Jamaica road trip?

[rjdolesh]

Has anyone considered a trip to see DCU take on Harbor View FC in the March 16 leg of the Champions Cup home and home? I have heard that Kingston is not so tourist friendly, and considering that we might open up a good old can of ass whupping on them, I wonder what our chances are of making it there--and back--are? Anyone planning to go?

Rich D
Aquasco, MD

[beltwayrob]

Well I'd say I'd go but I would fear for my life. There has to be a much more "friendly" place we could go for an away match.

[kravi]

I'm interested. My life is highly over rated anyway, and it all revolves around DCU anyway. Besides, Kingston is just fine (as long as you stay in the right areas and in large groups).

Once out of Kingston there it is plenty safe, anyway.

--Kravi

P.S. Rob is a wuss.

[dsheon]

I went with PCC from DC to Jamaica for a week in August, caught the US/Jamaica WCQ.

1) We didn't step foot in any of the "all inclusives" that keep tourists behind gates

2) We did travel freely in a rental car, stayed on the beach in Negril, in Kingston, and in the south at a remote beach.

3) We ran into no trouble at all and made friends everywhere we went.

4) We were offered weed every three minutes in Negril, but they do take "no thanks mon" for an answer then walk away. No, it's not legal there, and yes there are road blocks where cars are inspected, and cops show up in bars and look around all the time. And yes, according to the guidebooks, tourists have been arrested for possession or smoking. But it seemed to me like they know it attracts tourists and they're pretty permissable.

5) We had a blast at the match. There were fewer than 30 US fans including family members, and not once did we feel threatened. The fans there were impressed that we travelled all that distance. I would honestly say that we felt safer there than I would expect a Jamaican fan to feel at one of our matches.

6) Kingston is divided into new and old Kingston. We did drive through old Kingston, and there's no way I'd want to drive through at night. Nor would I want to drive through certain parts of DC at night. New Kingston is a hoping city though. We went to a club and had a blast. We felt totally safe. People there pay about $1,000/month in rent for studio apartments.
We never once felt a hint of racism. I don't know that I'd suggest two women travel there alone - that may be different I don't know. But for a couple of guys who wanted to drink cheap red stripes, hear great music, see awesome beaches, and spend ridiculously little money (like $35/each per night on the beach in Negril) it was a blast.

I would highly recommend United fans go if they can get the time off. If anyone wants more details or suggests, please PM me.

[CHICO13]

I went with PCC from DC to Jamaica for a week in August, caught the US/Jamaica WCQ.

1) We didn't step foot in any of the "all inclusives" that keep tourists behind gates

2) We did travel freely in a rental car, stayed on the beach in Negril, in Kingston, and in the south at a remote beach.

3) We ran into no trouble at all and made friends everywhere we went.

4) We were offered weed every three minutes in Negril, but they do take "no thanks mon" for an answer then walk away. No, it's not legal there, and yes there are road blocks where cars are inspected, and cops show up in bars and look around all the time. And yes, according to the guidebooks, tourists have been arrested for possession or smoking. But it seemed to me like they know it attracts tourists and they're pretty permissable.

5) We had a blast at the match. There were fewer than 30 US fans including family members, and not once did we feel threatened. The fans there were impressed that we travelled all that distance. I would honestly say that we felt safer there than I would expect a Jamaican fan to feel at one of our matches.

6) Kingston is divided into new and old Kingston. We did drive through old Kingston, and there's no way I'd want to drive through at night. Nor would I want to drive through certain parts of DC at night. New Kingston is a hoping city though. We went to a club and had a blast. We felt totally safe. People there pay about $1,000/month in rent for studio apartments.
We never once felt a hint of racism. I don't know that I'd suggest two women travel there alone - that may be different I don't know. But for a couple of guys who wanted to drink cheap red stripes, hear great music, see awesome beaches, and spend ridiculously little money (like $35/each per night on the beach in Negril) it was a blast.

I would highly recommend United fans go if they can get the time off. If anyone wants more details or suggests, please PM me.
I've been to Negril like 5 times and would return in a heartbeat. I've been to Kingston once and that was enough for me. Maybe it's because they are at opposite ends of the island, but they are worlds apart.

[dsheon]

I've been to Negril like 5 times and would return in a heartbeat. I've been to Kingston once and that was enough for me. Maybe it's because they are at opposite ends of the island, but they are worlds apart.


One is a beach town and the other is urban. It's no different than the difference between Rehoboth and DC. I only spent 24 hours in New Kingston, but had a blast and felt safe. What part of the island is the game?

[JayRockers!]

$$$$ When I looked into it a while ago the price for the flight was around $350 for a leave Tues/back Thurs deal. It being spring break and all. But with Delta and American supposedly slashing fares, I'm going to stick a travel agent on this.

Thx,

Jay!

[SwissGCZ]

What part of the island is the game?
Kingston. It remains to be seen if they play it at Harbour View stadium (7k) or if they move the game to the national stadium.

[Flyin Ryan]

For those that are travelling, your chant could be:

"Everyone get down believe, D.C. we got a soccer team."

And just say that over, I don't know the rest of the song.

[JayRockers!]

Current prices, 1/21/5...

Mar 15 leave, Mar 17 Depart

US Airways (direct), Northwest and American (connecting) between $284.00 and $286.50. I think this is going to be out of my price range, but I'm going to keep looking.

Thx,

Jay!