trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen

Drivah A arrived early. That was fine because I had been ready for about ten minutes.

We stopped at a local place for a chicken meal. I only picked at it. It was good, I just wasn't hungry.

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He says it is too early to go to BB so he did a little taxi business. Not on my agenda but I get to ride the road and see night sights for free. Picked up an older man he knew very well. He took him to Sandals. Beautiful place at night. I asked what he did there and was told he's in the band. Been doing it for years all over Westmoreland. His step was vigorous as he exited the taxi and made his way through the front gate security.

"Seems like he enjoys what he does."
"It's a job."

He whipped the car around and we headed back towards town. "You ready to party?" "Yeah."

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The bar at Bourbon Beach was packed. No cover at the door was an outstanding idea.

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The entertainment for that night was a DJ spinning decent music and three dancers that kicked it on stage non-stop for hours. The girl seemed to have electricity flowing through her veins. She never showed the slightest hint of tiring or slowing down. Song after song after song, she stayed in rhythm without breaking a sweat. Wish I had her energy.

Drivah A was less entertaining. A couple of times I forgot he was sitting next to me. He was really into the movies on the huge screen. I think it was animated Batman and then Cool Runnings. Me, I danced hard. The thick sand felt cool to my bare feet. Although I was having a good time, I wasn't feeling good. I felt like I needed at least four more nights of this undiluted excitement that Negril supplies. But I have to make due with three. I twisted and pumped to whatever the dj played trying to forget time.

Second movie over, Drivah A gives me a big smile then said "I need to take a leak." He waited until I caught on. "Oh...okay, time to go?" I slipped my feet in my flip flops and followed him to the car. I get in, he stands in front and I watch his back until I see his hands do that shaking then up-zip motion. He slides into the driver seat and starts the car.

"Vi, you are really pretty. I think you are nice."
"Thanks." He reaches up to rub my shoulder. "Sweetie, touch me with those hands and I'll crack your wrists." He understood and laid them on them on the steering wheel instead.

Went back to the room and played spider solitaire on my phone until I fell asleep.

7/19/14 - saturday, day 16

Today is the day everything turned around. I meet Drivah B.

Up and out early. The sunshine met me at the gate and beat down hard on me as I made my way to the corner. Dripping with sweat I knew walking to breakfast was not going to happen. Less than two minutes, a driver swings to my side of the wall.

"I want to go to Out of Town Pastries? Do you know where that is?"
"Yes, it’s past the lighthouse."
"How much to take me there?"
"Two-hundred Jamaican."
"Two dollars, deal!" I hop in and we roll. I tell him I am starving and planning to have breakfast there. Told me they don't have a regular breakfast menu like what I may be seeking. We stop anyway so I can see what they do have. I find out the driver is right and rush back to him. He suggested Just Natural. Sounds perfect.

I go to pay him. "Tell you what, I’ll wait for you to finish and then take you back up the road or to where you want to go after you eat."
"What...really??? How much extra for waiting?"
"Nothing extra. I can visit my friend while I wait for you."
"Cool."

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This place is classic! why did it take me so long to seek this out this gem?

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Veggie omelette, toast, fruit, juice and a very amazing marmalade. Everything was delicious. In fact I was so pleased with the food I decided to return for dinner that night.

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After breakfast I walked across the road towards Drivah B's car. He meets me half way. I told him I wanted to hang on the beach at Alfred's. I was like a kid eyeing everything we passed. This is my first westend experience and I was delighted seeing the many different shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions that live there. I recognize the names of a lot of places I see folks talk about on this board. (please pardon the windshield glare)

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"Oh wow, is that On the Rocks?? I partied there a long time ago. I'll never forget that wild night."
"Do you want to check it out?
"Sure!!!"

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I realize a few years have passed and the last time I was here it was in the middle of the night, but this place feels so different. Like it has grown up...no more wild yard parties. A waitress comes out and we both order red stripes and two cups of ice. The ice was to rub on my body and face that were burning up in that heat. Dang I remember how hot it was as I type this part. I'm beginning to sweat now.

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We talked a lot while sipping the stripes and dripping the ice. I told him how I ended up in Negril and he told me he was sorry I was disappointed but glad for the opportunity for us to meet. That earned him another red stripe!

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The owner came over and introduced himself. "Nice place. Do you still have the parties?"

He said he stopped having the parties so he could spend more time with his family. Now its a restaurant & bar. Lobster dinner specials on Monday nights I believe. The area can be booked out for weddings and other special events, but not parties like in the past.

