Your photos of the Rio Grande touched my soul...thanks!
Peaches Salon seems like a winner and CHEAP! Good you find creative ways to spread your money around!
Oh My you know how I love Bath and the Rasta I like there....can't wait..................
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Your photos of the Rio Grande touched my soul...thanks!
Peaches Salon seems like a winner and CHEAP! Good you find creative ways to spread your money around!
Oh My you know how I love Bath and the Rasta I like there....can't wait..................
After pondering the two above I step out of my head. Jamaica is the only situation that allows me to get out and stay out of those rooms in my mind that stockpile worries, priorities, family needs, loved ones lost and regrets.
The above really touched that inner part of me......
So caring of your buying all that gunep from the older gentleman, am sure you recognized that if he is still vendoring like that at his age its because he needs to
Well am caught up again and loving your report. \your pics. take me to a place of serenity and tranquility:o
Can't wait to see pictures of Bath! Stayed at the Bath Fountain Hotel once. Loved your picture of the ginger lily - didn't realize that white flower was at the top of those.
Hey Sparkle…well parts of it will be nice. Gonna keep the posting about this experience real.Quote:
Originally Posted by SPARKLE1010
Schuttzie…get ready, more is on the way.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schuttzie
Thanks Sammy. That section of the Rio Grande is a must for me. An hour to 90 minutes is all I need to jump start that inner calm. Yeah, I really like Peaches’ place and the staff. I was going to try other places but after this last visit I decided to stick with them.Quote:
Originally Posted by sammyb
Summer, he was just sitting there…so quiet. I wanted to see him smile before I left his presence but couldn’t come up with anything so I bought bundles of guinep instead. I can tell he appreciated that. The guineps were very sweet btw. So glad you are feeling my pictures.. I have a lot more to share that I hope move you that same way.Quote:
Originally Posted by Summer
Hi Rachel. Yeah the flower and base were huge and heavy. Once I had it in my hand I was like ‘what do I do with it now?” lol Very pretty, but I had to return it to the bush.Quote:
Originally Posted by rachel
on the MOVE!!!!
Entering Boston Bay
*inhale*
mmmmmm can you smell the delicious scent of meat roasting on the grills at the jerk center??!!! Sammyb wanna share a pound of jerk sausuage with me?? My treat.
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The day was perfect for the hour+ ride to Bath. The temperature under the radiant sunshine and blue sky was high, around 90 degrees, but very low humidity making the heat not a big problem. Still, I was prepared with my small insulated bag containing 2 frozen bottles of water, each wrapped in a hand towel. I alternate between the towels using them to wipe my face when I need refreshing. The bag, which has the silver thermos insulated lining, is a convenient size, just big enough to hold the water bottles and a 3 ounce misting bottle of water which is kept cold by the ice. It worked great in the heat keeping the ice solid until I removed it when I needed a drink.
A good quality mini insulated bag is a must have for road trips.
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Let’s not forget snacks. A couple bags of potato stixx (see below) one bundle of guinep and a mango (not pictured but in there lol) OH and individual packages of citrus scented Wet Wipes. Never leave the US without them.
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I only wanted to hear reggae during this journey. Unfortunately, I didn’t separate the music files on this particular player so that meant keeping it close so I could fast forward through the other stuff. A minor nuisance but worth it since this player had all the good tunes worth the constant thumb pressing to seek.
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Fifteen or so minutes into the pleasant ride my song comes on and I remember the heck of a time I had finding it. Mr. Vegas featuring Jovi Rockwell…”You’re Gonna Need Me”. A boardie used it as background music in their report video. Instead of simply ASKING them who sang the song, I took the long route searching from scratch. Finally found it and LOVED the video as much as the song. She makes the “break up” tune fun as she sings and dances around Mr. Vegas in her undies and brimmed hat.
When she hit him with the pillow (giggle) it reminded me of the time I clocked my horse-faced EX with a pillow containing a shoe. Why a shoe??? Because at the last minute I decided to remove the hammer.
No, it wasn’t like the playful scene in the video, but it did get his attention.
Anyway…after seeing that video, I became an instant fan of Jovi Rockwell and her “special” voice. A voice that will wake you up and either having you leap out of bed to dance or in a mad dash to destroy device that’s playing it.
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Next up was “No Games” by Serani. I sway and twist in the front seat to this song. Great beat.
