We just got back from Negril!! *pictures*

Right now I'm covered in bites, bruises, scrapes and fully tanned. I couldn't be happier! We just had the time of our lives in Jamaica! I can't erase this perma-grin and I think I'll be feeling the Post-Negril afterglow for a while. I hope this feeling never goes away.

8 months ago we started dreaming about traveling to Jamaica to bring in the New Years. We honestly didn't think it was in the stars for us. Even a month leading up to this trip, we were not sure if we were going to be able to make it happen. I didn't even write about our tentative plans on the board because I didn't want to get myself too psyched about something that might not pan out.

In the end, we DID make it happen! We found affordable tickets (2 one way tickets – 2 different airlines through Travelocity and Priceline) and booked accommodations in various different hotels. My vacation days were all approved and finalized only 48 hours before we rushed to the airport. Our packing was haphazard, everything was so hectic. I was in a daze, going through these motions on autopilot but not fully digesting it all. I was at the office working until 3 hours before our flight left. It didn't fully hit me that this trip was a reality until we stepped out of the Airport in Montego Bay and felt the warm caribbean air hit our faces. We saw Rocky's familiar smile and he waved his sign. I felt this rush of excitement “This is REALLY happening!!”

Best feeling in the entire world!

This was our first time traveling to Jamaica during Peak Season, First time experiencing the holidays in Negril. We didn't know what to expect. I was worried about the weather being chilly and the ocean being too cold to swim in. I was concerned about crowds and beach erosion. I had moments of doubts and questioning our sanity. “Another trip to JA, have we lost our minds??”

It turns out I had nothing to worry about. Jamaica is just as beautiful and as warm the winter time. It was paradise! The water was crystal clear and calm. It only rained one day and only for a few minutes at a time. Everyone was there! I reunited with my friends and family, I met new boardies for the very first time! It was more fun then I could have ever imagined it to be. I feel so blessed and grateful that we were able to experience New Years in Negril for the first time in our lives.

Every minute of this trip was a dream come true for us.

I'm still decompressing from our travels and busy catching up with my 500 missed emails at work. Trip report coming soon, but here are a few pictures.

We stayed at only 4 different hotels this time around..

1. Catcha Gardens

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I didn't have high expectations because it's so affordable. I anticipated the most basic of accommodations but It was A LOT more beautiful then I ever expected. I loved it!

2. Catcha Falling Star

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No words needed. We stayed at the Gatehouse cottage this time for a few days and it was wonderful!!

3. Negril Treehouse

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A trip to Negril isn't complete for us without spending some time on the beach, Gail at the Treehouse took good care of us. I know there's been a lot of talk about the beach erosion in that area because the bar is in the water. Don't worry. There is still a nice stretch of beach there with a lot of room to lounge.

4. Natania's Guesthouse

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We decided to travel off the beaten path for the last two days and stayed at Natania's guesthouse. It's located in Culloden (between Whitehouse and Belmont) It's a hidden gem and so beautiful! I'm really excited about writing about our experience at this guesthouse. I wasn't so sure about venturing out of Negril but I'm really glad we did. It was the perfect way to end our trip. 2 days was just the right amount of time too.

On this trip we also experienced Percy's retreat...

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It was beautiful and the food was AMAZING. Markus is so excited about writing about this part of the trip. He fell in love. He wanted to stay there overnight but Percy's cabin rental wasn't finished and ready for guests yet.

We also did Lenberts One Love Pub crawl, Westender Bonfire Party, Sunset at Half Moon Bay and Bentleys. (This time Markus ordered the Bentley's magical Conch soup which is supposed to insure we would return from JA with a little Clarity or little Markus in the oven. The only rule is that the woman isn't supposed to eat the soup. I broke the rules and had a bite...It looked so good I couldn't resist! So yeah...I messed that one up....)

Beautiful beaches, delicious food, amazing shows at Bourbon Beach... but the best part was seeing everyone again.

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This is was what makes Jamaica so amazing, The people. All of you on the board that have become like an extended family to me and Markus. I never imagined this when I first signed up with Negril.com. two years ago. So thank you, everyone for being there. For all your friendship, for your advice, your prayers during hard times and your encouragement. It means a lot to us. It was great seeing so many of you during this reach and for those I haven't met yet... I hope we see you next time. We don't know when that will be but you know we will be back.

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TR soon come.

Love,
Daisy

See you in April... 2 days after you finish your trip report. :cool:
Please continue Ms Underwater Supermodel.........

Lol Boogs! I wish! It took us 8 months to save up for this trip...
April is 3 months from now and You know we couldn't possibly finish a trip report THAT fast! ;)
We did buy a lotto ticket tonight, so hey..you never know....

We really miss you guys!!

:) those pics are beautiful. I miss negril but Im in planning:D

Wow, another great report coming!!! You guys are truly such a wonderful couple. We arrived home last night from the longest trip ever and truly, after all the visits, this one was beyond words. Meeting both of you as well as so many other boardies only made it over the top good!

