trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy kaycee!!!! Glad to know you are tagging along. And to me, the best compliment I can receive for my report is for it to be compared to something as sweet and yummy as Talenti Gelato!! Thanks soooo much and PLEASE stick around…smile

I really appreciate your words Patricia. My “treat” is to receive comments like yours. Not going to lie, it does feel good to know people are enjoying the report. Anyway, I’m uploading videos and finding the process is more painful than I thought, but I won’t give up because many compliment the stories. Plus give folks something to look at when they get bored with my words.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0471.jpg

I was outside taking pictures when O’Neil shows up to ask if I wanted to do a few trips with him until it’s time to go to the festival. Sure. Well, I thought I did until I got in the car and realized that riding up and down the road isn’t as interesting as it used to be. Oh I love to ride, but looking at different scenery takes my mind off the conversations in the car which sometimes can be difficult to follow.

After two trips I was ready to get out and head to the festival.

“What time do you want me to come for you?”
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll grab a taxi. “

The festival almost didn’t happen due to the Folly Point grounds being the temporary holding place for construction materials. Mountains of dirt along with industrial equipment share the resting place of the Folly ruins. Plenty dust is generated by the huge dump trucks driven by very muscular, full-bodied men wearing hard hats and tight shirts…oooooweeeeee.

So it was moved to the Boston field, its original location.

Tropical Lagoon Boston Jerk Music Festival

A first for the festival was an area business being a main sponsor, Tropical Lagoon whose support was respectfully acknowledged at the event.

The festival kicked off at 11:00 with a closing time of 8:00. Yeah an early night. I got there just as the Spiritual segment was ending around 3:30. The weather was perfect. Sunshine and cool breeze made being outside comfortable. Not hot at all considering it is July.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0475.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0476.jpg

Before settling in a spot just for me, I made a b-line to the cook tent and purchased an incredible jerk chicken meal. I was so glad they asked my preferred pieces, “Dark meat please.” Don’t remember the vendor but it was the best jerk chicken I had that visit.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0479.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0480.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0498.jpg

For obvious reasons, the turnout wasn’t as much as in past years, but still, the crowd was a nice one.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0483.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0484.jpg

The main backing band, Riddim 2000, is from Portland (cheers!) Band #2 was Fab Five. Both did an excellent job. Oh and the sound system was the best I’ve heard out of all three festivals I attended. Some of the performers: George Nooks, Gem Myers, Nesbeth, Admiral Tibet and Bushman.

Gem Myers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPqtJLADELc

George Nooks

http://youtu.be/VmWAAVL0go4

Enjoying your report Vi. I think I may have confused you in an earlier post. The fellow I talked about at Boston beach wasnt a cook, he was a lifeguard/ surf instructor, perhaps employed by the great huts? He basically hung around the beach area, always had a smile on.

Oh yes, sorry I resonded wrong sandman. Thanks for clarifying your reference. glad you are still enjoying the report.

His performance was excellent, however the video of it is not. so won't be posting that...

Hezron Clarke

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/IMG_0557.jpg

Bushman

http://youtu.be/NTivVWpjn-s

ADMIRAL TIBET...lawdemerceeeeeeeee as soon as that man hit the stage my eyes locked in on him and never let go!! The man’s body is a living woman’s dream. Now my preference is for a thick body man. Oh yes, I need plenty of “playground”. HOWEVER the glow of his skin, the contour of his muscles and that shirt slid over his chest had me reconsidering….hmmm my my my. I took four videos of Admiral Tibet and in all four I couldn’t keep the camera focused on either his face or entire body. I kept zooming in on that incredible mid-section. What’s also hard to ignore is the man’s age, he’s 54. No not old, but rare to see men his age so lusciously tight. I wanted to meet him. Take him out to dinner and hopefully breakfast..wink..

http://youtu.be/yM4wt3kj7bw

Much respect and thanks to Tropical Lagoon, the performers, musicians, stage persons, organizers, sponsors, chefs, security, vendors and attendees who made the festival a success. I had a great time.

The Jerk Festival looked like it was fun! Good videos too, I prefer reggae over dancehall any day.

I'm loving it, please don't stop. You're awesome vi!

I wanted to meet him. Take him out to dinner and hopefully breakfast..wink..

Well, did you?

Love your trip reports, Vi. Always thankful!

Kaycee, the festival was very nice. Not like the previous ones I attended, but there were many obstacles the community had to deal with in order to pull this off. The road construction being the main issue. But I was delighted to hear it was on and even happier to see the turn out because the ticket price was higher. I take dancehall in doses but I stream lover's rock and roots & culture non stop.

TAH!!! LOL, I’m not that courageous…not alone anyway. If I had one of my girls with me then I would have drug her along just until I met him. So glad you are enjoying the report and I appreciate the shouts!

Thank you so much Maryann. Please stick around as there is so much more. Still uploading videos and sorting pictures…you know stuff that should have been in order BEFORE I started the report. Forgive me!

love the videos! thanks for going through the trouble...yeah the Admiral's body is on FIYA !

Hezron Clarke...heart be still:o

Nice! Is there live music in PA often? That's the main reason I go to JA.

