10 Years, 12 Nights, 6 Hotels, ONE LOVE - April 2012 Trip Report

Okay, At this point I realize our trip report is becoming “the song that doesn't end”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmcP3MShzS0

There IS an end in sight. So I’m REALLY going to attempt to pick up the pace here. I can do this. *cracks knuckles* Okay here we go…

Trip Report Continued…

We last left off at the One Love Bus Pub Crawl. We had visited 3 bars already (Swordfish, C&D Country Music bar and BellaDonna’s) and we were on our way to the next bar stop on the route. At this point, the bus was standing room only and everyone was sitting on eachother’s lap to make room for those trying to stand in the aisles. Everyone was properly toasted and there was a lot of laughter all around.

The bus pulled up to a stop in front of Westender Inn.

I was excited because I’d heard a lot of good things about Westender Inn from Sweetness’s trip reports. I had always wanted to see it in person. It was beautiful…

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I love the small beach area and the little hot tub (or is it a fresh water pool?) overlooking the ocean. It had a secluded and peaceful feeling to it. The landscape is beautiful. I could see escaping to Westender Inn with Markus for a few days to get away from it all and enjoy some romantic one on one time.

Gerryg123 was familiar with the grounds, so he took me and Sweetie pie on a little tour. We crossed the street and he pointed out the cabins in the far back with the hills surrounding it. He mentioned that the little cabins are really affordable. There is also a pool there too.

Sweetie Pie and I admired the view. When we turned around we saw that Gerry had already made himself at home.

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I’m beginning to suspect that Gerryg123 carries around a floatie in his back pocket that he inflates as soon as he has access to any body of water. He loves his floatie. I can’t look at this picture without smiling

Sweetie Pie and I left Gerryg123 floating peacefully in the pool and went across the street again to join the rest of the group at the water front.

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Marley came up to me with a smile and said “Daisy! Guess what they’re serving at the bar?”

“What??”

“Lionfish.”

“LIONFISH?!” – I could barely contain my excitement and I sprinted towards the bar area. I didn’t want to miss out on this like I missed out on the pizza at BellaDonna’s. This was the moment I had been waiting for. It was time to get my revenge in the invasive predator that had terrorized me that fateful day at Xtabi. This was the first step towards overcoming my fear.

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It was delicious – Crunchy on the outside, tender inside – The taste was very subtle and buttery. It was love at first bite. I was in heaven. I ate every piece and licked my fingers clean afterwards. I highly recommend trying Lionfish at least once during your next trip to Jamaica. You wont be sorry.

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After enjoying a dirty banana and great conversation, it was time to leave Westender Inn and move on to the final stop on the pub crawl.

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Sir D’s

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This was the perfect bar to enjoy another beautiful Negril sunset.

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Now that's a great Gerry G shot. The dudes passion for all things floatie is what inspired me to take one as well. Having a floatie on the West End is the only way to spend some quality time in the wata. Please continue before I grow so old I will no longer be able to read.

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Markus and the awesome Pub Crawl bus driver Lenbert

Afterwards we hung out at the picnic table in the back with Wpyogi, her +1, Marley, Sweetie Pie and Guirigay.

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Here is Marley and Markus showing off their signature looks. Markus is doing “Blue Steel” and I believe Marley is showing us her “little Red Riding Hood”. It could be the “Cinderella” but her head is down and she looks more mischievous so I’m pretty sure that’s “Little Red Riding Hood”. The difference is so subtle, it’s easy to confuse them at times. Lol

The pub crawl had now come to an end. We were all in good spirits and we didn’t want the party to end. Instead of getting off at Seasplash, we all piled out of the bus at Catcha Falling Star with Marley and Ninja, Guirigay and Sweetiepie. We also convinced Katho to join, she lept off the bus just before it pulled away from the curb. .

When we entered the familiar grounds of Catcha falling star I felt this happiness well up in my stomach. It was so good to be back , It felt like a homecoming and I was happy to know that we’d be moving over here in only a few days.

A familiar smiling face emerged from the darkness.

Sweetness!!

This was my first time meeting her in person. I could barely contain my joy. I ran up and hugged her. Markus did too. She is just as sweet in person as she is on the bulletin board and she immediately pulled out a beautiful big colorful heart carved in smooth stone. She handed it to me and Markus, an anniversary gift. (thank you Sweetness!)