So excited to read another great trip report............so.....BRING IT ON!!!!! I have no doubt that this report may well outshine your previous ones if that is indeed possible. Blessings sent!

Thanks Kaycee! I hope you're able to get back to Negril soon! I suggest end of April for the boardie bash. It's an event not to be missed and you'll meet the warmest most wonderful people.

Yetta!! It was so wonderful to finally meet you in person! (On our very first night in Negril no less! That was such a treat!) Thank you so much for taking care of Markus and his sprained wrist that night! That meant a lot to both of us:o I truly hope we meet you again some day!

Well what a surprise you made it back to JA thought someone was hallucinating when they said you were there. Yay another trip report. Nice photos. The one of you and Markus together on the sand is nice. Welcome back to CA lots of people are sick so take care.

Beautiful pictures!

I have been in Negril in the winter when big cold fronts push down from up north. The sky can stay gray for a week, the wind blows, and the bay is rough. It is still Jamaica, but it looks and feels very different, so do not count on the weather always being nice all winter long.

I love that last pic of you and Markus..and excited to hear about your stay outside of Negril at the Guesthouse-i know the area but not familiar with the place..Very happy for you-great start to the new year..

Those loungers sure look comfortable at Catcha Gardens. Nice to see you guys made it out to Percy's - I knew Gurigay had been there already. It is a great place to chill - have some drinks and a very nice dining area to enjoy, with made to order favorites.
Looking forward to you sharing the details with us.

Love the pictures & of course looking very forward to the report!! :)

Loving it already!!!

Yeah, some one mentioned that you and Markus were there, and i thought the were mistaken or confused!, but there the two of you were. Wish I could have hung out with that group more. Still have not made it to Percy,s and that would have been the best, to go up there with a fun group.

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Originally Posted by booger

See you in April... 2 days after you finish your trip report. :cool:
Please continue Ms Underwater Supermodel.........

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Hahahaha, you must mean NEXT April if you expect them to finish their trip report! LMAO!!!!

So glad you two made it for NYE, but you know me, I never had any doubts!
I had the best time with you guys as always and everyone else too! Sooooo much fun!

You know they say that whatever you are doing at midnight on January 1st is a sign of how your year will go
So for all of us that means that 2013 will be filled with Friends, Family, fun times, smiles, and lots of laughs

New Years in Negril with my best friends......not sure there is anything that could top that
Love you, and miss you both already


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(p.s. See you in April) ;)

Can't wait to hear about ya'lls trips and see all the pics, although I wish so badly I could have been a part of it. I know you will deliver a stellar report bbygirl. Miss you. Big Love to you and Markus. <3

Miss you guys. April soon come, you know we've got this covered. That means you too, Tizbit...

YAY!!! Another trip report!! You take such amazing pictures, I can't wait to see more!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you both that a little one will soon be on the way! *my husband I are considering a Jamaicamebaby ourselves this year... We shall see*

Love the pictures - so glad you were able to go back, looking forward to another of your wonderful trip reports.

Where is Percy's Retreat?

Angel – Thanks! You’re right about sickness in CA! The flu is rampant here. They’re calling it “The Plague” at work. Apparently over half the office was out sick the week that I was gone. I’ve been taking Airbourne 3 times a day since I’ve returned. I used all my vacation and sick days for this NYE trip so I’m crossing my fingers that I stay healthy.

Piggymon – Thanks! I think we got lucky with the weather during our reach. I know that a week before we arrived there were some big waves in the sea and some wind coming through. You’re right about that. I think it’s really hit and miss.

Suzengrace – Thanks! I’m glad we decided to spend some time outside of Negril and experience a different part of Jamaica. The vibe was really different in Culloden, we spent some time in a local bar right next to Natania’s and met some wonderful people.

IrieAlways – I know! I wish I spent more time at Catcha Gardens. It was so relaxing there. I’ll definitely stay there again. Percy’s was amazing too. The pepper shrimp was through the roof incredible! Markus spent most of his time down at the lake taking pictures of the dragonflies, turtles and bullfrogs. He was covered in dirt by the end of the trip. He was in heaven there! :)

Thanks Reggae Roy! - Thanks Katho! I’m looking forward to seeing your pictures after your April trip! Please take A LOT!

PGW – I’m psyched that I finally got to meet you in PERSON! You were so much fun to hang out with and you have a beautiful family! I’ll never forget that crazy bus ride from Xtabi, your commentary had me cracking up lol

Marley – Awww! I love love that group picture! I can’t help but smile everytime I see it! This past New Years was the best I’ve ever had! I can’t think of a better way to bring in 2013. I’m so happy and grateful that I was able to celebrate with all of you! It really was a dream come true for us! (Last night we watched the “Guirigay/Markus straws talking and waiting for Bob Marley shots to ignite” footage – It even captures Kevin putting out the fire on the bar – lol! Oh…What a night…) I really miss you!! I keep waking up thinking I'm still in Negril and that we're going to be meeting on the beach for a day of swimming in the crystal clear caribbean sea...

