Stories Of Negril and the Westend [Archive]

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 09:19 AM

My wife and I were looking for a place to go in the Caribbean. When people talked about Negril they had a look in there eyes of longing. So my wife and I decided to go there for a vacation. I was a travel agent and collected everything I could about hotels and I called 50 places on the beach and the West End. One of the last places I called was
Blue Cave Castle. The Jamaican woman I talked to was the most pleasent and informative person I had talked to. So we booked the first part of our trip (4 days) there and 3 days at the Yellow Bird on the beach. When we arrived at Montego Bay, we walked out to the craziness of the airport parking lot. Before we got 10 feet I got my first offer for Ganja. Two more offers came before we left the parking lot. We picked a bus and began our first ride to Negril. Back then, you went on the old coast road. It twisted and turned with every bay. Our driver was practicing for a Nascar race, or it just seemed so. With every turn, we and the one other passenger, were thrown from side to side. Once in Negril, the driver finally slowed down and we were happy to still be alive. He dropped off the other person then took my wife and I to Blue Cave. At this point we were both wondering if we had made a bad decision. But once the gate opened at the castle and we walked in, we knew we had found paradise. Steven and Suzan were great and my wife and I had our hearts skip a beat when we stared at the beauty of the place. From that point on, every time we left Negril we had tears in our eyes. To us, it became our second home, and the local's we befriended our family.

rjonsun

05-17-2011, 10:29 AM

About what time on Monday? We will be pulling in to Negril on Monday and will be looking for a place to eat. BTW, what does Pee Wee's have for dinner and what kind of prices an we expect? I have heard about the great breakfasts there but never about the dinners. We have never eaten there. Not saying we will be there, but is in the realm of possibilities.
Regards,

Bob

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 10:30 AM

My first Jamaican friend was Victor Gibbs Sr. We met him through a mutual friend. He invited us to go for a ride to see the countryside and the south coast. Victor had a 1971 Chevy Impala convertable. A big land boat. We rode out past the golf course and down to Sav and he brought us back along the south coast line of West End Road. When we went past the Lighthouse, Victor proclamed "This is the Negril Lighthouse. The only thing that works 24/7 in all of Negril". On our next trip, we hired Victor to drive us around the island over 2 weeks. We stayed in Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, drove the old mountain road to 5000 feet and down into Kingston. Stayed in Treasure beach and then back to Negril. Although we loved every place we went, we still agreed Negril was special. As for the stories from that trip, they will come later.

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 10:32 AM

Sunset is always the traditional time for dinner on the West End.

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 10:39 AM

Prices are reasonable and the best thing on the menu is what ever is fresh out of the ocean that day. More than once I've gone down with chef's to pick the fish I want off the fishermans boat. And of course the Sunsets are the real star.

Nick

05-17-2011, 11:44 AM

Bob; Some day we need to meet in Negril. I was there when your buddy floated out to sea on his rubber baby pool certified raft.
I believe that I met him staggering back up the road in the red ground, burnt red as a beet. I might have met you back then as well but that was a long time ago, and things are a bit hazy...

countryman

05-17-2011, 12:03 PM

I actually took a ride with Victor, in that land yacht many years ago! I'll never forget it. I was alone and it was after a concert at Kaiser's. Went from Kaiser's to out past the lighthouse . Scared the hell out of me, in a couple places I thought he was gonna drive off the cliff! But it was all good...
My first Jamaican friend was Victor Gibbs Sr. We met him through a mutual friend. He invited us to go for a ride to see the countryside and the south coast. Victor had a 1971 Chevy Impala convertable. A big land boat. We rode out past the golf course and down to Sav and he brought us back along the south coast line of West End Road. When we went past the Lighthouse, Victor proclamed "This is the Negril Lighthouse. The only thing that works 24/7 in all of Negril". On our next trip, we hired Victor to drive us around the island over 2 weeks. We stayed in Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, drove the old mountain road to 5000 feet and down into Kingston. Stayed in Treasure beach and then back to Negril. Although we loved every place we went, we still agreed Negril was special. As for the stories from that trip, they will come later.

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 12:08 PM

Yeah, Eric is fair skinned anyway. His wife earlier in the trip took a liking to Rum Punch. She had five in a short period of time and passed out on my balcony. "A lesson to you Newbee's, the rum punches are VERY STRONG"! Within an hour of her demise, the party started on my balcony for the days sunset. We stayed there for two hours and she never moved. Oh by the way did I tell you she was Topless! It took 4 of us to get her to bed. And yes they returned to Negril 2 more times.
I am planning to be back in Negril sometime in December. I'll be coming down with my brother in laws and nephews. The girls have there own trip planned for Fantasy Fest in Key West.

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 12:49 PM

We truely fell in love with the island and wanted to get to know the Real Jamaica. Victor was a wise man, before he would take us anywhere important to him, he tested us. He took us to a remote village in the mountains. Main street was 3 blocks long on a dirt road. We were far from civilization and had no idea where we were. He stopped and let my wife and I out, told us he needed to pick some things further up the road, and would return shortly. He left us there alone. We had arrived in the Real Jamaica we had asked for. We were very nervious and didn't know what to do. We saw a small shop and started to walk to it, then we heard a small boy yell "Hey Whitey". We turned around to see him running up the road twards us. Next he breathlessly asked "Why are you here, why did you come here?" I told him that we wanted to see what it was like in this part of the country and that we had asked to come here. He kept asking Why. I don't think I ever convinced him that we wanted to come there. He followed us to the shop. There was an old woman working on needlework. She smiled and said welcome and all of our worrys melted quickly. We talked to her and she told us of her life there and family (the little boy was her great grandson). We shared our stories with her, and had a wonderful time. I went out for a cigarette and a young man came up to me and began to talk. Before he could say much, the old lady called me back. She said "Be careful of him, he no good! I should know he is my grandson". This was the first of many times that our friendship with the local's saved our butts. (But those are other stories)While we were talking to her, she reached under the table and brought out the Book of Morman. She asked us if we knew anything about it. I told her it was a sect of christianity and that I and many others found it confusing. She laughed and said she did too. She said a man had come to the village and gave them out to everbody. She never saw him or any other Morman again. Just then Victor showed up, he saw how well we had done and smiled. He knew then he could take us anywhere, to meet anyone, and would do well.

yetta

05-17-2011, 01:30 PM

Loving your posts!!! Can't wait to hear more...

