009-06-18T21:36:00.003-04:00

A Quiet path at the Hope Botanical Gardens.

Montego Bay Sunset

2009-04-28T13:40:00.002-04:00

This beautiful sunset was taken on the road leaving Montego Bay.

Scotchie's Ocho Rios

2009-04-20T23:08:00.003-04:00

Scotchie's Jerk centre in Ocho Rios.

Rio Cobre

2009-04-13T18:14:00.005-04:00

Recently I got the opportunity to go on a little road trip. Here is a snap of the Rio Cobre taken while driving through the Bog Walk Gorge.

Hip Strip

2009-03-27T22:04:00.003-04:00

Driving along Knutsford Boulevard in Kingston, a.k.a "The Hip Strip" on a rainy afternoon.

Super Plus New Kingston

2009-03-21T23:19:00.004-04:00

Super Plus is the largest supermarket chain in Jamaica. Here is one of the more recently opened stores in New Kingston.

Waterfall at Hollywell

2009-03-05T20:18:00.006-05:00

A close-up of the small waterfall at the Hollywell National Park.

View of Kingston

2009-02-20T15:15:00.001-05:00

A view of Kingston from the hills.

Apple Blossoms

2009-02-10T19:04:00.004-05:00

When we talk about apples in Jamaica, we're usually talking about Otaheite (Malay) Apples, like the ones in the picture below. Here our tree has just started bearing, so hopefully we'll be able to get a few before the birds do.

Halfway Tree Transport Centre

2009-02-01T16:24:00.002-05:00

A picture of the recently constructed Halfway Tree Transport Centre.

Turtle River Park

2009-01-26T19:13:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures of Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios on a rainy afternoon.

Breakfast at Tastee

2009-01-23T10:09:00.003-05:00

Here is a look at the Breakfast Menu at Tastee. It includes some typical breakfast items, but also a traditional Jamaican favourite, Escoveitch Fish with Festival. Escoveitch Fish is typically Snapper dusted with flour and fried in oil. It is served with a pickle of vinegar, onions, carrots and other vegetables. The Festival is a long fried cake of flour and cornmeal which goes well with the fish.

Tastee

2009-01-21T13:53:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone!! I've been a bit busy so this is my first post for the year, and it is of the Tastee Restaurant in Papine. Tastee made famous for it's patties, has been around for decades, and is one of the most popular local fast food establishments in Jamaica.

Above is a picture of a Jamaican Patty. The patty consists of a flaky flour crust stuffed with a variety of fillings, the most popular ones being beef, chicken or vegetables.

Christmas Lights

2008-12-25T17:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays to everyone!!! Here are a couple of pictures I snapped in Kingston while doing some last minute shopping.

Poinsettia

2008-12-08T18:55:00.004-05:00

I took this picture of a Poinsettia bed at the Olympia Complex in Papine. As you can see some of the leaves are in the process of changing colour.

Fog in the Mountains

2008-12-07T17:35:00.004-05:00

Yes we are still in Jamaica! I took this picture on a trip to the Hollywell National Park in upper St. Andrew. Despite the tropical climate it can still get quite cold in the mountains ( well cold for me anyways). While the park is only about an hours drive into the mountains it feels like a different world.

Children at Play

2008-12-01T20:33:00.003-05:00

Here is one of the sculptures in the garden of the Olympia Complex in Papine. This complex houses an art store, a gallery and apartments. The cool thing is that the apartments are actually in the gallery. More to come...

The Caribbean Cement Company

2008-11-24T19:49:00.005-05:00

I must apologize for the past few weeks during which I've been a bit busy, and haven't been posting regularly. Today's post is one of the Caribbean Cement factory in Rockfort, Kingston. The factory produces cement from local materials mined in the area, and this cement has been used to construct the majority Jamaica's buildings.

More from NMIA

2008-11-06T18:40:00.003-05:00

Here's another picture from the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Norman Manley International Airport

2008-11-03T17:03:00.005-05:00

Here is a picture of the newly constructed concourse at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Our National Airline

2008-10-27T20:03:00.004-04:00

At the roundabout just before the Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, is this tail with the symbol of our national airline, Air Jamaica.

