Things that make me happy... Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival
Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival is an annual three day (January 24-27 this year) music festival in Montego Bay featuring R&B, Jazz and Blues artists. This year's the headliners were John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Dionne Warwick, and Michael Bolton.
Its a great winter long weekend getaway trip for people looking to escape the cold and take on some chill music and island sun. If you have the time its a great time to take a week away if you can, but the shows start on Thursday night with Reggae night followed by Friday and Saturday Jazz, R&B and Blues. The concert venue is is Trewlany about 20 minutes of highway driving outside of Montego Bay. There are villa rentals available along with plenty of hotel and resort options. The Riu, Halfmoon, and Secrets were top sponsors and host hotels this year but the range of quality hotels in every price range are available.
Lodging Recommend - Coyaba Beach Resort (great value), Secrets (new resort), Ritz Carlton/Iberostar (luxury properties)
Good Eats - Local Scotchies (Montego Bay), Jack Sprat (Treasure Beach)
John Legend
Romaine Virgo
Dionne Warwick
Monica
Mary J Blige
Thursday - Reggae Night
Friday Night - Mary J Blige and Michael Bolton
Saturday Night - John Legend Dionne Warwick
More John Legend
Pros
1. Beautiful winter getaway - Who doesn't like beach, cheap rum, and music
2. Scotchies - If you like jerk (spicy) this is the place to go just ask anyone for location (near Holiday Inn resort).
3. Red Stripe... Almost cheaper than water. Can't beat that.
Cons
1. Driving in Jamaica is risky... and cabs can be expensive but you can always ride in groups to event.
2. Tanlines - Hard to use than sick excuse at work with bikini and tan lines. Sunblock a must.
Things that make me happy... Lemn Sissay: A child of the state (TedTalk)
“You can define how strong a democracy is by how its government treats … the child of the state.”— Lemn Sissy
Lenn Sissay is an accomplished poet, playwright, and broadcaster in the UK and is featured on this TedTalk discussing his own personal and moving story as an adopted child. This
Things that make me happy... of 2012 & Machu Picchu
2012 was a fun year fill with lots of things that made me happy. There were lots of new shows, music, movies and random events that are join my long list of favorites things in pop culture last year.
Sure it is good to experience culture in all its various media forms, but sometimes you just have to go out and explore culture up close and personal. This year Peru made the list. Peru is getting lots of visitors lately due to the increase popularity of the lost city of the Incas -- Machu Picchu and the surrounding Sacred Valley areas. A wonderful site to see in person while you still can... rumor has it they may start further restricting tourist in the near future.
First of all Peru is great destination to visit in South America if you looking for an active vacation trip. From beaches, to mountains, to jungle Peru has a lots to offer. There are various hikes available from day hikes to week long walks. Many parts of Peru are over 10,000 ft above sea water so read up on how to adjust to avoid altitude sickness. But don't be afraid with a few precautions there will be minimal effects.
Air - Lima, the capital has the main international airport (LIM) can be reach by many international airlines. Cusco (CUZ) is a domestic airport that is the closest Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Lodging - There are many affordable and high end boutique hotels in and around the Scared Valley region and the city of Cusco. The Aranwa chain is a great hotel with locations in Cusco and Sacred Valley. A great 5 star property with a great spa (Sacred Valley Location) that serves a great starting point for any excursion in the area. I stayed in two of the hotels over five days and enjoyed my stay immensely. For more info... http://www.aranwahotels.com
Plan on spending a minimum of 3 days but you really need 4-5 to take in a couple of the sites. Of course Machu Picchu is the most popular destination and should definitely be a top priority. But you do have to plan ahead and get tickets for both the train and entrance into Machu Picchu in advance for best options and time. While in the park be prepared to spend the day exploring on foot so bring good hiking boots or sneakers. Get there early if possible. The crowds begin to grow after midday.
Machu Picchu Peru -
National Geographic - Machu Picchu
There are other places to explore in Peru in the area. Sacred Valley has many other towns worth visiting including the Sunday market in Pisac filled with local vendors selling art, clothing, and gift items. There are also various ruins in Sacred Valley-- most notably Ollantaytambo temple is an very worthwhile exploration. It should be mentioned that having a good tour guide makes a big difference when visiting the site. The best tour guides give the history of the sites and can help you find some of the sites for picture taking.
You should not forget there are lots of sites to see in Cusco as well. Restaurants and nightlife are just a few of the pleasures of the Peruvian city that blend old world spanish influences with ancient Inca architecture. You can walk most of the city if you stay in the center of town and find lots of shopping and tourist sites to visit. Don't forget to get you baby Alpaca wool sweater and scarf (just not in middle of town at tourist prices.)
Cusco / Machu Picchu
Pros
1. One of the Ancient Wonders of the World that lives up to its billing
2. The people are extremely friendly and its easy to get around.
3. Relatively inexpensive country to explore.
Cons
1. Lots of walking and hiking to visit the sites, be prepared with good sneakers.
2. The altitude takes getting used to so plan on spending a day or two to acclimatize.
3. Sacred Valley is off the grid so there is limited night life, so bring cards and friends and enjoy a Pisco Sour!