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 01:43 PM

On one of our many drives into the interior of the country. My wife and I, along with another couple, went out to Y's falls. After we had satisfied ourselves of jumping off the waterfall, swinging on the rope into the water and crawling under the falls we headed back to Negril. We were discussing our plans for dinner, when Victor asks us if we wanted to see real Jamaican fast food restaurant. We said yes and he pulled over near a bunch of huts along the road. The windows were down in the car and from behind these huts a group of women came running out. Each had a plate of cooked fish with the heads pointed to the center of the plates. When the women reached the car, they shoved the food through the windows and right under our noses! Though the fish did look and smell good, we declined and the women walked back to the huts. Victor laughed and said, the food is good but better in Negril.

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 02:19 PM

The first time we stayed on the beach, we stayed at Yellowbird. I had a video camera and went out onto the beach. I set up my camera and was approached by a local. He, of course, graciously offer to sell me the local herb. I declined, as I needed no more, but told him what I really wanted was a couple of bottles of the local fresh squeezed orange juice. Just as I said that, another local who had just walked up, heard my request. The race was on! Both men ran in opposite directions at top speed. My jaw dropped as both men disappeared quickly. I had just started to get back to my camera when I looked up again to see one of them already coming back! I turned and looked in the other direction to see the other man also on his way back. Before I knew it, I had 4 Ice Cold bottles of orange juice. Luckily I really like the orange juice and I paid both men for the bottles. Who needs an all inclusive with this type of service.

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 02:58 PM

One afternoon my wife and I walked down the beach. She wanted to have her hair braided. We found a place where some women had a small shack on the beach. They told me it was going to be a while, so I found a shady spot under a nearby tree. Lazily watching them and the ocean. As I was sitting there, a group of young female tourists started playing in the ocean in front of me. Of course I had to watch. After a short time one of them approached me to take pictures and handed me their camera. I followed them out to the water and the shoot was on. After many basic friend poses they began to play in the water, and I kept on shooting. One of them took off their top and the others grabbed starfish from the sea. They strategictly placed the starfish so it looked as if she had nothing on. In turn they all got shots like this. When they were finished, they thanked me and went on their way. I went back to my tree, and my wife came over after her hair was braided. Having watched the whole thing, she laughed and said it looks like you had a good time. I told her she could have her hair braided any time she wants to.

Emmie

05-17-2011, 03:12 PM

I love these stories! Keep 'em coming!

Marko

05-17-2011, 03:34 PM

mi stories with the West End don't start till '88 when I discovered LTU...........
up to that point I'd always hung on da beach at Miss Mary's/T-Water area.....
the reason I finally ended up at LTU was I was from Boston and a couple DJ's from famed WBCN use to rave about the place...
thus I had to see for mi self and thus got hooked on the West End which is the Best End........
after getting pestered constantly by people on the beach........
the West End was a great change of pace......and met a lot of friends there.....
plus mi found it more laid back and people more interested to getting to know you versus sell you sumthin........
back in '91 I met a group of people at HedoII and I took them all up to LTU for sunset and had a blast.......
they all told me when they were leaving to go back home that LTU was the highlight of their trip........
if you can believe that......
I made another trip that year and had to stay at LTU.......since I discovered they had rooms
had a great time and fell in love with the area even more.......
all the rest of mi reaches in the 90's centered around the West End.......which is the Best End........

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 04:15 PM

On a trip to Mayfield falls with friends, I had a cold and couldn't get in the water. I follow the group for a ways and then went back to the bar. The young Jamaican behind the counter asked what was wrong? I told him of my cold and he said "No Problem, I know just what you need". He left the counter and started walking into the forest. I followed, and to my amazement, he climbed up a tree an began hacking at some fruit from the tree. He then walked around a clearing and began cutting a certain kind of grass. Taking his bounty back to the bar, heated up some water and made me a tea from the items he had cut. He told me "this is a fever grass and wild nutmeg tea". You drink this and you will feel much better. I did, and it worked. He gave me enough to make my own tea back in Negril. By the next day my fever was gone and I felt much better. Another example of the true nature of the Jamaican People.

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 06:43 PM

One of the things my wife and I love is snorkeling. We have covered the area from Home Sweet Home, to well past Pirates cove. We always see something different each time. Once after a big storm, it was rough but not that bad. We jumped in and snorkeled into the caves at Blue Cave Castle. There was alot of flotsom and jetsom on the surface of the water. Visibility was poor. We noticed something moving at the other entrance. Both of us were looking as the swells came in, and we saw 3 fish, two of which were larger than we were. Shark or barracuda we could not tell, nor did we stay in the water to find out. We prefer to dine on fish, and not be dinner for them.

Lizardbeth

05-17-2011, 06:49 PM

Great stories! Hope there is more. Thanks for sharing!!

