After almost a week here in Jamaica, we were finally able to escape the Discovery Bay Marine Lab compound and head into Ocho Rios. After about an hour bus ride and a trip up a waterfall, we made it into town. We had a lot of fun exploring the city, stopping for lunch, ice cream, and special souvenirs to bring home. Before we left, we made sure to stop at the local supermarket to pick up some snacks to bring back to the lab.

One of our classmates Camille (clementine) had the additional goal of securing a new suitcase for the journey home (there was a little incident with her initial luggage and the airline). Fortunately, as we were wrapping up our Ocho Rios visit, we discovered the beauty that is Piraña Joe. For those that don’t know, Piraña Joe is a Caribbean delicacy (it’s a Caribbean tourist shop chain). As if the store knew our exact needs, there happened to be one suitcase for sale at the back of the store. After some hefty negotiations, Camille had fulfilled her goal. The suitcase was secured.

Camille showing off her new suitcase to the streets of Ocho Rios.

Before we left, we all decided we HAD to get matching hats to remember our time with Piraña Joe.

The squad showing off our spiffy new hats.

It was an eventful day, but now it’s back to the lab to finish out the class, and our time in Jamaica.

Tim