What happended to the pics on your last few posts? I just get the broken image box...
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What happended to the pics on your last few posts? I just get the broken image box...
goldilocks folly does provide a unique and quiet setting. the area is kept clean and the grass cut. the never let the vegetation overpower the mansion ruins. I hope the jerk festival can be held there in 2015.Quote:
Originally Posted by goldilocks
I don't know TAH, they are showing fine for me :confused:
Looks like Otis/I-Cliff's stand will be larger. Hope it's back open by now.
It's open sammy. I-Cliff owns it now.
Of course his place was the first thing I couldn’t wait to see once reaching the bottom of the road. I was really pleased with what I saw. Not only is the stand back up, but it looks great. And so did I-Cliff. He was happy to see me and I felt the same regarding him. So good to know his little business is sustaining him.
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Told me he had to step out for a bit and said to help myself to whatever I needed. I thanked him but decided to wait until he returned.
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I usually rent a lounge chair from him, but since I didn’t know his place would even be there, I brought my own and set up a spot behind his stand. Just in case anyone was wondering if it could be done, I packed that fold-in chair in my duffle bag. Excellent decision to bring it. Light weight, easy to carry and came in handy from time to time.
I bought a red stripe. He apologized for it not being cold. Just as long as it wasn’t warm, I can drink it.
He was excited to show me his car. Said it still needs work, but he owns it and is proud of it. He did tell me he experienced a “likkle lick” with the car.
“Oh my…no one was hurt were they?”
“No…no injuries. But it was my fault so I’m still likkle stress.”
“You hit the other car?”
“Yes.”
“Was it unavoidable?? Did the other driver stop suddenly in front of you?”
“No, not sudden. I didn’t have brakes at the time.”
“GOOD HEAVENS I-CLIFF!!!!”
“I have brakes now.”
LOL “That’s good.”
Girl, I love your style of writing. Your pictures are really postcards of pure beauty. That phone with the rock thing made me lol;). Seeing these pictures really make me excited to return to Portland. I agree with you about Admiral Tibet, I love seeing him perform and he does have beautiful eyes. I always felt that he was an attractive man.
butterfly, I agree, Vi has a eye for taking beautiful pictures..and I luv the way she tells her stories by those pictures... makes you feel that you were right there enjoying the scenery with her.
Come on Vi... we need a daily trip report fix....:cool:
Great reading...Vi thanks for sharing - your writing style makes me feel like I am right there with you. Last time I was in Portland was 2010. Love the area - my favourite part of Jamaica.
Thank you darlin. And as much as I wanted to, I didn’t smash the phone. Decided to hold onto it and see if it can be repaired. If so, I’ll give it away to someone on my next reach. Butterfly, I agree he is very attractive. That was my first time seeing him so of course when I got back I researched his career and listened to more music. But WHEW I’m sooooo glad I have those videos!Quote:
Originally Posted by butterfly
ooohhhh Sparkle, thanks so much. Plenty more everything on the way!!!!!
Greetings EdmontonGuy. Thanks for joining the ride and for your comment. As you can tell, Portland is my favorite part of Jamaica as well. For me, and I know you will agree, it’s so worth the time and expense to get there.
This is Jah Tigga. Stopped, glanced at me and said he remembered me. Reminded me of when he was selling cd’s from when he used to record..wayyyyyyyyyy back in the day. Yeah, I remember him and the music. Not my flavor at all, but I gave him a tip for the time it took for him to carefully (sloooowly) remove the cd player from the box & packing, slip in the cd and push “play”. He started to repeat the procedure that afternoon. I had to stop him…lol.
“Sir, do you have new music??”
“No, is the same.”
“Well don’t trouble yourself with the player. I remember your music and it’s not my style.”
“No problem. Have a good day.”
“You too sir…”
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Whew that was easy….almost tipped him because he wasn’t persistant.
Not long after Jah Tigga walked away, a young gentleman came along and positioned himself on the bamboo and board slat bench beside me.
“I don’t want to disturb your time but you look like a lady who I could have nice conversation. Can I talk to you until you are ready for me to move on?”
“How can I say no???”