Vi, Honey really enjoyed catching up on your report...yes Admiral has a great body for 54 and he has a nice signing voice as well...should have been there for support. Lol. Next time! Enjoying your pictures and vid's. Helping me get thru a root canal treatment :(

Sammy, I tell you, I don’t know. It could have been the rum, but I found him to be attractive from head to toe. I like his eyes…doesn’t he have pretty eyes..lol Hezron Clarke was working the stage as well. Let me see if I can salvage some HC footage for ya.

No Goldilocks, not even close the amount of live entertainment in Negril. And I’m sure Sammy will attest that you do miss it if you truly enjoy live shows. That’s why I search for the music and parties. It’s the next best thing.

Root Canal?!?!? Poor baby! Sparkle, I bet if you had a ticket to Jamaica you would be feeling no pain. The performers were actually mingling but I kept my distance. So yes, I could have used a little push from you to at least meet him. Oh well…I have the video and my imagination…LOL

What an awesome trip report and pictures!

Hi CJGirl. Thanks and glad you are tagging along.

7/7/14 Monday - day 4

Who needs an alarm when you know you will be waking up to a day like this.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0587.jpg

Breakfast today was the most delicious grilled cheese sandwich I’ve had in a long time. It definitely was the cheese and butter. I almost asked for a second one but filled up on the fresh papaya juice. I was satisfied.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0591.jpg

I remembered the pineapple so while I wait for O’Neil to come for me, I cut it up. The aroma of the sweet, tropical delight filled the air as I sliced and sliced. Couldn’t resist slipping small to medium size pieces in my mouth then suck the juice off my fingers. So good! Made me happy I paid the 350J for it. Put the bag of chunks in the fridge, cleaned up my mess then grabbed my gear.

O’Neil arrived to take me into town.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0639.jpg

First stop was the cambio. I went to a different cambio because the one I normally visit is on the second floor of a store and I didn’t want to be bothered with two flights of steps. I noticed above the cambio, in the corner is the Dekal Internet Cafe & Bistro. It’s on my list of places to try. Thought about going up after I finished taking care of business but remembered I didn’t want to be bothered with steps so I’ll save that for a day when I’m not feeling so lazy.

I had the nicest teller wait on me in that cambio. I’m used to slipping my money & passport in the well under the Plexiglas divider, straining to hear whatever the teller is saying to me, retrieving my exchange then leaving with a quick thank you. But this teller was very social which made me not regret trying someplace new.

“Count your money…count your money…count your money now before you left the window.”

I did as told and it was all there.

Digicel store was next. I could tell the wait was going to be a long one. Boy did I hate being in that store. The AC was nice, but I don’t enjoy standing in lines no matter how comfortable the place is or the reason. Thank goodness I had my music and a decent set of ear buds. Twenty-two minutes later it’s finally my turn. I want to purchase your cheapest phone. The associate left the counter, went to the back and came back with a little black box. It didn’t matter what the thing looked like I’ll take it so I could leave that store. He showed it to me. I said it’s fine…I’ll take it.

Another 17 minutes later I walk out with a new phone. Once I got to the car and gave it a good look, I really liked it. Called momz immediately so she’ll have the new number. Went to voice mail but left the details.

Next was the market area to see Suzie and get my supply of movies. I remembered to bring the portable dvd player this time so I’m going to load up. She was there and so were her very active 6 year old daughter and the new baby girl who is absolutely adorable. Sat and chatted while I looked through her inventory. Didn’t see much that interested me so I only bought five instead of ten. Told her I would return later.

“Yes mon. come around…come back on Wednesday. I will have new movies on Wednesday.”

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013065.jpg

I spy a vegetable stand not too far from Suzie so I go take a look. NICE freshness me see. She had plenty of cucumbers and everything else. I usually buy from different vendors but her produce looked the freshest plus she had everything I wanted.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013058.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013061.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013060.jpg

It’s past lunch so we go seeking soup.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0594.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0641.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013073.jpg

Sweet Portland

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by *vi*

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013073.jpg

---

Vi- Dekal is where we got our morning coffee almost every day. There doesn't seem to be alot of options around PA.

Sigh...yes she is Sammy, yes she is...

Sandman, the bistro looks impressive but I never got to check it out. You are right, unless you brew coffee in your room, there aren't many places that serve breakfast so the options are limited.

He had to pull to the side and walk to Zilla for the soup because the road leading to the restaurant is blocked. That was fine with me because the street is narrow, sandwiched between a wall of overgrown brush and buildings. No breeze makes it through that lane at any time it seems. Besides, I get to watch the construction workers sweat.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0596.jpg

I look up to see a couple casually stroll pass the car. Both had hair that hung inches above their waists and that’s what caught my attention…the black and grey blended evenly in his thick locks while her beautiful tress was a mixture of blonde and grey. Hand in hand they stepped in sync making their way along the construction battered pavement. Their obvious devotion to each other was something developed over time and to be respected.

