Loving this, Vi! Don't think I've ever had a trip to JA when I haven't heard Kenny Rogers.
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Loving this, Vi! Don't think I've ever had a trip to JA when I haven't heard Kenny Rogers.
I laughed at that as well, because I have most definitely heard the gambler played in Jamaica before. LOL
Also, the exchange with the guy about the mangos....LOLOL
Good stuff
a mechanic is a plus in my book, but dang could he take a little time? that was a bit much. were you able to salvage your shirt?
LOL @ Kenny Rogers, that would have gotten a big "Hell to the NO" from me. he's talented but I can't stand the vast majority of country music
Vi.. I would love to visit Portland one day... especially if you are my guide... More report please....
(((Vi))) Always loved going to Jamaica thru your eyes and word.
Oh Vi you made my evening!! I am so glad I logged on I have been thinking about you wondering if you made another post about Port land. Thank you thank you. I can never get enough of your trip reports with all that beautiful scenery. I can literally lose myself in that country side like now when am bone tired from working trying to make the dollars for my tuition and I did. One more year of school.......now let me go read even though it's almost midnight I can sleep in tomorrow.;)Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Well Vi, like I say I do not travel much have only left Canada once went to Montego Bay stayed with a Jamaican friend from University. Not even her has been to Port land but let me tell you lady this TR is more than I bargained for.....love, love it. I especially love how you dealt with the Mr. that professed his love for you (brought a smile to my face) and your description. The scenery and flora of Port land is fabulous and your description its as if am right there. Well this is my last year in University and am telling you my second trip to Jamaica when I graduate and have the cash will be to Port land.
Thank you for taking me on a trip with you to Jamaica!! your writing and your pictures make it seem as if I actually took a vacation. I am going back to school this morning all refreshed as if I took a vacation to Port land, even my Mom was reading this trip report with me and enjoying it and she is a die hard Canadian who only travel within Canada. Portland though reminds me of British Columbia interior. Once again, thank you so much for sharing and will check back as time allows school and two part-time jobs does not allow me much free time. ;)
What not even one?!?! Sammy, darlin, you really missed out. Hate to rub it in, but every one I ate was sweeter then the one before. Talk about juicy…had the syrupy liquid running down my chin many times. I mean I was down right slopping as I devoured mangos to my satisfaction. Oh and don’t get me started on the fragrance that could be tantalizing even though the bag!!!! Although I’m selfish with my mangos, I would have shared ONE with ya!!
Hi Maryann..thanks for tagging along and happy you are enjoying the recollection so far. Got PLENTY more to come. This was my first KR set. It’s usually some One Love cd (urgh) or Celine Dion. I’m bringing my own next reach.
Hi Tizzy…stick around, going to share a couple more entertaining exchanges with different people.
You are right goldilocks, was digging the fact he’s a mechanic. But he didn’t have time for formalities…his plan was for us to get married before I left Ocho Rios and on to Negril. That was what...4 days???!! I knew when he had me fenning for food we were not a match. I’m not a CW fan either, but the cd wasn’t too bad. The red stripe helped a lot.
Sparkle…like I said, it’s time!!!! Dust off that passport and freshen up those tankinis…soon come.
SUMMER!!!! :D So glad to see you posted. You made the drive to work in that back-to-school traffic worth the headache. You are truly a sweetheart and a trip report inspiration to me. I was basically going to do another photo report with much less photos than I normally flood this site with, but after reading your post in the Negril Forum side and now your wonderful words here, I’ve decided to give you and others who may be interested, all I got!!! However I’ll have you and your mother in mind as I describe people, places and special moments.
Do take notes sweetie to prepare you for your reward for all your studying and prepping for life. You trip to Portland will be a totally different experience the Montego Bay. I can’t stress that enough. And when the times comes for you to lock in that ticket, I will be more than happy to be your virtual guide. Until then…enjoy!!!!
:cool: *Vi* is back....can't wait for more postings..
