Jamworld Entertainment Complex is a massive expanse of land in Portmore - a huge dormitory community just next door to Jamaica's capital city Kingston. Venue for many a concert, including the infamous Boxing Day event "Sting" (dubbed the worlds biggest one-night reggae show), Jamworld was today, a public holiday, home to a Easter Monday Family Fun Day.
So - in a manner quite out of character, I put aside all things work (and school) related, and plunged headlong into a day of dalliance with my husband and children. We drove over just after noon, parked beside the 12 other cars there at that time, and made our way, pushing pram and all through the marl mud and murky pools left behind by a recent shower of rain. It was clear skies that watched over our progress through the day however, so skipping a mud pool or two (or twelve), was fine with us.
Jamworld is a massive complex to utilize and the space available is intimidating. The promoters made a valiant effort however, lining the main area with tents and rides, bordering the venue on three sides facing in to the fouth where the ten foot high stage held sway. Of course, from the rear end of the venue it was impossible to make out anything on the stage, but the sound carried clear, and the infectious voice, laugh and manner of the host - popular local radio disc jock Jenny Jenny, was enough to pull you forward at points.
There was food galore, from ketchup covered hot dogs to the sweet red and white coconut grater cake, spicy yellow curry, roti, dahl, and all sorts of other tongue tempting, pocket emptying opportunites. The children were in heaven - bounceabouts (3 of them), a ferris wheel, water slides (3 of those too), a pool, a rotating swing, a huge rock climbing inflatable, and a roving train-like-car, with approximately 6 separate seating attachments to the rear. There was even a go-cart attraction of sorts with pedals for the hands to push instead of the feet, and an extra seating area to the rear so the driver could carry a passenger behind.
They had a an amazing time, and my husband and I, several pockets poorer, sweaty, thirsty, and a little stressed after the 'bus head' (head cut), and 'scrape-up han' (scraped arm) of the ten year old, and the "likkle mos' bruk han" (almost broken arm) of the four year old, and umpteen mad dashes to catch the one year old and bring him back as he giggled with glee, and the.... wait no, the eight year old was fine (whew) where was I? - Oh yes, My husband and I were quite happy.
What Porturbed me about today? A couple of things.
- We rely a little too much on luck, and not as much on safety as we should, with rides and games for children. Thankfully the worst for my family was a mild abrasion to the scalp. There were a couple of opportunities for accidents to happen however, and not enough supervision.
- We still have a little way to go when it comes on to customer service, especially when handling excited and sometimes rude children. At one point an attendant was slapping at a child. Yes its the West Indian way in large part, but we need to explore other methods of kid compliance before swinging away.
Anyway, I carried my camera, so you too can see what I saw. Sorry about the food though - I had to eat that for you. :-)
Enjoy.