Petrona

05-17-2011, 07:41 PM

Awesome, awesome!! Great writing and I enjoy reading your stories

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 09:07 PM

For several years my wife and I raved about Negril and Jamaica to our friends. Finally after years of trying we got a large group
of friends to go (starting with my 40th birthday party). We went to the beach one day and met a Jamaican named Winston and his two brothers. They had a bar next to Alfred's. Winston had worked with Bob Marley and ran a company that put together tours for Jamaican bands in the USA. One afternoon he took me to the office and played a bunch of Bob's outtakes for me. Winston is very tall. At least 6'4''. Part of our group decided to go parasailing. Winston asked if he could come along and did. My friend Kevin and I wish them fun and walked into the water. We waded out and drank our beer and had a smoke. We watched our friends go up and out into the bay. They got about a mile off shore and began the back and forth run. We turned around and started to admire the shoreline. All was Irie and good. We turned back around and watched our friends some more. We noticed there was someone swiming twards us. As he was swiming quite a distance, we began watching him as well. Before we knew it the swimmer was apon us and it was Winston. He had taken the ride out there just so he could get a good swim in. The first words out of his mouth were, so didn't you bring a beer out for me? When our friends came back, we started to collect our things and hed back to the castle. Winston asked if he could come along. We agreed and headed back. Apon arriving, Winston walked directly to where my room was and asked "Are one of you staying in this room"? I repled I was. He said "So your the reason I couldn't have my room". I replyed that we would gladly change rooms if he wanted to move in. Winston just smiled and said "No, you stay there and keep the place I will move in after you leave. Here we just meet him on the beach and we find the next guest. He was a long term friend of Susan at the castle and stay's there on each return trip.

Pushin 50

05-17-2011, 09:50 PM

One day while hanging out at Pee Wee's, I met a 15 year old Jamaican boy. He was about to go out to spearfish off San Sara. I asked to go along and watch and he agreed. He said he only went after barracuda. I mentioned that I had heard that you could get sick from eating the fish. He said he had gotten sick twice in the past, but they were still his favorite to eat. I went and got my snorkel gear and we went out. We swam out past the point (known as barracuda point by the locals) when he said this was his fishing spot. I could not see bottom where we were at. I asked him where are the fish? He pointed down and said down there. Next thing I knew he went flippers up and down he went. As I watched he disappeared into the murky water below. I floated above him but could not see him. Over a minute went by, and still no kid. I began to worry, then all of a sudden I see his figure returning. At the end of his spear was a 3 ft long barracuda. He surfaced smiling, happy he had just caught his dinner!

Sweetness

05-17-2011, 10:00 PM

I dreamt of Jamaica for 15 years - I knew I was meant to go...its in my journal way back when - it was calling. First went with friend and her Mom and Sis for just 3-4 days. My senses were overwhelmed the ENTIRE time in every way. The amazing beauty of the lush mountains, clear wata, gorgeous men (I mean people lol), freed my spirit but staying on the beach was overwhelming in a different way. Stayed at BarBBarn and loved it and after all these years still my home base. Over before I knew it and still tears when leaving....I didn't really know why....again that feeling of freedom until the moment the plane took off.

Gotta go back and want to try solo and stay longer. Bob at negrilonestop.com talked with me on the phone and told me about a little place on the cliffs (?) called Heartbeat - nothing fancy but I trusted him and tried it. It became the launching pad for my soul. Not necessarily the place but it gave me the right everything for all I needed. Went for a week, then for a month, then worked for a year 3 jobs to save enough for four months of freedom and it was life changing. I learned so much about myself and made friends that I still have today. They taught me so much about life, love and true peace. I will be eternally grateful. I knew nothing of West End but it became my neighborhood and people call to me as I walk and children run to me and jump in my arms and I still feel the magic there. I became addicted to staring at the sea off the cliffs, watching and talking with the fisherman, sunrises/sunsets, in awe of the beauty and we are but a drop in the sea. I never tire of it and the peace I feel staying on the cliffs is something I am not sure I have ever felt in my life.....safe, free, closer to God. Heartbeat is gone but I am still connected to West End and still can't get enough of staring at the sea there.

I still love the beach, the soft sand, standing in the wata blue below - blue above - every shade imaginable. I spread my arms wide, palms up giving thanks to the universe and receiving the flow of blessings. Lots of stories I can share but my personal experience is one that brings me so much joy to share. I feel it but seldom get to explain my journey. I will always love Negril, it will always feel like home because my heart is open there. Thanks for asking the question - 37 sleeps until bliss.
1219

Pushin 50

05-18-2011, 08:08 AM

I am so glad so many people have enjoyed my stories. Yesterday I shared but a small portion of the memories I have of my life in Jamaica. I will continue with more latter, but now I am moving into things yet to come. As I stated at the beginning, I will be turning 50 on Monday. Part of the reason I started this was to reconnect with people in Negril, and others who have shared their lives with us. To my suprise it has worked even better than I expected. There was one person in particular I was having a hard time finding. Thanks to the work of my friend Petrona, I have found him. If you have read all my posts, you know I have a very special relationship with my dear friend Victor. He lives outside Jamaica now, but everytime I have returned so has he. I was worried this would be my first trip there without him. None of the phone numbers for him worked. Then out of the blue, after seeing my thread on Pee Wee's, Petrona contacted me and began the process of finding him. To my delight, I am now arranging for him to join us for my birthday. Today, I am one of the happiest men on the planet. In a few days I will be returning HOME to Jamaica. It looks like I will be surrounded by those I love and care for. Many of the stories I have and or will write about, include these people. Many are great story tellers themselves. For those who can make it, Please come and join us Monday at Pee Wee's and I will introduce you to the people who made my stories possible.
P.S. There are a great many stories that cannot be told here in such a public forum!
P.S. P.S. One of them is the story of how my wife got the nick name Broke Back! This is also a Jamaica story.
P.S P.S P.S. If your in Negril, but can't make the party, you may see Victor and I playing cribbage at Alfred's on sunny afternoons throughout the week.