We invited her to join us for dinner, but she already had dinner plans at the Spa Retreat and she was heading out the door.

After a stopover at Ivan’s Bar, We headed over to the Sagi suite (Marley and Ninja’s second home) and cracked open the cake vodka again.

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No ceiling fan incident this time. Long live Cake vodka!

Then we hung out on her balcony taking in the view. At this point, we realized that we had no idea what TIME we were supposed to meet up with Gerryg123 for dinner at Bentleys! We mulled over this for a bit and then decided just to go over there with the hopes that we’re not too early or too late for our dinner date.

So we hailed down at taxi cab and piled in

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We stopped at Xtabi so Katho could pick up something and then went directly over to Bentley’s.

Bentley’s Crab Shack is really off the beaten track. We made a few wrong turns here and there but we found it eventually. It’s in a residential area and easy to overlook. We stayed in the car while Guirigay jumped out to see if Gerryg123 was there yet and he WAS. So we all climbed up the wooden staircase to Bentley’s outdoor dining area.

We were greeted by Gerryg123, SuzieQ, Wpyogi and her +1. Bentley ran up to us and enthusiastically pumped all of our hands. “Welcome friends Welcome!!” – He had so much energy and such a contagious laugh. I loved him immediately. He had us all cracking up within minutes. I already knew this was going to be an experience I wouldn’t forget.

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SusieQ poured us all glasses of a homemade fruit drink that Markus thought was alcoholic. (it was not) Regardless he became increasingly intoxicated with each refill and adamantly blamed the drink. I think he was just drunk off the excitement of being there. It was actually pretty funny.

We ordered the crab cakes and it took a while for Bentley to prepare this meal for such a large group. The time went by fast with all of the conversations going around the table and believe me, it is definitely worth the wait.

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He emerged from the kitchen with steaming dishes piled with food. More food than I ever expected! He pointed out how there was 5 or 6 different foods on the plate and he poured his amazing special sauce on top. He carefully explained every item on the plate to me with flourish and excitement. The aroma was intoxicating and every bite was amazing. This man knows how to cook!!

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Bentley told us some funny stories too over the course of the night and had us all in stitches. It was such a fun night and the most entertaining dinner I’ve ever had in Negril.

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Thank you Gerryg123 for organizing such a great dinner for all of us. I’m grateful that we got a chance to hang out with you. I’ve enjoyed your trip reports for so long, It was kind of like meeting a celebrity:)

Gerryg123, SuzieQ, Wpyogi and +1 had started their meal before us, so they headed off earlier than we did. I found it impossible to finish my entire plate, in fact everyone but Markus had that same problem. (He devoured his plate and licked it clean - I think Katho finished her whole plate too) The rest of us put the leftovers in a doggy bag.

We were all properly exhausted but STILL not ready to end this night together. Guirigay suggested Pee Wee’s which is walking distance just up the road. We decided to head on over there for a final night cap.

Pee Wee’s bar was closed and all the lights were off when we arrived. We stood there for a moment just taking in the view of the moon over the ocean. (It’s a beautiful location)

That’s when we heard a voice behind us. We turned around and saw a guy that I recognized from the One Love Bus Crawl. He turned on all the lights and opened up the bar just for us. Sweet!

“What would you guys like to drink?”, He asked.

I wish I could remember his name because he was truly a character. He was cracking jokes at records speed and had a great dry sense of humor. Something about him reminded me of my brother. Something I couldn’t put a finger on, but I liked him immediately.

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After a round of drinks at the bar, he offered to play us some songs on his guitar. We all sat down in a separate balcony area with a view of the crashing waves and a soft breeze. He began to sing and his voice was beautiful. First he sang a playful song incorporating all of us in his lyrics and then he sang a love song. It was a song about love, loss and life.

Something about this moment on the cliffs, listening to this private show and surrounded by these amazing new friends was intensely bittersweet for me. His lyrics touched something deep in my chest, something I can’t even put into words… but it caused tears to fill up in my eyes and my throat to constrict. My brother used to play the guitar for me in his bedroom and his voice was so familiar. It brought back a strong memory and I felt his presence still in my life, every day in every moment. He wasn’t really gone. I knew he was there with me and this comforted me despite the tears. Markus looked over at me and squeezed my hand. That’s when Guirigay and sweetie pie got up to dance. Markus pulled me up to slow dance with him too. I followed his lead, I buried my head in his shirt, and just surrendered to the beauty of that moment.

