TRAIL OF ASHES TOUR: The adventure continues as Gerry G returns to Negril

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Originally Posted by Guirigay

Thank you for that pic Gerry, Wow!

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You do look INCREDIBLY relaxed. One of the great things about a vacation, at least for me, is the person on his first day or so is a much different person by the end of the reach .... there is a sense of healing, a sense of growth, a sense of relaxation and relief, just a feeling of serenity that seeps in slowly but surely .... Can anyone relate to this????

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

You do look INCREDIBLY relaxed. One of the great things about a vacation, at least for me, is the person on his first day or so is a much different person by the end of the reach .... there is a sense of healing, a sense of growth, a sense of relaxation and relief, just a feeling of serenity that seeps in slowly but surely .... Can anyone relate to this????

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With you 100%

Here's a little video of Sir D Lookout at sunset

http://youtu.be/Jbfun6s4rWM:

Awwwwwwww, there is my Guirigay and Sweetiepie!

Yeah Mon!

Thanks Gerryg...1, 2, 3 :)
That was a FABULOUS sunset that night!

Here are some more pics (top to bottom):

1, Suzie Q and Blue Hole Gardens guide Kassie

2, For the record, returned this scooter intact -- with extra gas

3, No explanation necessary

4, Me and Charlie Tattoo

5, flop flop fizz fizz

Sunday arrived, my last day. I was scheduled to be picked up at 10:30 a.m. by Clives, and I woke up at 6 -- four more hours of fun.

The sun was just creeping up over the hills. I took one last long ride on the Scooter up the hill, past Catcha, past Banana Shout, past Ricks. I veered right and whooshed past Moondance Cliffs, then Keith's house and Banton's, all the way to Westender Inn. It was so early there was not a soul around. I knew I was really going to miss Westender, my home away from home at Seastar Inn.

I headed back, feeling the wind, smelling the ocean, enjoy the sights and the sounds of birds in the morning. I was all alone. I had Negril to myself. It was me, Negril and God. And a few goats roaming about, of course.

I stopped in at Out of Town pastries, as I often do in the morning, for a quick patty and fruit juice. Plus ten packs of Lion Kings -- they make nice little gifts back in Los Angeles, and they're one of the ONLY things more affordable in Negril compared to California.

I wanted to do the whole run before calling it a day. I passed Seastar Lane and kept going down the hill. Past Rockhouse and the craft shops all the way to Blue Cave Castle. I did a little beep beep and they let me in. I had my raft there and was considering one last swim off the Cliffs, but it was a little rough. I hung out with one of the Blue Cave Castle yardies, a friend from Brooklyn who works in musical theatre. Nice guy.

I wanted to hit the beach. I took off again, and it's about 7:30 a.m. or so. I made my way past the roundabout, past Travellers and Bar B Barn and Legends, all the way to White Sands. I had popped in to Bar b Barn a couple of times earlier in the week -- I've stayed there a lot through the years -- but was disappointed because Maureen, my favorite server, was not around anymore.

At White Sands, I floated around in the ocean (I "borrowed" a raft assuming it was Brasi's, lol), then ordered a nice cup of coffee. I sat with one of the yardies, sort of contemplative.

I was sad to be leaving, but I did miss my two daughters.

Then I heard it: "Hey Gerry G! Is that you?"

It was Maureen from Bar B Barn. She was working at White Sands now, and I could not believe it was her.

"What gwan???" We hugged. It was a nice little ending because I had made so many little reunions with folks I had not seen in several reaches. Maureen looks great btw, she says she has lost 30 pounds!

"How much for the coffee, Mo?" I said.

"200j"

"OK, do you happen to have change for a US $100 bill?" I was kidding of course. We laughed.

I enjoyed my coffee sitting in front of the ocean. Tick Tick Tick -- two hours left in Negril.

You do more in one morning than i do in a whole trip I think!