Pushin 50

05-18-2011, 10:43 AM

One of our first trips into the interior to play, we went to Roaring River. On the way there, Victor stopped by a sugar cane factory. At the time there was nothing to process so the place was almost seemed empty. A man we met there gave us a quick explanation of the process of removing the sugar from the cane. He took several pieces of cane and shoved it into a rolling press. The sugar juice was collected below and he handed me a glass of pure cane sugar juice. Talk about a sugar High. Wow. We thanked him and continued on to Roaring river. Before we left the area of the plant, we drove past one of the funniest sights I have seen. In a lot, empty except in the middle stood a large safe on top of 5 feet of a concrete pedestal. It looked like someone had stolen the bank and left safe. Victor explained that was all that remained of the former Barclay's Bank branch that had been there. The rest of the building had been stripped clean and used to build other things. The picture of this is one of my favorites and always make me laugh.

Pushin 50

05-18-2011, 01:09 PM

We continued on to Roaring River. Back then you drove through the cane fields. The road was dirt and rutty. (It is much better now) We drove along in the 71 Impala convertable land cruiser. Around us the sugar cane reached great heights, as we swayed back in forth down the road. In the cane fields, the wind is blocked by the cane. I couldn't even imagine what it would be like, to be in that heat, and have to cut down the cane. Eventually we made it. Roaring River was much simpler then. Outside was a line of shacks that sold tourist items just before the path to the cave. It should be said, there are now 3 places to go there. The first one is the original. It has the cave. The second business has a large spring to swim in outdoors. The last place has the first and smallest spring. Its charm is the farm with ackee trees and other native vegetation. All are separate businesses and require an entrance fee. On this trip, we went only to the first place with the cave. You hire a guide who takes you inside. There you find a bottomless pond you can swim and dive into, a natural jacuzzi with a large blast of water coming out of the wall, and dark long passages that go deep into the mountain. These caves were used by the Arawaks, slaves and moonshiners. After our tour we went back outside. We did not see Victor or the car and asked where he went. Someone told us he had gone down river and was getting his car washed. We walked down to a bridge and crossed it. There in a pool, on the other side of the bridge was Victor. His car, as well as another one, were in the pool and locals were washing them. A teenage local was standing next us and asked if we wanted to jump off the bridge into the river. Mind you, there is a reason they call it Roaring River. The series of springs that make up the river start just 100 yards away. There is a small hydro electric plant that takes some of that water and returns it before the bridge. The river itself is only 10 to 15 foot wide here and you can't see the bottom. What you don't know is its also 10 to 12 foot deep. The water moves very swiftly until it reaches the large pool on the other side. At first we declined, and then boy did a backward flip into the water and came up and was quickly washed past the bridge into the calm pool. I couldn't resist and went for it. It was great. I jumped in and when I came up the current grabbed me and threw me past the bridge and into the pool. I don't remember how many times I jumped but what an afternoon! I went back there 3 years later. After cave time I asked a local if it was still safe to jump off the bridge. He said ya mon and went with me to do it again. Just as we got there the skies opened up an a torential rain started. We only got three jumps in before it started to get dangerous. We dried off in a nearby shack and I introduced myself. I said I am from Kansas City and he go's I know. I remember you from last time. I go sure, how come you remember me. He said "because your the only tourist who has made the jump". It was the kid from 3 years earlier. He had grown up a bit.

south jersey gyal

05-18-2011, 03:53 PM

Awesome stories!! Keep them coming!!

Pushin 50

05-18-2011, 07:44 PM

Roaring River is a magical place for me, and not just because of the bridge jumping. The area around the cave is beautiful. If all you've ever seen of Jamaica is the beach and coastline, you really don't know what your missing. The drive out is more than cane fields. When you travel along you do see vast open land with cane farms. However there are lots of small farms and plots, small villages, and houses surrounded by beautiful caribbean gardens. Sometimes with ocean views, and sometimes surrounded by hills and mountains. Rivers can be wild and untamed, some disappear completely and come back above ground miles latter. Others can be lazy and meander into swamp land (Behind Negril and Black River). On the drive out to Roaring River,
you can see much of this. I would suggest hiring a driver instead of the bus tours. This only apply's to small groups. If you are two couple's hire 2 drivers. Hire them for the day and ask to make stops along the way. This is the time of your life to make time, and stop thinking about losing it. Ask for the scenic route. Ask to go a different way back than you came. If you get hungry eat jamaican along the way. Stop for drinks at roadside bars. Its usually cheap and good. The drivers will know where to go thats safe. Believe me, they want to get paid, and that won't happen if something bad happens. Don't be scared be respectful, they may be poor but they are a proud people. Don't light up ganja without asking. The countryside is much more conservative than the beach. Always tell your driver what you are carrying. He cannot protect you from the police if he doesn't know. Ask before you take someones picture. Some true Rastafarians believe that taking a picture of them, takes a part of their living soul. Don't get confused, true Rastafarians don't wear flashy jewelry and hang out at the beach. Those are mostly Rent'a'Rasta's. Real Rastafarians are very religious, many are farmers and live off the land. They wear practical clothing. If you never leave the beach you will probably not meet one. If you bus, you will miss the part of Jamaica I love best. I love going through Sava La Mar, Likkle London, Whitehorse and all the other villages along the way. If your out when the kid's go or come from school, you see them neatly dressed in there school uniforms. Off the main roads on Sundays, all the beautiful womens hats come out. You will see families headed to church dressed to the nines. If you are religious, ask around, many christian faith's are practiced here. you might get asked to join them. Just don't go dressed for the beach. Sunday clothes are expected! The highlight of every trip for me is usually getting to know someone new. Take a chance, its worth it.

