Jamaica, of Roots, Rock and Reggae - The Biw is 13

MBG 2024 Globe - Biwday at Montego Bay, Jamaica (Dec 5-10)

Our first Caribbean cruise has been amazing, and we’re loving every moment of it! Just two days into the vacation, we were already planning our next island stop. To be honest, Montego Bay didn’t quite live up to our expectations—it didn’t even come close. But despite that, this trip became special in its own way. We made the most of what we had, and we truly enjoyed every bit of it. We embraced the things that didn’t meet our expectations and found joy in the unexpected. Our time in Jamaica has been more than just satisfying our curiosity; it’s been about celebrating everything under the sun, below the ocean, and, above all, celebrating Biw’s journey toward becoming a little teeny!

Deep in the frost of wintery Canada, our little trio head to the airport for some sunbathing and rum punching reggae love. Biw, at 13, is experiencing her own rite of passage—her first taste of the vibrant, carefree spirit of Jamaica. Just to be clear, we didn’t give her any alcohol, but rather offered her a glimpse of the joys of a teeny transitioning to a little adult, reminding her there’s so much more to life beyond the responsibilities she’s about to face. Life isn’t all that hard; there’s always a rainbow after the rain. And Jamaica? Well, it’s a place bursting with color and wild beauty. Of roots, rock and reggae - Jamaica —just as full of life and love as it is of surprises! 

Day 1

We arrived in Montego Bay to find thunderclouds and rain—definitely not the sunny welcome we were hoping for. Thankfully, the weather cleared up as the day went on, so no complaints there. The drive from Montego Bay airport to our hotel in Hanover was a long one. I mostly slept through it, but I do remember that the ride wasn’t exactly smooth. While the coastal views and the distinctive Jamaican homes were beautiful, the road itself was narrow, congested, and not the most pleasant for a journey.

The fatigue from the long drive was eased as we arrived at the Grand Palladium. True to its name, the hotel is a palace in the tropics, grand and majestic and a postcard of a Carribean dream. However, while the staff were polite, they weren’t the most efficient and seemed uncertain about their roles. For instance, we were checked in incorrectly, which led to an hour of wasted time lingering in the lobby and drowning on complimentary Jamaican vodka. Despite the drinks, our tired and sore selves weren’t exactly comforted by the delay.

The hotel is vast, with rooms spread across buildings that are separated by either pools or lush gardens. The main lobby is a bustling hub, featuring guest areas, restaurants, shops, a photo booth, travel and tour kiosks, and a large hall for various events. There were lots and lots of cats too, that alone made the hotel extra in its own way! Getting from the main lobby to our room involves quite a bit of walking, but thankfully, golf trolleys are available for guests. Our room was massive, relaxing, and offered a millionaire’s view of the Caribbean Sea. It came with a mini bar, a jacuzzi, a private balcony, and a cozy sitting area. After a much-needed rest, we headed straight to a buffet dinner at MoBay, one of the many restaurants in the hotel. 

Day 2

It is the biwday! After a restful night’s sleep, we were greeted by the hotel staff, who escorted us to breakfast at MoBay. Following that, we were invited to an informational session that they typically offer to frequent travelers. After being pitched on the idea of becoming Travel Club members, we decided it was time to fully embrace Biw’s 13th birthday. We made a beeline for the beach, where the ocean was calling—and it was definitely time to put on our party hats! 

We first enjoyed the pool were we play catching balls in between banana-collada and beer on tap while California girls blasted the radio. We helped ourselves with huge serving of pork and chicken jerky complimemented with pinacollada and soda. 

Next, we decided to head to the beach. As new members, we had access to a private area, complete with our own lounge featuring a pool table, chicken wings, a snack counter, a private bar, washroom, and a cozy changing area. This was our first time as Travel Club members, and we really appreciated all the special perks! It was such a great experience that I found myself wishing we had joined earlier.

After spending the whole day lounging, we returned to our room making sure to relax and recharge for a big birthday dinner later that evening. For dinner, we celebrated Biw's 13th birthday at an Italian restaurant called Portofino. The staff even sang to Biw, which embarrassed her, but I was just thrilled for her, especially as she got to celebrate her birthday under the Caribbean sky!

