Thank you so much Negrill1990. I'm smiling all over the place reading your words. WELCOME to the ride and YES there is plenty more on the way.
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Thank you so much Negrill1990. I'm smiling all over the place reading your words. WELCOME to the ride and YES there is plenty more on the way.
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Stopped in Long Bay to have my meal at one of my favorite places, but was disappointed to hear the chef took a job elsewhere. His cooking was outstanding. Ladies are doing the cooking now.
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I had brown stew pork which was really good and they gave plenty. But it just wasn’t the same not seeing my friend pop out to ask if everything is okay or to fill my water glass. Always wore the biggest smile. You know how you get used to seeing certain people at certain places. It’s as if their present, not necessarily the business, made the place special to you.
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I asked the ladies where he went and they happily told me. I appreciated that so much I will definitely eat there at least once a visit.
Thanks for the report and pictures, vi....So nice to see Portie. Going back again in March...counting the days. What a beautiful area Port Antonio is, truly amazing! Thanks again!
Hi brazz,
I appreciate you supporting the report. I'm having a good time reliving the experience. Not so bitter sweet writing it since I'm making plans to return soon. I want to say it's also an honor that you commented. 6 Posts!! Yeap, a real honor.
When people ask me “where” in Jamaica I’m going, I get blank stares when I say Port Antonio. I love it!!! All I have to say after that is Portland is nothing like the other parishes you may be familiar with. You want to know just how different, go see for yourself.
I hope I’ve given you some ideas for day trips…regardless; you know you will have a marvelous time just being there.
I get the same strange looks too....but I just smile knowing I have a secret paradise to look forward to. We are bringing a newbie couple with us this time, can't wait to show them the real Jamaica.....
You did give me an idea for the Under di rock bar, thank you! The rest I have been to before, unless you have more secret places to come. Please keep it coming!!
ahhhhhhh yessss "secret paradise" says it all. I have more shots of places I plan to post, but only two are new experiences for me. You probably have already been to them. If you decide to go to Under the Rock, I'm confident you and your group will have a really good time. Oh and brazz, since you are not new to Portland, feel free to suggest restaurants or escapes I haven't mentioned. I'm keeping a list as well.
This is where my chef friend is now making those to-die-for meals. It’s about a mile from the other place going towards Port Antonio. I remember seeing the construction starting during my August 2012 visit and thought what a cool place that is going to be. Now it’s up and running. Looking fabulous. I don’t know the name of it, but will soon. If my belly wasn’t full, I would have stopped for a drink and checked the place out. But now it’s become one of the many spots I look forward to visiting.
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I asked a freind to peek in and they said it's nice inside. The prices are good. Nice menu selection.
Hey...all I wanted to know if it's still open. :) I can't wait to eat with that view in the background.
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On the way back, I was trying to decide what to do the rest of the day. Well, to be exact, I mean that evening after I shower, rest a little then change. But remembered I was checking out of Match Resort the next day and although packing up my stuff won’t take that long, it left me feeling a little sad and unmotivated to get into anything beyond that.
Granted it’s not as depressing as packing the night before leaving the island, but it does come with a measure of misery to head off from anyplace in Jamaica you aren’t ready to bid goodbye to. I knew I wouldn’t make it back there before my departure day so for me and Match this was so long for now.
This will be my first time at this next place. Although beautiful from top to bottom, it will be different. Going from a hotel to a guesthouse will be an adjustment. But after seeing it, I couldn’t say no.
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Have to make a note to stop at the above restaurant during the next reach...that paint job is something else.
I did a lot today but it wasn’t overwhelming or tiresome. So I need to take my mind away from these less than happy thoughts and enjoy the rest of this gorgeous sunlight. I love being in Jamaica during daylight saving time…I’ll take all the daylight I can get and soak it up till the sun is tired of looking down at me…lol
did I hear you say BROWN STEW PORK...............yes, I did...well here I am ready to enjoy it!!!!!!!
enjoying the ride babydoll, keep it coming.........
[QUOTE=*vi*;
I love being in Jamaica during daylight saving time…I’ll take all the daylight I can get and soak it up till the sun is tired of looking down at me…lol[/QUOTE]
Yes, I love take every moment in the sun that I can!
Don’t have to tell you how tender the meat was, Sammy. Sure could devour a plate of it now.Quote:
Originally Posted by sammyb
You and me both, Schuttzie!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Schuttzie
Went back to the room. Flicked on the AC and tv before jumping in the shower. I usually bring 3 different bath gel aromas. Something tropical, something aquatic and of course something Oriental. Tonight I lathered up with Midnight Heat by Beyonce. I think it’s the perfect after-sundown scent because it’s warm and sensuous.
The hot shower was revitalizing. It’s going to be hard staying put now.
I tried to act serious and pack for the transfer tomorrow. Reminded myself check out is at 11:00 am. Gave it 45 minutes but wasn’t in the mood. I’m sure 30 of those minutes were spent staring out the patio window. That’s where I preferred to be.
I can’t concentrate. Got to get out.
