Ocho Rios:The place to be but not to live??

"I live where you vacation" has become a popular phrase I've noted on the various social media platforms. It is usually said with some amount of umm pride...for want of a better word (some would say "show off").I  wish to add my own quota and twist on that and its (apparently) envied implications.

Is it really as advantageous as it sounds? It may very well be seen as such in some cases as well as it may not in others. Many are or should be familiar with the parish of St Ann and one of it's most popular towns-Ocho Rios. It represents a beautiful mosaic that provides a dynamic blend of culture, nature and a bit of a paradoxical urban-LIKE aura in the infamous 'garden parish'. The town lends itself primarily to a host of hotels and auxillary popular tourist attractions. In addition, the shores of some of it's beaches have been the venue of  many popular beach parties and events.

Yet, with all this heralded fun and fanfare, I repeatdely encounter a bit of an anti climax whenever I feel the need to kick off my shoes and relax after a long week of work. Where to go? What to do? What's the best time? Like many of my counterparts I work ridiculously long hours on any given day or week. It would be good to be able to get out of my scrubs/work garb and get comfortable or all dolled up to a location to suit my immediate mood. Disclaimer- I am no party animal. Whether it be the need for a drink or light meal or a high energy party to dance the stress away it would be convenient to have those options readily available within say less than a 5 mile radius. Living along the outskirts such as Mammee Bay or Draxhall shouldnt be that far, right? And, with the vivacious description above, finding somewhere in Ocho Rios to do any of the above shouldnt be too hard,right? Wrong.

Disclaimer-I am referring more to the available 'nightlife' activities as I have no problems with the beaches and other day time attractions. Indeed, there are a few comfortable hang out spots to have a drink or meal and chil for a few. But that's just it. TOO FEW options and it's cool for TOO short a time. I will never forget a Saturday night (like many) a few months ago during the holiday weekend of Emancipendence. I made a very brave step by leaving home at about 11 to 'touch the road' knowing very well by experience that 'country' is very disimilar to Kingston for example where,  this particular time in the night would be described as pretty 'young' and just coming alive. Luckily, when I arrived at the usually (?most) popular venue, there was a nice vibe, good music selection and  good enough turn out. In no more than an hour (hour and a half tops) later, people began leaving in scores (ok not scores but quite a lot). At this point, the tempo had just hit another notch on the energy level scale (if there was such a design). I began searching for the unseen threat or sign of impending violence that must have sparked  this seemingly prematute mass exit of people from an otherwise well entertained area. The place was almost empty within half an hour and though I asked I could find no reasonable explanation for same. BUT, to be honest, I was not that surprised. I have found this to be a recurring incident when I make an apperance in this lovely post card town to 'destress'.

Soooo....what's the reason? Where is everyone going? And why? Why do people in this area leave so early??. Lol. Funny enough there is this one er rather shady location that on quite a few ocassions I have encountered many members of the 'missing crowd' but it still doesnt fully explain the 'culture' of night life as per my albeit limited observations in Ocho Rios. The few available places are also to be blamed as the music selection is often poor and if not is not well sustained.

Can I tell you a lil' secret of this one time a girlfriend of mine from Kingston was visiting me (she wanted a change of scene)? I found this popular group on social media baring the name of the place in question and decided to attend one of the parties being promoted at a local 'club'. Flyer seemed cool and attendance list okay. Seemed legit enough. Wrong. That was the first gathering that I have ever attended where I could literally count on both hands the number of attendees. I was a bit embararrassed to say the least but we took it like troopers and even tried to make the best of it, hung around chatting and thinking we were probably just too early...but the count was the same an hour later. I still havent mustered the strength (yet)to attend another of  many similar events being promoted tho tempted. Disclaimer-no group was harmed in the afore expressed opinions☺

Sooooo what do i do? I continue "bar hopping" but mostly visit the same few places I find some level of comfort and end up spending less and less time on each ocassion and many a times catch myself secretly toying with the option of relocating to a more urbanised area with more vibrant nightlife and with wider options of entertainment at your fingertips.

So, while I live where many locals and foreigners save and plan to vacation, with the exception of the daytime and holiday attractions on an average day/night I give you no reason to be envious.

But that's just my take. But I have found this opinion to be shared by quite a few persons with whom I interact. I am not new per se to the area but most of my adoloscent/young adult life was spent behind the bars of my books but when work related reasons had me relocating closer to this popular town and when slapped with a bit too much of 'adulting' I am forced to find intriguing outlets within my vicinity. Cheers to my weekends outside the area-they are definitely more fun. Cheers too to the beautiful beaches and resorts-I woundnt trade them for the world. But cheers and warm welcome to the paradox of Ocho Rios- where I (barely)live and you (save to) vacation.

  Ocho Rios Jerk Centre- Actually had fun that night tho every one sat staring😃😂😁😀

FYI- Another branch of stellar athlete Usain Bolt's Tracks &;Records was recently opened in....guess where....Ocho Rios! A new place to explore...I have had the privilege of dining at the one in Kingston thus I am looking forward to sharing the experience here...in my backyard...where I live...so please add it to your itinery when you come to vacation☺😋😎