Kingston is more than an economic and political capital of Jamaica as well as a link between the Caribbean and other global regions, but it is a beating heart of this island, and it indeed feels as alive as one. Kingston thus lies at the juncture of a vast southern plain and the seemingly limitless sweep of the St. Andrews Mountain to its north thereby presenting a calculated index of the unexpected. Kingston was established in 1692 following an earthquake that had destroyed Port Royal to Katleen’s charm, it has grown to the city that is famous today. They have an international airport, and they also have a port that caters for cruise ship business from around the world.
As soon as I made the first steps putting my foot on Kingston’s territory I changed my mind because it is the combination of traditions and advanced technologies. The striking feature of the city was huge 18th-century residences of stone with balconies full of flowers followed by new buildings. Kingston is as much a city of extremes as of styles; the city has many handsome, new houses, as well as many ghettos. It is preferred by a traveler to remain within the vicinity of the downtown area and the shores as these are the areas mostly safe from the risky neighborhoods.
Emancipation Park
Emancipation Park is one of the favorite places of mine located in the New Kingston and it occupies seven acres of land. This park is well known to the residents because there is a pedestrian trail, fountains, and gorgeous gardens crowned with native and foreign flowers and trees. I remember that strolling through the park I was full of calm and feeling the spirit of the people living around me. The sculpture also put the cultural aspect to it apart from it just being a park but a live breathing art gallery.
Once, I was present here for some hours, with my face lying on the carpet of grass, the large and huge tree above me and the Jamaica sun warm on my skin. The happy squeals of young children at play, the thud, thud of joggers’ feet provided the harmony to my melody. The park had the sense of a retreat, a place where a person can take the time to look at the artworks and contemplate in the museum and the sculptures added that mysterious but deep layer of thinking. Every created work evoked history and culture as being true representations of Jamaica and its citizens.
Bob Marley Museum
Any trip to Kingston must include a visit to this shrine where the world-famous reggae singer Bob Marley is buried. Established in the house and studio of the reggae icon, this museum is loaded with various trinkets. Walking in, I felt a transition from reality to Marley’s life. The gold and platinum records, the receptionist, the multicolored knitwear, and other accessories, and the custom-built famous guitar were evident to recount Clemens’s music story and enormous impact. This was a vain trip that brought a great transport of seeing him in person in such a simple attire; a denim shirt.
Here is more information about the museum; ‘’the museum has a guided tour which is a must for any Marley lover.’’ The rooms, studded with the memorabilia that depicted a part of Marley’s life, music and his influence were filled with anecdotes narrated by our guide. As for the HLOUD, it included traveling to the recording studio that was used in creating most of his hit music. Indeed, being in that spot and picturing Marley singing and writing music for songs that would eventually be a sign of peace and rebellion was a deeply touching moment. The other facility that is worth using in the visit is a small theatre that contains a documentary about Bob Marley’s life.
Trench Town
Another place that should be on every tourist’s list when they are in Kingston is Trench Town, or the Trench Town Cultural Courtyard. This neighborhood is the origin of reggae and the place where this legend of reggae, Bob Marley, lived and wrote most of his initial songs. When I strolled down these streets, I felt like I could hear young Marley’s voice ring in my ears and could actually feel the spirited, talented community that raised him. Trench Town is not all about Marley; the place is a cultural hub and has churned out other reggae artists. This place has a special vibe to it and for any fan of musical talent it is a rather interesting place to visit.
While I was in Trench Town, I had an opportunity to speak to some of the people who live there about their experience in the place. A strong sense of pride was seen in the traditions and values of the people in the neighborhood and it made me see the area in a better light. High on the list of the visit was the Trench Town Culture Yard, a museum cum community center. We all were glad to see the exhibits like the photos and relics from the beginning of reggae as a musical style. I found it quite exciting to observe the simplicity of artists who were to transform the world with their tunes.
National Gallery of Jamaica
The National Gallery of Jamaica will surely remind tourists about the island’s great art traditions. Founded in 1974, it is the biggest and, at the same time, the oldest public art museum in the British Caribbean. During my visit throughout the five permanent galleries, I could not help but admire the wide array of Jamaican art that is displayed in the gallery; Pre-Columbian exhibit, arts of Jamaica’s first nationals, and colonial encounters, artistic expressions of Jamaica in the 20th century up to the contemporary Jamaican art, demonstrated through works of Edna Manley and Mallica ‘Kapo’ Reynolds, etc. Temporary exhibitions with the works of contemporary artists of the world provided an element of the international aspect, and every visit was a different event.
One of the most impressive pieces of art I visited was a series of paintings that portray the victories as well as the hardships of the Jamaican population. This was done in forms of colors and brushes that depicted so much emotion ranging from that of the survivors, the rebels, and the achievers. I wandered for hours through the halls of the galleries getting lost in the splendid collection of art and culture. The National Gallery is not just a school where you come to look at art, it is a school where you come to touch the spirit of Jamaican culture through art.