Backing up a bit, Tawnee had a great birthday party the night before, especially the part when Rasta Stan jumped up and sang happy birthday to the great, tattooed Canadian, and Tawnee even did a little dance in front of the stage -- girl has moves, too, and there were a LOT of well-wishers and friends to salute her ..... This is my second reach at Seastar Inn same time as Tawnee -- Randy did not make the trip this time, but Tawnee is so at home here it's like family to her.

There was a great custom cake, too, with Tawnee's name on it, of course.

When we had a moment near the bar, I told Tawnee she did a great job with the little dance, and she shrugged: "I have to go all the way to NEGRIL to dance, ha ha."

Jodie was at the party, too. I think this was her first official Seastar Inn Saturday party, and she really enjoyed it. I pointed out Francine was one of the drummers, and Jodie was impressed -- and she does NOT impress easily, lol.

Chris is really in his element on the Saturday parties. I mean, the guy loves his role as host of the party -- I bet he could deliver a great toast at any wedding, he has that natural gift. He would make a great tour manager for rock and roll bands -- he has all the skills.

Tattoo Charlie was in good spirits, too. He's good friends with Tawnee n Randy, known them both a really long time. Tattoo Charlie has strong roots in Negril. He's been at Seastar Inn for a whole month, but his vacation is winding down, too. He's leaving on Wednesday, a few days after me .... That guy loves to have a good time. Just like Chris, he would fit in perfect in Hollywood.

Here are some pics (top to bottom):

1, Bar B Barn Maureen now at White Sands -- she is a great server!

2, Tawnee the birthday girl busts a move

3, Nice cup of java at White Sands

4, Happy Birthday Tawnee at Seastar Inn

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

He's good friends with Tawnee n Randy, known them both a really long time.

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I don't mean to be nit picking but this made me giggle a little - We met Charlie & Theresa in 2009 - kept in touch via a few emails and saw them again at our wedding in 2010. Just more wonderful people that we have met in Negril and continue to keep in touch with - nothing more ...nothing less.

The Spirit of Negril is alive and well! You give a road map to adventure...Thanks gerryg123!

Gerry...Thank you so much for letting me hop on the back of your scooter! I can't think of anyone else who could have given me a more excellent Negril adventure. Thanks for introducing me to Jodie, Banton, and of course, Bentley!
So when are we going back???

Here are some pics (top to bottom):

1, Everything needed to record a trip report ....

2, Nice local siblings

3, Blue Cave Castle, really nice hotel

Here's a little video of the Westender Inn ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZeFtBSHf9s

. . .enjoying your on the scene video and pictoral reports. Don't stop!

It was still early, especially for a Sunday morning, so I knew it might be a challenge to find a vendor at the craft shop near the roundabout, but I needed some Rasta necklaces -- it's a ritual every vacation to buy a batch. On the way, I run into Shayne, and we say our goodbyes. He's a nice kid, a young cabbie who works really hard. I've known him for four reaches, and he always has a great attitude -- and if he can't pick me up within 10 minutes no matter what time of day, he sends a friend. He never leaves me hangin' ....

At the craft market, I haggle for a bit and buy my necklaces. They make nice gifts at home, but I like to wear 'em, too, because they remind me of Negril.

At Seastar Inn, I still had to pack, which involves shaking out all my clothes and deciding what I want to leave behind. Suzie is in the courtyard, eating breakfast. I order some dumplings.

"Gerry, we totaled your final bill, and the dumplings are not on the bill," Clarol says.

"Oh my gosh, you mean they're free? What a nice going-away present," I say.

"No, you owe me 400j."

LOL.

I still had to return the scooter and finish preparing my submarine sandwiches for the ride to Sangster. Plus, there was one more ride down the hill and through the strip to Elvis to return the scooter, and my plan was for Clives to follow me or meet me at White Sands, cause we were slated to pick up up Brasi, too.

TICK TICK TICK ....

