Day One

We started our trip with a bit of a delay. After waking up at 6am to be at Pearson International Airport for 7:30am, we soon found out that our flight was delayed due to technical problems /weather issues. The group remained positive and we departed approximately 1 and a half hours after the scheduled departure time. We landed in Montego Bay at 4:00pm, and went through immigration and then found our bus waiting for us outside. The bus ride to Ocho Rios was 2 hours. The landscape on the way was immaculate! It’s a strange feeling going form -30 degree’s Celsius to +30 degree’s Celsius. 

We arrived at the hotel just in time for supper around 7pm. At this point everyone was excited to explore our new surroundings. We all found our rooms, got changed and decided to meet up at the buffet so that we can all eat together! The food so far is very good; everyone seems to enjoy their plate. The resort that we are staying at is named Shaw Park Beach Hotel. We quickly realized that it’s a very small hotel, approximately 94 rooms. Although it’s small, its very clean, homey and beautiful. Plus we can’t complain about that weather- coming from -30 degrees Celsius! Tomorrow is another free day so that we can familiarize ourselves with our surroundings and the climate, and we will begin work at the Jamaican Fern Forest on Tuesday! 

Chantal Ouellette