The place looks fantastic.

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The bar.

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We said our goodbyes to the owner and waitress then made our way to the beach.

Drivah B let me out at Alfred's. Saturday, so more folks out today enjoying the sunshine and calm waters. Lots of children putting sand buckets and water floats to proper use. I made a couple of calls to family before really settling in for the afternoon.

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These two landed on my leg. I brushed then off instead of swatting them to death as I would normally do. Especially those insects that look like they could sting or bite like these characters.

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I asked a guy what they were and he said they are called "love bugs" because you often see them linked together like they are having sex. I think the spliff he was smoking told him to say that to me. Anyway I left them alone to do their thing in peace but made it clear they are not to use my leg as a bed ever again.

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The red stripes I had at the bar have lost their effect on me so I needed to refuel...but after a needed swim. Stuff secured I slowly walk to the water.

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For me, too, Vi. Need less breading and a little more filling :)

wonderful . . . driver b sounds promising . . .

lol Schuttzie I swear, you are so precious. You made me smile out loud. So true about the filling....lol

JitterBug not going to give anything away but yes, a true gentlemon he.

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Shoot, I didn't get Drivah B's number. How could I forget that??? I walk around taking pictures while I dry off. Couldn't stop thinking about how comfortable it was talking to him...freely dishing personal stuff about myself. He's a listener, not quick to control a conversation and I liked that. I was missing his company. Someone's company???? Really??? Oh lawd am I feeling lonely??? Say it isn't soooooo!!! lol

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LOL, about the bugs but they are very cool looking! It's OK to miss some company especially since you had some not so nice people you were dealing with. It is really nice to come across people that you enjoy being around.

I've heard a lot of good things about Just Natural, it sounds like my kind of place with lots of fruit and veggies.

Good stuff vi, keep it coming. Jus Natural is a great place, though I still wonder why Teresa moved the place. If you ever go back, you have to try her coconut drops. Amazing.

Oooooh !! Vi is dancing and maybe romancing??? :) Waiting for more....lol!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by *vi*

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It was a peaceful stroll along the shore...until

A gentleman promoting a massage place approached me to ask if i would be interested in their services. I said “no” to everything he offered. When he got to the end of his list, he bid me a pleasant afternoon. I returned the same and took a few steps onward with my journey.

Just as I was about to take a picture of a lovely ocean scene as there were plenty that afternoon, a wiry, beach dwelling rasta faced me and loudly asked me

"What is it???? Are you afraid of Jamaicans or do you dislike or distrust Jamaicans? I see you walking alone everyday. You don’t talk to anybody. You don’t want anybody to talk to you. You always look angry and mean."

oh for heavens sake...scolded again??!?!!

He waved his arms like I was a hopeless case. Added how I like loneliness and being in a world full of people but living among them all alone.

"Go..." he roared and shooing me on..."Go continue on and enjoy your loneliness. Have lots of fun in your lonely world."

Okay, even if I did have my pepperspray tucked between my breasts, no matter how tempting it would have been to spritz him just to shut him up, I wouldn't because I guess I do look out of place walking that long stretch without a companion(s). The only people walking alone are moving vendors. But what I don’t understand is why being solo bothered him so much he went on a rant in like that in public.

I need shade and to compose myself. I needed the shade most of all.

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He was probably missing that screw that would hold him all together...lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by *vi*

Drivah A arrived early. That was fine because I had been ready for about ten minutes.

We stopped at a local place for a chicken meal. I only picked at it. It was good, I just wasn't hungry.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/IMG_1695.jpg

He says it is too early to go to BB so he did a little taxi business. Not on my agenda but I get to ride the road and see night sights for free. Picked up an older man he knew very well. He took him to Sandals. Beautiful place at night. I asked what he did there and was told he's in the band. Been doing it for years all over Westmoreland. His step was vigorous as he exited the taxi and made his way through the front gate security.

"Seems like he enjoys what he does."
"It's a job."

He whipped the car around and we headed back towards town. "You ready to party?" "Yeah."

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The bar at Bourbon Beach was packed. No cover at the door was an outstanding idea.

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The entertainment for that night was a DJ spinning decent music and three dancers that kicked it on stage non-stop for hours. The girl seemed to have electricity flowing through her veins. She never showed the slightest hint of tiring or slowing down. Song after song after song, she stayed in rhythm without breaking a sweat. Wish I had her energy.