Called for a ride…twenty minutes later he's here. I quick clustered the clothes into a semi-neat pile and stepped over the two empty bags lying opened on the floor to get to the door.
Met Maria in the lobby. She needed to confirm that I will be checking out tomorrow. I barely nodded yes. She asked what I would like for breakfast. I told her ackee and saltfish and whatever.
She smiled. “Toast?”
I smiled. “Yes please.”
Okay, since she will be here tomorrow morning I’ll save her goodbye for then. Out the door I go.
The warm, early evening air wrapped itself around my bare arms to mingle with my peony scented skin. It would be nice if when I walked by a handsome gentleman he would stop me to say how good I smell letting me know I chose the right fragrance. Yeah that would be nice.
People were scattered here and there as I entered town. More are out then I expected. The cook shop on the corner was firing up the grill for the roasted fish and conch. Alongside the grill were the big pots of soup. I wanted to get soup now because they sell out fast. But again remembered I had no way to heat it up so I had to take my chances of some being there when I’m ready to go in.
No particular place in mind to go this evening, but a cold red stripe would get it off to a great start. Dashed into the convenience store at the gas station, came out with a red stripe, a cranberry wata and a bag of crackers.
In town is not where I wanted to be. Listening to the echo of waves sounds much more appealing.
This is one of the many reasons I love Portland…you can always find a vacant ocean view parking space somewhere close. Even at Folly Point, there’s two stretches of scenic views to opt for. I am drawn to a section closest to mansion ruins where the ground is higher and a strong cross breeze is always circulating. That’s where we went.
Me and my driver step outside the car to take in the view. Gracious it’s so beautiful out here.
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awww so delightful!
Very beautiful pic...I long to be in Jamaica.
We loved Folly's and the view is fantastic...absolutely beautiful!
Sammy, it was one of those “this moment couldn’t be more perfect” scenes.
Kaycee, I know how you feel. Sometimes I have to force myself to stay off the message boards in between tickets. I get jealous of the folks counting down to departure because I long to be there so desperately. Do you at least have a general idea of when you will return? That makes the wait a little easier to bear.
Schuttzie, that section of Folly where you can see Monkey Island is my favorite, quick retreat. It’s also a great spot for a picnic lunch.
[QUOTE=*vi*;Sometimes I have to force myself to stay off the message boards in between tickets. I get jealous of the folks counting down to departure because I long to be there so desperately. .[/QUOTE]
***raising hand***
LOL @ Goldilocks....I see you ovastan
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No matter how hard I try, I can’t make those perfect days in Portland longer. Twenty-four hours is all I get and there aren’t many left to this one.
I have things to do and my driver has to make a Boston run after dropping off pocket money to his son.
So after more than an hour, I rip myself away from this living picturesque image and make my way back to Match.
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We did stop at the corner cook shop to inquire about soup. I could see plenty of servings of roasted fish and conch, wrapped in foil and kept hot on the grill. But didn’t know what was left in the big pots. I’ve arrived sometimes when the cook was removing them from the fire because the contents were finished.
Tonight, one of the helpers lifted the large, heavy steel lid allowing a cloud of steam to escape into the evening atmosphere. The over-sized ladle stirred the still cooking soup with ease.
“Yes, Miss. Still plenty soup we have. Large or small?
:)
Yes, it was a fantastic day.
Checking out in order to check in.
Go down for breakfast for the last time. There’s my table waiting for me.
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The ackee was INCREDIBLE!!!
THANK YOU CLAUDIA!
I wanted more, but didn't have room in my belly.
View of the patio from the restaurant
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Check out. I also made my rounds at that time to give tips and goodbye hugs. I give two thumbs up on Match Resort. I have no complaints or suggested improvement at all.
The entire staff, which is like family, made my stay there carefree and pleasurable.
Miss Marie
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Miss Jannalee
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Ladies, I will be returning.
I checked into the Sunrise Villa Guesthouse. A beautiful and spacious guesthouse located in San San.
A friend told me about this place and once I saw it, I knew I had to stay there.
There are three bedrooms on the top level where I stayed and had access to the kitchen, living room and patio. I was the only one there so the entire floor was mine.
Rooms downstairs are also rented out. I believe there are 5 bedrooms down there along with a front sitting room, formal dining room, kitchen, den and five more bathrooms. Yes, the place is huge.
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This was my bedroom for three nights.
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No air conditioning, but as you can see, it wasn’t needed. Not for me anyway. The breeze was constant because the room was on the corner. All the windows in the entire house have mesh installed on them so no mosquitoes.
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This is the patio. A door from the bedroom and living room lead to the patio.
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Views
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The Trident Castle...zoomed in of course
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The front yard where many fruit trees and flowers decorate the landscape.
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yummy food . . . i'll be sure to check out the match resort in april.
thank you vi. wonderful.
Your photos are amazing. Looks very peaceful, I definitely want to travel to Portland some day.
OMG @ Sunrise Villa!