Pushin 50

05-19-2011, 12:38 AM

Jamaicans are some of the worlds best salesmen. They don't give up. One evening my wife and I went out for dinner with another couple. We came out of the restaurant and were appoached by a man who offered us his "Home made peanut brittle".
The items he held up were obviously from a prepackaged box of something. Each was in an individually sealed plastic packet. My wife told him, "Those are not home made!" He quickly replied "Ya Mon, I make them in my own kitchen". She took a closer look at the items and said "I know what those are, it's a peanut breakfast bar. I buy them at home." Unfazed the man said "Oh no, I make these in my own home." My wife laughed and said "But they are professionally wrapped". Oh yeah, I have a wrapping machine at home"! We laughed and said no thanks, and walked twards the street. Our friends finally came out and were also approached by the man. We were too far away to hear the conversation, but assumed our friends would decline also and join us. To our supprise, out came the wallets and they ended up buying 4 a piece.

gerryg123

05-19-2011, 01:04 AM

love Roaring River. been there many times. love Blue Hole Gardens ....

Clarity

05-19-2011, 01:35 AM

I'm really enjoying these stories from Jamaica! I've read all of them! Please keep them coming!:)

Lizardbeth

05-19-2011, 07:40 AM

Yes, loving your stories, thanks for sharing!

Pushin 50

05-19-2011, 09:19 AM

Thanks to everybody who have enjoyed my ramblings. The experience of sharing some of our favorite memories on the island has been great for us too. It's forced us to really dig into the corners our mind. Both my wife and I can hardly wait to return to our second home on Saturday. Responses from all over, including from where I'm writing from (Hi Lizardbeth, this comes to you from 76th and Metcalf). Clarity in the Bay area, near where we spend time in Rock Ridge north Oakland. If you like music, check out my friends Jessie and the Man Cougars. They are currently recording there second album, but play in the bay area. You might already have seen Jessie. He's played at the Bart stations for years, and sounds like Johnny Cash. They got him on their website too. If you see him, tell him Brad & Janice send love from Kansas City. This will probably be my last day of stories, as we need to begin packing. Janice and I are ready for new stories and the chance to meet new people. I am sooo lucky to have her to share my life with. She rarely complains about the places or hairbrained things I come up with, and comes up with plenty of her own. Its been her guidence that has helped me open up to the world. She is my muse, my companion and my best friend. Jah Love Everybody!

Pushin 50

05-19-2011, 11:06 AM

I now will pay tribute to the man responsible for many of the stories you've been reading. My very dear friend Victor Gibbs Sr. To think it all started with a chance meeting in a bar, with a woman we had just met, none of this might have happened. My wife began a conversation with a woman at Afred's. She said she was going for a drive with a Jamaican driver she knew and suggested we go along. That was the trip by the lighthouse, with a stop at LTU. I've always prefered LTU over Rick's. Our first trip to Roaring River soon followed. We were so impressed, and so comfortable with him, we hired him for our trip around the island. It was during that trip, we went from being customers to life long friends. All three of us had experiences we had never had before. Before long, we knew most of his family, and many of his friends. This led to wonderful evenings in the hills behind the West End. Talking, playing cribbage, and Domino's. Don't bet on Domino's with a local. This is a blood sport here. Unless your reason is to help the local economy. You won't win, Texas Holdem is childsplay next to Domino's. Victor fight's hard to make sure we are not cheated. He negociates fiercely for everything down to the number of soda's and beer on the boat. The same woman who introduced us to Victor was with us at Roaring River. She was nice but sometimes rude. She thought she heard one of the locals say a very crude Jamaican slang for a woman, and told Victor. Victor jumps out of the car with the woman and begins arguing with men who had given us the tour. "I bring many people here, you will treat them with respect mon! The men said none of them had said such a thing and the yelling was on. Within seconds the whole village was there. Janice and I are in the back of the convertable, and now we are surrounded. The locals are asking us what is going on, and we honestly didn't really know what had happen ourselves at this moment. Finally the yelling subsided and the men (never admitting they said anything wrong) apologised to the woman anyway. The crowd melted and we drove away. Then there is his gentle side. Victor dislikes panhandlers, but is very charitable. I don't know how many times I've heard him say "Spread it around man". One day while driving out near Likkle London (Near the farm he used to live on)we passed an old man sitting next to the road. He was not begging, but looked like the world had fallen on him. Victor stopped, walked over to him, bent down and quietly talked to him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out some money and gave it to him. He patted him on the shoulder and we left. Victor said the man had come on hard times and he wanted to help. Riding with Victor in the countryside is always fun. If he see's a nice looking woman on the road he will slow down and say "Hey baby you look beautiful today". They smile and their hips start swinging. This is especially fun on sundays in the countryside. That's when the women all wear their best and most beautiful dresses and Hats. "May I say how lovely you look today". Their eyes all sparkle with his attention. Some know him, some not. We have experienced great joy, and sadness together. I owe him much, and proud to call him my friend.

marley9808

05-19-2011, 11:42 AM

Such wonderful stories, thank you for sharing. I hope you make many more on your journey and have a wonderful time with all your friends, old and new, we will be here waiting for the new stories.....and Happy Birthday too!

