- Fun facts about Jamaica
- Jamaica was the one of the first countries in the Western world to build a railroad
- There are VERY FEW snakes on Jamaica thanks to the Mongoose and they are non venomous
- Jamaica was the first English speaking Caribbean nation to gain independence in 1962
- Jamaica has its very own Bobsled team. Recall the movie Cool Runnings?
- Only Jamaica and one other country does not share common colors of the USA flag
- Jamaica’s largest mountain range, The Blue Mountains get their distinction from a gentle mist that surrounds them
- The Blue Mountain range is home to the world’s second largest butterfly, the Jamaican Swallowtailu
- The Blue Mountains is home to the renowned Blue Mountain coffee
- Traditional Jamaican clothing is bright with amazing prints for both men and women
- Jamaica produces the most music per capita
- Jamaica is the undisputed authority for reggae music, but that is not the only form of music indigenous to the island. There is also ska, rocksteady, one drop, mento, Nyahbinghi, folk, drum and bass, soca, reggae-gospel, dub, festival, rubba-dub, roots reggae, calypso, and dancehall. Dancehall music is the most popular in Jamaica.
- Jamaica has the most rum bars per square mile….and then…
- ……..Jamaica has the most churches per square mile
- Jamaica is the 3rd largest island in the Caribbean (Can you name #1 and #2?)
- The majority of Jamaican people trace their roots back to Ghana and Nigeria
- Reggae’s popularity is due to the talents of Bob Marley, pioneer of reggae
- Jamaica is home to over 200 species of the exotic orchid
- Jamaica’s Manchester Golf Club, 1865 is the oldest in the Western Hemispher
- The “healing waters of Jamaica” are made up of several natural mineral baths and hot springs that are thought to have therapeutic properties.
- Kingston Harbor is the 7th largest in the world
- Jamaica is known to be one of the “Happiest places in the World”
- The most common greeting in Jamaica is a genuinely warm smile.
- A laid back people, their phrase “No Problem” depicts their attitude
- There are 50 public beaches along the beautiful coastline with seven miles of pure white sand in Negril
- On Jamaica driving is on the left side of the road
- Ian Flemming wrote all 14 of the James Bond novels while living on Jamaica
- Goldeneye is a unique remote intimate resort dedicated Ian Flemming
- Food and Drink
- Rum is the first drink of choice – no surprise here!
- Jerk Chicken originated and is still one of the most popular dishes
- The national dish is Ackee (local fruit) and salt fish
- Run Down is not a description of how you feel, it is a traditional fish stew made with coconut milk
- Order bammy if you see it on the menu for breakfast, it is a traditional flatbread made from the cassava root
- My fave, Rice and Peas is a common dish referred to as Coat of Arms, a staple at Sunday dinner
- Avocados are called pears in Jamaica
- Much of the traditional food in Jamaica is either a stew or soup. Almost all foods in Jamaican cuisine is grown or fished on the island, so you’ll always get locally produced food in Jamaica
- Language phrases
- Wah Gwaan is a casual greeting to enquire how somebody is or what’s up.
- The most common greeting is the handshake with direct eye contact, and a warm smile. Use the appropriate salutation for the time of day: “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good evening”.
- Boonoonoonoos is a Jamaican saying to express love
- You’re welcome. Yu welkom
- Zeen – ok, yeah, yes
- One love is an expression of unity and inclusion, often used by Rastafarians, Jamaicans, and reggae musicians.
- Holiday Traditions
- Homes are repainted, cleaned, extra special touches added for Holiday season
- Jonkanoo is a street parade showcasing scary characters
- Grand Market, observed on Christmas Eve is a market of artisans in the town’s main square. Everyone goes dressed in their best outfits
- Christmas dinner includes fruit cake, ham, sorrel and pigeon pea rice, known as gungo peas with rice
- Boxing Day, the day after Christmas the traditional Pantomime theater open
- Easter traditions include eating Easter buns with cheese as well as fried fish specialty
- Top things to do in Montego Bay. MoBay, as it’s affectionately known, brings the reggae spirit to its world-class resorts, gorgeous beaches, and historic landmarks.
- Rose Hall Great House –
- Built in 1770, the house is said to be haunted by the ghost of Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Rose Hall! If that gives you the creeps, don’t tour the colonnial mansion by night!
