Here is an inside perspective on what it is like to be gay in Jamaica. A young Jamaican cop tells his story. This video was found on GBMNews. They have news, reviews and commentary for gay people of color. There are many categories to browse, including one on Jamaica. They advocate boycotting the island; travel, music and goods. Is that a bit extreme?
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
Back 2 Jamaica??
Wow, it is amazing how quickly time passes! After I wrote the previous blog entry I began thinking about my trip to Jamaica so many years ago. Either things were different then or I was simply naive at the time. Possibly a combination of both.
I had just graduated college and was a member of a community ensemble that was headed to Jamaica to stage a production there. Things were a bit different then...no terrorist threat, no passports needed. When we arrived at the airport in Montego Bay there were so many people just hanging around. Our tour guide met us at the gate, so we didn't have the tense experience I had during my initial visit to the Santo Domingo airport years later. I have told that story already.
We were immediately bussed to Ocho Rios where we would stay for four nights in the Turtle Beach Towers. The bus ride was an eerie experience. First, we rode on the LEFT side of the road. Second, we were going much too fast on those narrow, winding lanes. Third, people and animals seemed to walk precariously on the roads edge, oblivious to speeding vehicles coming within inches of maming them or killing them. I eventually closed my eyes and kept them closed until we pulled into the hotel parking area.
Ocho Rios was a wonderful place. Too bad we were not there for vacation. We had rehearsals, service projects and performances. Not much time to be tourists. I enjoyed the open-air market. I picked up a few trinkets, but was advised to get most souvenirs in Kingston before we headed home. A few of the cast ventured off to the beach while others were shopping. When I returned to the hotel to drop my shopping bag I decided to check out the beach also. Our hotel was not directly on the beach. There was a path to the beach area. While I was attempting to find my way a Jamaican guy asked me if I was headed to the beach. A coy "yes" was all I could muster as I realized I was alone and had been adamantly advised never to be alone while on this trip. The guy asked if I needed anything. He could get me ganja, girls or whatever I wanted. I told him I was okay and did not need anything as I turned to head back for the hotel. As I walked away he told me he had Jamaican bamboo and inquired if I liked bamboo. At that moment all I liked was the idea of getting back to the hotel without being robbed or who knows what else. It wasn't until after the trip that I discovered what "bamboo" was and what the guy was implying. So, maybe being naive at that point saved my life. Or maybe I missed sampling a famous Jamaican delicacy.
It was in Ocho Rios that I decided to some day return to the caribbean. It was the spirit of the people. Many of the young men literally danced, bopped or sang as they walked down the street. People were always smiling and greeted you sincerely. The school children seemed so disciplined in their uniforms. We performed at two schools in Ocho Rios.
After our gig in Ocho Rios, we went to Kingston to finish our tour. We stayed four nights there as well. Again, not much time for ourselves. Special things I remember are a reception held in our honor on the lawn of one of the university faculty members. It was a beautiful home in the hills.
We had a meeting with the Governor General and also visited the Bustamante Childrens Hospital to take pictures with the patients and to do outtakes from our show. During a tour of the University Of The West Indies in Kingston we learned about the acuaducts and saw the magnificent mural that students created.
I really had a great time in Jamaica and have always wanted to return for a vacation. Hopefully the homophobic attitudes will change.
I had just graduated college and was a member of a community ensemble that was headed to Jamaica to stage a production there. Things were a bit different then...no terrorist threat, no passports needed. When we arrived at the airport in Montego Bay there were so many people just hanging around. Our tour guide met us at the gate, so we didn't have the tense experience I had during my initial visit to the Santo Domingo airport years later. I have told that story already.
We were immediately bussed to Ocho Rios where we would stay for four nights in the Turtle Beach Towers. The bus ride was an eerie experience. First, we rode on the LEFT side of the road. Second, we were going much too fast on those narrow, winding lanes. Third, people and animals seemed to walk precariously on the roads edge, oblivious to speeding vehicles coming within inches of maming them or killing them. I eventually closed my eyes and kept them closed until we pulled into the hotel parking area.
Ocho Rios was a wonderful place. Too bad we were not there for vacation. We had rehearsals, service projects and performances. Not much time to be tourists. I enjoyed the open-air market. I picked up a few trinkets, but was advised to get most souvenirs in Kingston before we headed home. A few of the cast ventured off to the beach while others were shopping. When I returned to the hotel to drop my shopping bag I decided to check out the beach also. Our hotel was not directly on the beach. There was a path to the beach area. While I was attempting to find my way a Jamaican guy asked me if I was headed to the beach. A coy "yes" was all I could muster as I realized I was alone and had been adamantly advised never to be alone while on this trip. The guy asked if I needed anything. He could get me ganja, girls or whatever I wanted. I told him I was okay and did not need anything as I turned to head back for the hotel. As I walked away he told me he had Jamaican bamboo and inquired if I liked bamboo. At that moment all I liked was the idea of getting back to the hotel without being robbed or who knows what else. It wasn't until after the trip that I discovered what "bamboo" was and what the guy was implying. So, maybe being naive at that point saved my life. Or maybe I missed sampling a famous Jamaican delicacy.
It was in Ocho Rios that I decided to some day return to the caribbean. It was the spirit of the people. Many of the young men literally danced, bopped or sang as they walked down the street. People were always smiling and greeted you sincerely. The school children seemed so disciplined in their uniforms. We performed at two schools in Ocho Rios.
After our gig in Ocho Rios, we went to Kingston to finish our tour. We stayed four nights there as well. Again, not much time for ourselves. Special things I remember are a reception held in our honor on the lawn of one of the university faculty members. It was a beautiful home in the hills.