Pushin 50

05-19-2011, 01:14 PM

Although I said never take the bus, there is one exception. If you are adverturous enough and are not clostraphobic. I went with Victor up to Mobay to watch a Pro Am golf tournament. We had a ride up but not back. Our solution was to ride a Jamaican public Bus back to Negril. I sometimes had a seat, sometimes we were two deep. But the experience was alot of fun. I don't really want to do it again, but glad I got the chance a least once.

Bert

05-19-2011, 01:41 PM

MY FIRST TRIP TO NEGRIL.

First I have to go back to my first trip To Jamaica.........It was Feb. of 1976 and I had won a contest at work so had an extra $1300.00 to spend. Feb. in Toronto is not a very nice place to be so I figured that wow I could take a trip to an exotic Island. I had never been to the Carribean before so I walked across the street from work to a travel agency and picked up a couple of travel mags and took them back to my desk. I perused them both but had no idea where I wanted to go. Jamaica at that time was reputed to be a dangerous place to be so I tended to ignore the beautiful pictures and descriptions of the resorts there (I cant recall if there were even adds in the mag for Negril).
Anyway after looking for a couple of hours my work mate Fernando came over and told me to just close my eyes and he would fan through the pages and I should just stab a page with my finger and wherever it landed I would go. I agreed and we did it. It landed on an add for Trelawny Beach Club Hotel.

I was commited. So I called over to the Travel agency and spoke to a woman there, She asked when I would like to go. This was on a thursday and I said anytime. She told me she would check availability and get back to me. She called back and asked if I could make it for Saturday on a 6.45 AM flight. The trip cost $1210.00 and included breakfast and dinner so I figured its doable lets go for it!

I told my boss that I was going.

Done deal.

I packed the next night and was on my way very early Sat AM.

I arrived on schedule in Montego Bay. When they opened the door there was this wonderful warmth and sweet aroma that flooded the plane but we were asked to remain seated so that a man from the Department of Agriculture could spray the plane. Why I dont know, couldnt be bugs because no bugs could live in the the frozen world I we had left behind.

Back in those days there was no gates at the airport you walked down the stairs onto the tarmac and collected your bags as they were offloaded from the plane.
I got though Customs and Imigration no problem and was directed to a bus for our ride to the Hotel. My first Red Stipe was drank on the bus.

On the way to the Hotel I was shocked to see the poverty and the shacks that people were living in. Little kids with no shoes, ripped and well worn clothing was not what I had expected to see. I was thinking that if this is what Jamaica is like I wanted to skip it and just turn around and go home.

When I arrived at Trelawny it was a very pleasant surprise. Beautiful lobby, tropical plants eveywhere and again that sweet aroma.

My first night having dinner under the stars and listening to the band on the stage while the tree frogs and crickets joined in the chorus was an experience that I will never forget. I was supremely happy with my decision to make it Jamaica for my first trip.

I enjoyed the sun, beach the beer and the vibes for my first full day there then booked a trip to Dunns River Falls for Monday.

The Dunns River trip included stops at a few places along the way and I was all eyes and ears and learning a little more about Jamaica by the minute. After going up the Falls we were taken to a restaraunt in Ochi and I was still learning.

I saw the beauty around me and the easy going way the people seemed to have about them. I was hooked on Jamaica!!

The rest of the week was just fantastic and I decided that I had to return again and it had to be very soon.

I was back again 3 weeks later.

Then again in Nov.

And so it began, 3 sometimes 4 trips a year. and always with a rented car so I could discover and learn more about this Island that I had fallen in love with

In about 1978 or maybe 79 I discovered Negril.

It was suggested by the resident Manager of the hotel, Tony Pasquale, that I take a drive to the west end of the Island and have a look at the only part that I had yet to discover.

The drive took about 4 hrs back then over some pretty bad roads. The first place I went to was The Treehouse. I had a beer or two then decided to walk the beach.

There wasnt a whole lot there back then and the people on the beach werent wearing a whole lot either. There were many who were naked and I thought uh uh not for me.

I left the Tree house and drove though the town and my next stop was either Xtabi or Kaisers, cant remember which for sure.

Another beer and a look over the cliffs to discover that everyone laying on the rocks was naked. Was Negril a big Nudist colony or what?

I drove back to Trelawny in the blackest of nights imaginable arriving well after midnight.

The next day I was telling Tony about my day in Negril and he asked me if I would like to try a few days at Hedonism. He was friends with someone there and got me a comp for a 2 night stay. Who could say no to free?

Now that was a wild few days.

Funny how a uh uh not for me of a few days ago could become a what the hell why not?

So now you know how i discovered Negril.

Emmie

05-19-2011, 02:18 PM

Love Love Love!!

DubWise

05-19-2011, 04:43 PM

I have a story from our last trip that I've been wanting to share.

It was our last night and if you know how that feels, nuff said. I had gone out a couple of times during the week by myself because my partner would stay in with her 14 yr old daughter. I had a couple good nights out nothing crazy.. one at 'On The Rocks' and another more mellow night at Tyson's... but both were really fun... complete with sound systems and great music.

So for our last night.. I wanted to do something that I'd remember and that might pay tribute to the wonder that is Negril. Only our second time so far but we're the kind of people that go to Negril once and instantly want to move there forever...

So I swung down to Tyson's (all of this is on foot) and the owner recognized me from the night before. He didn't have music that night... so he suggested Roots Tamboo on the beach road. He had a ticket that was said 1000 J or something. So I thought... "eh... I don't really want to spend 1000 J to get in, a few hundred on a cabs, I'd only have money for like one beer... lots and lots of tourists.. not sure that's what I want tonight..."

