Published on Feb, 2022
I can't say enough about my experience in Jamaica. It was great and Cornell facilitated most of the memorable excursions. Cornell came highly recommended from a friend who used his service 2 years prior to me calling. I called him about 2 months prior to arriving in Jamaica. during our initial conversation over the phone Cornell asked that I think of what I want my experience to be like while in Jamaica and to call him back so he can come up with some recommendations. I wanted a mixture of authentic local exposure along with some of the site seeing of course. We have a family of 6. Cornell has a large touring van with plenty of A/C and space.
Cornell was always prompt and full of knowledge in his culture and history. One of the things that I will remember the most was when we first got into Cornell's van at the airport. He explained to us how most Jamaicans have great love for their rich culture and roots. "One Love" is actually a way of life. A belief that to love your fellow man is to love yourself and visa-visa. To send love out and in return get it back.
During our 2 weeks stay Cornell took us from Dunns River Falls, Horseback riding, Blue Hole, Rafting and from beach to beach. I also was able to gulf, and Cornell was able to arrange it all from his phone.
The most memorable time we had was when we were picked up early morning and taken to a small fisherman's bay. They were just coming in from the morning catch and emptying their nets. Cornell purchased a huge bag of fish (parrot and snapper). While there waiting for the fish to get cleaned for us one of the fishermen shared a piece of conch he had cooking on the open morning fire and gave us a little history about that particular area. Then we went to an open market where he purchased peppers onions and other seasonings. Afterwards we started a long drive into the mountains.
We finally reached our destination after about 45 minutes to an hour up and down windy country roads. While in "the sticks" as they call it, I witnessed a 60 year old man climb a huge tree for some breadfruit. What got me was he was bare foot and 60. We had food cooked on an open fire and most of it came from the land we were visiting. Great experience.
To sum it up, we met strangers in a strange land. They opened their communities to my family and I. Cornell was able to facilitate the ideal vacation for us were everyone had fun doing something. But i finally understood that concept of "One Love". Thanks Cornel
