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I wasn't as grumpy as I looked lol! Just hot, tired and wishing I could jump in but I didn't want to have wet clothes for the drive back.
It was a different experience but I'm glad we did it.
Don't fire Devon Vi! He apologized for not knowing the falls were closed. And he's really a likeable young man!😎
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CUTE dress, Maralunatic, and you don't look grumpy at all. That's what I love about Portland, the stunning scenery is dimensional. Seeing views in your pictures makes it look like a totally different place. Sorry about your fall and the climbing adventure, but I glad you had a good time just the same. Like I said, I want to check out that side of the falls, however I'm a little concerned about maintaining my balance. I'm also much heavier then you...do you think I could handle the hike?
lol...Okay, I'll hold on to Devon. I'm glad you felt comfortable riding with him. I'm tough on drivers and have no problem leaving them and their taxis at the curb if they do me wrong. But I'm extra tough if they wrong anyone I sent to them.
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Vi, I won't lie, there were a few times I was not comfortable on the climb. Trying to balance was not always easy, but I do know that we took a slightly easier route back, and water shoes are a must! So maybe there's a way that you're not always climbing around rocks.
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After leaving the falls, we were hungry so we headed to Boston to try the jerk.
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After hearing so much about the jerk sausage, I knew I had to try it and it was AMAZING! We make our own venison sausage at home, and I was trying to pick their brains how they made it, but those guys are pretty tight lipped! I'm going to have to experiment at home..NOM NOM NOM!
We never made it to the beach, but we did stop at Long Bay on the way back from the falls.
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Apparently Devon needed to work up his appetite, since he was running around the beach!
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Winnifred beach was next on our list, and we stopped there for a couple of hours on the way back. I really liked this beach...couple of funky little bars and a few people it had a great vibe.
You had a few vendors walking around, but they were very low key about it and seemed more interested in talking to you than selling stuff.
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Great pics and a good fun read, especially since I am sitting in Minneapolis , on April 8th, and it's snowing ......:(
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Jojo,
I'm sitting in west central MN, and it's still snowing here too! I'm ready to book my next trip because I'm not sure we'll get spring. Or that new season, sprinter!
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We decided to spend our next day just chilling at a beach, so we had Devon drop us off at Frenchman's Cove.
Looking at the scenery just on the walk in made me know that it was going to be beautiful!
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We rented a couple of loungers, grabbed some Red Stripes from the bar, and settled in.
The beach was pretty deserted and the sound of the waves could easily put you to sleep.
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Thanks for the great report Maralunatic! I have been following along and enjoying it! Portland is an amazing place! We only made it to Negril this year, which is always great :cool-new: Hopefully our next trip will be a bit longer and we'll have time for Portland again!
I am sitting is Wisconsin on April 9th and it's snowing :mad: Supposed to be almost 60 degrees later this week though!
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I'll be in beloved Negril in 10 days, hopefully, when I return it will be spring........ so I have to ask you Maranulanic, as lovely as Port Antonio seems to be, did you miss Negril madly ???? :)
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Thanks agregory for the lovely comments! I so feel your pain, and I think the high for us this week is only 40 degrees :eek:
Jojo While we loved PA, we did feel like we're cheating on Negril! So we decided to do a Negril trip in the fall to get our fix in. But I will go back to Port Antonio in a heartbeat. Mr. Lunatic kind of missed all the beach activity. Me, I can go either way. But we didn't even scratch the surface in PA, so we'll be back to do some more exploring.
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While we were chilling at the beach, a couple of vans pulled up and set up a covered tent and a whole bunch of people got out. Guys were running around, and girls were busy applying makeup and getting their hair done.
Mr. Lunatic went to grab a couple more beers, and I quizzed him when he came back about what was going on. In a typical fashion I got this.
"Hey, did you ask at the bar what all the commotion was about?"
"Yeah, some guy showed up to do some music video."
"Umm, is that his name, or did you actually find out?'
"Dunno, something man."
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"Was it Beenie Man?"
"Could have been, not sure."
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Yes, it was Beenie Man, and we got to watch them shoot a video. I have to say that it was kind of boring to watch, since they did things over and over. But definitely different to see on the beach.
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Re: A Tale of Two Seasons
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Maralunatic
While we were chilling at the beach, a couple of vans pulled up and set up a covered tent and a whole bunch of people got out. Guys were running around, and girls were busy applying makeup and getting their hair done.
Mr. Lunatic went to grab a couple more beers, and I quizzed him when he came back about what was going on. In a typical fashion I got this.
"Hey, did you ask at the bar what all the commotion was about?"
"Yeah, some guy showed up to do some music video."
"Umm, is that his name, or did you actually find out?'
"Dunno, something man."
LOL - "something man" - I can imagine my husband saying the same thing and me thinking the same thoughts as you :friendly_wink:
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After our brush with fame, we headed back into Port Antonio looking for something to eat. Along the walk to downtown, we came across a group of schoolkids on their way home. I had brought glow stick bracelets from home, and I stopped a couple of girls and asked if they would like some. Pretty soon I had a group of kids all wanting me to put their bracelets on for them, and exchanging colors. These kids were so polite and they all made sure to thank us. I had also given some to Devon to give to his kids. I later asked Devon if the girls had liked them, and he told me that they didn't want to take them off and wanted to sleep with them. LOL!
