Gerry G's TRAIL OF ASHES TOUR Final Chapter -- The Mighty Californian's return

Gerry. Do you man "African"? If so. I am very familiar.

No AfriCA .... big tall young guy with friendly disposition.

Ok. Because the other asked if I knew who you were.

Friday, Jan. 10. My last full day in Negril. I shook off the depression the best way I know how – with a big plate of left-over pasta with lobsters tails for breakfast. I went to Seasplash to meet Vincent, and we had a great morning pon the ocean. A couple from Tingilayas way up on the Cliffs had come along with us, and they said they loved it up there with a very private cottage and a private chef.

Never set foot on the grounds myself but always wanted to. Snorkeling is a good way to meet peeps and find out about where they stay and if it’s a good place or not.

I went to Ahh Bees again, and this time it was a long wait. Ahh Bee wasn’t there, the server said he was "taking a shower." I asked if they could cook without him, and she said ya mon, but now that I look back I think she lied to me and simply waited for Ahh Bee to come back to begin preparing my meal. I waited for more than hour to finally be served.

In the meantime, I had my scissors and my stack of Red Lion, and I went to work.

I met fellow boardies from Canada (where else?) who recognized me. At one point, the two hottest Jamaica ladies I had ever seen in my life walked in with a tourist or expat, not certain, but they were exceptionally beautiful, that’s for sure.

Then a fresh-dressed local showed up on a motorcycle with a two-year daughter on his lap – something you would never see in USA but common on the island. He asked if I wanted hash, and I said no, but he still tossed a big ball of it on my table, hoping I would have a change of heart. I saw Negril Bill again. He lives a couple of doors down from Sharks next door. Back at Seastar Inn, I had ice cream, then went down the hill to visit Marko for a bit, then back to Seastar Inn for a swim.

Gerry, you could do an entire montage of all the Gerry123, ya mon, ya mon, ya mon videos and have quite the Negril promo. Love all of these and having a blast keeping up with your trip!

Here is another video, this one is from Ahh Bees. He didn't have any buns, so sandwich bread is used, but for the other visits, he had buns:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjcWgc8-gCw

I can’t stand unnecessary waiting. It drives me crazy. I’m always on time, usually a few minutes early, and in Negril everything takes too long, and the whole scenario messes with my zen. When I go to restaurants, I call ahead like I’m gonna do a takeout, then I arrive and say I will eat it here after all. I just see no reason to sit on a plastic chair for an hour to wait for a pizza.

Maybe I need a vacation or something?

So that’s what I did at Sunrise. Ahh Bees had promised me it was the place for a real Italian-style pizza. I had never set foot in the joint – I rarely do the morass side for anything if I can help it – but with the eagerness of a young bird ready for flight, I gave it my best shot in my everlasting journey to find pizza in Jamaica as good as the pies served in big cities in America like New York, Los Angeles and, dare I even think it, Chicago.

The other problem is getting enough water. I like to drink five or six glasses of water, one after the other, when I dine. If you do the math, that’s one cup every seven minutes or so for a 40 minute dining experience, maybe more if the it’s a small glass. In the USA, especially at nice restaurants, they understand this. At Sandals, if I recall, they understand this. On seven-mile beach, and on the Cliffs, they don’t understand this. And I feel like such a pest asking and asking and asking for more water, and I am sure if I requested a pitcher, they would like at me like I am from Mars.

Plus, I hate being ignored for more than five minutes once I first sit down. I need something – a menu, a water, a “be right with ya.” Several times during this particularly reach, I visited an establishment – me, gerryg123, king of the 100k reports – and went unnoticed for 15 minutes or so and just bailed. This happened at Whoopies and LTU and a few other places. I would rather not publicly complain on this forum, but I feel like it’s my obligation to do so to put all the “ya-mon-this-is-great” stuff in perspective.

Oh, I am not a fool. If there are a lot of people around, I understand I have to wait my turn. But if I ask a server for a drink and she first spends five minutes returning to continue stacking the knives and forks in perfect order, that’s not OK with me.

I’m not boorish, and perhaps not even over-demanding, but I do prefer excellent service.

Not that Sunrise Club was guilty of all this – just the water part – but we’re getting to the end of the report, so I thought I would put it out there.

Also, my loyalty to Famous Vincent is unquestioned. But of the 10 times or so that we met at Seasplash for snorkeling, he left me waiting an average of 30 minutes; that’s five hours of vacation time I could have been doing something else.

So like I said, and maybe it’s a character defect and something I need to work on, but I do NOT like waiting for people when I’m the one spending money and they’re the ones profiting.