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(crop from Ninja’s pic)

It was such a special night..

Everything about the entire day was incredible... Swimming in the crystal clear calm sea… basking in the sunshine…the fun-filled One Love pub crawl… all the laughter with friends that I had only met days earlier but felt like I had known my entire life… an incredible experience at Bentley’s sharing stories about our lives and enjoying the most delicious meal…slow dancing on the cliffs to the most beautiful song just for the six of us…

I couldn’t ask for more. I knew this was going to be a special trip but it had already surpassed all my expectations and there was still 5 more days to enjoy in Jamaica…

To be continued…

okay you got tears from me - lol

Dang it Clarity--once again you have me crying in public. I might have to start holding you liable for this--so mortifying to be sitting in Panera or Starbucks with tears rolling down my face. But then again you equal it out in smiles and laughter that you draw as well. Many thanks to you for continuing your report with a plan to finish it. I love it, tears and all.

I am a newbie to these boards and I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your experiences. All your trip reports are amazing and I am just sad now that I am caught up because I feel like there should be more. You have inspired me to write my own trip reports so I can document them before I forget the details.

Great stuff, Clarity ....

Thanks Gerryg123 – There are a lot of great trip reports circulating right now. It's so much fun to read all of them. It's been a while since we've had a "Trail of Ashes" update. When are you heading back to JA?

Aww thank you Seveen and Irieworld. I didn't mean to make you cry though. I feel like I'm always making people cry. My next update will end on a less bittersweet note.

Thanks LoveNegril! I'm loving your new trip report so far! I'm really glad you decided to write one! I'm looking forward to your next update.

LOL booger! Whatchu talkin' about? I am updating as fast as I possibly can here! 3 updates in one week a world record for me. (wipes sweat from brow)
I totally agree with you about Gerryg123 and his floatie. He's got the right idea!

Okay, new update coming up.

*****

In my effort to pick up the pace, I'm going to attempt something never done before. I'm going to cover an entire day in one single update.

Marley, Ninja, Guirigay, Spottycatz, Boogs and Katho already wrote about this day in their trip reports. So I'll just let my pictures tell the tale.

Trip Report Continued...

Day 8

For the past 7 days, we had been on a completely crazy schedule with a lot on our itinerary. (Boogers 420 party, Luciano concert, Family reunion in Mandeville, Bellyflop contest, Chicken's magic bus trip, One Love Pubcrawl) We were always running somewhere and we didn't have much time to breathe inbetween. I wouldn't change a minute of it but now we were ready to shift gears.

We resolved to just kick back and take it easy. We would just go with the flow and see where the day takes us. No plans.

And this how the day unfolded...

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Woke up at 9 AM...

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Delicious Breakfast at Seasplash...

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Ocean was calm and clear. (Yes, that is Gerryg123 drifting by on his floatie! ) I could see from the clouds overhead that rain was coming but the weather was warm.

Seasplash webcast w/ Guirigay, Sweetiepie, Spottycatz and Indybob...

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Guirgay, Sweetpie, Markus and I wandered down the beach to Country Country. Booger, Sandy, Tizzy, gonjon, Marley and Ninja were there hanging out...We grouped up and all lounged together on the beach. Spottycatz and Indybob & Cindy joined in the mix as well. It was so much fun

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I can't look at these two pics without laughing

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I had my first ever Purple rain cocktail... (delicious)

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The storm clouds overhead were getting darker and more ominous. Rain began to fall, so the crew disbanded with plans to meet up later at Canoe for the webcast with Rob & Lisa..

The rain really cooled things down and was welcomed..

we returned to our room at Seasplash for some one-on-one time

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There is nothing better than lying in eachother's arms in Jamaica...just listening to the rain hitting the palm leaves and shutters...

Later on we went over to the Canoe Webcast...It was a full house! Everyone was there!

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We were reunited with Greenie. We met him during our first trip to Negril. This is back when he owned the The English Rose Bar and had given us a private steel drum show in his front yard. (see Trip report entry here: http://negril.com/forum/entry.php/38...vel-Blog-Day-4 ) Now he has a regular gig at Canoe. It was so good to see him again and to hear that he's doing well.