Day 3

The next day was all about adventure! We hired a private tour guide to take us to one of Jamaica’s oldest thrill spots, Rick's Cafe in the parish of Negril. Along the way, we passed through several towns, catching glimpses from the road—each one memorable and worth noting—like Lucea, the capital of Hanover, as well as Greenway, Orangeville, and Westend. The most unforgettable stops were at Fort Charlotte and Margaritaville, right along the famous 7-Mile Beach.

Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte stands as a well-preserved historical site, with scenic views and a sense of history. From the fort, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Montego Bay, the harbor, and the surrounding coastline, making it an excellent spot for photos. The fort is equipped with old artillery pieces, guardhouses, and remnants of its original structures.

Margaritaville on 7-Mile Beach

Margaritaville on Seven Mile Beach a vibrant, fun-filled spot where the laid-back island vibes meet lively entertainment. Located right along the famous stretch of beach, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a cold drink in hand, soak up the sun, and enjoy the tropical surroundings. This iconic beachside bar and restaurant offers  multitude of activities of fun water sports and lively music. We did stay that long in the beach, Biw took a dip and gut stung by a Jelly fish. She did not have a sevre anaphylactic reaction, thank you Lord, but that got us worried and immediately left en route to Negril.

We stopped for a photo at the Negril sign and had the ooportunity to meet a livelly parrot! We had a little snack of hotdog and coconut water to complete the roadside Jamaican vibe!

Rick's Cafe

Rick's Cafe deserve every recognition it has up to this very day! One can never contest why this favorite destination always tops the most popular attractions in Jamiaca. Rick’s Cafe in Negril, Jamaica, is one of the island’s most iconic and thrilling destinations, known for its breathtaking views, vibrant atmosphere, and adrenaline-pumping cliff dives. Perched on a cliff overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, this legendary spot has become a must-visit for tourists seeking both relaxation and excitement.

What truly sets Rick’s Cafe apart, however, is its cliffside action. The cafe is known for its daring cliff jumps, where thrill-seekers can leap from the towering cliffs into the warm Caribbean waters below. The Biw and papa did not back down to the thrill and dive right into the fun! Biw was the only tiny little thing in the torrent of wild and adventorous cliffside divers!

As the evening progresses, Rick’s Cafe transforms into a lively bar and entertainment venue, with reggae bands or live DJs keeping the energy high. The sunset at Rick’s is legendary, with guests gathering to witness the stunning display of colors over the ocean, making it a perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation in Negril. The night ended on a rather disappointing dinner of Japanese cuisine at Sumptouri, one of the resturants in the hotel.

Day 4

We were determined to make the most of our membership perks, so we dedicated our fourth day to enjoying the beach and pool area. Biw had an absolute blast in the kids' section of the pool, where water slides are practically everywhere—remember, the hotel is massive, and so is the pool area!

We also experienced first-class beach relaxation, with access to a quieter, less crowded section reserved exclusively for members. The day couldn’t have been better! We indulged in too many tuna sandwiches, chicken wings, and "Jamaica Me Crazy" Bob Marley drinks! After the full day of fun under the sun, we head back to our room for a beer and Coke jacuzzi. That night, we had our dinner at Poseidon - a stunning coastal side seafood restaurant of the hotel.

Day 5

Our fifth day of the birthday trip encapsulated the essence of a true Jamaican adventure, our pilgrimage to the parish of St. Anne, specifically to Nine Mile, the place where the legend of Bob Marley was both born and laid to rest. Bob Marley revolutionized reggae and brought its powerful message of redemption, peace, and love to the world. The journey to Ocho Rios was a challenging one, with a long and arduous drive. We navigated a precarious cliffside road, full of narrow twists and turns—making the trip to Nine Mile an adventure in itself.

Nine Mile is a small but deeply significant village located in the parish of St. Ann, it holds a special place in history as both the birthplace and final resting place of the iconic reggae legend, Bob Marley. Nine Mile is not just a tourist destination, but a sacred site for fans of Bob Marley, offering a unique glimpse into his life and legacy. Visitors can tour the house where Uncle Bob was born, now a museum, and learn about his upbringing and early influences. The location is also home to his tomb, where he was laid to rest alongside his brother, Tony Marley, in a small, peaceful plot that reflects the simplicity and spirituality of Uncle Bob.

the home where Bob Marley lived with his wife and children was the inspiration behind the song “is this love”

Travelling to Nine Mile is a deeply personal triumph for me. As a young adult, I often wore Rasta colors, the logo, and sported dreadlocks. Visiting the birthplace and final resting place of my idol is an experience that is both profoundly significant and emotionally moving. Bob Marley's music is not just about the melody; it's about the powerful message it shares with the world, nourishing our souls.