OK, rant over. The Sunrise pizza was very good, but not good enough. The cheese and sauce is OK, but something about the crust. Even if they make it homemade in Jamaica, and even if they use similar fire ovens to the ones in the USA, it just doesn’t come out super perfect. I like pizza that is a 10 out of 10. Jamaica can only do eight out of ten. And the best is Angelas, though again, it’s not perfect cause the crust is too thin, plus it’s nearly the double the price of other places (Sunrise was only ten dollars, what a deal!).

i agree with you about sunrise pizza . . . angela's wins big time even though it's double the price!!! next time, have a margarita made by garry, it's fabulous!! i had other food at sunrise that did not measure up. the only edible thing was focaccia (sp?) bread, it was excellent!! . . . glad you are keeping it real . . .

the callaloo jerk chicken pizza at Ciao wins - hands down!

Angela's has the best pie I have come across in Negril. I prefer the thin crust actually. Seastar had a good pie last year, however something has changed as it sucked the last two times I ordered it.

Honestly, the best I have had is Chances. It's not typical american style pizza, but it just tastes good.

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

Oh, I am not a fool. If there are a lot of people around, I understand I have to wait my turn. But if I ask a server for a drink and she first spends five minutes returning to continue stacking the knives and forks in perfect order, that’s not OK with me.

I’m not boorish, and perhaps not even over-demanding, but I do prefer excellent service.

Not that Sunrise Club was guilty of all this – just the water part – but we’re getting to the end of the report, so I thought I would put it out there.

Also, my loyalty to Famous Vincent is unquestioned. But of the 10 times or so that we met at Seasplash for snorkeling, he left me waiting an average of 30 minutes; that’s five hours of vacation time I could have been doing something else.

So like I said, and maybe it’s a character defect and something I need to work on, but I do NOT like waiting for people when I’m the one spending money and they’re the ones profiting.

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Thanks for your honesty. It also drives me nuts at times, the customer service thing......tired of hearing, "oh it's Jamaican time" or some such thing, heck I've said it myself.

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

. But of the 10 times or so that we met at Seasplash for snorkeling, he left me waiting an average of 30 minutes; that’s five hours of vacation time I could have been doing something else.

So like I said, and maybe it’s a character defect and something I need to work on, but I do NOT like waiting for people when I’m the one spending money and they’re the ones profiting.

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Gerry, Google type A personality or "TABBER", it's not a defect in your personality, rather it's just the way some people roll. Jamaica is not the best place for overly time sensitive people unless they puff puff or drink. BTW, I'm the same way....my GF informs wait people that we need a whole pitcher of water....when the water or drinks stop flowing it not a good thing if someone is wanting a tip/repeat business.....

I know this will come off as snarky but you don't go to Maine or Newfoundland and expect the best steak you've ever had. You also don't go to Dallas for Atlantic lobster. I've followed these reports and I see some Jamaican food which is what I'd stick to while in Jamaica. (Again, I'm sorry that this might come off as impolite; I don't mean it to be) The best pizza I ever had in Jamaica was when Negril was young, maybe 30 or so years ago. There was a shack on the beach (pretty much every place was a shack back then) called Captain Ray and Opals. They served up what I always thought of as a Jamaican pizza. The dough (and crust of course), was similar to dumplins. It was almost like it was Bisquick, not anywhere close to Neapolitan, NY, or Chicago style crust. There was no sauce. The cheese was Jamaican tin cheese, the only kind I ever saw in those days. It was topped with fresh tomato, fresh mushroom, fresh scallion, fresh green pepper, and some seeded fresh Scotch Bonnet pepper. It was delicious.

Instead of doing poor copies of American foods, do Jamaican versions. Most Jamaicans lack initiative. I'm eating Callaloo in a restaurant owned by a Jamaican/British/Indian family. I ask if they ate Saag Paneer back in Britain (it's spinach and yogurt cheese)/ "Oh yes, we love it". I said why don't you make it here with Callaloo? Oh no she said, "it's made with spinach". That in a nutshell is what is wrong with Jamaica. We were leaving immigration a few years ago and passed into the taxi/resort ride area. My wife said that she forgot her suitcase just as we passed the door not 5 feet away from the "No items To Declare" kiosk. The guard could not let her get her bag. We said it's right there, with ID tags on it and you saw us leave. She was not empowered to let us stretch 4 feet back inside; she needed a supervisors OK. I attribute it to Jamaica being a colony where I'm sure no one questioned the status quo.

As far as waiting, well it's something I expect. I would never go out to eat when I was hungry. I'd get too angry. I found that Jamaica has a certain pace and that pace is relaxed.

I don't understand why anyone would want to do blow in Jamaica. It's so anti-laid back.

I found that it's best to go out at certain times like noon or 6, ignore the menu, ask what they have available today, order, and then have adult beverages until the food arrives. You're not in America, don't expect American service. peace :rolleyes:

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At the Seastar Inn bar

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Locals hangin' in front of Pee Wees

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The only sad thing about Sunsets in Negril is one day closer to going home

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At Tedds

Sweet t's!

