Round About Port Antonio

  Port Antonio, Jamaica
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Had breakfast at the hotel and decided to drive about Port Antonio.  Just got in the car and zoomed around taking whichever road I felt like.  Not yet into Port Antonio, I saw a magnificent castle - The Trident Castle. Please do turn in their driveway and get closer pictures of a simply awe inspiring structure.  They are not open for touring just now as they are renovating and hoping to sell.

The town is a packed one, with the hustle and bustle expected in a small town.  People are about their business and children are trying to get to school.  You might see children on the road as late as 10 because apparently the bus system is not so regular. 

I think that in a new town, not cause you inviting danger, but just in case you should be in need, one ought to check out where the pharmacy is and at least one doctor's office.  So I drove slowly and did that.  Easy. 

I saw a church from the distance that looked very stately.  It's the Christ Church and it's a beauty - so stop by and take a peek in and around - they don't mind.



The town is in the midst of some new building developments and one will notice the aim to keep the new structures in the Georgian style of architecture.  Taking the road towards Titchfield will have you pass the De Montevin Lodge - a beautiful little building.  It too is a hotel but it's a little too close to the road for me.

I got lunch at KFC (yup) and ate it by the Folly Lighthouse. Just look for the white column entrance to the Fooly Cricket Oval and turn.  The road to the Lighthouse will take you pass the Folly Great House Ruins.  This is completely fenced around at the moment so no getting near - one hopes they going to see about renovating it.

The lighthouse is operated by the Port Authority and the chap there is wiiling to let you in to view the structure and eat.  I brought my mat, sat under a tree and ate and read.  Parking: Free  Entry: Free



The town has most major banks: Bank of Nova Scotia, First Caribbean and another one I can't remember.  There are ATMs.  Though on the day I went neither of BNS were working.  The gas station in town will be selling gas a little higher than in Kingston.

There are a couple clubs, eating places and shops (clothes, computer, grocery).  There is a mini photography shop.  The main bookstore is Hamilton's I think - with a sparse collection of international books and a decent collection of local ones.