“Who is that, Vi?”
“Serani. Got a nice beat don’t it?”
“Is alright. You have that odder nice song on there?”
??? “What song???”
“Oh gosh, me noh remember de title.”
“Who sings it?”
"Oh gosh…”
“Give me some words…a line in the song.”
“She say something like…annoda baby…”
“Queen Ifrica…Annoda…no…Below the….? Below the Waist. Yeah that’s the jam.”
“I want to hear that.”
I search but wasn’t finding it. For all I know I would have to FF hundreds of songs before getting to that one.
“Not finding it. How about this one. I like this one a lot too.”
D Angel featuring G Whizz “Can’t Love You Like Me.”
“Sound like two men. Is it two men who sing that?”
“No, female and male. Listen close.”
“Still sound like two men. The girl look like a man?
“No, not at all. She’s really attractive.”
“She do sound rough like man.”
“Their voices harmonize…that’s all. Makes me wanna dance. Come on, pull over and let’s dance to this!!!
Hee hee hee…he laughs
“No, sorry I can’t dance to song sound like two men ah make love together.”
LOL…I gave up
Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
ohhh Portland
if you want to share the jerk sausage......1 1/2 PLEASE:p
do you buy the potato sticks there or here in the states?
I get the stixx there!! Sammy, the salsa flavor is the bomb. I bought a ton of sunflower seeds with me but once I tasted the stixx I hardly touched the seeds. Nice and crunchy. Not too salty but has a nice salsa kick.
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Diver is thirsty so we stopped in quiet Manchioneal for soda. I asked him to get me a stripe as it was getting close to noon time happy hour. Tells me no because he’s taking me to a special place for my first red stripe of the day.
Okay…I’ll wait.
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Tells me his son goes to this high school. Travels all the way from Titchfield to get here. Takes over an hour on the bus because of all the stops along the way. Well at least until the bus is full. Fortunately he’s one of the first to get on…he and his buddy so they never have to worry about getting a seat in the morning. Unfortunately their day starts at 5:00 AM.
Happy Grove....only the elite get to attend...have to make high marks to be accepted I'm told...loving the journey, such nice memories coming back to life...thanks!
okay have the stixx on MY LIST:)
Oh, I love the small lanes in Portland! So lush and green and then the local people walking, love it!
Sammy, I got to spend a little time with the lad and he's one bright star. In fact the afternoon I shared with him and his buddy was one of the best days of this visit. That day is coming up.
I fell in love with everything about Portland, especially the lush green vegetation. This is the start of the rainny season so the landscape will become even greener. so beautiful.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schuttzie
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What a view. Stopped to show me a clearing in that distant field. It’s a section of a sugarcane estate that was recently harvested. Said the field is set ablaze to rid it of dangerous and pesky insets. But it’s the method (which I won’t repeat here out of respect for animal lovers) farmers use to start the fires that motivated me to see what I could find on the subject.
Didn’t find anything on the “how” but found plenty on the “why” and that is to to reduce the amount of leafy material (greens, trash) that is not used. Didn’t see anything thing about eliminating the insects although to me it makes sense.
Also saw where the cane factories have been told in March of 2012 they must stop burning fields by 2014 because of the effect the smoke has on people who live near the estates the environment.
Anyway now I’m interested in visiting a sugarcane plantation to see how and why it’s REALLY done.
Schuttzie, check out the below picture...
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Described as a relaxing mountain hideaway, Bath Fountain is located in the foothills of the John Crow Mountains in the parish of St. Thomas.
A hotel and spa, the main attraction is the mineral massages.
According to legend the baths were discovered in the 17th century by a runaway slave suffering from ulcers on his leg. He stumbled across the spring and washed his wounded limb in the water. He noticed the next day that his leg began to rapidly heal. News of the healing fountain spread and soon the spring (then named "The Bath of St Thomas the Apostle") attracted visitors from all over Jamaica.
There are two springs, one cold and one piping hot which flow through the rocks on bamboo pipes. Reputed to have healing qualities, the natural spring waters are believed to aid in the recovery of a wide range of ailments, including gout, rheumatism and skin conditions. The active elements in the water are lime, sulphur and magnesium. The mineral concentrations are not as high as those found in the Milk River or Rockfort mineral baths but it is believed that the natural high temperature of the waters provide additional healing power.
Some information I wished I had researched before going there.
