I land in Montego Bay with some of my oldest and dearest friends. Thanks to pre-planning, the van is waiting for us and we are swept into tropical sunshine and a quick ride past hills, construction, sea and sky. All of us are well traveled and have been to Jamaica countless times before. So we aren’t so inclined to do the tourist thing. We’re here to hang out and catch up with our friends. It’s been years since I’ve been here, but Jamaica is one of those destinations that seems to have it all: weather, a culture all it’s own with music and food. Where else are you going to hear real Reggae and eat Jerk or salt fish and akee? Sure there are home based facsimiles but the real thing? No, you come to Jamaica… Red Stripe, Rum, fruit, fish, sea and sun. It’s all here. When Columbus landed the Arawak Indians living here called this place Ximaca-Land of Wood and Water. And that’s here too, lush and succulent bougainvillea flowers everywhere of every color…and the sea… turquoise, lapis and cobalt. The pallet here is so intense and varied; even if …

"One loooove, one heart...come to Jamaica and feel alright!" The commercial never lied. Jamaica was my most relaxing vacation yet. Last October, my boyfriend Jason and I went to Montego Bay for his fraternity brother's wedding. We stayed at the Sunset Beach all inclusive resort. The staff was very friendly and the hotel had wonderful food. If you ever stay there you have to try the lamb chops at the Italian restaurant.

Speaking of good food, Jamaica has ton of it! My favorite was the eskovitch from a local place called "Best Jerk Centre." If you love fish, Jamaica is the place to be. Along with my snapper I ordered delicious codfish fritters. Add a side of bammy and festival and you are all set.

We did a lot of touristy things including zip-lining, para sailing, wave runners, and climbing Dunns River Falls. However, the tours allowed you to take a ride through many of the villages in Jamaica. On the way to zip lining we got a good chance to see how people lived in the hills. I realized it wasn't that different from the way my mother grew up in the south. I …

Well, here I am...experiencing my first pangs of Jamaica withdrawal. After 4 "Fab" days at Grand Lido Braco(Changed to "Breezes RIO Bueno" on 11/1), which is located about an hour East of Montego Bay, I am not really ready get back to my fast paced life.

Ya see, besides the beautiful people, warm skin caressing breezes, delicious food, sexy vibes and crystal clear waters, there is the Jamaican pace. Words and phrases like 'Irie' and 'No Problem' are more than words. They describe the feel of an island that moves at a relaxed pace. A groove that allows for special connections with people you meet.

That said, for those who like to party and live the fast life, you too will find an abundance of fun in "JA"! We arrived to a refreshing cold towel and a yummy Rum punch. The Grand Lido restaurants were great, the room service(Champagne at 3 AM) was flawless and the staff sought to please our every desire. It was really cool seeing Doug Banks, DeDe McGuire and Rudy Rush tripping and broadcasting live from poolside!

My favorite night was Friday night as we munched at the wonderful Sushi …