- Doctor’s Cave Beach
- The bay began attracting tourists in the 20s when a British doctor declared that the water here had healing powers! Does it? All we know is that the scenery is as dazzling as ever!
- Gloucester Avenue
- Near Doctor’s Cave Beach is the city’s “Hip Strip.” Nowadays the shops are dominated by souvenir vendors, but it also boasts some of the city’s best cafés, bars, and art galleries.
- Martha Brae River
- The picturesque river is one of Montego Bay’s top attractions. Relax on a bamboo raft and learn about Martha Brae’s history and wildlife from a local guide.
- 6. Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
- Hummingbirds descend on you upon arrival at this immersive bird sanctuary! It’s home to thousands of exotic and endemic species, many of which guests can feed by hand.
- Bellefield Great House and Gardens
- The restored mansion grants visitors a glimpse at 18th-century plantation life. Tour its antiques, sugar mill, and tropical gardens, then finish with a traditional Jamaican lunch!
- Rose Hall Great House –
Please join us on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Jamaica for the 6th David Tutera Experience
with
David Tutera and Joey Toth!
This page will provide travel related details to attend this amazing event. Please review this page thoroughly as there is lots of information.
For the convenience of all attendees to attend the educational and evening events,
staying at our host hotel MANDATORY during the 3 experience nights.
We hope that you will seek out your DTE friendships you have made and consider roommate stays where possible. Hotels in the immediate area will be higher priced than the host hotel and also staying further away would incur sizable taxi rates, transportation inconveniences and limited access to the benefits of the property. This decision is thoughtfully presented for your experience with us.
As your dedicated travel professional, l am here to help you with your travel plans. Please email me with any questions.
See you soon!
♥
Linda Mitchell
Room reservations are only available through the procedure on this site.
Read on for all the amazing details
PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER FOR HOST HOTEL DETAILS – TBA
Please visit the EVENT PAGE to register for the event and additional event info.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
With travel and the uncertainty of our every day lives, we all know that the best intentions may be confronted with unforeseen circumstances.With this in mind we suggest when making your travel arrangements with Linda that you request the travel protection plan that will be quoted exclusively for your travel.
The travel plan will included in coverage:
- DTE tuition, pre-paid non refundable
- Airline fare, prepaid non refundable
- Hotel room cost, prepaid non refundable
Coverages are based on meeting the criteria for “covered reasons for cancellations” which will be presented to you to fully review when you request the policy quote from Linda Mitchell. Please complete the requested information on the hotel booking form to receive additional details.
The truth is that LIFE HAPPENS! and when it does, if it happens to you, having travel insurance that is just a fraction of the cost of your trip can mean the world of difference between these situations stealing all of your hard earned vacation travel money or the confidence and security of that travel policy in your pocket to reach out to when the need arises!It is far better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!
- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TRAVEL DETAILS
- AIRPORT
- MBJ – Sangster International Airport
- All major airlines flying into MBJ
- IMMIGRATIONS
- Please complete the Immigration Form while in flight. Write legibly and keep all related travel documents together. Customer Service Agents are available to assist you on arrival.
- Visitors will be required to present the following documents to the Immigration Officers:
- Immigration Form Customs Declaration Form
- Valid Passport – valid 6+ months beyond the date of travel to Jamaica
- Proof of return Tickets (non-residents only).
- PASSENGER SERVICES | CURRENCY EXCHANGE
- TRANSPORTATION
- Transportation from airport/Return
- Please check back closer to travel dates
- Transportation from airport/Return
- AIRPORT
- Visit Jamaica
- For more information please visit VISITJAMAICA.COM
- Currency
- The Jamaican dollar JMD is the currency abbreviation for the Jamaican dollar, the official currency for the island nation of Jamaica, and is subdivided into 100 cents.
- The currency symbol for JMD (Jamaican dollar) is J$ or JA$.
- Quick Conversions from United States Dollar to Jamaican Dollar : 1 USD = 150.57687 JMD.
- USD is accepted – you can request USD in return
- MC and VI are widely accepted. AX is lesser accepted. Discover and Diners Club are not accepted
- Be sure to contact your card company for any associated fees and also to make them aware you may be doing international purchses
- Mobile phones
- Please check with your provider for fees and international call and data programs
- Electrical outlets
- For Jamaica there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Jamaica operates on a 110V supply voltage and 50Hz.
- Time Zone
- UTC -(5:00)
- Language
- English
