view that I've had staying in any place in JA. Seeing that I was only about 20 feet from walking on that beautiful beach told me I picked the right property for me! The living room was large and comfortable. I met Faye, cook/housekeeper, who was extremely helpful and friendly. She had lunch ready for me, along with some rum punch. She gave me a tour of the house, and I was surprised how roomy it was (the pictures don't do it justice). The master bedroom was very spacious with a very comfortable bed.
Queen's Cottage may be smaller than other properties at Silver Sands, but it was cozy yet very roomy. The enclosed spa area was beautiful and very private (very romantic indeed!). This was the perfect property for me. For the weekly price of the house, I couldn't believe I had paradise!
My cook (and caretaker!) Faye, was great! She cooked exactly what I wanted when I wanted. One of the best things during my trip was the trip into Falmouth with Faye to go to the nearby, small-but bustling- town of Falmouth. I wanted to get the fruits and vegetables for the week, along with meeting and speaking with the Jamaican people, my favorite part! We stopped and bought a shopping bag from the department store across from Courts Furniture to prepare.
In the "farmer's market" we bought melon (delicious), papaya, orange, banana, potatoes, carrots, onions, cucumber (a must for the creole dishes) tomatoes and lettuce. Faye helped me negotiate a fair price, which was really enjoyable. Everything we purchased was fresh and reasonably priced.
We also went to Super J's market, which I try to go to each time I'm in Falmouth. There I purchase sauces, seasonings, and other original items for gifts (and my cooking). There is a good selection of these items at reasonable prices. With Faye's help, I really got some great stuff, and have been cooking Jamaican 3 times a week since my return! I highly suggest to anyone staying at Silver Sands to arrange this trip with their cook, as it gives a flavor (pardon the pun) of the real JA.
Also, I suggest a trip into the local clothing/gift stores in Falmouth. They have some great prices and some unusual and pretty items. Also, for the travelers who like American Flea Markets, you need to go to the "Bend Down Market" in Falmouth on Wednesday mornings. So called because you have to bend down to look at many things. You can get some great deals there!
My taxi from Custom Caribbean Vacations (Silver Sands Villas) was there and waiting for me when I arrived at the Airport, with a cold Red Stripe. When Faye & I took the taxi into Falmouth, that's when I met Paul Campbell, one of the best drivers (and entertainers!) I've ever had in JA. Paul was a great sport and was very flexible, taking me wherever I wanted to go. He's always happy and friendly, has a nice mini-bus, and is a great representative for JA. Be sure you ask for Paul when you arrange for transportation through the office, or call him directly at 990-7922.
My favorite dishes were meats (chicken, pork, beef), especialy cooked in "Karibbean Flavours Creole Seasoning" - spicy and delicious! These dishes are normally served with rice & peas (beans), carrots, cucumber (a must!), and lettuce. Faye purchased some BEAUTIFUL porterhouse/t-bone steaks at the butcher in Duncans. I couldn't believe it when she brought me the bill for only J$113 (less than $3.00 U.S.) for two, 1lb. steaks! I had her get more, and enjoyed steak for about 4 meals. I don't mention fish/shellfish, as I can't eat it, but you can get very fresh of either around Silver Sands, and even ask someone to catch them for you! (Shine - gardener, or Roy - lifeguard, can probably help arrange it for you.)
The beach was lovely and had the soft, powdery sand which is perfect for walking barefoot. The beach was clean (raked daily) and great for kids. The water was clear, beautiful and had the 6 different shades of blue that the Falmouth area is known for. There were big umbrella tables for those who have gotten too much sun, or who aren't sun worshippers. If you need any help while you are on the beach, Roy Lawrence, lifeguard extrordinaire, will be there to help. I met Roy about 12 years ago in Falmouth, and he really watches out for his guests. When you see him, please tell him Deby said "Respect."
Take a walk down to the jetty to the gazebo. You can sit there alone and contemplate life, or bring another along for romance! It is very quiet, and you can watch the ocean - for miles! - , the beach, and the sunset. Watch for the little crabs running around on the sides.
