Most people who visit Jamaica by cruise ship tend to go to Dunn’s River Falls or Dolphin Cove. Only the few who are brave enough…and I say that sarcastically…to venture out and shop, find that shopping in Jamaica is fun. Beautiful hand-made straw bags and hats, a tremendous amount of hand carved wood sculptures and pipes, clothing, and jewelry are just some of the items that will entice you at the Ocho Rios Craft Market. I love to visit the Ochi Craft Market, just to look at the cultural display and watch the women stitch their straw hats.  I also love to see the amazing talent of the wood carvers…and the smell of freshly carved wood…showcased all around. 

The Craft Market is full of Jamaica’s own unique colors and cultural souvenirs and gifts, along with some new inventions, like the use of crocus bag material to make a duffel bag…love it! The best part of it all, the Market is about a two-minute walk from the dock.  Yes, vendors may ask you to “take a look in my shop”, as soon as you cross the imaginary line into their territory, but if you do not see anything you like, keep walking and looking. On the other hand, if you see something you like take it as an opportunity to bargain. It is so rewarding when I find something I like, and when I do, I become a picker and bargain my way into sweet deals. Yep, role-playing in Jamaica is allowed…winking. 

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