Sports, Suites and Saints: three views of Kingston

the weekend presented three contrasting views of the capital city, and each within walking distance of the other.

First, inside the newly established Sports Max Sports Zone (a former supermarket that abuts banks and professional offices) the crowds had barely recovered their composure after the shock exit of Brazil from the world cup, when more drama unfolded on the multiple big plasma screens inside the sports bar on steroids.

Plucky Ghana saw their World Cup run ended by the technically superior Uruguay team, and the missed penalty by Ghana seconds before then ed of extra time.

Sorrows drowned in Red Stripe Bold, we headed over to the Spanish Court for a quick tour, including the already renowned Sky Bar, a mezzanine poolside terrace with an airy feel and where the "S-tini" is the house specialty (they'll tell you what's in it). From cozy designer lobby to splendidly outfitted guest rooms, Spanish Court is - along with its neighbour to to the south, Altamont Court - part of the very best of Kingston's elite small business resorts - well-equipped but with a homey feel.

In between, there's the former Hilton, newly re-minted as a Wyndham property under new owner Delroy Howell. On Friday, it was the scene of the media launch of the Saint International Style Week, set to dazzle the world from July 9 through 11 (the Donkeycart will be on the scene).

Style Week and Saint boss Deiwght Peters and Co. made the case for Jamaica, and Kingston in particular, as the cultural capital of the hemisphere and the logical choice for a premier fashion event, which will include the traffic-stopping FASHIONBLOCK come Sunday July 11, with the promenade of New Kingston's Knutsford Boulevard turned into a giant runway fro the best in Jamaican couture design.

There's lots more to come form the capital - and its all good. Stay tuned to turbodonkeycart as we take you through the breadth and depth of the "city that stays ahead"