There is a nice little bar just steps from the beach and very convenient. They have a wide array of liquors, soft drinks, and of course, Red Stripe beer. Be sure to try a beef patty (a pastry filled with a slightly spicy beef mixture). These patties were some of the best I've had in all my trips to JA.
The small beach snack shop wasn't in full swing while I was there, but you could get various things by calling ahead. I understand there will be a new company taking over soon to bring a little more extensive food fare.
A gift shop is located just up from the snack shop and has a GREAT variety of things to remember your trip. T-shirts, bathing suits, and wraps were reasonably priced and of good quality. There are also a small variety of food stuffs in case you missed something at the market. The ladies working there were all very nice and helpful. All-in-all, it is a very nice shop.
Shopping for more pricy items (jewelry, watches, collectibles, etc.) can be fun at the Half Moon Bay Club Shopping Center on the way to the airport. There is plenty of originally- designed jewelry, and I found some beautiful pieces at Casa De Oro (Phillip, Manager). I purchased a very unusual opal/tanzanite/diamond ring, and got a great price. The airport also has a great shopping area.
I had the very pleasant opportunity to meet Angela Stewart-Office Manager for CCV. She came and visited one afternoon and, she can answer any question you may have very efficiently. Ms. Stewart is a real professional, and I urge everyone to give her a call (954 2565), even if it is just to chat or "pick her brain."
One day, Paul took me a short way down the road (about 15 minutes) to Braco Stables to go on a very special horseback ride. Paul decided to join me on his first horseback ride ever, and we signed up and were off to the stables. We were met by David, the Head Groom, for an enjoyable trip. We went through the countryside, through farmland to a beautiful beach where we trotted and cantered the horses and took pictures. We were off again through more tropical farmland, while David pointed out many interesting things. Many other animals were grazing right along side of us. We really got a great lesson from David on the Jamaican countryside. We then arrived at the main attraction, a beautiful inlet beach. There, we dismounted, removed the saddles, and one at a time, David put us bareback on our horse. He then took us swimming with our horse in this inlet! I've had a horse for many years, but never dreamed of doing anything like this! Be sure to bring your camera, as you'll want to remember this with pictures. It was wonderful! The whole trip was about 2-21/2 hours, with many great photo opportunities. Don't miss this!
Another trip I took was to check out the new Agua Sol Park in Montego Bay. There was things for children (go-carts and other rides/activities), a nice day beach, and a good restaurant/bar. They have live music on various nights. You can call them for more info.
I really enjoy going to the small bars/restaurants along the side of the road, mostly patronized by locals. There you get to talk to the Jamaican people, who are just lovely. One place was in Duncans, just west of the market. I had some great jerk chicken and a nice rum punch. Try the other seafood and fish items too. The woman owner was very nice, and sent me home with some fruit. I can't remember the name of the place, but coming from Silver Sands it's the first one you get to when coming into Duncans.
There were also a couple of regular bars across/around Trelawny Beach Hotel - very small places and mostly for locals. If you want to take the challenge, ask someone to play dominoes! (Most JA bars have dominoes, as everyone plays!)
There are many beautiful properties at Silver Sands, and I'm quite sure anyone can find a home away from home to fit them! There are beach parties on occasion with a live reggae band. I missed one while I was there, but maybe you can catch one of these extremely fun events!
I know I've forgotten or left out some things, but I can only write so much.
Finally, I would like to give you, Prem, special thanks for your promptness, courteousness, and helpfulness. You run a very professional organization and I will not hesitate to recommend Silver Sands (CCV) whole-heartedly to my clients on ALLEXPERTS.com. I enjoyed our chats and appreciate your insights into Jamaican culture.
Thank you again to Paul, Faye, Roy, and Angela, for being my friend while I was there. I hope you will all be my lifelong friends. And, I will see you all soon when I return next time to JA and Silver Sands!
All the Best!
Deby Martin (Provost)
Certified Expert on Jamaican Travel
ALLEXPERTS.com
