Coming from living on an island, many "'City'zens" couldn't fathom the reason why I needed to be taken to somewhere I can breathe. For them, they were escaping the hustle and bustle of living and working in the busiest cities in the World, where for me, I was coming from the number one vacation spot in the Caribbean according to "US News and World Report Best Vacations Ranking" (British Virgin Islands). Although I might live in paradise, sometimes the close-knit communities become a little too close, and over-bearing, so I thought it was time to take a little break from the little paradise.

Rivers are a major part of the alluring Island of Jamaica. With the slogan of "Land of Wood and Water" it only makes sense why Jamaica is laden with immensely lush forests and tranquil blue rivers and beaches trickled throughout the island.


We made our way down to the beautiful White River, Ocho Rios to start on our journey with Calypso Bamboo Rafting and Tubing. Being only 2 minutes away from the area where I was staying, it was unbelievably convenient for me. If you happen to be staying outside of Ocho Rios, St Ann's Bay, I advise that you visit the Martha Brae River Rafting in Falmouth, Rio Grander River in Portland or Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio for bamboo rafting just in case you can't make it to the White River.




Getting there was quite tricky but you will definitely make it once you follow the instructions of the signs. Winding through  roads, passing by villages with young children playing in the summer sun made me feel at peace for some odd reason.





As we passed and waved at the extremely ecstatic children we started approaching a reasonably  shaped bamboo hut with bamboo rafts and staff neatly surrounding it. As we exited the bus, they all greeted us with a warming and loving smile while escorting us down to the riverside.

Walkway to the River.

Entrance to the river. Shirt: ChicWish Swimsuit: American Apparel Because the bamboo rafts were stored on the hill above, the had to be lowered over the cliff and into the water (I didn't take any pictures of this because I was in such awe). The bars situated in the cliffside guided the rafts down the cliff. Locals frolicking in the river.

Now it's time to get on the water! Throughout the whole river, there were a few rapids that you would pass through which added a sense of adrenaline to a serene and calm ride. 

Dreamiest River. As we slowly flowed down the river, we started to approach this establishment called Calypso Cove. This was a stop half way down the river where you can buy drinks, relax on the lounge chairs situated throughout the whole area, jump off the cliff into the river, or use the swings perfectly positioned over the water.  My favorite part of the whole river! Shirt: Chic Wish  Slowly walking away from the swing (the river rocks didn't make it any easier). Making our way to Calypso Cove with our guide. At Calypso Cove, there are many ways to spend your pit stop.   The Bar serving up many drink specialties, beers, sodas and water.  Craft shop where you can purchase souvenirs. Comfortable seating arrangements. Cute Cabana Beds. After spending half an hour at Calypso Cove, it was time to descend down the rest of the river and complete the tour. The guide gave me the privilege of gliding the raft myself! Probably almost ran into those trees.   There were spiders in this tree and the guide tried to put them on me!! Passing through towering emerald green trees filled with thousands of birds and beetles singing to their own tune, while gliding over calm cyan blue waters made me realize that I was somewhere I can breathe and forget about all worries that had been constantly running through my conscience. If you're ever trying to go to a place where you can forget about your troubles and be one with yourself seek no further than the White River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  Love, Frankiee, XXXX.