Tizzy – I miss you so much, girl!!! I wish you were there with us – Markus was carrying you around with us and talking to you too lol

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but I know you’ll be partying it up with the gang in April. That party is going to be EPIC! I want to be there so bad it hurts!

In the meantime, I’ll be sure to include lots of details and pics from the NYE trip in our TR so you’ll feel like you were there. I only ask that you do the same in April, K?

Guirigay – Miss you guys so much!! You know we’re going to try to do everything possible to get there in April. At this point it comes down to vacation time. It’s not looking good… :(

Awww Thanks Jamerican! Good luck to you too!

JaJodi – Thanks! Percy’s retreat is located in Orange Bay, it’s only a short distance from Negril. It’s definitely worth a visit. Percy’s family is so warm and inviting. The food is incredible (best I had the entire trip!) and the location is beautiful.

Thanks for the pics Clarity! Looking forward to your TR :)

How awesome! I had no idea y'all were going to JA! How awesome :)

Man, I would give anything to be there in April with everyone...especially since I'm stressed out right now.

To funny with the Tizbit!!!!!!!!!!

Great pictures. I'll be waiting for this report.

I absolutely LOVE Natania's - probably my favorite place to stay in Jamaica. There's another guesthouse down the road from there too that we would stay at if Natania's was full - South Sea View. That's a nice place to stay too. I was worried with the big Sandals in Whitehouse that it would spoil the area - we used to walk on the beach where Sandals is now - it was absolutely deserted except for some fishing boats and the random stray cow/goat.

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Originally Posted by Clarity

– Markus was carrying you around with us and talking to you too lol

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but I know you’ll be partying it up with the gang in April. That party is going to be EPIC! I want to be there so bad it hurts!

In the meantime, I’ll be sure to include lots of details and pics from the NYE trip in our TR so you’ll feel like you were there. I only ask that you do the same in April, K?

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That's my Buddy! Awesome....and no hard feelings about him leaving me at canoe, there could be worse places haha ;)

Really hope I can do that Daisy, but it sure wouldnt be the same w/o you two. <3

Thanks for all the pics and the mini trip report. Look foward to the full report! In 2 weeks We'll be sitting on one of those verandas at CFSG. :)

Who do you hook up with to get to Percy'S? Is it a swimming area? entrance admission? food you say.

It was so good to see you both again!!!!

It was awesome hanging with you and Markus again! I admire the way you both look at life..Makes me smile inside..see ya soon!

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Originally Posted by jan24

Who do you hook up with to get to Percy'S? Is it a swimming area? entrance admission? food you say.

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Call 876-379-0831. I don't think I'd swim in the river but Half Moon Beach is basically on the way. Percy has a twelve seat minibus. Fee is negotiable, we paid $25 a head for transportation, a terrific meal and a stop at Half Moon Beach on the way back for sunset. We paid cash bar. The place is gorgeous and Percy, Annette and their kids are a wonderful family. Incredible conch soup!! :P

Thanks 2Nuts4Travel, Jim-donna, Vince, TFW73!

Jan24 - I agree with Guirigay about not swimming in the river at Percy’s retreat lol.- I certainly would not! It would be fun to go fishing there though. Percy took us to Half Moon Bay after lunch. We went snorkeling and experienced the most stunning sunset. We had the whole beach to ourselves!! A perfect day trip. (and YES, the conch soup was amazing!!)

Luvdaisland and Muzikdoc – It was so great seeing both of you again!!:D

Huskerjohn – Loved CFSG! Enjoy your time there! We stayed in the ginger lilly down and I loved the spacious veranda and hammock.

Rachel – Natania’s blew me away too! I just couldn’t believe how beautiful it was! We stayed in room 4 with a direct view of the sea. The friendly staff even offered to take us along with them on their drive to Black River...etc. They were so sweet. We politely declined their offers because we didn’t want to leave the resort for even a minute! It was just so gorgeous there! I also loved the little bar up the hill to the right of the entrance. I’m going to check out “South Sea View” now

Hi Clarity and Marcus, thank you for the catch up once again! Amazing photo's and can't wait for the blog! We really thought that all the turtle family were going to make the April migration, please both of you, and Tizz, save all your nickels and dimes in that big bottle, get there, and then we can all look after one another! We never made it this time and missed you all big time but we will definitely make up for it in April!! Turtle love ♥

Another great report !! Hey what'd you think of the Treehouse? my fave place!! did u try alan's jerk chicken? I hope the water recedes again, I was there years ago and the water was reaching the bar then the next year there'd be more sand...mother nature is ever changing but I hope they get some beach back soon..
Did u see my friend this time?

Yeah!! *claps* So glad you made it to Jamaica!! I absolutely love your pics and your reports. I can't wait! It will keep me going until we leave in April for our daughter's big day!

Clarity the group definitely looks like fun and trouble! Pictures look great, I miss Negril even more, but both Mrs. DD and I still have the "Negril Glow" rocking after 3 months home.