We had a meeting with the Governor General and also visited the Bustamante Childrens Hospital to take pictures with the patients and to do outtakes from our show. During a tour of the University Of The West Indies in Kingston we learned about the acuaducts and saw the magnificent mural that students created.
I really had a great time in Jamaica and have always wanted to return for a vacation. Hopefully the homophobic attitudes will change.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Jamaica By Day
If you have not visited the JamDown Productions website you have been missing a great deal. The site has quite a collection of sexy, uninhibited Jamaican men. What I find interesting is that even with all the horror stories about gaybashing, they have still devoted a sub-site for man-to-man action. The membership fee is very reasonable and you should feel good knowing that your membership advocates freedom of expression and gay rights!
The sites owner wants me to let you know that there is a HOT 2009 day planner available. It features some of JamDowns sexiest models. You can preview or purchase it here...
'JAMDOWN PRODUCTION 2009 DAY PLANNER'
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
CRAFTS FAIR
The Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce is hosting again its annual Arts & Crafts Fair, Feriarte 08 at the Santo Domingo Melia Hotel this coming 15-19 October. Many of the artisans themselves will be manning their own stands. There will be upwards of 55 booths showcasing some of the finest Dominican crafts from 15-19 October. Great opportunity to go buy Christmas gifts.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
BY POPULAR DEMAND
This young hottie caused quite a stir. I received many emails and comments. So, he is back by popular demand. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
FAVORITE NIGHT OUT
I had seen Henry (a straight friend) many times for many years on the Conde, on the Malecon and other spots. I don't know why, but I always avoided him. It may have been some of the company he kept, it may have been his swagger. It was the "I know you want me" kind of stride and attitude.
It always seemed like he wanted to penetrate our closely knit group, but for some reason we would never give him the time of day. Until a couple of years ago.
I guess he had had enough of being ignored and overlooked. We were all sitting in a bar having a drink and having a great time when he just walked over, smiled and said "Henry" as he offered his hand for the customary shaking. I looked at my friend who said, "well Lord, after all these years." After we all had a good laugh, Henry included, we had such a good night that he offered to take us to a different club the following night. We were cautious, but since we usually travel as a pack we felt it would be okay.
We arranged for Ready Freddy to be our driver since he seemed to know everyone in Santo Domingo and he had gained our trust. We had never had any problems with him. Henry met us at our hotel and we loaded in the van and went to an area of the city we had never been. It seemed like we went over the hill and through the woods. We kept waiting for the big, bad wolf to jump in front of the van. It was certainly nowhere we would have gone alone.
However, when we pulled up to O-Side we were quite pleased. We were treated like celebrities. Doors were opened for us, people were all smiles and friendly, a couple of gents even gave up their seats so our pack could sit together. Our host, Henry, was quite popular at the club. He certainly had his female admirers. They kept him on the dance floor. He did come to sit, drink and chat with us often. And at one point waved a few ladies away so he could be with us. We discovered that Henry is quite the party animal. He is not at all what we had thought him to be. He's very personable and so very uninhibited.
I noticed that at this club there seemed to be a live and let live attitude. I saw some guys I had seen at gay bars. I saw a few that looked as though they would be comfortable at a gay bar. And of course, there were the discreet glances. The "I could be your buggie tonight" glances. There was even an impromtu rump shaker contest in one corner between two or three guys. It was all so interesting for a straight club. It was a welcomed change of pace from the same routine. We actually hated to leave at the end of the night.
O-Side must mean "the other side," whether in locale or in orientation remains a mystery. I guess we'll have to take another look on our next visit. Thanks Henry!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Grand Deal
CheapCaribbean.com just released another one of its unbelievable sales -- this time to the beautiful island of Grand Cayman. For just $499 per person, you can get 3 all-inclusive hotel nights plus air for about the cost of airfare by itself. Travel is valid select dates through Dec. 19 at the beachfront Beach Club Colony.
Here's everything that's included for just $499:
Roundtrip air on a major airline to Grand Cayman
3 nights at the all-inclusive Beach Club Colony
All meals, drinks (incl. alcoholic), nonmotorized water sports
25% off tours and excursions
All tips and gratuities
Add $0 from Miami, Add $40 from New York City, Add $60 from Boston and Chicago, Add $70 from Washington D.C. and Atlanta, Add $130 & up from more than 50 additional departure cities; see Web site for details.
IMPORTANT: When booking online or by phone, be sure to use the promo code below. The pricing above already reflects this discount (based on double occupancy), but prices as they appear on CheapCaribbean.com's page will not yet be discounted -- just enter the promo code CAYMAN150 at checkout.
Book by Sept. 17: Click here for more information on the Grand Cayman sale and to book online through CheapCaribbean.com. Or call CheapCaribbean.com at 800-915-2322 and mention you saw this offer on Travelzoo.
Note: Additional taxes for this package are $140 per person.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Dancing In The Street
Here is a dance challenge in the streets of the Dominican republic. Gay vs ???
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Merengue Festival
The Puerto Plata Merengue Festival, sponsored by Brugal Rum, will take place 26, 27 and 28 September in Puerto Plata. Legendary merengue band leader, Wilfrido Vargas will have the closing of the festival, on occasion of celebrating his 40 years in merengue. The event will bring together merengue bands for live presentations at La Puntilla, off from the Puerto Plata San Felipe Fort. The Ministry of Tourism is sponsoring the festival. Confirmed so far in addition to Vargas are Jose Pena Suazo, Bonny Cepeda, El Prodigio, Rubby Perez, La Kerubanda, those performing in "Los Anos Dorados del Merengue de los 80", Maria Diaz.
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