I’ve seen lots of hand holding couples in Jamaica. Love is everywhere here. But these two appeared to be as spiritually harmonized as they were physically different. Watching them was like seeing mobilized beauty passing through the dust, racket, traffic and chaos of down town construction.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013754.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013758.jpg

Another quick stop for a cold beverage. I wanted plum juice. Only had it once and it seems I’m always here when the fruit is out of season. I think it’s a winter fruit. But I always ask just the same. No plum juice. Settled for water, too early for a red stripe. Huh??? Did I just admit that??????

This photo is a reminder to me of how a typical breathtaking view can be seen at a glance almost daily somewhere in Jamaica.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0599.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0612.jpg

We sat across from the cricket field to eat. Another serene spot where I will never miss spending time at. I remember thinking that the soup was adequate, not flavorful at all, and how I would like to find a new soup vendor.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0604.jpg

Decided to go to folly field to finish eating because a couple of dogs sat too close to the car. I like to keep the door open to catch the breeze, but was afraid one of the dogs would jump in the car and cause me to literally kick out the windshield in order to get out. O’Neil said that would never happen, the dogs jumping in the car, but I didn’t believe him so asked that we move. Bought ginups from a guy as we were leaving. They looked fine, but were tart. I love the fruit with the strange texture so was determined to find nice ripe sweet ones before I left the island.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0605.jpg

Once we got to the field, I forgot about the bland soup and tart ginups. Had to get out and wander around. Enjoy the awesome breeze and view.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0616.jpg

The frame of the mansion is still standing. Doesn’t look any different from the last time I was up here which was over a year ago. But what I do find more surprising is plenty of people come up here to sit and chill or do other “things” yet, the grounds are never littered with trash or the lawn not kept cut. Although remote, I never feel unsafe here. Shows how much attention the folly grounds get from the city. That will keep me coming back again and again.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0617.jpg

“Do you want to go inside to take new pictures?” O’Neil asks.
“NO THANKS, once was enough.”

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0623.jpg

This is why the festival couldn’t be held here…

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0628.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0629.jpg

I go to the car to finish the soup. Wasn’t feeling it, but didn’t want to waste it.

“Vi?”
“Yeah?”
“Your old phone. The one that nuh work. What are you going to do with it?”
“I guess throw it away. Why???!”
“I want it.”
“You can get it to work?”
“Yep, I think I can. If I can’t I know a guy who can fix any phone.”
“Wait, you let me spend money on a phone when that one could have been fixed?”
“I thought you wanted a upgrade.”
“Why would you think that when I only use it here?”
“Can I have it?”
“No, I’m positive it’s not going to work for you either.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m going to smash it with a rock.”

…I know, I can be so mean…

We leave and go back into town so he can pick up a few passengers. After one trip I went back to the room to make a few calls to check in with momz and check up on the kid…the one who has my car…lol

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...4/IMG_0648.jpg

I loled.

Lol! About the phone! :)


Your pics are beautiful...postcard perfect.

DWL regarding the phone!

Folly is something special.....................

A Vi trip report. Lovinnnnnng it, have been waiting. The pictures are to die for.;) :cool:

Hi TAH! Thanks kaycee. MANY more pictures on the way. Sammy, I appreciate how the vibe of these special places never change.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Summer

A Vi trip report. Lovinnnnnng it, have been waiting. The pictures are to die for.;) :cool:

---

SUMMER!! I was wondering when you were going to show up. Glad you are enjoying the pictures...hope you like this one!!

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/IMG_0767.jpg

7/8/14 Tuesday - day 5

The collection of fruit is building. Ginups, apples and mangos in the bowl. Pineapple slices and limes in the fridge. The aroma from the apples was winning my attention. Jamaican apples are as boldly aromatic as the sight of their rich burgundy hue. The fragrance is more floral than fruity. The inside is pure white and sweet. Mine were small but packed with flavor. I had half of one before my breakfast arrived.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/IMG_0674.jpg

Today’s breakfast…saltfish, fried banana, boiled banana, toast, tomato and mango juice. I was concerned the salfish would cause me to swell. Particularly my feet. To my surprise it didn’t. The fried banana was different. Was expecting it to be sweet like plaintains but now I realize the cooking process must take most of the banana flavor away. Still the way Mrs. Scott lightly salted the slices made them tasty. Yeah, like banana chips.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/IMG_0679.jpg

BEACH DAY!

Winnifred Breeze is within walking distance of Winnifred Beach. I’m not ready for that yet so O’Neil drove me down.

aaaahhhhhh what a sight...

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/IMG_0684.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/IMG_0693.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/IMG_0742.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/IMG_0694.jpg

When I was there in October, my heart broke when I saw the condition of my favorite beverage stand on the beach. I-Cliff wasn’t there so I couldn’t ask questions. Not knowing whether it was being rebuilt or dismantled left me feeling sad assuming it had been abandoned.

This was how it looked in October 2013.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013440.jpg

Eventually a man approached me as I sat on the bench where the intimate bamboo structure once stood. He told me I-Cliff was rebuilding the stand. It was about to collapse so he’s taking his time fixing it proper. I was relieved to hear that, but would have liked to have heard it from I-Cliff.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013441.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013444.jpg

The Folly looks like a cool place to explore, I love old stuff!