around & about Port Antonio

[*vi*]

An everyday garage lined with automobiles having mechanical issues and men covered with grease, dirt and sweat determined to correct said issues.



Everyone has something to do except me, who should be enjoying that first red stripe of the day right about now. What am I going to do as I sit here watching these men continue to sweat as they move about the junky yard? I know….I’ll be a mild distraction and take pictures.



Mr. O found me a place to sit that wasn’t covered with car parts or tools or motor oil. What a gentleman.







My view from the “waiting area”.

[*vi*]

The sand on the beach behind the garage is black. Interesting to look at, but not barefoot strolling, toes in the sand inviting. So I didn’t venture out.



I can’t say I was bored because these guys were kinda entertaining. But I do admit I was getting a little discouraged about not being on the beach before the rains come. You know, not being where I WANT to be. But I wasn’t going to throw a tantrum or complain…the time to do that was when he made that left…lol

[*vi*]

I soon realize the plus of being stuck here…I got to meet the future Mr. Goodwrench or even better, the future Ralph Gilles . This industrious little guy was busy building a car while the others were just working on car parts.

I watched him transform a small ordinary juice box into a vehicle with windows and doors that open and close, tires and an antenna.

“Hi there”
“Hi”
“Did you make that all by yourself?”
“Yes”
You did a great job. You are very good.
He smiled, shrugged his shoulders “I make dem all the time when me boxjuice finish.”



Oh, so to him, it’s no big deal, but to me it shows a lot of creativity. Sorry I didn’t take a picture of it.

He’s shy until you get him talking about cars and finding out what trouble dem. He comes with his father from time to time. He wants to be a mechanic when he grows up.



The conversation I had with this little one made me glad I was stranded at a garage during my vacation. He asked me where I came from. You don’t give much thought to children picking up on the different dialect or accent, at least I didn’t until that afternoon. I got a kick out of him giggling at the way I pronounced things, but not really understanding that I didn’t have a speech disability, I was just American. Evidently, I was his first foreign voice.

Mr. O tells me the car is fixed and we can go.

“Oh sweetie, I have to leave. It was nice talking with you.”

He just smiled and joined his dad.

The sun continued to shine.

[Vince]

Two thumbs up!!!!!!!!Thank you thank you!!!!!!!!

[jeannieb]

I really enjoyed this segment. I remember visiting a black sand beach when we made a day trip to P.A. Our driver stopped to pee in the ocean. LOL. Was it near a river leading into the sea?

I also remember the several junk yards we passed in that area. We are in the same business but we refer to them as "salvage yards" lol, trying to church it up because it's not junk if you can sell it for profit. I am glad you stopped there. My husband has talked about stopping at one of the junk yards in JA to see how they run things. We are aways amazed at the mark up of parts from foreign and what can be made from nothing into something. The ingenuity of Jamaicans always impressed my husband when it comes to cars and parts. I work on the other end of our business in repairing cars, mechanical and body work (i'm just the secretary, not a mechanic) but I would have LOVED to have been at this place.

Your report has made me think this "If I see something and it looks interesting, stop and check it out, because if not, I'm always going to be wishing I would have".

Thanks again. Best report I have followed in a long time!

[negrilaholic]

I just want to say thank you so much for sharing your journey here, I have loved it and the pictures are amazing!

[JamSun]

Vi: Wow, you made my day!! Thinking of visiting PA for the first time possibly November. Have visited Negril more than once. Cliffs and beach.
Want to do a longer stay in Jamaica this trip with hubby. Do I do Negril again or try Port Antonio? Do you know much about Ivanhoes or Mikuzi for first time accomodations? Possibly a 3-4 week stay if the prices are right. Won't have a car so want to stay where beaches and other areas are within walking distance or close by. What a beautiful area of the Island. What's November like there? Probably don't near a/c like Negril for that time of the year.

Love your photos, how long was your stay? Who was the fellow who invited you into his home with the "Welcome" mat at the door? What a view from his doorstep. I am torn between Seven Mile Beach and Port Antonio.

[*vi*]

Mr. Vince, your few words make me feel ten feet tall. Thank you darling.

Negrilaholic, so glad you are still enjoying the ride. Thanks so much!

JamSun, Welcome. And like I said in your post, Port Antonio is nothing like Negril, especially the beach road strip, so it would be difficult to do comparisons. However if you two are the type who like to move at your own pace while being immersed in endless natural beauty, then I believe you would enjoy PA.

[*vi*]

JeannieB, oh my. You have me smiling big over here as I read your words.

The black sand beach I saw was behind the car garage. Don’t think it was the same one your driver stopped at.

I remember passing a salvage yard not too far from the garage. You and your husband would be in your glory there. I also recall wanting to stop and get a picture of it. Don’t know why. But anyway, I had the opportunity to accompany my driver on not just one garage visit, but five total. Seems he felt I was comfortable tagging along since I never complained.

You both would have loved tagging along to the tire shop to replace a blow-out, then there was the mechanic who only services air conditioners, the windshield wiper specialist who replaced the wiper motor and the mechanic who installed a mystery part in the pouring rain. All on different days and at different locations. I say mystery part because I don’t know what the heck it was but I’m sure you would…lol. Now I ask, does it sound like Mr. O should put his car out of its misery and get a newer one??? YES he should, but he’s dedicated to his companion of 17 years and refuses to part with her. He even has a body person who cuts out the rust spots and welds flat pieces of tin patches to cover the holes. No doubt you and your husband would have enjoyed every minute of those “quick stops”.

Yes, PLEASE seize and capture every moment while you are there. Do check out what draws your attention and approach it. Port Antonio is the kind of place that invites you to get to know her.

[pretty40]

Mr Goodwrench Ja style! Too funny..