Foto: The idyllic YS waterfall (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Jamaica - A little further ahead lie the YS Falls. At the entrance, I have to switch to a small vehicle. A tractor pulls a trailer with seats. The tractor takes me close to the waterfall. I quickly change into my swimwear and head toward the falls. The YS Falls consist of several waterfalls and natural pools. One of the guides approaches me. He walks with me up to the top pool. I feel a bit uncomfortable because I have no money with me. He says that’s not a problem. He shows me the vine. From a platform, I can swing on a rope and splash down into the water four meters below. I want to give it a try. But when I’m standing on the platform and look down, I immediately regret my decision. Jumping into water from a height is not my thing. Never has been, actually. I hesitate between just jumping and turning back. I decide to jump. A moment later, I splash into the water at the bottom of the waterfall. A triumphant feeling. Was I really that scared? In a higher pool, the guide encourages me to get into the water and swim toward the waterfall. He takes my camera. While he takes photos, he gives me tips on how best to reach the waterfall. I sit under the flowing water while he takes pictures. I tell him I’ll leave a tip for him at the restaurant. He’s happy to come pick it up.
Cliff jumper at Ricks Cafe in Negril
Jamaica - For lunch, I walk a bit along the beach. At a small stand, they sell patties. I order a chicken patty and a cola. After lunch, I walk to Rick’s Café, located on a cliff about five kilometers away. It’s said to be one of the most beautifully located ...
The Blue Mountains
Jamaica - The alarm goes off. I quickly open the curtains. It’s a bright sunny day. In the mountains above Kingston, clouds are gathering. Will it stay dry in the mountains? Today I’m visiting the Blue Mountains. Yesterday there was still a flood flash warning ...
The Bob Marley Centre and Mausoleum
Jamaica - Tucked deep into the mountains of Jamaica lies the birthplace and final resting place of one of the greatest musicians of all time: Bob Marley. Robert Nesta (Bob) Marley was a Jamaican reggae artist. He is also known as The King of Reggae. He played a ...
The Pelican Bar
Jamaica - After lunch, I drive back to Black River. From there, I take a small fishing boat to the Pelican Bar—a bar built on stilts about 500 meters off the coast, out at sea. I sip my beer on the rickety-looking dock as the sea breeze blows through my hair. ...