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How Ochi Got Her Name

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Just the other day, someone asked me how our new kitten Ochi got her name. Ochi (pronounced o-chee) is the nickname of the town of Ocho Rios, which sits on Jamaica’s north coast.

John and I wanted a name with a sentimental tie. Coco had been named for the coconuts we enjoyed on so many trips (and because she had three spots on her head and neck, much like a coconut). To honor her memory, we wanted another name tied to the Caribbean.

Of all the destinations we’ve covered through the years, we’ve traveled to Jamaica more than any other location. Over 50 trips have taken us to every part of the island, from tourist hot spots to remote mountain villages. We’ve written five complete guidebooks to the island and, for 10 years, we wrote the annual Jamaica coverage for Fodor’s guidebooks. What better way to commemorate one of our very favorite destinations than name our new arrival after one of its communities?

If you’ve never had the chance to visit, Ocho Rios is the garden center of Jamaica. One of its most famous attractions is Dunn’s River Falls, a spectacular series of climbable falls that cascade from the mountains to the sea:

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And, if you’re wondering, there aren’t eight rivers in Ocho Rios as the name would imply–but, hey, with this beauty, who’s counting?

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The Ocho Rios area has long been a draw for travelers and even served as home for some luminaries including playwright Noel Coward, whose home, Firefly, entertained visitors ranging from Queen Elizabeth II to Elizabeth Taylor:

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James Bond author Ian Fleming made his home at nearby Goldeneye. One of our most memorable stays on the island was in Fleming’s former home, now a villa. You might have seen this beach–and the beach at Dunn’s River Falls–in the early James Bond movies:

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We even worked on one of our books at the very desk that Fleming used during the writing of all the James Bond novels!

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On one Ocho Rios assignment about destination weddings, we had the chance to have a vow renewal right by the sea:

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You can see why we have so many great memories of Ocho Rios. Now, we can’t wait to make new memories with our own special Ochi!

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Paris Permenter
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