He needs bumper stickers "I survived Tedd's Shroom Shack"

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Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

Honestly, the best I have had is Chances. It's not typical american style pizza, but it just tastes good.

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We have not had Angela's but have had Chances many times. Their crust is excellent IMO. We have never been disappointed and their prices are fair.

Soon come can't come soon enough!

I hear ya about the "wait time"....I always have my own bottle of water with me so I don't have to worry about being parched or having a coughing fit with nothing to drink. Sometimes I get the stink eye for bringing my own water into a bar or restaurant, but I always order a bottle of water or soda & quit drinking what I brought when I get served.

Kevin from Norway and some Seastar yardies were all headed to LTU when we split off, with me going to Sunrise, so upon my return, instead of making a left onto Seastar Lane, I kept going a few more yards to LTU.

Turns out, the crew had already finished, but my British scuba friend, the one I'd seen just about every night at dusk at Catcha, happened to be at LTU, so we hung for a bit and talked about dolphins.

Back at Seastar Inn, I partied hard with Brent from Canada but not for too long because I needed a good night sleep. I was leaving the next day, but not until 4 p.m., anbd my M.O. on my bon voyage day is to always wake up early to not waste any daylight.

This was my 12th day away from home, and that's about as long as I can handle being apart from my two young daughters. I go to Negril a few times a year, and it's always the same, the way I miss them. Though I'm divorced, I am incredibly devoted to them, and I treat them like princesses.

The mom not so much. She always guilt-trips the sheet out of me when I get home, and there is always a tax to pay for my indulgences, but by now I've learned it's all part of the gig.

There is a different dynamic to taking a vacation by yourself, one that's hard to put into words. Certainly it's more spiritually uplifting in a lot of ways, compared to going with a lover or a friend. You do a lot of thinking when you're 4,000 miles away from home, and a lot of NOT THINKING, too; an interesting dynamic.

For those who have never been on a vacation by themselves, I highly recommend it. More than just learning about yourself and refreshing yourself and seeing how you can push your limits, there is a rebirth of sorts.

Never, ever, ever have I returned from Jamaica the same person as I had arrived. The island does something special, not to just TO me but FOR me. Most people in the world, even millionaires, would not dare spend $3,000-plus on themselves with nothing tangible to show for it except for maybe a few rasta necklaces, but for me it's more than worth it. Of all the things I've spent money on -- and believe me, I've had some wild ups and downs through the years -- going to Negril is the most satisfying purchase I've ever made.

By far.

Expressing how great it can be to travel to Negril solo, is some of your best writing!!!

"The island does something special, not to just TO me but FOR me. Most people in the world, even millionaires, would not dare spend $3,000-plus on themselves with nothing tangible to show for it except for maybe a few rasta necklaces, but for me it's more than worth it."

So true my brother, so true!!! April can not come soon enough!:cool:

Gerry takes the best inadvertent pics of subs in Jamaica ever!! "

Thanks for the pic of the "Locals hangin' in front of Pee Wees". We will be at Blue Cave in 10 days so now I know who I'm dealing with on the road. :) "No, No, No, Never". My answer to almost everything on the street.

At 21 I flew to Jamaica solo for a 2 week stay. First time away. Ended up staying a year. Best year of life. Had a great time, got in over my head sometimes, learned some hard lessons, went hungry a day or two, saw things not many people my age get a chance to, and lived life to the fullest and in excess sometimes. LOL Really grew up that trip!

I was at home recuperating from a root canal this afternoon and read your whole report. I tend to immerse myself totally in a country before I travel there. This board and your posts has made me even more impatient for this vacation. Im new to Negril but have been to Puerto Vallarta often. People often ask why I keep going back to the same place...it becomes part of who you are. I am excited to see what Negril will do to me....I plan on taking it all in and a piece if it back with me when I go home. My girlfriend lives here but is from Jamaica. She always says I'm an island girl.... I am pretty sure I'm not meant to spend my life on the cold Prairies...at least not the winters!

OK, same sun, different day. He's another sunset video at Catcha Falling Star:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIpbZ_NWKkA

awesome report as always bub

Oh my god, is today really my last day?

I had made arrangements to meet Vincent even earlier than usual, and at just past 7 a.m. we were the only ones on the ocean. He brought a local spear-fishing friend who really knew what he was doing, and together we jumped in the ocean.

On almost every trip, I've suffered a little injury, and this time I had gone the whole without any issues until a little fish caught me with his fin and punctured a little hole in my finger.

I good see the blood oozing out under water, but there was no way I was getting out. I love it down there so much that nothing like this was going to stop me -- though of course there is that sinking feeling in the back of your head about JAWS.