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Great background information, Vi~ I love the pictures, especially the people walking, thank you!!!
Schuttzie, I wish I researched the place before I went. I think its important for people who are considering going for the first time to understand the "healing powers" aspect of Bath Fountain. From what I'm finding out now it's more chemical than spiritual. I'm glad you like the picture.
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Rasta Steve was in the parking lot when we arrived. He introduced himself to me and said he would be escorting me.
Before we even got to the bridge leading to the path to the springs, I let him know I wasn’t getting a massage and that I was there to see what it’s all about and to take pictures. I told him I heard nothing but great things about the place and had to check it out. All of that was understood by him. Again I asked it if was okay for me to be there and take pictures but no massage. He said yes so we began the trek.
It was a little bit of a challenge walking the uphill path and being careful of where to step, but Rasta Steve was patient and helped me through the uneven areas. I enjoyed the invigorating walk and was proud I was able to keep up with little assistance. I am clumsy by nature.
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Rasta Steve stopping along the way to have a drink of water.
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I've not been there but I've heard many good things, too.
vi, you have driven through my daily stomping grounds . . . i can literally smell the air . . . rasta steve is soo respectful not pushy like the young boys.
i just booked my april reach for 2 weeks and will devote to portland and blue mountains, just the last three days for the beach, that's my plan.
one year, i hit the harvest of cane . . . it's back breaking work but really interesting to know how it's sectioned off and how the men get paid for the work they do.
thanks for reminding me how much i've missed the last two years.
Whatever you heard, Schuttzie is true. The only caution I read were the guys along the road who try to get business are agressive so it's adviseable to drive to the gate area and make your arrangements inside.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schuttzie
Jitterbug, the first time I rode between St. Thomas and Port Antonio it was at night. NOT a fun ride at all and said I would NEVER travel that route again. But after seeing it during the day and stopping at the places along the way I can’t wait to do it again.
I’m so happy you will be doing mainly Portland. I get excited for anyone going there, but you already know what to expect so your reach is going to be a guaranteed good time.
Regarding the harvesting, is getting rid of the dangerous bugs another reason they burn the crops?
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The minute I reached the massage area I knew this was not for me and wanted to turn around and go back.
I felt that my presence was intrusive. Why?? Because I hate everything this place stands for. I don’t like spas and I hate massages. Even the sight of someone being massaged stirs anxiousness inside me.
It’s not a phobia, it’s a dislike of having a stranger’s hands touching all over my body even for professional purposes. I deal with it when it comes to doctors, but that’s it. I don’t do massages.
Silly me. I thought the (tropical) environment I’m so in love with would overshadow what is done here. Yeah its outside in a most beautiful natural setting..but it is undeniably a spa.
Before I continue the experience I want to make it clear that it is NOT my intent to criticize Bath Fountain at all and I will go out of my way to choose my workds carefully to make sure I don't. However, if after reading this anyone feels my post may damage the good reputation of Rasta Steve or hurt the business then please let me know and I’ll pull this partifular post.
Please feel free to express your views...they are after all YOUR views!
Everyone isn't going to like every aspect of Jamaica.....or any where for that matter....that's why God made us all individuals, we have the right to THINK differently, enjoy different experiences, parishes, even food....
yes that HILL is no joke but worth it in the end
carry on please, I'm interested in reading your take on the place etc
I get creeped out by the thought of a stranger (professional or not) massaging me too. not relaxing for me at all. but I could sit in a mineral wata pool all day!
Thank you Sammy. I adore you! You know more than only one on earth that I'll defend anything Jamaican to the bitter end. Fortunately, the blame for me not enjoying myself there is strictly mine and NOT Bath Fountain or those that work there...yet I still feel compelled to include the experience in the report. This is the reason I included the disclosure.
Goldilocks...I thought I could too. :(
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Leaving as soon as possible was all ll I could think about as I was guided through the two amazing streams -- one hot the other ultra refreshingly cold ---. My driver knew something wasn’t right when I wasn’t taking pictures.
Okay, maybe taking pictures will bring me some pleasure. But I noticed I couldn’t snap pictures of people being massaged. Again this was very intrusive for me to. I went out of my way to avoid violating other peoples private moments no matter how public the setting.
This is not the beach.
This is not a club.
This is not a mountain hike.
This is not a street party.