Jitterbug, I like to taste the black pepper in my ackee. When Claudia made it, I didn’t have to add anything to it. I won’t be staying at Match during my next reach, but I will have a couple of meals there and take something for the ladies. They took good care of me. So yes, please do check them out.
Hi Kaycee and thanks. I didn’t think I would like Portland because I live for the night life, and although PA is not famous for places to party, the ones I do go to are sufficient. More are opening soon. But that’s just a small part of it. In Portland you get the opportunity to really know Jamaica without interruptions. That and the natural beauty of the parish sealed it for me. Feel free to ask questions. If I can’t answer them I know either Sammyb, Jitterbug or Schuttzie can.
Lovely isn’t it Goldilocks. And VERY reasonable. Howevahhhhh it is a guesthouse and one is true “guest” in the owners home who lives there along with two other family members.
Settled in at the new place a quick shower then into town for water and more fruit.
Another gorgeous day In Port Antonio.
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Big up to my driver, O’Neal who just got his red plates. FINALLY putting his robot taxi driving days behind him, he is now an official registered & insured Portland route taxi driver.
*clap*
*clap*
*clap*
No more heart palpitations when approaching a police road block. No more detours into the bush to avoid roadside vehicle inspectors. No more angry passengers who have to get out of the car because a wrecker is on the way to tow it. No more standing helpless and humiliated watching the car being hauled away by a wrecker. No more fines and impoundment fees.
And it’s about time!!!
Now if only my girl Alaya would do the same. But O’Neal says she’s not hassled because she’s a female. Might be true now, but I’m sure eventually she’ll have to abide by the law. Plus I won’t refer her to anyone until she does.
But anyway, the changing of the tags was a blessed event…close to being ceremonial worthy…LOL
O’Neal’s brother and his wife surprised him by driving all the way from St. Thomas to see the tags. No lie.
Vi, dis my bigger brother Al.
Al, dis Vi from New York.
There they were…in the middle of the typical chaos of downtown Port Antonio at 2:00 PM under the blazing sun, checking out the red tags. From the front to the back, from the back to the front they smiled and nodded with elated approval as they inspected the tightness of the bolts. Don’t forget to admire the “route coverage” written so neatly on both sides. Such fine penmanship.
It was a proud moment the two brothers were sharing in the street of Port Antonio. Meanwhile, I and the poor passenger in the back seat were literally cooking in the car.
I was about to get their attention, but the lady in the backseat, dripping with sweat, beat me to it.
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So we are on our way with the brother and wife following behind. Dropped off the backseat passenger who fussed with him (in patois) about the delay the entire drive to her place. Me I would have put her out. 100J wasn’t worth enduring her scolding.
Then to a tiny road store for a pepsi and red stripe.
Then to Boston Beach….where the red tag ceremony continued. lol
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Nice crowd on the beach today. I wasn’t swimming. The plan was to drop me off while he does the taxi thing for about two hours. When he shared the plan with his brother, they decided to also come to Boston for jerk sausage and pork.
The brothers walk to jerk center to get the food while I get to know the sister in law. Very nice person. She’s about 20 years his junior, but he looks younger than what he is so the age difference isn’t too obvious.
The brothers return with bundles of grilled jerk meat wrapped in beige paper.
Wife must have been starving. She left me quick to sit in their ride and eat. The brothers went back to ogling the red plates. My attention was directed to the activities on the beach.
Camera time!!!!
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These two gentlemen came on the scene to sell their catch. They obviously had a very successful fishing day.
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As soon as those guys dumped the sack, people came out of nowhere to buy fish. And there was plenty. Something to everyone’s liking was down there. Heck even from way up where I was, I could spot something that made my mouth water. Hard to not see that delicious, thick hunk in those white shorts and mesh tank. YUM!!!! Forget the fish…how much are YOU a pound????
As I stood playing spy and taking pictures of that meal in white, someone taps my elbow.
“Hi. Excuse me. Hi Miss. Ramemba me?”
I turn, back up a little and stare into his confident eyes. I don’t have a clue who this person is.
I've had a terrible day. And your " how much are you a pound" make me laugh out loud. Thanks.
Me, too, Sam, haha! This is great, Vi!
LOL, I appreciate a thicker guy too.
I bought a nice string of fish one afternoon on the public beach in Negril by the roundabout for $1000J that included two lobsters, and I didn't even have to get out of the wata!
Oh *Vi*... You make me laugh..."Forget the fish…how much are YOU a pound???" You are too much... Still following along and enjoying every bit
Awwwwww Sam, I hope things are going the total opposite for you today. Sending you one big cyber HUG!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam I Am
Thanks SchuttzieQuote:
Originally Posted by Schuttzie
Goldilocks, don’t get me started on my lust for thick men. That one had me drooling.Quote:
Originally Posted by goldilocks
btw…that was a great purchase. Two lobsters for less than the price of a claw.
Sparkle, I would have approached him if I wasn’t distracted. I’m telling you, thick men are hard to find in Portland.Quote:
Originally Posted by SPARKLE1010
that's too funny but very, very true!!Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*