Before heading for dinner, we made a quick stop to another tourist attraction which is the Blue Hole, a torrential falls of deep blue waters. DJ Khalid did a vid there, epic place but too little time to enjoy. After the powerful experience, our tour guide, Mark took us to Linda where we had a filling dinner of jerk pork, chicken and oxtail. Trully a night worthy celebrating a legend!

Jamaica, of Roots, Rock and Reggae 

There were a few bumps along the way—misunderstandings, and there were definitely moments when Marlon and I hated each other, lol —but we pushed through to celebrate what truly matters: life and love, and of course, Biw's birthday!

This trip brought so many realizations for me, perhaps because I was in a more contemplative mood during this tour, especially out of the many we’ve had. I found myself trying to embody the words of Uncle Bob. Over the five days in Jamaica, I began to understand why this trip felt so exceptional, even though it wasn’t the grandest one we’ve experienced. 

On Biw’s birthday, I want to share a message that resonates with the principles I believe Uncle Bob would have valued. This message is not just about celebrating the passing of another year, but about encouraging her to continue evolving with purpose and to embrace the journey ahead with courage and optimism, and to always bear it at heart that in kindness, there is strenght.

Roots - The people of Jamaica take immense pride in their heritage. They are deeply rooted in their cultural beliefs and faith, and this is evident in the way they speak and interact with others. There's a certain confidence in their demeanor—they are never shy or apologetic. Instead, they embrace with unwavering pride the values and traditions they hold dear, proudly showcasing their identity to the world. 

Bob Marley's roots, deeply embedded in his heritage and experiences, empowered him to grow and shine brightly. His journey not only illuminated his own path but also brought light and music to the world, spreading messages of hope, unity, and love across cultures and generations.

Gabby, always remember to look back and stay grounded, so that you don’t lose sight of those who are guiding you along the way. Mama and Papa will be with you every step of the journey, offering love and support. But no matter where you go, if you ever feel lost, just trace your steps back, find your roots and you’ll always find your way home.

Rock - More than a genre of music but the core of being. Jamaicans are unshakably strong in spirit, belief, and love. Their love is vast and unyielding, as solid and enduring as the strongest rock. They understand a love so immense, so pure, and so selfless that they share it with the world through their timeless message: unity, peace, love, and harmony.

Bob Marley's rock represents the love of family, symbolized by the small single bed that inspired the song "Is This Love." This image is both intimate and vulnerable, yet powerful in the message it aims to convey to all who visit.

Gabby, the love of your family will always be your foundation and support, no matter where life leads you. Never be afraid to show kindness and follow your heart, regardless of what others may say. Build your inner strength.

Reggae: More than just a music to Jamaicans; it's the very essence of their being. Reggae embodies the soul of Jamaica—its resilience, spirit, and unwavering sense of unity.  At its core, reggae is a reflection of the Jamaican spirit—strong, resilient, and full of heart. It’s not just music; it’s a way of life. 

Gabby, you're still on the journey to discovering your true self, but no matter when that happens, always stay true to who you are, and everything else will fall into place. Take your time to find your own rhythm, your own music—your own reggae.

Jamaica taught us the core of existential being - One Love, One Heart! What a timely message of refelction to be shared to Gabby who just turned 13 in this trip. Gabby, as you continue on your journey through life, challenges may grow more difficult, but always carry this in your heart and mind: no path is too wide to cross, and no mountain is too high to climb. Just as the sky knows no bounds, so too does your spirit. Be limitless in the good you do, for every act of kindness brings an even greater reward. Life will reward those who embrace it with love, so move forward and create your own Roots, Rock, and Reggae. Happy 13th birthday Biw, keep going strong, Ya Mon!

*MBGXBiwDay*    *TheMarcosesXMontegoBay*     *2&1/2GypsiesXJamaica*