JAMAICA
724 Kilometres - 21 Days
Boston, USA – Montego Bay, Jamaica - By plane
I was thrilled as this was the day I was to leave the Americas in
search of warmer weather. I packed my belongings into a single bag
and Steve was dead on time to drive me to the airport for my flight to
Jamaica via New York City. Everything went smoothly except for Delta
Airlines charging me for my luggage. Only one carry-on bag was free;
the first checked bag cost $25, while the bike cost an additional
$150! This made the flight quite expensive, but at least they didn't
weigh the luggage.
During the flight, one could see the incredibly clear blue ocean far
below. The water was so clear that it was possible to see the sandy
bottom. The tiny islands looked idyllic and, then suddenly, there it
was - Jamaica!
Before being allowed into the country, I had to purchase an onward
ticket. So, I bought a ticket to Miami at the end of November, hoping
to give me enough time to cycle Jamaica and Cuba. At the time, the
United States prohibited one from flying to and from Cuba, so I had
to plan ahead.
Once done, I collected my bag and bike and hailed a taxi to
Gloriana’s. Unfortunately, when I opened the bike box, I found that
the bike shop had taken the entire bicycle apart. I didn't have the
right tools or knowledge to reassemble the bicycle, so I did what I
could and then searched for a bicycle shop.