Jamaica lifestyle

For Jamaica's best unique buys, be sure to visit the local craft markets. Each one has its own special offering of local handicrafts, local food and drink, not to mention a fabulous array of bright and colourful tshirts, many of which feature Bob Marley in some way. In some areas such as Montego Bay, prices are fixed, but in others, bargaining is part of the whole experience!

Jamaican cuisine is chock-full of its most plentiful resource - seafood. Types of fish you are likely to encounter are the wahoo, yellowtail, grouper and red snapper, often grilled and served with spicy lime sauce. Other famous dishes include salt fish and ackee (a local vegetable), Jerk Pork - slowly barbecued pork with unique spices, and 'Dip and Fall Back' - stew with bananas and dumplings. Don't be surprised to hear Jamaicans mention 'tea', and they mean any non-alcoholic drink! Jamaica is also famous for its exquisite - and expensive - Blue Mountain coffee, and its local rum.

It goes without saying that the most popular local music is reggae. Make sure you make an effort to listen to reggae in one of its many forms performed live, in a bar or restaurant, or on the street. Montego Bay and Negril are the best places to go for clubbing, bars and busy nightlife. For a memorable meal, enjoy one of the many beachfront restaurants, sampling some fine cuisine while watching the sun go down - of course sipping a local rum cocktail!