I think he could sense that maybe that wasn't what I was looking for. So he tells me about another party all the way up in the west end, across from Rick's. He says it's not even AT a bar spot... and it's BYOB! So I'm thinking... yeah... that's what I'm talking about. So I set out on foot. I run into one of my "friends" that I had made that week, and he his boys laughed at me when I said I was going to walk all the way up to that party. They might have been laughing at my desire to even go given that it was a very local party, I don't know... but it's not like they were being mean about it. I didn't let it deter me.

So after a chat w/those boys... I keep trucking... on foot.... hit the L + M and grab some beers... stop at De Bar and Eddie who is so nice kicked me some ice... tried to refuse money but I gave him 100J or something anyway... keep on walking... all kinds of action on the west end road but I know my place and don't have any problems at all... it was actually a very fun walk... finally get all the way up to Rick's and I can hear the music... directly across... but the road it's coming from is dark all the way down... I say 'whatever' and down the road I go ... I get up to the spot and it's a house party... turntables right outside... local jam... I see one other (white) tourist besides myself but that's it... get plenty of looks but I continue to hang... and it's everyone from old ladies to little kids to guys you wouldn't want to cross... and people are getting down all over the place.

Well... I just had a blast. We love reggae and dancehall and have played out in the states many times with our own records and turntables... so going to JA is just such a treat every time... and to come across this jam was just bliss... they were playing such great music and the vibe was so sweet. I know the music and generally know how to handle myself no matter what so I think that helped.

Headed out around 1:00... grabbed a cab, some locals jumped in as well... back to the room and then home the next day. The most interesting thing I thought... was that NO ONE messed with me... what so ever. Not even a little bit.. not even once. I was way out in the west end late at night all by myself... and no worries mon. So don't believe the negative hype that's out there... it's mostly that.. just hype. This was last month.

That's my story, thanks for reading! Peace and love to Negril. :)

rastagirl777

05-20-2011, 08:42 AM

Stories about Negril and the West End? Right here:
http://wstcountywstend.wordpress.com/

head in the trees

05-20-2011, 09:32 AM

Pushin 50- Your request for OJ cracked me up! You know, David at YB squeezes OJ right there! :)

Pushin 50

05-20-2011, 01:53 PM

I dont remember being able to get OJ at Yellow Bird after breakfast. That was 17 years ago when (Roy? and his wife) the original owners were still there. Still the price of admission was worth the story.
My wife and I really wanted to see more of Jamaica after our first visit. We spent two days in Negril to prepare before we left. The night before we were to leave, we decided to do a Hollywood Moment. We set up the video camera and ran hand in hand into the water and dove into a wave. I found out at that moment what a stupid thing it was to do. I bent my back backwards and ended up with a bump the size of a baseball (cricket for you Jamaicans). My back hurt and we had an all day drive. We decided to go on. I layed down in the back seat all the way to Ocho Rios. My wife used our video camera to record the drive, while I had the most wonderful view of blue sky and tree tops! We stopped repeatedly and got out to look around. We were supposed to go all the way to Port Antonio but the drive took us all day to get to Ochi. Once in Port Antonio the next day, I found a great Massage Therapist who massaged me on cliffs over the crashing ocean below. She and the setting, were a gift from heaven. After one more massage I was back to normal and the trip was finally on for me. We stayed on an island off the point between the two bays. It was breathtaking. Cliffs, a swimming area and a boat dock. Thatch roof bungaloos. We had fun roaming the island until Nightfall. I didn't know mosquito's hunted in packs! All night long they swarmed around the bed nets. Going to the bathroom was not an option. The morning sun, and a boat to get off the island couldn't come fast enough.

Pushin 50

05-20-2011, 02:20 PM

While in Port Antonio, we met a man from Miami who was staying on a medium sized ocean going sailing ship. He said he was stuck in Jamaica and was not sure when he would be leaving. He had been hired as a deck hand by the boat owner, along with a captain for the ship. The ship's owner and wife had just retired. They wanted to travel throughout the caribbean, island hopping the rest of their days. He had captained the ship himself on weekend jaunts to the Bahamas and back, and off the eastern coast of Florida. But he also knew his limits and wanted a veteran captain to teach him about the tricky parts he would travel. They decided to do a trip to Jamaica as the first run. They ran into trouble between Cuba and Haiti. The sea was extremely rough, though they made it through OK. The owner was so shook up by the experience, he flew home to Miami afraid to sail again. He instructed the captain to bring the ship home to Miami. Before they could shove off, the captain got a call from home that his wife was ill and in the hospital. He took a flight home the next day, never to return. That left the deck hand with the ship. The owner paid him to take care of the ship until he could send another captain down to bring it home. That had been three months ago. So the deck hand had sailed the ship around the island a couple of times. Once because of weather, once out of boredom.

Pushin 50

05-20-2011, 03:09 PM

The most beautiful, scary, amazing, heartstopping drive I have ever taken in Jamaica, is the old road over the Blue Mountains between Port Maria and Kingston. Victor, Janice and myself took off in the morning. We didn't have the Impala, and were glad we didn't. The road is narrow and winds with each fold of the mountain. Honking around each corner was manditory even at 25 miles an hour. You start at sea level and end up 5000 ft later at the Gap. It was a Sunday, so there was not much traffic. That was good for the drive, but all the little shops that sell coffee were closed except one. Mile by Mile we climbed higher and higher. Waterfalls got longer and longer. Some drop 700 to 1000 ft. Each turn revealed another amazing view. I was supprised to see as many houses up there as I did. We saw a man who was growing oranges along the road and pulled over. He was 50 ft above us on the road. We asked if we could buy some, he cut off part of a branch with 5 oranges on it and dropped it to us.
We were thankful. Nothing had been open so far. We continued to climb. Wooden bridges, 1000 ft drop offs from the road and waterfalls, big and small around every turn. At 4000 ft we finally found a business open that grew, proccessed and packaged there own Blue Mountain Coffee. No question here. This was the real deal. We watched as they picked, cleaned, roasted over an open flame, and packed one pound bags of their own homegrown! Watching the kid, tied around the waist with a rope, walk down the hill to the coffee, scared me even to watch. Nothing between him and a 1500 ft drop! From here you could see patches of coffee trees everywhere. All on inclines on the sides of the mountains. After our purchases we continued on. We were told there was a restaurant at the top of the Gap between the mountains.