Here are some pics (top to bottom):

1, nice dog near Banton's (the dogs are nicer in Negrl than USA, agree?)

2, Booby Cay Island

3, Bentley cooks

With Clives set to pick up me and Suzie Q in just a few minutes, I said my goodbyes (tough to do, god how I love Seastar Inn) and left my bags in Suzie Q's caring hands. She agreed to have Clives meet me at White Sands where Brasi was, so that gave me one LAST chance to race down the hill in my scooter to return it.

I don't ride motorcyles, so the scooter is a special experience for me in Negril, a big part of my vacation. I dream about riding 'em when I'm back home. I have loose plans to return, maybe in July, maybe in December, but nothing is for sure. Every year, a little more responsibility gets laid upon us -- it's called being an adult -- and I never, never, never know if this Negril trip will be my last, at least for a LONG time.

I savored the moment. I cruised along. I yelled "hey rasta" to all the familiar faces along the way, and by now there are a lot of them.

I returned the scooter hassle-free (what could he do? the bike was in perfect condition, and he had no deposit), and kudos to Elvis for not trying to con me about damage to the tire rims or something like that, as other scooter places have done in the past. This guy was honest, 100 percent. He even hitched a ride on the back for me to go to White Sands to save a cab fare.

At White Sands, Brasi was waiting in the front. It was nice to see him again. We have a good history together, this being our second trip in which we both arrived and departed on the same day.

We recounted some of our adventures and misadventures one last time. Oddly, both of us were actually eager to return home, though we both had a great time in Negril. Call it homesickness or just being a dad, but the USA was calling both of us. Eleven nights is just enough.

When the Clives van pulled up, thank god Suzie Q had come through, as my bags were safely in back. And a surprise bonus: Sweetness was coming too! She had cut her trip short and had surprised us. I knew it was going to be a fun ride back.

Here's some video of the bar crawl:

http://youtu.be/n0cKnR9w84A

Here are some pics (top to bottom):

1, Kevin at Catcha in action

2, Hey Tiz got a light?

3, The eyes have it ....

Gerry, how did I miss the comatose'd moment? LOL

I've been saving that pic ....

oh my -- brave of you to share that photo--looking like a cross between a messed up Jack Nicholson in The Shining and someone who needs to pass out, pronto. If I saw you coming towards me on the street, I would cross to the other side. Jodi looks beautiful as ever though.

This was right before I was put to bed on the night Luciano played. So sad, I do not remember much of the show. Hey Chris, we need to book Luciano again. New Years would be a great time. I promise I'll remember this time.....

Attachment 14590

I still have a firm grip on my beer though, so I still had a little left in me.

LOL!!!!!!!!

Boogs and Gerryg have you seen that you have both made it onto the newly redesigned SeaStar Inn website......no better folks to represent the place LOL
Jon and Ninja made it too......go check it out :)

Yeah I saw that. LOL

Though there was a big part of all us that was sad to leave, the ride home was a laugh a minute. Besides recounting the week, we talked about our real lives and all the things waiting for us upon our return -- the good, the bad, the ugly.

It was a beautiful day, perfect weather. We made our way through Green Island, Lucea, all the way to Sangster airport.

This trip was quite an adventure because there was so much energy in the air with so many boardies meeting, all in one place, all at one time. It was special to connect faces to the names (or pen names) and to share our love for Negril with others with whom we have so much in common.

Never did a Negril trip feel like this. It was like I felt more WHOLE than ever before upon my return to the airport -- a sense of satisfaction and fullfillment that never existed before. Boy, we had some fun.

Then I got to the airport, and a new misadventure happened ....

Kevin: "Where's my Mic!!"

Me: "Where's my Pall Malls....Wheres my lighter!!" (real ? is where are those bikini bottoms, they did not make it back" LOL

GerryG: "MY EYES....Where are my eyes!!!!!"

