By Hideaways Founder/President Mike Thiel

How do I love Jamaica? Let me count the ways.

First, I love its topography. As the third-largest island in the Caribbean, it flows from beautiful beaches, both intimate and expansive, to broad savannahs. It soars to lush cool mountains—the Blue Mountains reach above 7,000 feet—and in between, is punctuated by waterfalls, languid rivers, farms, and quaint villages.

Second, I love its history and culture. Jamaica's proper British background and civility blend with a vibrant and colorful multi-racial populace to create a fascinating ethnicity.

Third, I love its soul. Just listen to Jamaica's music and soak up its art. Both speak volumes about the island and its people.

Fourth and foremost, I love its people. They usually are a bit shy on first meeting, but they become friendly, fun loving, and positively beaming once you engage them.

Jamaica Media Center

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