Today, Norm Goldman, editor of Bookpleasures.com Sketchandtravel.com and are excited that we as a guest well known author and travel writer Christopher P. Baker.
Christopher is an expert on Cuba and Jamaica, and elsewhere in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Christopher was named Travel Journalist of the Year by the Jamaica Tourist Board in 1998. He is here to talk to our tour.
Good day Chris and thank you for accepting our invitationbe interviewed.
Norm:
Tell our readers something about yourself, your knowledge and
author of books you have.
Christopher:
I grew up and studied in England, where my international travels began studying geography at university. After settling in California in 1980, I was briefly in the field of adventure tourism. I am a full-time travel writer and photographer since 1982.
Even in my career I specializedin adventure travel, and Asia-Pacific region over the past 15 years I have specialized in the Caribbean, with special attention Cuba My love affair with Cuba began with the publication of my Moon Handbooks Cuba and Moon Handbooks Havana.
I have since written National Geographic Traveler Cuba and Fidel I Motorcycles: motor through Castro's Cuba, a literary Travelog, which won both the Lowell Thomas Award as Travel Book of the Year and North AmericaGrand Prix Travel Journalists Association. My most recent book is Cuba Classics: A celebration of American Apparel (Interlink Books, 2004), a lavishly illustrated coffee-table book.
I was the author of several books, including Lonely Planet guidebooks to Jamaica and the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, as well as passport illustrated guide for the trip. I have also written about Jamaica (and other Caribbean islands and international destinations) for dozensmagazines and newspapers, travel sections, as a regular contributor SkyWritings ('s message board Air Jamaica) and Caribbean Travel & Life.
My second great experience in Costa Rica My first guide, the Moon Handbook Costa Rica (first published as Costa Rica manual in 1992), now in its fifth edition, with almost 100,000 copies sold. I have since written National Geographic Traveler Costa Rica and soon – to be free eyewitnessCosta Rica Travel Guide (Dorling Kindersley) and served as a consultant for Intel, which recently launched a factory in Costa Rica opened.
I like to talk publicly and has been interviewed on numerous national television and radio broadcasts. I am particularly honored to be a National Press Club and National Geographic Society (and as a member of Live from faculty), after being a faculty member teaching staff of Cunard Cruise Lines. In Januaryand again in May, will be lectures on old cars in Cuba aboard Holland America Cruise Line, M / V Maasdam.
Detailed information about my books and writings found on my site.
Norm:
Where is Jamaica and could you tell our readers something based on climate, activities a couple can experience, etc.
Christopher:
Jamaica is located south of Cuba in the western half of the Caribbean Sea. It 'was for centuries under Britishregulation and control has close ties with Britain after independence in 1962. Jamaica is one of the most distinctive of Caribbean islands, particularly as the birthplace of Rastafarian culture that pervades the music of the island's most famous native son Bob Marley.
Although related to the coastal plains and beautiful beaches, Jamaica is predominantly mountainous. Rises in the east the Blue Mountains (known for world-famous coffee grown here) to 7,402 feet.Despite its relatively small size the island has several different climates: the mountainous north, centered on the old banana-shipping port in Port Antonio, receives abundant rainfall and is very rich, while the relatively flat south-central coast, centered on Treasure Beach , is in the rain shadow and the predominant vegetation is cactus and thorn scrub.
Jamaica is particularly well developed in terms of assets. Visitors can choose from water skiing, scuba diving, and sunsetboat trips to mountain biking, crocodile safaris, and horse.
Norm:
Want to Jamaica a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon? Why not?
Christopher:
Jamaica is proud to be a perfect wedding and honeymoon destination. Many stations that specialize in this market. Some, such as super and footwear (both known for their all-inclusive resort set-only), a free wedding package. The all-embracing conceptBorn in Jamaica and no other destination concept is so successful and mature markets.
I like it all-inclusive resorts, which up to very high standards achieved. But my favorite romantic retreats are open to the other side of the spectrum in a small boutique hotel offers a combination of ultra-chic ambience and intimacy that is synonymous with romance. Once again, Jamaica polished, with local entrepreneur Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost group created some of the mostinviting and beautiful boutique hotel in the world. Prefer emergency Naomi Campbell to Pierce Brosnan, but fortunately most are surprisingly affordable.
Norm:
What is the best time to visit Jamaica from the point of view
time, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the United States, Canada
and Europe?
Christopher:
Weather wise, there are only two seasons: wet (May to November) and dry (December-April). The best time to visit is during the dry season, whenrainfall is minimal and most of the island flap in the sun.
In the long summer afternoon showers or heavy downpours are typical island wide. A few days or even weeks of unbroken rain are also possible during the summer, especially in the northeast, although this varies from year to year. Summer and autumn is hurricane season, although the possibility of a hurricane actually striking the island is relatively thin.
That said, most of my research was conducted GuideDuring the summer, benefiting from lower prices and fewer crowds in the most popular such as Negril and Montego Bay. Flight service to Jamaica which is well served by scheduled and charter service varies depending on the season, but a daily service from throughout Canada and the United States during the year. The best flies are committed out of season in summer.