Drivah A was less entertaining. A couple of times I forgot he was sitting next to me. He was really into the movies on the huge screen. I think it was animated Batman and then Cool Runnings. Me, I danced hard. The thick sand felt cool to my bare feet. Although I was having a good time, I wasn't feeling good. I felt like I needed at least four more nights of this undiluted excitement that Negril supplies. But I have to make due with three. I twisted and pumped to whatever the dj played trying to forget time.

Second movie over, Drivah A gives me a big smile then said "I need to take a leak." He waited until I caught on. "Oh...okay, time to go?" I slipped my feet in my flip flops and followed him to the car. I get in, he stands in front and I watch his back until I see his hands do that shaking then up-zip motion. He slides into the driver seat and starts the car.

"Vi, you are really pretty. I think you are nice."
"Thanks." He reaches up to rub my shoulder. "Sweetie, touch me with those hands and I'll crack your wrists." He understood and laid them on them on the steering wheel instead.

Went back to the room and played spider solitaire on my phone until I fell asleep.

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ROTFL! bust him yes...got some nerve

still tagging along Vi....thanks again for posting:)

Bourbon Beach has changed so much. I went there every night. The make their money on food and drinks. Its cool they let the local vendors sell their wares as well instead of driving them away.

tah, on one of my visits to just natural, theresa said that moving to their own yard just made sense . . .no rent . . . and beautiful!!

sorry, vi, not meant to hijack your wonderful thread . . .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Schuttzie

LOL, about the bugs but they are very cool looking! It's OK to miss some company especially since you had some not so nice people you were dealing with. It is really nice to come across people that you enjoy being around.

I've heard a lot of good things about Just Natural, it sounds like my kind of place with lots of fruit and veggies.

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The bugs were attractive, but they look like they bite HARD. Like those pesky red ants!!

Schuttzie, I admit, I enjoyed his company more than I realized. (blushing)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TAH

Good stuff vi, keep it coming. Jus Natural is a great place, though I still wonder why Teresa moved the place. If you ever go back, you have to try her coconut drops. Amazing.

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TAH Thanks for the tip. I’ll keep the coconut drops in mind when I return. I’ll talk more about Miss Theresa and her amazing place when I post having dinner there. Oh thanks also for hangin in!!!

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Originally Posted by jojo p

Oooooh !! Vi is dancing and maybe romancing??? :) Waiting for more....lol!

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lol jojo, I’m dying over here!!!! Did a LOT of dancing, unfortunately not much romancing. But it’s all good, Jamaica is still there right?!?! So I’m keeping hope alive.

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Originally Posted by Summer

still tagging along Vi....thanks again for posting:)

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Good to know Summer. Check in when you can darlin.

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Originally Posted by kaycee

Bourbon Beach has changed so much. I went there every night. The make their money on food and drinks. Its cool they let the local vendors sell their wares as well instead of driving them away.

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Kaycee, I like the changes. I went twice that visit and there was always a decent crowd. I feel for Roots Bamboo and Alfreds those places were not the same.

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Originally Posted by JitterBug

tah, on one of my visits to just natural, theresa said that moving to their own yard just made sense . . .no rent . . . and beautiful!!

sorry, vi, not meant to hijack your wonderful thread . . .

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No problem JitterBug. You are sharing relative information. Definitely stuff I’m interesting in. My time with her was brief but would like to get to know her more. She’s quite a personality.

Ok Vi,we only have 16 days until we head to the island so we are waiting for you to keep us thinking we are still there with you!

fifteen days now...sigh...billndonna I envy the inner excitement you are living as your reach gets closer and closer. What a lift you must feel knowing that soon you're toes will be caressed by the sea and your fingers will be caressing cold red stripes. Yeap…wish it were me.

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I waded in the water looking about the ocean. Giving attention to the thoughts that gathered in my mind. What now??? Where after this??? With who?? Stop standing in the middle of the ocean wasting time fretting, Vi. You have plans!!! You are going to dinner to enjoy an excellent meal. Having someone sitting across from you won’t make the food taste any better so there is no need for a dinner companion.

Tonight is going to be a positively delightful one even if no one enjoys it with me.

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I forced myself out of the water, collected my things and walked to the road to hail a taxi. I let three offers for rides go by hoping Drivah B happens to be on the road. I reluctantly accepted the fourth offer and rode in silence towards the round-about.

“Could you take me to my place on the cliffs, just around the bend? It’s not far.”
“Yes, no problem.”

We soon approach the “One Love Drive” sign.

“Turn left at the church, please”
“Up the hill?”
“Yes, but you can let me out at the school supply store. I can walk the rest of the way.”