That pic is the best to date Gerry! HAHAHAHAHA

Lmao

The lighting is not so great, but here is a little snippet video with Banton:

http://youtu.be/xryTxLWl_ws

I had mentioned in an earlier post that my flight was delayed five hours, forcing me to change flights at the last moment (thank god I had cell and called the USA 800 number instead of waiting forever on line), but I did not divulge all the details about what was at stake.

I am in law school, and I had maximized my absences to make the trip -- THEIR spring break did not coincide with MY spring break, lol -- so had I missed that coming Monday at school, I would have FLUNKED the semester with no recourse, and that would have messed up my student loan and everything else. I HAD to make it back to Los Angeles that night.

Good news, by finding another flight and being delayed just two hours, I would not only make it back, as things turned out, but I got a chance to check out MOBAY VIP club -- wow that place is nice. I even took a shower there, and I LOVE showers.

And while I was glad to be heading back, there was also a big part of me that had a tough time saying goodbye to Negril. Jamaica is such a magical place. It's on my mind constantly.

Cutting to real time, it's been three weeks since I've returned. I still dream of Jamaica every night. Am I the only one who often dreams of Jamaica while in North America????

Hi Gerry! I can so relate to those feelings. It's hard to shake the memories of a wonderful trip even after being home for several weeks. And, you certainly had a ton of amazing adventures in Negril to replay in your head! Just focus on your next trip to get you through!
By any chance, do you happen to go to UCLA law school? One of my best friends is in his 3rd year there. :-)

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Originally Posted by Eden

By any chance, do you happen to go to UCLA law school? One of my best friends is in his 3rd year there. :-)

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Nah, my law school is based in the Cayman Islands where USA officials can't track them down, lol (jk)

Here are some more pics (top to bottom):

1, By popular demand, more Tizzy

2, Nice family, nice smiles

3, Brasi is action

Brasi you looked smashing dahling!!!

Here's some more pics (top to bottom):

1, Nice day at the beach

2, Natisha, great service at Chicken Lavish

3, Marley and Ninja havin' their cake and drinking it, too

4, Devon, a good cabbie hangin' at Ricks

5, Treehouse, a great beach hotel with good food!

AWESOME gerry ...... just catching up! ....you were so awesome at the flop! what a sport!!!!!! You have some awesome pictures!

A few things I left out:

1, It's all good between me and Gas. No, I did not rent a scooter from him again, but I beeped and waved to him throughout the week. The first few times, Gasford waved for me to come say hello, but I never stopped -- wanted to drive him crazy a bit, lol.

2, Roadside Jerk chicken update -- I didn't eat as much chicken this time around, but it was nice to see SLICE TO THE BONE was back in his usual spot in front of Ricks. He is a bit sporadic, some reaches he is there and others he is not, but the guy cooks a mean chicken. It's almost ironic that such as organic, home-style recipe as jerk chicken is best served at the biggest tourist spot! I also was glad to see Winston still operating on seven-mile, along with a few others .... Best food ever.

3, Digicel prices -- Went in with Brasi the first day to Digicel. Shayne picked us up and Brasi wanted his own phone this time, plus I re-upped minutes. I think for the phone and minutes was close to $60 -- same as mine three reaches ago ..... I hear if you go to Sav you can get a better deal, but of course that involves going to Sav, which is kind of a long trip .... Also, towards the end of my stay, I accidentally jumped into the pool at Seastar Inn with the phone in my pocket -- and I had not consumed a single sub sandwich, oddly enough, just my usual absent-minded, Mr. Magoo self.

4, I met a few really intriguing ex pats, and all of them seemed really happy and really at peace. I can only imagine the incredible life it would be to live in Negril, but alas I had a bit too much going on in real life back in USA. But I can dream, can't I? It's a very special community, seven mile beach and the West End cliffs, and overall I've never met so many nice people, locals and expats alike, and that's the biggest reason of all of why I love Jamaica.

Love your pics and report, that last one of you cracked me up! That very last pic you just posted..where was that taken at?