Norm:
How safe is the movement in Jamaica?
Christopher:
I hitchhiked around Jamaica1978 and has nearly 30 years around the island without too many problems.
Concerns about the safety of visitors, should not discourage the choice of Jamaica, except during periods of civil unrest. But the reputation of being uncertain of Jamaica is based on a number of unpleasant reality.
The first is the presence of drugs in society Jamaica, and the violence that is always associated with a business background is always present. Almost all visitors can expect to be contactedDrugs for sale on a stage during a holiday.
In places like Amsterdam, (or actually) aggressive hustlers constant prayer drugs, souvenirs, sexual favors or similar services for sale by apparently can never be a reason why all-inclusive hotels have been so successful.
To his credit, broke down in Jamaica Tourist bet on two other tourist destinations, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. I discussed the best way to manage in my LonelyPlanet guide.
The second aspect to be addressed is angry, quick-to-anger nature of a large part of Jamaican society. The local temperament can be particularly volatile, and resolution of disputes is often sought through violence.
Many areas of Kingston are entirely unsuitable for those who bring. But too gloomy a picture dressed in terms of potential visitors.
The other segment of the Jamaican population comprises the mostkind and hospitable people you can get, and the standards of service at most hotels is world, not least thanks to the efforts and example programs and educational range of sandals and Super, whose influence extends far beyond the field tourism.
Norm:
Can our readers an idea of travel expenses, if
United States or Canada and how accessible it is to flyJamaica?
Christopher:
Jamaica is served by direct flights from major hubs and cities through Canada and the United States. Most active Montego Bay, often with an extra service to Kingston. There is great variation in airfares, not least between seasons and if this mid-week and weekend.
For non-stop flights on weekends in high season, rates start at about $ 500 from Miami, $ 650 from New York, and $ 750 from Los Angeles. small proportion can be obtained ifVisitors choose flights that require plane changes en route.
Air Jamaica, the national airline, offers the most competitive prices and is extremely well managed company with excellent service. Charter operators offer flights from major cities at prices about 10-20% below schedule flights. The cheapest deals are package combining airfare and hotel, offered by charter operators.
Norm:
If you have six locations in Jamaica to see an unprecedented
romantic vacation, honeymoon, destination wedding, what would it be and why?
Christopher:
* Treasure Beach, with accommodation at Jake's Place, a romantic, relaxing and highly unusual yet elegant and well run hotel that embodies the spirit modest premises. And 'ideal for couples who want peace in the shadows away their time doing very little, but quietly in a hammock between two shade of love.
* Negril is a favorite beach-stomach, ideal for couples looking for a great beach,plenty of water during the day and a palate yet unpretentious nightlife. There is a wide choice of hotel accommodation including inclusive couples-only, and some excellent boutique hotels, including the caves a global competitor for the most romantic city in the world.
* Strawberry Hill in the Blue Mountains. old world ambience combined with modern know-how in this mountain retreat one mile above Kingston. The kitchen is fabulous. There is a large garden, morehiking in the area. Another option Chic Boutique Island Outpost.
* Hedonism II or III (both led by super) is almost always booked solid, that couples the idea of a romantic vacation to get naked, play in public, sexy antics, or even their (literally) with other couples share. Yes, weddings performed here, and very often in the nude. None Prud permission!
* Mandeville. This prosperous small-town easy installments in the central highlands are surrounded by beautifullandscape, reminiscent of the English Dales and enjoy the best rental car. The village has some good restaurants and there are some lovely walks locally.
* Port Antonio. If you have a lush, is for you, because the area receives abundant rainfall, but all the time. And 'known for its hotels limit the traditional standards, such as the Trident and a bit' far Jamaica Palace. My recommendation is to choose hotels mocking Bird Hill (a charming shop environmentally sensitivehotel with gourmet cuisine, run by the owners artistic beauty Shireen Agra and Barbara Walker), or a private villa overlooking the Blue Lagoon for rent.
Norm:
There are special requirements for couples who were married in Jamaica to celebrate?
Christopher:
Unlike most Caribbean destinations, visitors can marry after only 24 hours on the island. The following notarial documents are required: proof of citizenship, certified copies of relevantdivorce or death certificates for former spouses, and written consent of parents for a celebration of 18 years. French Canadians need a notarized translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.
The Registrar General's Department site of Jamaica has more information including a downloadable marriage certificate online.
Norm:
What resources are available on the Internet in connection with weddings andhoneymoon vacation in Jamaica?
Christopher: The Jamaica Tourist Board has complete information on planning a holiday wedding to your website.
NORM
Is there anything else you want to add that we have not covered
in Jamaica?
Christopher:
A visit to Jamaica needs careful planning to ensure that you get what you think. More than any other destination I know, visitors have a love or hate reaction, many of which seem to createinteraction with the names of local people. The island is physically beautiful, fascinating and varied food spicy, and the music infectious.
Thank you Christopher for your most informative interview.
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