He pulls to the side, I have the money ready to pass over and leave. I give him 500J and get out.

“Your CHANGE…your CHANGE!”
“Keep it. I appreciate you driving me straight here.”
“Take my numba. Call me for lata…no charge for the next ride.”
“Even to the airport?”
He bust a laff. “ahhhriiiiiii ahhhriiiiiii”

I sling my bag on my shoulder and make my way inside to prepare for the evening.

Vi,we will be posting some pictures from our trip but nothing as nice as you are doing.Just something to keep others thinking of all the beauty the island holds.

just feels like you are going to give us more exciting reading . . . tantalizing . . .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by billndonna

Vi,we will be posting some pictures from our trip but nothing as nice as you are doing.Just something to keep others thinking of all the beauty the island holds.

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Trust me, billndonna, I will be on the look out for whatever pictures you share when you return. By then I’m going to need that fix to get me through til I return. You are at the 14 day mark and time is going to fly. I can feel your excitement and difficulty to concentrate on anything but landing pon the rock. I do wish for your visit to be simply marvelous from beginning to end.

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Originally Posted by JitterBug

just feels like you are going to give us more exciting reading . . . tantalizing . . .

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JitterBug, what’s left to the report was, IMO, amazing. Not sure how tantalizing I can deliver it all but I’ll do my best.

HAHA, couldn't get him to agree to a free airport transport? Good stuff, Vi!

No Schuttzie, but he did find it funny I asked. To be honest, he wasn't a driver I would ride with again even for free. Couldn't put my finger on why other than just not a good vibe.

Didn’t give a lot of attention to my outfit. The dress material felt cool, didn’t cling to my hips and the straps stayed on my shoulders. Good enough for me.

The decision to walk the lane to the main road was a big regret. Way more bikes whizzing up at warp speed forcing me to hug the right edge going down. Why the right when that’s the side they come up on??? Because all the dogs live on the left and rush out barking when I walk that side. I hate that more than the speeding bikes. On top of the mad bikers and crazy dogs, it is getting dark. Once I got to the bend and can see the main road I vowed I would never do that again.

Safe arrival at the corner I decided to call Drivah A to come for me and not bother dealing with a different driver. Besides he might want to hang somewhere later. Found the phone, but while fumbling through the bag for my glasses I hear a beep. Look across the street at the stopped car. I wave the driver on, he leaves, I continue feeling for my glasses. Less than a minute later, another beep, this time from my right side.

“You need a ride up?”

It’s Drivah B. I don’t hesitate to stop the hunt for my glasses and get in the car.

“You didn’t know it was me stopped on the odda side?”
“That was you?? It’s dark, sweetie. Plus I wasn’t about to cross this road at night.”
“That’s why I turned around. Where are you going?”
“Back to Just Natural.”

He drives off. Grateful to be off the side of the road, I begin to relax. I wanted to talk but couldn’t come up with anything to say. I’m a good listener, but my conversation initiation skills need work. I knew we were getting closer to the restaurant so I only had seconds to say the right thing. But what is the right thing???

In no time we are in front of Just Natural.

“Would you like to join me?? My treat.” I say with a nervous smile.

He declined (guess that wasn’t the right thing) but said he will wait for me again then drive me back.

Ahhhh Miss Theresa. Her greeting to me was as full of warmth as the width of her smile.

“Come in beautiful lady! Come in honey! Come in my darlin!! Welcome back!”

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“You still want grilled lobster?”
“Yes. Couldn’t think of anything else all day.”

This place is just as dazzling at night as it is during the day.

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The delightful Miss Theresa

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I ordered a strong drink…white rum, ice on the side. Miss Theresa leaves to get my order started and returns with my drink. Rum on ice with a lime wedge sitting proudly on the edge of the glass. That’s okay.

She asks for my camera and begins taking photos of me. I sip my rum and pose. I guess the ice had no effect on the strength of the rum because I got into the fun. But then, Miss Theresa has a way of making a person feel completely at ease in her place. She’s an excellent hostess with an endearing personality.

I love all the photos of me. I told her I rarely see myself in pictures and let her know they will not be deleted after I sober up.

Dinner is served. Everything was sooooooo good! At first I didn’t think it would be enough, but I was completely satisfied with the portions as well as the variety & flavor.

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Couldn’t finish the dessert. Can’t mix sweets with liquor but I tasted it and let Miss Theresa know how delicious it was.

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I’m ready to really get into the night. Still early and the clear sky is perfect for partying or at least more beverages. (smile)