Rafting on the Martha Brae

2008-10-25T18:38:00.004-04:00

Today's post is of the Martha Brae River in the northwestern parish of Trelawny. A great way to spend an afternoon don't you think?

Boat in the Kingston Harbour

2008-10-22T22:25:00.003-04:00

Here's one of the boats in the Kingston Harbour.

Palisadoes

2008-10-21T20:35:00.004-04:00

I took some pictures while driving on the Palisadoes Road on the way to the airport. The Palisadoes strip (tombolo in geographical terms) is the narrow strip of land which separates the Kingston Harbour from the Caribbean sea.

At one time there were sand banks on the left, however they have been eroded, so now work is in progress to create a more substantial barrier to protect the roadway.

More from Negril

2008-10-20T00:10:00.003-04:00

Another picture from my vacation in Negril.

A Quiet Evening in Negril

2008-10-18T23:46:00.002-04:00

Here's a picture from my vacation in Negril last year.

Kingston Harbour

2008-10-17T22:12:00.003-04:00

Today I've posted a picture of the Kingston Harbour. It is the world's 7th largest natural harbour.

Jamaica Flour Mills

2008-10-15T23:21:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of the Jamaica Flour Mills in Kingston. The wheat is imported from abroad and stored in silos before being processed into various types of flour.

Statue of Bob Marley

2008-10-14T23:29:00.004-04:00

This tribute to the legendary Robert Nesta Marley stands opposite the National Stadium in Kingston. For more information on his life and contribution click here

Cottage

2008-10-13T22:42:00.005-04:00

This quaint little cottage is found on the grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope.

Cruise Ship

2008-10-12T22:13:00.002-04:00

Cruise ship at port in Ocho Rios.

Ocho Rios

2008-10-11T22:35:00.002-04:00

A view of Ocho Rios from the hills.

Breadfruit

2008-10-10T21:19:00.004-04:00

Originally from the Pacific Islands, breadfruit was brought to Jamaica during the 18th Century, and has become an important part of local cuisine. Above is a picture of the breadfruit before it was cooked, while the one below was taken after it was roasted.

Breadfruits are typically roasted, boiled or fried, and go great with ackee and saltfish among other things. After being roasted the breadfruit is peeled and the heart (centre) is removed.

Courts Store

2008-10-08T20:22:00.004-04:00

The picture above is of the Courts store in Liguanea. Courts sells primarily furniture and household appliances, and is well known for the distinctive architecture of it's stores. It would be very hard not to notice a big yellow castle!

Post Office Mall

2008-10-07T22:41:00.003-04:00

Across the street from Sovereign Centre in Liguanea is the recently constructed Post Office Mall. This mall is much smaller than Sovereign Centre, but has some unusual architecture. As you can see, the left wall is set at an angle.

Ackee and Saltfish

2008-10-06T23:19:00.004-04:00

Here's my lunch of Ackee and Saltfish (National Dish), served with boiled green bananas, flour dumplings and fried ripe plantains. Yum!

Mahoe Waterfalls

2008-10-04T21:35:00.005-04:00

It being the weekend, I decided to take a break from the city and show you some rural scenery. This is one of the lesser known waterfalls in the parish of St. Ann, and is found at the Coyaba River Gardens. Although not quite as grand as the nearby Dunn's River Falls, it is much less crowded, and much easier to climb.

More from Sovereign Centre

2008-10-03T21:49:00.005-04:00

Here are some more pictures from inside Sovereign Centre

Sovereign Centre

2008-10-02T23:01:00.003-04:00

Sovereign Centre is one of the most popular shopping complexes in the Kingston Corporate Area. In addition to a variety of retail stores, it has a supermarket, a food court and a movie theatre.

Hope Gardens

2008-10-01T22:33:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope. It's a place I used to visit quite often as a young child, however in later years it fell into disrepair, and has just recently undergone a major redevelopment. Now I think it's absolutely beautiful, and appreciate all the hard work that goes into maintaining it.