The Sunbeam bus let out it's earsplitting airhorn blast around every corner, the deep guttural moan, like a tractor trailers emits, was deafening. A heavy plume of greasy diesel exhaust trailed behind the bus like a smoke screen from an Aston Martin DB5. The sun was starting to set and the dark emerald green and indigo blue colors from the foliage and sky were indelible in my mind. I wondered "Well How did I get here"? I considered all that I had been through, I must have dreamed a thousand dreams in my land of confusion but now was no time to ponder the why's and how's. I remembered......... Hunter S. Thompson "Fear and Loathing in Jamaica"
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Nice photos johng. This was Portland...perhaps closer to st. thomas??
Actually no vi, Portland it is. Up the hill from Buff Bay, Goblin Hill at San San, Buff Bay and along the ocean highway old road (is there a new one?) toward Annotto Bay.
Oh wow, in the opposite direction. You've got vintage shots and I'm sure extradinary stories to go along with them. Would be soooooooo cool for this forum if you would start a post about your travels there. I would be glued to a back in the day report about Port Antonio.
okay...now more reporting...
Match Resort was my home away from home the first 7 nights in Port Antonio. I toured the property a year prior. Really liked it. Now after staying there, I love it! I went from stranger to guest then friend then family in the first 2 days of being here. I noticed renovations, upgrades and additions right away.
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I'll post the grand tour of the property a little later.
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This was my room. Just the right size for me. AC was excellent and housekeeping was fantastic. LOVED the fresh smell of my room afterwards and never had to ask for clean towels. Bed gave me nightly restful sleeps.
My first evening was all about me remembering me.
I decided not to go anywhere that first night…something I’ve never done before. I usually shower, change then hit the streets asap. Nothing like getting in trouble minutes after check-in I always said. But tonight I had a different plan, instead I would…call momz, shower, go down for dinner then back to the room.
Dinner for 1 was good. Chicken Penne.
the day quite vividly, in Kodachrome, I woke up at the Sundowner and after a shot or two of overproof made my way down to the beach. The sun was just coming up over the palms as I walked to the waters edge. I had been able to dodge the Feds up until now but had to keep moving before my luck ran out. It would be a long day on the road and I knew that I had to fortify myself for the journey. The big bus didn't come by until about 9 (if it came at all) so I had some time. Dudley, the night watchman was asleep in his guard shack out by the road. He stirred as I approached and I asked him if I could borrow his bike, he responded "no problem mon". I climbed on his old Raleigh and started peddling down the road toward town. I was tired and the hunger pains starting stabbing my empty stomach. Miss G made the best fried eggs in town and she usually always had fresh Ganja Cake too so I figured as long as the front tire didn't lose anymore air I could make it there in 5 or 10 minutes. Roosters were crowing in the dooryards as I made my way down the straightaway which had become famous
johng,
love your stories and photos...could you start a separate thread and continue to share with us.
Vi,
I'm ready for more...even though I KNOW this will kill me
Thanks Sammy, more on the way.
Johng, that would be cool if you can. Your stories are way more colorful then mine and I'm sure others would appreciate being able to post how much they enjoy your recollections within your own report. I know I would. Respect.
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I fixed my first rum and lime juice cocktail of the visit then took it out to the verandah to enjoy it. Such a lovely view. This drink is pretty darn attractive as well. ..mmmm Port Royal Gold, fresh squeezed lime and a trickle of overproof (W&N of course) a tall glass of mellow. I notice I wasn’t sweating. What no humidity??? Wow, no humidity and comfortably cool on a July evening. So refreshing, so appreciated.
I take another sip and feel happy I blended the rums and lime just right this time.
I love how the breeze whips the hem of my ankle length sundress sending it brushing against my calves.
I lift my glass and give a toast to my first night in Port Antonio.
Jamaica gives me permission to big up myself for little things like being a good mom, working two jobs to support my Portland addiction or helping my sister pay for her cruise. She’s going to have a blast without me.
