Cruising – Nov 3rd

Today was Jamaica. We were dropping anchor in Montego Bay. I had pictured a Caribbean paradise but what we saw of Jamaica was anything but. We had our swim with the dolphins and climbing Dunn’s Falls on the schedule for today and I was hoping the experience would live up to my guarded expectations. I sort of pushed Penny into the dolphin swim because I thought it might be the only time in our lives we would get to do that. I mean, considering the flack that Sea World gets for its programs, letting people interact with the animals directly can’t last.
The ship could not dock in Montego Bay because all the berths were full. This meant we would be tendered-taken to shore in little boats. Because we had booked shore excursions we gathered in the theater and had a special time to board our tender. I found that whole process interesting. The tenders look like something out of a Star Wars movie

Tendering is quite efficient and even a little dangerous. You go down a steep gangway onto a small dock and step across to small space to the tender than is rocking in the waves. I especially liked the efficient design of tender.

I was surprised at the appearance of the dock area in Montego Bay. It looked more like an industrial dock than a tourist stop. We were originally supposed to stop at Falmouth Harbor not Montego Bay. Maybe it is prettier over there.

Once ashore we were told which bus to go to and then set off on what turned out to be an almost 2-hr drive! We had no idea it was so far away. We did get to see the mostly depressing Jamaican countryside.

Our guide for the trip was a guy named Norman and he talked for almost the entire time. He had a well tuned routine. We were taught some Jamaican. We were told about the history and general facts about the countryside we were driving through and we were warned not to make eye contact or respond to the vendors that would be accosting us.

First stop was the dolphins and first thing we did there was have lunch (included). What else would it be but jerk chicken and pork? As I was eating (outside under a canopy) I looked down and there sitting beside me was a black and white cross-eyed cat. Somehow he picked me out as the sucker who would feed him. (He was right) But he didn’t meow or paw me. He just waited until I noticed him. I fed him and he was nice.

Next it was off to the dolphins

(to be continued…)