Liguanea Intersection

2008-09-30T22:25:00.004-04:00

The intersection of Hope Road, Old Hope Road and Barbican Road is one of the busiest in the Kingston Corporate Area. The road running straight ahead is one of only a few dual carriageways in the area.

Jamaica College

2008-09-29T21:19:00.006-04:00

Founded in the 19th century, Jamaica College is one of the oldest all boys high schools in Jamaica.

Bun & Cheese Please

2008-09-28T21:32:00.003-04:00

Although traditionally most popular at Easter time, the spiced bun is a Jamaican favourite all year round. This yummy treat is eaten at pretty much any time of day and almost always with cheddar cheese.

Mona Community Park

2008-09-27T22:03:00.004-04:00

Here is a quiet spot at the community park in Mona. I think they are doing such a wonderful job of maintaining this park. It's a great place for families to spend time together.

Stuck in Traffic

2008-09-25T20:30:00.004-04:00

I took this picture at the intersection of Old Hope Road and Garden Boulevard in the Kingston Corporate Area, while waiting for the light to change. One of the things I really love about living in Kingston is that wherever you are, you usually have a view of the mountains.

Road Work

2008-09-24T22:06:00.004-04:00

The road work on Old Hope Road and Mona Road has been going on for a while now, and they're still not finished. I'm not sure exactly what they're doing...probably laying pipes. Let's hope it gets done before Christmas.

Delivery Day

2008-09-23T19:24:00.005-04:00

I just happened to be passing by right after the delivery truck had made it's drop off. It's quite common for small grocery stores to accept delivery at the front, as often times there is no loading area behind the building. On the left side are some of our local favourites, Ting, Kola Champagne and Cream Soda.

Wholesale in Papine

2008-09-22T18:41:00.018-04:00

Looking for a variety of products at cheap prices? Then you have to check out a road side wholesale store. These cramped little shops stock tons of stuff, household appliances, clothing, shoes, perfume, cosmetics, costume jewelry, toys, everything piled all the way up to the ceiling.

Guineps

2008-09-21T22:11:00.004-04:00

Guineps (mamoncillo) are in season. While walking around Papine, I found quite a few vendors selling them in large bunches. While it resembles a small lime, the guinep is actually related to the lychee, and has a large seed surrounded by pulpy fruit. For more info on guineps click here.

Coconuts on the Go

2008-09-20T19:41:00.005-04:00

Hand Carts are the popular choice of street vendors all over the island. Made of recycled parts, they are relatively inexpensive to construct, and great for both transporting and displaying produce.

Shopping Plaza

2008-09-19T20:42:00.002-04:00

Here is a small shopping plaza in Papine. In addition to stores, it also houses the Police Station.

Ackee

2008-09-17T21:20:00.010-04:00

The slightly strange looking fruit displayed above is called Ackee. It is the main ingredient in Jamaica's national dish Ackee and Saltfish (Codfish). In order to be edible however, it ought to be left to open naturally on the tree before being picked. Unripened Ackee contains toxins, and may be poisonous if eaten.

Super Bus

2008-09-17T21:20:00.008-04:00

A few years ago articulated buses were introduced to Kingston. At first I wondered how they could possibly turn corners on our narrow roads, but so far they seem to be managing the feat.

At the Bus Stop

2008-09-16T16:39:00.003-04:00

This is one in a chain of bus stops that runs almost the entire length of the road in Papine. The picture was taken a little before peak time, so the crowds had not yet gathered.

Papine Square

2008-09-15T19:36:00.005-04:00

Although we all love the beach, I hope to show a more balanced view of daily life in Jamaica. Here is a picture of Papine Square in the Kingston Corporate Area. It serves as a transportation hub for the surrounding residential areas and nearby universities, and has open air shopping plazas, a market, and of course a multitude of street vendors.

Negril Hideaway

2008-09-14T17:16:00.011-04:00

Hi and welcome to my Jamaica photo blog. This being my first post, I thought I'd start off with something Jamaica is famous for... Beautiful Beaches. This is a small private beach in Negril a few miles from the main strip. It's one of my favourite places.