I had gone to great pains to prepare for this trip, including a packing list that I studied for days before getting on a plate, but the one thing I had forgot was bandaids. I had to go to three places to find one on the way back, as blood dripped onto the handle bars of my scooter, but I managed. It was kind of fun walking into stores bleeding -- the one time no one asked me for anything.

A few more pics:

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Seastar Inn baby

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Octopus needs to get a grip

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Oh Negril, how I don't want to say goodbye

I still had time for a little breakfast at the Seastar Inn, then I hung for a bit on my porch with the dog, Boy. I paid one of the maids to fold up all my clothes for me and pack everything away, imploring her -- of course -- to check all the pockets. She said OK but her attention to detail just wasn't good enough. The third pair of pants she folded, I checked them, and sure enough there were a couple of Jamaican bills in one of the pockets, so now I was worried about maybe something more serious being packed by mistake.

Garrett showed up, and I tipped him, too. He deserved it. He's been a good friend, especially on this trip. He suggested that maybe I could head out with Percy, who was making a run to Montego Bay with Kevin from Norway, who wanted to pick up his Jamaican girlfriend who happens to work at the airport. But the timing just didn't work with Percy, and plus I had Clives coming.

Marko was still coming to visit soon to say goodbye and to collect his phone, plus all the things I didn't to bring home with me like the scissors and leftovers (a substantial amount), I was giving to him.

Here are three more photos:

Attachment 33307

Half Moon Beach

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Nice day on the ocean


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A little rain on the main drag

Awww.... the Seastar baby is adorable!

My last-day tradition always includes one last ride on the scooter. I turned left and headed up the hill, breezing past Ricks Cafe and Out of Town Pastry, then veering right up the back road, past Moondance Cliffs and Bantons, making a sharp left near the abandoned church and meandering all the way to Westender Inn.

The trek is by far the funnest ride you can do in Negril. There are rarely any other vehicles, and the sights and sounds are just spectacular. You feel like you're in a dream.

I had one last sit-down at the bar, still morning, so I ordered a bottle of water and just kind of took it all in. As I've said, I feel more at home every time I visiit the island, especially so the last few reaches. And thus, it hurts a little more each time to leave. Oh how I wish I could live in Negril forever. I just feel so alive here.

But alas, reality beckons. I do have a life back in Los Angeles, and I have two little ones that need my attention -- and vice-versa. I am never quite whole without my two young daughters, and it's always going to be that way. They are everything to me, and when we're together nothing makes me more happy than meeting all their little requests like going to 7-11 and playing in the park and feeding the ducks and going to the store to buy all there favorite foods and little toys or just sitting around watching TV, knowing they're within a few feet of me.

I'm happy to be divorced, but not being with my daughters for every moment of their lives just kills me. I know they're not going to be this young forever -- I still call them babies on nearly every reference even though they're in elementary school -- and they're on my mind a lot in Negril no matter how hard I try to pleasure all my senses.

I got back on the scooter knowing I would be handing over the keys soon. It was a long ride back.

Hey Gerry ~ where is the second picture taken above? Looking at what property?

Gerry are your girls twins?

Gerry, did you ever consider bringing your daughters to Jamaica? I was staying at Time 'N Place outside of Falmouth. The owner had sold land next door to a firm that wanted to build an A-I. They did and the first building started right at his property line which I thought was pretty rotten. Any way, it didn't bother the owner and he said I was free to go next door and explore as he was on very good terms with them. (This was over 12 years ago and this resort changed hands I'm told) It turned out that this A-I was to cater to families with children. Every room could get a nanny, there was a dance club for teens; an arcade room stocked with video games; an all ages pool, and an adults only pool. I chatted up a few people and everyone loved it. Now if you ever met me you know I call A-I's pretty prisons where people go but never learn anything about the country, it's culture, and the ways of the folks living there. That said, this family A-I sounded like one I could understand someone visiting. With a nanny you'd be free to go off bumming the area while your daughters would have someone special that they would never forget. If they liked it, you could always book a more family orientated resort in Negril. My sister, her husband, and their two sons rented a villa on the North Coast and in their 20's now, still call it their best vacation every. They learned cricket, played soccer and had a great time with kids their own age.

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Originally Posted by Jenn

Hey Gerry ~ where is the second picture taken above? Looking at what property?

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Hedo I think, just a quirkly angle.

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Originally Posted by Lady Jane

Gerry are your girls twins?

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No, they're two years apart.

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Originally Posted by MilwaukeeMike

Gerry, did you ever consider bringing your daughters to Jamaica?

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Yes, they've been three times. They like it just as much as I do, especially the RIU. They once stayed at Legends, too.

:) That's great!