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Tonight I’m finally where I couldn’t wait to be…in Port Antonio, Jamaica and I can’t help feeling good…no proud of being here. Why??? Because I worked dyam hard to be standing here seeing what I’m seeing, inhaling the scents that only fill the Jamaica air and enjoying the harmonious songs of the local treefrogs. This first night needs to be savored and respected for a change. Maybe I’m finally growing up…
I go inside to get the mp3 player to add some music to this scene. The phone rings
“Hello”
“Vi, I’m making a run to Boston. You want to go see the new club??”
“YES!!!!!!”
“I’ll be there shortly.”
I sat on the bed and looked outside…remembering where my mind was just 3 minutes ago. I liked that spot. I take another sip…”hmmm…needs a likkle more OP”. Then pick up the phone and start dialing…
“…on second thought I’m going to stay in tonight and watch tv. I hear a lot of new shows have been created since Good Times and Sanford & Son.”
“Okay Vi, call me in the morning when you are ready to go into town.”
“I will.”
Just think, I was outside all that time and not one mosquito bite…yeap, this is going to be a good reach.
Note to self: HELLO!Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
hi vi . . . where exactly is match resort? right in town? walking distance to market?
Goldilocks, sometimes what we owe ourselves becomes long over due.
Hi JitterBug, Match is outside of town, in Dolphin Bay. You can't walk from there, well unless you are a passionate walker. It's about a 8 minute drive to the lane, then less than a half mile up the lane. Now THAT I can walk...lol
Good morning Port Antonio – first full day
I awake renewed and ready to start the day.
Callaloo
Boiled banana
White sweet potato
Fried dumplings
And of course the long desired akee and saltfish
Everything was superb, I mean that sincerely. But this morning’s breakfast medal goes to Duane for those fried dumplings. The best I ever had. Light and airy inside with a thin crunchy outside. Still warm on the plate. I could have made a meal off those dumplings and tea.
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There are two chefs here at Match and I’ve sampled enough of their meals to recognize each of their specialty areas. Duane is spicy and culinarily audacious. He’ll delight your taste buds with every bite. You see that callaloo??? It was so amazing I had to ask what the secret ingredient was. He actually told me but I forgot!! Claudia is conventional yet her flavoring skills are outstanding. She's a master at giving new life to common recipes.
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Caribbean dreams instant ginger tea.
I instantly liked it and made a note to buy a few boxes to take home. It’s presweetened but not too sweet. It’s the ginger bite and smell that got me hooked. Can be drank hot or cold, but I prefer hot.
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I dined alone on my first and every morning at Match. That was fine with me. The following mornings my mp3 player filled the air that would normally be occupied by voices and clanging silver.
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It only rained two mornings during the entire reach. Today was one event. It poured for about two hours after breakfast. I took that time to reorganize my bags. Take out the goods I bought for folks and re-sort my personal clothing.
Discovered I didn’t bring enough of this and too much of that. How can I pack only one pair of shorts yet 22 pairs of panties for a 12-day stretch?? No black tank tops, but 3 white ones and 1 lime green. Lime green, Vi??? And where are all those flower barrettes for my hair??? Oh but I have plenty of sundresses…like 11 of them. Will I ever get this packing thing right???
Rain stopped. Called driver. He's on his way. Shoved everything back into the duffle bag to re-sort later. This is so unproductive.
that dumpling oh my!
Like I said, Sammy, BEST I ever had!!!!!
After the money business I visit my friend Suzie and load up on movies. Yeah…I know…but this is how she supports herself and her daughter. Besides, buy 10 @ 1,000JA and get one free is hard to pass up.
I always bring her a designer purse and a backpack for her daughter. Inside I slip in a few sweets and bubbles. Bubbles will forever be a hit with the kids but these are special bubbles. The solution has color instead of being clear. I gave her the blue bottle but meant to give her pink. Color didn’t matter to her; by her squeals after each blow I can tell she loved it just the same. Cool looking. Even though they are worth it, can’t buy a lot at $2.97 a bottle. I’ll buy more once the price reduces to 75% off…right now it’s 50%. Still tons of them around so they will go down to the 75…maybe even 80. SOLD!
