In preparation for this year’s hike, we did a little trail run. View details below:
– Aldeam Facey 2016
Tag: Jamaica
Driving in Jamaica – Washington Boulevard To St. Ann Via Mount Rosser And The New Highway
The road trip series continues!
-Aldeam Facey 2016
Jamaican Windscreen Washers
Much like the Loada Man, a Jamaican windscreen washer is a self employed entrepreneur who provides a quite redundant service. I have always been annoyed by these aggressive guys who force you to accept their service whether or not you need it. But it was not until I had some personal experiences with them that I realized how forceful they can be towards drivers.
So a few months ago not long after having my car washed, I saw a windscreen washer at a stoplight at the intersection of Hope Road and Trafalgar Road. With stained, heavily perforated, over-sized garments he walked towards my car. In his left hand he had a transparent soda bottle and in it there was a clear fluid, which I assume was water and what appeared to be leaves of a tree. No, not diluted soap; leaves! His sanity was questionable. As he stepped closer to the vehicle I knew he was coming for me. Thoughts ran through my head; What should I do? Should I scream and run? Cornered by other vehicles left me without an option. I frantically waved my hand at him, begging him not to ‘clean’ my spotless windshield. My requests were not observed as he looked at me through the windscreen and nodded ‘yes’. I waved again and shouted ‘NO!’. He looked at me again and nodded ‘yes’, with a creepy look that clearly says ‘just let it happen’. I let it happen. The light, much like our political system, just wouldn’t change to green fast enough. At the end of his session I gave him $15 and I just sat there in traffic, feeling dirty and used. He did a poor job, leaving the windscreen much worse than it was before.
Now, I’ve learned a lot regarding dealing with these windscreen washers, who may greet you with profanities or make requests for you to consume various parts of your mother.
How To Say No
- Apparently, much like a young lady in a short skirt is begging to be raped, driving around with a dirty windscreen is an invitation to these windscreen cleaners. Always have a clean windscreen.
- Turn on wipers as they approach.
- Wind down windows and aggressively say no.
- Let them know you have no money.
Now, while I am not a big fan of these guys, they are trying to make a living. I prefer them doing this than robbing people. So if you need your windscreen cleaned, feel free to let them do it for you. They will accept as little cash as you have. My primary issue is their attitude towards drivers, otherwise, they are tolerable.
– Aldeam Facey 2016
My Near Death Experience Teaching Someone How To Drive
I have been told many times that I am a good teacher, and with experience tutoring Chemistry and Biochemistry, with good results, that may very well be true. But my skills were put to the test today as I taught a beginner how to drive. I thank God I am alive. It was all on tape! See below:
– Aldeam Facey 2016
Driving in Jamaica Bog Walk to Angels Spanish Town Via Bog Walk Gorge
– Aldeam Facey 2016
Driving In Jamaica: UWI Mona To Half Way Tree via Hope Road
I love the Google Maps app, it works like a charm. But what if you could attach a video of a route? This would be a welcomed addition and I know there is ‘Street View’ but that too has its limitations. What if we all could contribute a video of a route which expires in about a year so each available video is representative of current infrastructure, road rules, pot holes etc? What if we had the option of watching a route before a journey? It would be cool to add a feature which allows you to play the video while you drive, at the speed you are driving. A video which would pause when you stop and resume when you go.
This is just an idea I had, practical or not, I know it would help me. I had to take some people somewhere for work but had no idea where to find the location. Naturally, Google Maps. I tested the route a day before the journey because if we got lost on the day of the event, it could spell disaster. I missed a turn, which we would on the day of the event had I not done a test run. I eventually found the location so Google Maps worked, but if a video of the route was available I wouldn’t have to waste my time with a test run.