National Heroes Park
National Heroes Park is a historic sports stadium in the country and is the largest green area of Kingston occupying 20 hectares of land. There are of course many statues and monuments of Jamaica’s national heroes housed in this former racecourse. While strolling in the park I found myself fully associated with the country and the feelings that are embedded in our culture and history. The African burial ground of Jamaicans who perished in World War I and the sight of Bob Marley’s famous Smile Jamaica concert further enhanced the history and cultural contributions. The park is a symbol of hope and Jamaicans’ strength and a good place to derive some time from the bustle of the town.
Going to the park was a completely humble moment. Every single monument rendered a message of those who acted and died in the fight for freedom, progressing Jamaica’s history. There were large open spaces and neat benches to sit and relax from the intensive view of the city. There I stayed a couple of hours because I considered I must read the actions of the heroes who are depicted by the park monuments having got respect for their spare-time activities. That is how the park is not only a memorial but also a place to learn more and to be inspired by the Jamaican people’s spirit.
Port Royal
The now ruined city of Port Royal, which was once one of the largest in the Caribbean, is near Kingston. It was established in 1518, and at one time had a prosperous trading life, however, the major earthquake and Tsunami of 1692 affected it badly. Today Port Royal is a well-known historical place, and the main sight is Fort Charles. This was constructed in the mid-1650s, initially as Fort Cromwell, and it was one of the limited structures which remained after the calamity of the earthquake. Exploring the interior of the fort now being used as the maritime museum, I got the feeling of having been transported back in time. The brick arches through which cannons stuck out and the tales of the pirates and naval battles made history come alive.
Just imagine walking around the island of Port Royal, it feels like you have just stepped into a pirate adventure. The calles were several and more often the intricate structures gave a feeling of narrating the story of the time when the city was once referred to as the “wickedest city in the world”. The Fort Charles Maritime Museum provided so much information about the historic past of the city ranging from the period it was a haven for pirates until it became a vital stronghold of the British Empire. It made me enjoy the guided ship tour that was shown interactively and I got a chance to shoot a cannon. It made history come alive in a manner that can hardly be described as boring.
Devon House
The Devon House is a beautiful building that was constructed in the year 1881 in the Georgian style, it is an architectural and cultural site hub. This mansion itself has a history of being once owned by the first black millionaire of Jamaica, Stiebel, and depicts the diversity of culture in the Caribbean nation. I got captivated with the 19th-century design within the house and the art behind each item of furniture. The tours provided a way of being able to see how those people who used to live in the house lived and how this house is significant to the Jamaicans of today. The surrounding shops, restaurants, cafes were ideal to sit back and look at the day’s discoveries.
It was like time traveling when I visited Devon House. Facing the grand was a series of grand rooms which were furnished with period pieces and other gild accouterments, it was a reminder of a prosperous period in the island’s history. I admired the beauty of the house and efforts paid in providing the detailed and elegant work on the house. Every separate room was incredible, over the top from the dining room to the library. The guides were well informed and enthusiastic, many of them included interesting details about the house and its history. Inside one of the restaurants providing complimentary lunch I tasted a wonderful Jamaican meal in a fabulous colonial atmosphere.
Embracing Kingston’s Vibrant Culture
Kingston is not just a city that is alive and evolving but also a form of something complex that holds significant histories, values, and contemporary meanings. Every visit there is always something interesting coming up; be it the lovely greens of Emancipation Park or the hidden history behind the National Gallery. The music of Bob Marley as well as the essence of reggae music emanates throughout the city, filling each and every part of it with the spirit of good music.
Perhaps the most enigmatic of all what I got to learn in Kingston was the friendly nature of the people. I was cheered up all along with people offering me adorable looks and sweet words. People wanted to talk and show me what traditions they have and that made me feel I was a part of the population. It is this feeling of camaraderie that the good people of Kingston hold and this has made Kingston so endearing. It is a friendly city that greets you and at the same time gives memories that can only be described as lifelong.
Final Thoughts
Kingston is found with many identified prominent features, primarily, the heritage of the old world fused with the modernism of a newly industrialized world gives Kingston a taste of what the future holds while at the same time presenting the civilization of the people in the old world. The palisades of Port Royal; the fine art belonging to the National Gallery; indeed, one can say that there is something for everyone. During my strolls along the streets, in the parks, and art museums I was filled with the sense of the closest identification with the Isle culture. As it has been said, Kingston is a city which opens its doors for tourists to discover, study, and feel the atmosphere of the city.
Should you ever pay a visit to Jamaica you should consider spending some time in and around Kingston. Due to its trop of social escalator and diverse tourist attractions, it is a place that can be considered a must-visit. All in all, history, art, and music lovers would not leave Kingston disappointed. So, take this spirit of this lively city and let it enthuse you as it has done to me.