L
law2grace
Guest
We just returned from our cruise with a stop in Ocho Rios. After reading many positive reviews on various websites, we had contacted Trevor Hudlin to arrange a tour. Trevor was easily reachable by email and responded quickly, quoting us a very reasonable price for our desired tour, including entrance fees to Dunn's River Falls and White River tubing. When we arrived, Trevor was not there to meet us as we had expected, but this was due to a change in policy that does not allow the independent tour operators to wait at the ship terminal. Instead they wait at a nearby lot for a call from the officials/workers at the terminal. When we told a worker at the terminal that we were looking for Trevor Hudlin, he immediately called Trevor. Trevor arrived within a few minutes in a clean, air-conditioned van. Trevor is very personable and obviously very hard-working, respected among the people there, and very passionate about communicating his love for his country and its beauty.
We went first on a short drive to Dunn's River Falls, during which Trevor began to tell us about Jamaica facts and economy. Trevor provided our tickets to the Falls and instructed us where to meet him afterwards. The climb of Dunn's River Falls was delightful and invigorating, though in some places more challenging than we expected! Everyone helps each other out when needed, so it was a great time! When we reached the end of the climb, we went through the vendor area, where we purchased a small wooden bowl. Do not let anyone place anything in your hands if you are not willing to purchase it!
Trevor was waiting for us in the parking lot, and immediately took us back through Ocho Rios and up to the White River Tubing entrance. On the way, he told us more about Jamaican history and the beautiful plants and vegetation on the island. Again, Trevor had arranged for our tubing tour, and we were accompanied on the river by our guide, Rambo, who was pleasant, skilled in directing us along the (mild) rapids on the upper part of the river, and very knowledgeable about the river, the plants, and the people. We stopped half-way at a grassy area alongside the river where there were some men selling beer or sodas. Rambo showed us almond and banana trees, and some interesting small "touch-me-not" plants. This spot also had clean restrooms available (very welcome!). We finished the river tour (mostly very gentle the remainder of the way), and at the end there was a small shop with a guest book to sign and souvenirs (no heavy sales pressure). Trevor met us there and then took us up to the Wassi Art Pottery factory. We were given a tour showing how the clay is made and a demonstration of a pot being made, as well as showing pottery pieces in all stages to their final finished product. We then saw all the finished pieces in their store, and while some are "touristy", most are works of art. We bought a beautiful water pitcher, which they packaged carefully in a box with a carrying handle. We encourage others to enjoy the Wassi Art Pottery factory!
Trevor then took us to the jerk center where we purchased lunch. The food was good and service quick. It seems like both locals and tourists eat there. Finally we went to the Soni's shopping plaza to buy some souvenirs. Trevor then took us back to the dock, where we said good-bye to Ocho Rios and Trevor. Thanks for such a great tour, Trevor, and congratulations again on your election as president of the tour guides association! If you have any questions for me, feel free to e-mail me at tlwoodworthatadelphia.net (replacing the "at" with @ - I don't want anyone to harvest my e-mail!). To reach Trevor, e-mail him at trevorhudlinathotmail.com (again, replacing the "at" with @). His website address is www34.brinkster.com/trevhudlintours/default.html.
We went first on a short drive to Dunn's River Falls, during which Trevor began to tell us about Jamaica facts and economy. Trevor provided our tickets to the Falls and instructed us where to meet him afterwards. The climb of Dunn's River Falls was delightful and invigorating, though in some places more challenging than we expected! Everyone helps each other out when needed, so it was a great time! When we reached the end of the climb, we went through the vendor area, where we purchased a small wooden bowl. Do not let anyone place anything in your hands if you are not willing to purchase it!
Trevor was waiting for us in the parking lot, and immediately took us back through Ocho Rios and up to the White River Tubing entrance. On the way, he told us more about Jamaican history and the beautiful plants and vegetation on the island. Again, Trevor had arranged for our tubing tour, and we were accompanied on the river by our guide, Rambo, who was pleasant, skilled in directing us along the (mild) rapids on the upper part of the river, and very knowledgeable about the river, the plants, and the people. We stopped half-way at a grassy area alongside the river where there were some men selling beer or sodas. Rambo showed us almond and banana trees, and some interesting small "touch-me-not" plants. This spot also had clean restrooms available (very welcome!). We finished the river tour (mostly very gentle the remainder of the way), and at the end there was a small shop with a guest book to sign and souvenirs (no heavy sales pressure). Trevor met us there and then took us up to the Wassi Art Pottery factory. We were given a tour showing how the clay is made and a demonstration of a pot being made, as well as showing pottery pieces in all stages to their final finished product. We then saw all the finished pieces in their store, and while some are "touristy", most are works of art. We bought a beautiful water pitcher, which they packaged carefully in a box with a carrying handle. We encourage others to enjoy the Wassi Art Pottery factory!
Trevor then took us to the jerk center where we purchased lunch. The food was good and service quick. It seems like both locals and tourists eat there. Finally we went to the Soni's shopping plaza to buy some souvenirs. Trevor then took us back to the dock, where we said good-bye to Ocho Rios and Trevor. Thanks for such a great tour, Trevor, and congratulations again on your election as president of the tour guides association! If you have any questions for me, feel free to e-mail me at tlwoodworthatadelphia.net (replacing the "at" with @ - I don't want anyone to harvest my e-mail!). To reach Trevor, e-mail him at trevorhudlinathotmail.com (again, replacing the "at" with @). His website address is www34.brinkster.com/trevhudlintours/default.html.