The next morning was our last full day in PA, so we started by walking down the main road. We soon got thirsty though so we popped into a random bar to see what was cold to drink. Red Stripes, who would have thought?
The bar we stopped into was a typical Jamaican bar, with just the owner and his TV. He had on an old Kung Fu movie. You know the ones that have the lips moving before the sound? So we got into a discussion about the movie and pretty soon the owner was showing us his Kung Fu moves. Only in Jamaica!
Our next stop was the market, where I got a pineapple that was amazingly sweet.
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This woman peeled that pineapple so fast! Takes me forever at home.
We took our booty and headed to Bikini Beach to chill and bemoan the fact that we were leaving early the next day.
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After leaving the beach area, we walked around the marina for a bit. They have the cutest gazebos that you can sit and enjoy the day and the beautiful view.
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We met an older gentleman who sat with us and told us stories of earlier days in Port Antonio, and I bought a CD from him. After we talked about different music genres, he have me 3 more CD's. I've been listening to them now at home and they are wonderful!
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Back to the hotel for an early night since we were leaving on the Knutsford bus at 6:00 am.
Early the next morning, after checking out we waited for our ride to pick us up. And waited.....We finally walked up to the road to see if he was coming. Boy Jamaican mornings are dark!!
We had a guy stop and ask if we needed a ride, and we said no, our driver will be here.
5 minutes later, he came back and said we need to leave now if we're going to catch the bus, so in we hopped and made it to the bus station
(Our driver called a few minutes before 6 to say "Soon come".) Oh well..
We started onto the next leg of our journey..Ocho Rios.
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A 2 hour bus ride landed us into Ocho Rios and to our new place. We rented a condo on VRBO slightly out of town but within walking distance. The view outside our balcony was sweet.
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@maralunatic i am SO IN LOVE with your report. We’re planning our next trip and doing the exact destinations ochi (boyfriend lives there) and port Antonio. We used devon as well. He was great even though we couldn’t find the BnB. Lol mainly talked to my boyfriend though keep it coming ! Reliving through you. Since i have No pictures
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vacationlovaa Noooo....why no pictures?
I'm glad you liked Devon, so did we.
Vi was nice enough to give up his contact info for us. And speaking of Miss Vi, she has been mysteriously absent from this board. Did she make a quick run to Jamaica??
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Got settled in and decided to go for a walk downtown to hit up a grocery store. Got a little hungry along the way, and seen a sign for Miss T's restaurant.
So in we walked....and found out it's a medical clinic.
Oops..we needed to walk down the lane to the restaurant. Which unfortunately was between breakfast and lunch, so nothing was ready. But we did decide to hang with the bartender and enjoy a dirty banana. Very nice restaurant.
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After managing to get lost in downtown Ochi, we finally made it to a grocery store, loaded up on supplies, and headed back home to chill at the beach.
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Mahogany Beach was just on the backside of the condo we rented, so it was an easy walk to chill on the beach. Like some of the beaches in Port Antonio, it had a river going into the ocean so you got a little refreshing hit of coolness when you were in the water. I liked it, but Mr. Lunatic had some choice words when the cold water hit! LOL!
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There was a jetty on one side where the catamarans were for the party boats. We watched one come in that was full of fraternity girls who didn't want to get off and were having a blast singing songs.
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The beach also had a funky little shop and bar, so we were kept in cold Red Stripes
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Hi Maralunatic, Yes, I was in Portland and just return from a visit that was way too short. I’ve experienced “post-reach effects” before, but not like this time. I’ve been having flash-backs for a couple of days. You know, when you hear a note or smell something that is connected to Jamaica, you are mentally taken back to it all. How disappointing when you have to snap out of it and refocus on the here and now which ain’t Jamaica.
But anyway, I’m sooooo happy to see you continued with your awesome report. Your pictures of the beaches and market visit are fabulous. So bright and beautiful. I’m also glad you caught the jerk sausage at the center while it was fresh and juicy. And you were on the beach during a Beenie Man shoot!!! I would have approached him for a picture without hesitation!
I will be adding this reach to the report that is already up. I did a lot, but not enough to start a new post. I rode with Devon 85% of the time and he told me how much he enjoyed accommodating you and Mr. Lunatic. He’s going to be a huge support with my summer project…more of that later.
I tell you, we could be great travel partners because we are drawn to the same locations. I’ve stayed at the same condos in Ocho Rios and sat on Mahogany beach for many hours.
Please keep it coming!
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Vi! Nice to see you back. I KNEW you went to Jamaica! I could feel it in my bones, and I was sooo jealous!. I'm glad you had a good trip and can't wait to read about it.
I know what you mean about the mental flashbacks! I'm still having them and I'm trying to drag my report out so I don't have to deal with the reality quite yet!!
I would LOVE to meet up with you sometime in JA and buy you dinner and some drinks just for all the info and support you've given. (I think we'd be great travel partners too!)