This is an open air spa where people come for a particular service that is relatively private. A service they love and expect to receive without distractions. I, on the other hand hate such a service thus making me a definite distraction.
I took two more photos before turning off the camera and getting my driver’s attention. He makes his way over to me. With desperate eyes I whisper
“I need to leave”.
My exact thoughts Sammy.............[QUOTE=sammyb;109421]Please feel free to express your views...they are after all YOUR views!
Everyone isn't going to like every aspect of Jamaica.....or any where for that matter....that's why God made us all individuals, we have the right to THINK differently, enjoy different experiences, parishes, even food....
Sparkle, you also know I’ll blacken the eye of anyone who bad mouths Jamaica. I’m just that attached to her. So you know this isn’t easy to write.
He looks confused and concerned. Asked me if I was feeling alright. I tell him I’m fine, but I just don’t like it here.
Now he looks disappointed. He enjoys bringing people here. He promotes the place all the time. Plus he and Rasta Steve are good friends. But he understood and said he will find Rasta Steve to let him know we are leaving. I hand him my camera while I search for my purse so I can leave a donation.
He sees Rasta Steve and walks towards him. They talk. Both come towards me.
“He wants to massage your feet.”
“What!!”
Rasta Steve then points to my ankles and comments on how swollen they are and how bad that is. I look at my driver and wonder if he told him I was leaving. I reminded Rasta Steve that I wasn’t getting a massage. He reached down and squeezed my left foot hard. Looked back at me and asked me to reconsider just having my feet massaged to reduce the swelling.
In my mind I was screaming “no”, but “ok” came out of my mouth.
It didn’t feel good. I was uncomfortable from the very first touch. But I stayed focused on the end result and hopefully that was no swelling so I could close the strap on my cute, brown sandals.
That first barely tolerable touch went from toes to my heels. From my heel to my ankles. From my ankles to my calves. From my calves to my thighs. From my thighs to…
Yeah, you get the picture.
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35 minutes later, there I sit on the edge of this rock with my legs, arms, shoulders and a bit of my neck area covered with mineral mud and Rasta Steve’s own made mineral oil.
ohhh Vi:(
:(
I could have stopped him long before the knees, but I didn’t. I kept telling myself it’s going to get better…knowing there was no possible way it would. I couldn’t stand the slapping sounds of the heavy, wet towels landing on people’s backs and stomachs. I couldn’t stand the grunts and groans as limbs were being stretched and bent at the joints. I couldn’t stand the sound of the crystal clear water rushing along it’s path by beside me.
Massages for goodness sake!!!! A simple care-free thing, so why all the drama??? yet I hated being a part of it so much.
I knew I had enough when I felt myself getting angry because I was covered with mud. Angry because I was being massaged. Angry and now looking for someone to blame. He asked me if I bought a towel so I could remove my top in order for him to massage me properly. I calmly said “Please rinse me off.” The look in my eyes told him I was about to flip out. The hot water was hot. The cold water was cold. Nothing felt good. Nothing felt therapeutic or relaxing or tranquil. It felt horrible. I felt horrible.
Finally my body was mud free. I can leave.
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I learned so much that afternoon. Learned that not EVERY service in Jamaica is an OPEN attraction. Spectators can not expect to be accommodated everywhere. I should not have gone.
I also learned to respect my own limitations and stop compromising my feelings all the time. I should have said no to even a foot massage, then leave.
But at the end, this is an awesome set-up for people who are into massages. And Rasta Steve is very talented at what he does. Trust me, all the positive reviews on TA are truly warranted. All the massagers are serious about their craft and perform it with pride. Although not for me, I wouldn’t criticize a thing about Bath Fountain.
Oh Vi....so sorry this happened, so sorry you felt uncomfortable. Glad you saw for yourself what it was about, glad you learned to not compromised your feelings going forward!
The first time I went I had a lot on my mind and Rasta Steve seem to sense this, the bath wasn't crowded and he took extra care. The next time it was way too busy and I felt uncomfortable because of that...so many people all around, but Rasta Steve was the comfort in that mass of people. Still if I went again and felt uncomfortable as I did that second time right from the start I too would leave.
Your feelings are precious and meaningful and always remember NO ONE can read your mind and NO ONE will stand up for you better than YOU, took me a long time to "get that" and I still stumble a time or two.....but it's getting there....You did leave Bath with something positive that day, learning more about YOU