Pushin 50

05-20-2011, 05:09 PM

In all Jamaica, the most amazing view I've ever seen, is the view of Kingston Bay from the Gap. Spread out in front of you is Port Royal, Kingston, and west to May Pen. There is a restaurant there at the best viewing spot. They have an outdoor patio out back. While we ate our lunch, took in the view, we were surrounded by hummingbirds. They have feeders right next to the patio, and 6 - 10 hummingbirds would be flying around at any given time. I can only imagine what it would be like at sunset. Even Victor was moved by the experience. He called his wife just to tell her about it.

Pushin 50

05-20-2011, 10:53 PM

Its the night before leaving and all through the house. My wife and I scurry and run like a mouse. Our bags are all nesselled, piled up by the door. With visions of beach bars yet to explore. The niece has come hither to watch our two cats. Soon we'll be at the airport, running like rats. And to all I send out all my love and good cheer. To you I salute as I taste my first beer.
Next stop The Grand Pineapple, then on to Xtabi. The NEW story begins.

Pushin 50

06-09-2011, 11:21 AM

I'm back and yes, new stories to tell. This trip brought us alot of new experiences. While staying out at Xtabi, we saw Dolfins, a large Lion Fish and watched a waterspout. The waterspout formed in the ocean in front of us as a storm went by out at sea. It continued just behind the storm for about 5 minutes then dissapeared. Twice the Dolfins went by as we watched the ocean channel. All along the caves and rocks of the West End, were millions of small fish in large schools. It was amazing swiming through them and have them swarm around me. I also followed two Rays along the beach for a half mile. One was white and a foot across and the other was black and 2 1/2 feet across. I really do love the ocean.

countrywesternpub

06-09-2011, 11:14 PM

great stories of west end negril,here is elvis from pee wee #1876 358 1442.you may see me at your party!!

7milelover

06-10-2011, 06:36 AM

Can't wait to hear about your trip and your stay at Grand Pineapple and Xtabi

Pushin 50

06-10-2011, 09:45 AM

My wife and I had quite a decision to make when coming to Negril this time. We were curious to try an all inclusive. I looked at all the big ones, but noticed many of the resort restaurants had clothing rules. I like dressing up, but not in the caribbean. The most formal thing I've worn on any trip to Jamaica is a Hawaiian Shirt I wore to my birthday! And that includes a friends wedding at Blue Cave Castle. As for the resorts themselves, many looked like apartment or condo complexes. The rooms, a football field away from the beach. My wife's family own 2 timeshare condo's and I find they are usually in a bad location, have long walks to the beach, and up to a 1000 other people looking for a little privacy.
We chose The Grande Pineapple for several reasons. I was familier with the property (Negril Gardens) and knew the amount of other guests was limited. I liked the Jamaican colours they had used to paint the buildings. The fact that Alfred's was next door was also a plus. It was as good of a fit for my wife and I as we could find.
We discovered that although nice, it was not our way of travel. Within 2 days we noticed the pack movement. Each day the same. Morning came and people came to the beach slowly. When the breakfast buffet opened up, they moved there, then back to the bar and beach. Lunch came, the same movement. Dinner again brought much the same, broken up by another beautiful sunset.
The G.P. is a great combination of Jamaican travel and an all inclusive. You do have a funky feel here, I liked that they let me smoke herb on property (on the porch of my room). The food was good (buffet style, but well prepared), and the staff was very nice. They went out of their way to help me get a pineapple upside down cake for my birthday. Even though my birthday dinner was elsewhere. I really loved the tree's next to the beach. I slept under them several times. The property is really a cool place, but just not what we like. The only complaint's I have are the lack of local food on a regular basis. They did serve some, but it was only available for certain meals. For most of our stay, there was only a couple of other guests that spoke english. Lots of Russians, Germans and French. Like most Americans, I speak only english. They would also stay in groups of language. It did make it interesting for the Beach Sellers. If you didn't answer their questions, they assumed you didn't speak english and left you alone. But these were minor and for those who like the all inclusive way of life, it's a cool place.

Clarity

06-10-2011, 12:36 PM

Glad you enjoyed your time at the Grand Pineapple! That's where we stayed for our first trip to Negril. I agree that there was definitely a predictable pack movement. Beach, Buffet, Beach, Buffet, Sunset, Buffet, Bar, bed. wake up and repeat. :) - It was kind of nice though as I'd never experienced that kind of relaxation before! I didn't have to worry about finding food or drinks or a good place to lounge. It was all there. I also liked that Alfreds was next door and the location made it easy to walk anywhere you wanted. I agree about the Europeans.I noticed that too! I was the only American there.. with the exception of three girls from Long Island. There was a cool british crowd that we enjoyed hanging with. I noticed that the french didn't really mingle with the Germans. Everyone kind of stuck with their language group.

Did you get to meet Ralston, Patrick, Andy the bartender, Dahlia at the front desk, Davina, Kenneil the event coordinator? I'd love to hear how the GP staff is doing. They went above and beyond to make our stay amazing. I wish I could go back tomorrow!