I also buy 2-3 movies from Mikey. Mickey was born considerably more imperfect that the rest of us so it’s hard to understand him. I listen close because he tries so hard to accommodate and tries even harder to be understood. He’s a good, trusted individual in the community. Does what he can to make a little money like selling movies and running errands. Not sure of his age…maybe mid 30’s. While I know where to find Suzie, Mikey always finds me. He calls me “likkle gurl” usually a term older men use to address women younger than themselves. Not all the grown women like to be called that, but I don’t mind.
I would buy more movies from Mikey but 5% are action, 10% are karate flicks and the remaining 85% are blue movies and he won’t even let me see the dvd covers. lol
This day, he only had one that was suitable for me “Haves and Have Not”. A typical soap opera with way more drama than necessary. Good thing it only cost me $1. Couldn’t watch more than 20 minutes. Like I said, a very typical soap opera.
Jah be with Mikey.
Since I was right outside the market I stroll in to search for cut pineapple. Was getting disappointed finding plenty of sweet pine, but no one cutting it up. Crossed the street and found a lady’s stand full of pineapple and guess what…she has a knife and the skills to cut it up for me.
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80JA a pound and worth every dollar.
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A couple vacationing from Italy was lured over by the aroma coming from the cut pineapple. It hurt a little, but I gave them a taste of mine and they ended up buying two along with a papaya and 2 mangos. I had a mango supply and wanted a papaya, but only have a mini fridge and no counter space. I miss not having a kitchen.
*Vi* Really enjoying this report Lady...... Yummy on the Callaloo and dumplins... ummmm... would love to have a plate along with the fresh cut pineapple... and papaya for lunch
Sparkle you just don't know. Even the boiled banana was delicious and usually they are on the bland side. I never got my papaya this reach but I had the BEST watermelon later in the visit. Going to drive you crazy with pictures of that too. So glad you are hanging in with me...
Nibbled on pineapple as I traveled to to Castle. Castle is right outside Boston Bay.
Going to visit my friend Sandra and give her a shopping bag loaded with little girls’ clothes and shoes. Mostly dresses. She distributes them to her congregation and around the neighborhood. I always stop and buy 2 red stripes before I get there. One for her to enjoy while we chat and the other for later.
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sigh....fry dumpling and callaloo is my fave breafast. I love the teas too; customs gets all excited if they open my bags on the way back and see large bags of vegetation - but it turns out to be cerasee and fever grass, etc.
Goldilocks....I remember you saying how much you like callaloo. You would have been asking for more of these. Fresh and frim...not overcooked. You could smell the freshness. Now about this fever grass...never heard of it but sounds interesting. Can it be found anywhere?
I was happy to hear her roof was finally repaired after hurricane Sandy ripped part of it away. Her home is tiny and very modest. She’s renting while slowly building a house about a mile away. Her son and brother are helping. She’s lost weight. I compliment her on how nice her figure is. She, on the other hand, is concerned about the unexplained loss.
“I hope I’m alright inside, Vi. You never know.”
“You’ve been feeling bad?”
“No ache no pain. Appetite is no different. Could be a silent attack.”
“Or it could be just natural body toning. When are you planning to get a check-up?”
Concerned but didn’t want her to know it. I was here seven months ago and she lost 18 pounds since then. Writing this reminds me I want to top-up her phone. That will cue her to call me and I’ll find out if she’s had that check up.
She loved the shoes I found for her. Her size (11W) is hard to get in Portland so I hooked her up with 2 sandals, 1 pair of dress shoes and 3 pair of flip flops.
Made a promise to come back later in the week before saying good bye.
I sure am enjoying this Vi!
We need to visit over there for sure...still stuck on Ochee
Thanks Roots. That means a lot to me. It can get pretty quiet in this corner of the board so it’s nice to know who is out there hanging with me.
Been a long time since I presented a report like this. Had resolved to only do photos and scattered statements. But the more time I spend in Portland, the more I want to share what has me going back again and again. And maybe others, including yourself, just might wanna check it out.