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Left my phone on the bus headed to port Antonio ☹️ But I’m reliving through you! I’m headed back to ja in September and i am Literally going to both ochi and Port Antonio and not renting a car this time so it’s great to see someone else doing it ! I’m having less anxiety although we’re only staying in ochi the first and last night. Trying to avoid long drives this reach. This report is great !
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Vacationlovaa, I would have been so bummed if I lost my phone. Like you, I use it for my pictures. You'll just have to get that many more when you go back! I'm jealous you're going back in September! We're going in December, but only to Negril this time since it's a short trip. We scored a Groupon for Travellers so we HAD to do it. I could feel someone twisting my arm! But I want to go back to Port Antonio...so many things left to do and see!
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Most of our time in Ochi was spent just relaxing on the beach. We did make it out to Scotchies for some jerk chicken. I wasn't that impressed with the chicken, but the conch soup..oh man! I could live on it!
We also ate one night at Oceans Eleven, which was right on the waterfront. Excellent food and service. I couldn't decided between the shrimp and oxtail, so my waitress gave me her opinion(the oxtail was awesome and earned her a high five and good tip!)
Our departure time was approaching way too soon!
Instead of taking the Knutsford bus to the airport, we hitched a ride with the property manager Levene. Super nice guy! But I didn't realize you could make it to MoBay from Ochi in an hour!!
Checking into the airport and boarding a plane was the hardest thing to do. Seems like it gets worse every year! And it didn't help that we were headed from the beautiful weather back into another snowstorm like the one we left in.
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Oh i was Totally bummed. My bfs phone was barely a phone (he’s a lifeguard who needs a life proof lol) so i didn’t even try. Yes i already Bought a back up battery charger for some reason In ja my phone dies quicker. I will definitely be a tourist next trip. I’ve only had scotchies in MoBay and the jerk was great that day. Lol that’s so funny. It’s so entertaining watching traffic in Jamaica
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If you put it in airplane mode the battery will last days. Then you have the camera at least, and can turn the phone part on with a few taps.
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Thank you TAH. I never realized it would still pull my battery even if i didnt Use my phone ! Will try next reach :)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Vacationlovaa
Thank you TAH. I never realized it would still pull my battery even if i didnt Use my phone ! Will try next reach :)
It happens because you're constantly switching "available" networks, and picking up every wifi signal in range, both kill battery life pretty fast.
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I'm kind of sad my trip report has come to an end. But I will be returning to Jamaica in December so at least I have something to look forward to!!
To be quite honest, I LOVED Port Antonio! It had such a cool funky vibe, and the people were friendly. My heart is torn, since I love the energetic vibe you get in Negril, but I also loved the chill feeling you get in PA. I may just have to split trips and satify my soul, as Bob would say!
While we're being honest, I have to admit I hated Ocho Rios. The town and the people had a worn, world-weary feeling to it, and I'm not sure if it's because they see (and get sick of) all the cruise ships that continually dock. There just wasn't the energy and vibe that you get elsewhere. Montego Bay, in my opinion can also be like that. Sorry for any Ochi fans, but just saying how I felt, and don't get me wrong, most of the people we encountered were great, just a general feeling.
I live in a tourist area, and I can understand the feeling some people get when they see their town constantly overrun by tourists.
So there you have it...my first trip report.
I have to say it was kind of fun to write it since I kind of relived the whole vacation!!:cool-new:
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Maralunatic, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your Portland visit with us by way of this awesome trip report. I know how emotionally stimulating writing them can be. I also appreciated how you ventured into places I’ve not been before. You go girl in your cute little sundresses!!
I go to Portland 3x a year and usually do a split every other year. This summer I will do a Portland/Negril split. I guess for the same reasons as you. However, I can only take Negril in small doses and prefer the chill vibe of Portland which is why I don’t go every year. Plus I know where the parties are in Portland so I get my energy fix as well.
Now for Ocho Rios, you are not alone with your feelings. I have said many many times that me and Ochi don’t get along at all. Each time I stayed over I end up being harassed into a rage or encountering some other unpleasant incident while walking from one point to another. Now I just prepare myself for the long ride. This summer it will be a six hour journey and I’ll do it with a smile.
But you and Mr. Lunatic do whatever brings you contentment and joy whether it be Portland or Negril or both…lol…just don’t stop going to Jamaica and posting trip reports like this one.
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Many thanks to Vi for all the information you shared with me and so many others!
Reading your trip reports were a big reason we decided to get off the beaten track and hit the East side of the island.
Until we go back, I'll just have to read everyone else's and be the green-eyed monster!
Vi, you're a lucky girl to be able to go 3x a year! One day we'll meet up for drinks and dinner..I'll be your wingman! :friendly_wink:
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Maralunatic, I'm glad my bits of tips and suggestions helped you plan your visit, but it was your and your husband's love for Jamaica combined with what Portland provides that ensured you had a memorable time. And YES if we are ever there at the same time, then drinks are on me.
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Are we gonna argue about paying for drinks? LOL!
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Nope...I claimed that honor in Post #73!!!! Besides, I would break your beverage budget lol
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But just think of the fun we would have doing that!
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maralunatic: enjoyed the whole narrative! my fav parish.