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We sat with Sweetness and got to talk with her more. She is a true kindred spirit, This is the only way I can describe her. I felt immediately comfortable around her. She has such a calming presence and warm smile.

I also tried the lionfish dish at Canoe and it's amazing. It's an entire lionfish, fried and tender inside with a delicious sauce for dipping.

The group moved over to Catcha Falling star to enjoy drinks at Ivans Bar...

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Flaming bob marley shot

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We released our first round of lanterns into the sky that night..

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As I watched the lanterns fly overhead, I felt so much gratefulness... for the new friends I had made and for all the experiences of this day. We were all becoming family and I didn't want this to end.

The realization that a lot of people would be flying home soon was a hard one to swallow. Tomorrow was going to be our final day together as a group.

I pushed the thought away and reminded myself to just enjoy the moment.

We moved over to Eddie's D-bar next with Tizzy, Jon, Booger, Sandy, Marley, Ninja, Wpyogi, +1, and Katho for a proper after party – and it was a wild time. I would share more about that, but my memory of that night is just a blur of laughter.

In the early morning hours, we all hugged our goodbye's and headed back to our respective hotels... I fell asleep that night with a big smile.

To be Continued
Boardie Bash and moving over to Catcha Falling Star

That picture of animated Markus chasing the beer lady had me belly laughing. And that Marley shot was gnarly....... I think I am done with those.
Great update, more please......

LOL @ Booger "burn baby burn" :-)

Seriously , your still not finished! Can I get an idea of when I should start at the beginning.

Thank you for posting more Clarity, there are even a few pictures of you. You look like you are having a wonderful time. Some of the trip reports you don't want to end, yours is one of them. So please don't stop.

You look like you all had so much fun! Love the pics of Tizzy & Marcus on the beach :) Keep 'em coming!

These pics are killing me!
So good
So fun remembering!
Can't wait for the repeats in Dec. and April :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

Love the pics of Tizzy & Marcus on the beach :) Keep 'em coming!

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Especially the Tizzy shots ...

Yeay I love this report... Its well written and the pictures are actually really really good they do tell the story... Love it can't wait for more!

Just amazing!

The photos are fabulous, such great scenes that get the feel of Negril. Making me itch to return.

Seeing all the happy faces and the crack-me-up poser faces is so heartwarming. Each post is filled with the emotions of the moments and your sharing with us is delightful. I agree, the TR that we hope never ends.

Seeing this journey from all of your different perspectives throughout a variety of reports is quite fun. As a voyeur (not a boardie basher, yet), I find this to be an interesting psychological profile of ya’ll! Hah!

Seeing the floating gg123 bobbing up and down your report is crazy too.

Now, Clarity, you are unfolding like a flower in the morning sun. Bit by bit through this report we sense you nearby, we glimpse you on the edge, we see you walking away, then you face the sun and a wonderful change is here – you are opening all your wonderful personality and beauty for us to join in celebrating! Thanks for that. Huge.

And your shots of hubbyman are seriously hilarious.
Keep it a comin’…….

Quote:

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Originally Posted by poolguywindsor

Seriously , your still not finished! Can I get an idea of when I should start at the beginning.

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I know poolguy!!! I totally get lost and can't find where I left off! Come on Clarity... GET TO TYPING! :) Sure wish I had more time to read & reply, b/c I do so enjoy the back & fourth/forth/4th (I don't know how to spell it) with everyone!

And before I knew what Tizzy looked like I thought she was a real beer girl... :) Kinda stupid, huh! That picture makes me laugh a thousand laughs!

Clarity... you planning on coming in April, right! Okay, yes, I thought so!!!

y'all quit heckling Clarity now! :) This is great progress and plus I am not anxious to see it end--I have loved stretching it out. Poolguy, just start reading already. You don't have to wait till it is done--it works quite well in chapters.

Clarity is like fine caviar. Best not to be spread too thin ..... Great reporter, great photographer, and great writer. It's from the heart, and it's always good stuff ....

Slow down Clarity, sloooooooooooow dooooooooooooooown......

heheheh Just got caught up on this!!!!

