Christmas in Jamaica part 1

Time for my December trip report.
I found a pretty good deal on a flight way back last February, so I grabbed it. I booked the hotel and got a reasonable price. I put down a good down payment and continued to save throughout the months to come.
December came along pretty quick really. The only problem was our Canadian dollar was dropping pretty quick too. Wow, I saved all of that money to get kicked in the butt. My savings took such a hit this year.
We had a good flight from Toronto and arrived on time at Sangster. We got through customs very quickly as we were directed to the new automated kiosks. Out to the arrivals area and we were greeted by Santarna and Ziggy from Rocky’s taxi. They whisked us away with a couple of cold Red stripes. We always enjoy the ride to Negril, as long as it is still daylight as the scenery is beautiful to me.
The weather had been very rainy for the weeks prior to our arrival. I could see a lot of water at the roadside. We enjoyed the conversation along the way and chatted about food, the weather and sights along the way.
We arrived at the Rayon hotel around 3pm and as soon as we stepped out of the taxi, we saw our regular taxi driver Desmond. We just waved and he recognized us immediately and was very happy to see us once again.
On to our room, as I requested a room that looked out to the Great Morass, what a breath taking view. This is truly paradise. Our room was very nice, with a king size bed, mini fridge with some beer and waters and a nice flat screen tv. Feels like coming home, many of the same employees and they recognize us once again. The rooms all have a similar theme, so you feel instantly comfortable. Oh, that warm sea breeze and the sights and sounds are all so good.
Attachment 43843
Time to get into some appropriate beach apparel and get over there asap. Off we go, stop and chat to our taxi friends out front and over to Sun Beach bar. Sophie is working this day, and she was happy to see us. It was December 16th, so things were still a little slow on the beach. We ordered a couple of drinks and then some meals and had a nice long visit with Sophie. The meals were really good. We enjoyed them 100%.
We weren’t long out of bed that night. It was a good nights sleep, and we were up with the sunrise as I believe we were each and every morning. My husband enjoyed getting up each morning and heading over to the pool for a nice dip before breakfast.
Attachment 43839
Breakfast at Rayon is pretty good, they have a fruit plate that you help yourself to, and some fresh baked goods, juices and then you can have your selection of eggs done your way, pancakes, etc. We were always satisfied.
We spent the day at the beach and it was really funny but this day and each day after we were surprised as to how many people on the beach recognized us. They were not just making it up, as we recognized them for sure. We even ran into 3 or 4 different couples that we met on last years vacation.
I am a regular reader of the Negril message board forum, so I gather a lot of information throughout the year. I thought we would head over to Canoe for the webcast this night. Introduced ourselves to Rob, we have met him before. I know he couldn’t possibly remember everyone that he has met over the years, so I told him my boardie name and we went into the other room to enjoy the steel drum band and our dinners. Desmond our driver was happy to drop us off and pick us up. Once again back to the room and hit the sack early. The sun and fresh air knock you out pretty good.
Attachment 43840Attachment 43841
I was reading about Barney’s hummingbird garden and really wanted to check it out. Years ago, when staying in Montego Bay we went to Rocklands in Anchovy. Rockland’s was a highlight of our vacation years ago and we will never forget it. I emailed to Barney’s about 730am and got a quick reply. We were given a time and it was just down the road on the cliffs. Damian was our guide, and he was a really nice guy to talk to. There was a group of people there right as we arrived, but during our visit we were the only people there. The garden is really nice and you could tell that Barney had been working on it for many years. We saw plenty of hummingbirds and butterflies. The hummingbirds were not quite as tame as the ones over at Rocklands, but were beautiful just the same. This is nature in Jamaica for sure. We stayed for exactly one hour.
Attachment 43842
Back to the beach we were getting a hunger so we decided to head down to Niah’s. I enjoyed those patties in the past, but my husband didn’t quite have the same recollection as I did. I suggested he try a different one so, according to what was available this day- we had an Irish and an Italian. The Irish was pumpkin and potato and spices and the Italian was tomato, cheese and spices (garlic, onion etc.). Those were delicious! The flavor was bursting in our mouth. The Italian happened to be our favorite. It was much like a panzerotti, or a calzone. Those delights were crispy on the outside and so full of tastiness on the inside. They went down with a Red Stripe very well.
Attachment 43844
We stopped along at various bars along the way to and from Niah’s for more refreshments and swimming as required for cool down.
Attachment 43845Attachment 43846Attachment 43847

Your post made me miss Negril!!!
This was our first X-mas not in Negril in several years (tried a new destination this year). Great pictures and great descriptors.
We stayed at Rayon last X-mas - LOVED it.
Looking forward to seeing your next days reports!!!!

Nice keep it coming!

nice, luv the pics at Tonys, soon come

always great to read ppl's experiences . . .

Yeah! Another trip report!

Great pics!

Love the pics and great report - that pic of the hummingbird is awesome!