So I got myself a dash cam so in the event of an accident there will be a record and I also want to get a much cheaper insurance next year… cause boi! Comprehensive insurance for a young (but not so young) man, is incomprehensible. I attached my Samsung MV800 to the dash cam’s mount and I made my first route video, see below:
Driving In Jamaica: UWI Mona To Half Way Tree via Hope Road
– Aldeam Facey 2016
New Year’s Fireworks Port Royal Jamaica
In case you missed the fireworks at Port Royal last night. Here is a peek:
– Aldeam Facey 2016
The Blue Mountains Jamaica: A Quick ‘Peak’
Blue Mountain Peak is the highest place in Jamaica with a height of 2256 meters. The journey to the peak starts at Mavis Bank. You will then cross the river and initiate the thigh burning climb. It is strongly recommended that you start the hike in the night as the sun, plus a climb can be a deadly combination. Usually groups will stop overnight at the cabins at Portland gap. The journey from Mavis Bank to the cabins will take between 4 and 7 hours depending on your level of fitness. I have however seen a case where it took a young lady over 13 hours without luggage! The journey from the cabins to the peak takes 1.5 to 2 hours – again depending on your level of fitness – so in order to view the breath taking sunrise, you will have to leave the cabins about 3:30am. To better describe the experience, view the photos below:
At the Cabin
At the Peak
– Aldeam Facey 2015
Why Do Jamaican Men Love Trinidadian Women?
During a discussion with a friend of mine, we both noted that many of the Jamaican men are hunting the Trinidadian meat. It led to the question; why do we find the Trinidadian women so appealing? Is it the accent? Is it the culture? Is it …. the ‘wine’?
I never had much association with our Caribbean neighbors until I was enrolled at the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI). UWI, your place to shine, the premier institution for tertiary education in the Caribbean, the school of the culturally integrated. I had the opportunity to engage with and learn of the various cultures in the Caribbean which are all very interesting. But one of the most striking things for me was the relaxing, erotic accent of our Trinidadian neighbors. Thats one thing I wouldn’t mind listening to all day.
I spent a year boarding at the AZ Preston hall, the hall of halls, the hall of the specially selected few, the place where everyone wants to live, but not everyone gets to, the hall possessing the most visually appealing landscapes. While living at AZ Preston hall I engaged in several hall activities and enjoyed the various competitions the hall had to offer. I can recall so very clearly, while yet a ‘press man’ not yet worthy of the “Prestonite” title, there was a competition, a ‘wineing’ competition. Yes, there was a Trinidadian girl involved. So all of the Jamaican girls did their thing and I thought they were pretty good, until the Trini hit the stage. She did unspeakable things with her waist! My mind was blown at the girl with the super rotating waist! She was so flexible, acrobatic and energetic, all eyes were glued on her. She did it with such ease and I never looked at her the same way again. We eventually became very good friends.
For some reason whenever I see a Jamaican man with a Trinidadian woman, It is almost always a long term relationship! They last! I refuse to believe its just the accent or the ‘wine’, there is something here and I just can’t put my finger on it. Are Trinidadian women more faithful? Are they more willing? The Trinidadian culture is very different, there are certain things that most Jamaican ladies frown upon, that the Trini ladies enjoy doing (the art of deduction becomes quite necessary here). It appears that its the exciting nature of the Trinidadian women that we find appealing, a combination of several variables instead of one particular thing. Once a Trini lady has a grip on you, you’re tied.
I spoke with another friend of mine who was in a long term relationship with a Trinidadian lady. He says it’s not because she is a Trinidadian but men just like something new, something different. Variety is the spice of life and the combination of two different cultures always produce something exciting.
Is this a wake up call for our Jamaican ladies? Should they be worried? Should they be doing more to excite us?
– Aldeam Facey 2015
Aquasol Beach Review!
With sand so white it may discriminate against you, air so clean it may reverse the effects of smoking and with wind so gentle, so consistent, it will blow your sins away, Aquasol Beach and theme park will not disappoint.
The beach stretches about 100 meters. There is another 100 meter stretch on the left side which seems to be out of use.
Purchase a ride in the glass bottom boat!
Volley ball court.
Life guard on stand by.
So many features, unfortunately not all were up and running when I visited.
Food, drinks and ice cream on sale!
Opens 9am to 6pm.
These landscapes make awesome wallpapers!
There is a barrier in the water where the depth ranges from a little under 3 feet at the shallow ends to over 6 feet deep at the center.
An outside shower is usually expected at the beach. Get that sand off!
Cost 400 JMD for adults and 300 JMD for children.
Video Panorama:
Unfortunately most of the proposed features were unavailable but even so it was still a very good beach.
I give Aquasol a rating of 7/10.
– Aldeam Facey 2015