First off I hope that whatever that is you had for breakfast is still on the menu the next time I'm in town cause it's officially on my to eat list. Ridiculousness. And its nice to see GerryG on his floatie....just as he should be. Steve's faces in those SS pics make me a LAUGH LOL

That day hangin on the beach was so fun and chill. Thinking that Redstripe should consider hiring us to do some ad work hahaha THose are fun.

and OHHHHHH the purple rain....PURPLE RAIN!!! Ajaja

I lke that you caught that shot where Jon is throwing the ball with that little boy. :)

Great great pics. Love the ones at Ivans it takes me back to that night. That night might have been the most fun imo.

Wait...do you hear that???

Sounds like BOoger is still whining about those Flaming Bobs :rolleyes:

Just playin duders lol

Love those pictures! This is the most detailed trip report I've read!:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by booger

That picture of animated Markus chasing the beer lady had me belly laughing. And that Marley shot was gnarly....... I think I am done with those.
Great update, more please......

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Thanks Boogs, I can't look at that pic of Markus running out of the water for Tizzy's beer without cracking up every time! I know what you mean about the Marley shot – It DOES have a brutal after burn. I have a funny pic of you right after you took that shot. Your expression clearly indicated that you weren't a fan.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by poolguywindsor

Seriously , your still not finished! Can I get an idea of when I should start at the beginning.

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lol PGW – I'm working on it! We're so close to the finish line. The end is in sight. Since this TR is pretty long...You might want to start from the beginning now.. I'll be finished by the time you catch up. Promise ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by garysteph1018

I know poolguy!!! I totally get lost and can't find where I left off! Come on Clarity... GET TO TYPING! :) Sure wish I had more time to read & reply, b/c I do so enjoy the back & fourth/forth/4th (I don't know how to spell it) with everyone!

And before I knew what Tizzy looked like I thought she was a real beer girl... :) Kinda stupid, huh! That picture makes me laugh a thousand laughs!

Clarity... you planning on coming in April, right! Okay, yes, I thought so!!!

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Haha! I would love to go in April. That’s going to be one AMAZING boardie bash but It’s really not in the stars for us. I am hoping that a Little Clarity or Markus will ((Finally)) be on the way by then. I’m relying on all of you guys to take me along vicariously through your trip reports. So Don’t let me down! I’m looking forward to reading the further adventures of my favorite couple, Gary and Tiffany.:cool:

I bet I can convince Patty Sather to bring us along on Popsicle sticks in April like she did with Manda and Joe.;)

Thanks Kaycee, Angel, 2nutztotravel, Marley, gerrgyg123, Beebeluv!

haha! Thanks for sticking up for me Irieworld ;)

Bjritz – Thank you for your heartfelt words, that meant a lot to me. I'm really glad you're enjoying the report. It makes me feel that all the time I've put into this is worthwhile. I know it's taking a long time to finish, but I want everyone that reads this to feel like they were really there too and experienced everything that we did right along with us.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Guirigay

Slow down Clarity, sloooooooooooow dooooooooooooooown......

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LOL!! Better watch your back, Guirigay! This turtle is creeping past you towards the Trip Report finish line. :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TizzyATX

heheheh Just got caught up on this!!!!

First off I hope that whatever that is you had for breakfast is still on the menu the next time I'm in town cause it's officially on my to eat list. Ridiculousness. And its nice to see GerryG on his floatie....just as he should be. Steve's faces in those SS pics make me a LAUGH LOL

That day hangin on the beach was so fun and chill. Thinking that Redstripe should consider hiring us to do some ad work hahaha THose are fun.

and OHHHHHH the purple rain....PURPLE RAIN!!! Ajaja

I lke that you caught that shot where Jon is throwing the ball with that little boy. :)

Great great pics. Love the ones at Ivans it takes me back to that night. That night might have been the most fun imo.

Wait...do you hear that???

Sounds like BOoger is still whining about those Flaming Bobs :rolleyes:

Just playin duders lol

---

lol! Thanks Tizzy!!

I know,That was such a fun day!... miss you guys so much. I need to go back to Negril. I'm beginning to suffer from serious withdrawal symptoms.

Okay, it's the weekend and I have a little bit of free time this afternoon to update some more. Markus is going to step back in once we reach Banana shout, so I've got to push this Trip Report forward to that point.

New update coming up

Loving your trip reports and saw that you may be adding to your family. Our first trip to Negril was with another couple and this will be our daughters fourth time to Negril in January and she just turned five. We love to travel with her and still have our share of fun :) No worries about not being able to travel post baby.