Joseph didn’t waste time introducing himself and finding out general information about me. Pleasant, soft spoken guy of about 32 but according to him, he’s 41. We talked about singleness and why he prefers to keep his “single mon” status. Knowing that put my mind at ease and didn’t expect to be propositioned. He rents out his grandmothers house which is located in Long Bay.
“I love Long Bay!!!”
My enthusiasm surprised him. He smiled and repositioned his body. More relaxed then from the start.
“Take my numba. Call me anytime and I let you look it ova.”
I got his number, but never made it to Long Bay to tour the house.
“You look like you party.”
“That depends on what you mean by party”
“Dance, drink, have lots of fun dancing, drinking…eating. I’m having a party at my place and I want you to come. It’s in Black Rock.”
“Never heard of Black Rock. But a party sounds interesting. When?”
“Friday.”
“I can’t promise, but I am considering it.”
“You want to see a picture of my daughter?”
“Yes.”
He whips out his phone and scrolls through the photos…smiling continually. The pretty, petite four-year-old looks just like him. That’s when he stopped, returned his phone to his pocket and apologized for having to leave me but he’s on his way to visit his Princess.
“Call me Vi so I can give you directions to my house. I know you will enjoy the party.”
“I will…have a good visit with your daughter.”
I appreciated meeting Joseph. Of course the conversation was a lot deeper than what I shared, but it was the best of that day. Never asked for a thing, just accepted what I offered…my attention, my opinions, my honesty. I tucked his number in my change purse and made a note to call him later that evening.
My red stripe is warm. Yuck. About to get another, the beach vendor selling items made from bamboo and red bean jewelry came over. Said he was waiting patiently for my conversation with “that guy” to end. I thanked him for being so considerate…lol
I bought that bracelet. He was hoping I’d get more. If he had waited until AFTER I refueled, I probably would have.
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Okay..enough words…back to beach photos…
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It was an Excellent beach day...the kind you don’t ever want to see end.
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What a doll... she reminds me of my TinkerBell...with all of those curls......many many moons ago:)Quote:
Originally Posted by [IMG
Love this shot........Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Yeah Sparkle, she may be all grown up, but she STILL has those to-die-for little girl curls.
It's says it all don't it Sammy...sighQuote:
Originally Posted by sammyb
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Walked the shore line to the river inlet on the other end at the corner of the beach. The air is always cooler in this area no matter how hot it is on the beach. I love feeling the refresing, crystal clear water flow over my feet and watch the tiny fish dart in and out of the rocky nooks. Wait..what’s that??!! ahhh gross! Staring at the water I notice the ten hideous, disgusting creepies frightening the little fishies to death.
My toes! I’ve got to get those piggies to a salon or no photos for them!!!
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Creepies/piggies/toes....LOL!!
Love ALL the pics you've been sharing :)
Thanks Patricia. Honestly, I shouldn't wear open-toed shoes before a pedicure...I just shouldn't...
“Hi”
“Hi”
“You ready to leave the beach?”
“Yeah, are you on your way? I really don’t like being down here when it gets dark.”
“Yes, I comin.”
I secure my bag then slip on my earbuds to stroll the beach that is slowly becoming silent of the voices that echoed about.
Ky-mani Marley…YES…Royal Vibes?…NO…my heart couldn’t take that song…not yet. The scenery is one for hand-holding couples reflecting on their experience and giving thanks for being together on this ground...on this Jamaica.
Skipping song after song I realize this means no serenades from Jamaican male singers. Not now. Goapele will keep me company as I walk, waiting for O’Neil to come rolling his taxi down the path. Her singing/lyrics can express loneliness well, but not desperation.
What a serene end to an awesome beach day.
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ja tigga and i cliff have aged soo much . . . hard life in jamaica!!
great report, thanks.
I love having random conversations with people I meet on the beach or store. :)
Thanks for the lovely beach day!
Thanks for all the pics and taking me back to Port Antonio....I am so in love with that area of Jamaica. Was there is March and it was even more beautiful than the first time.....keep it coming!
sigh.............Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
thanks JitterBug, glad you are enjoying the report. I know you have known them longer than me but to me they don’t look any older from when I first met them.Quote:
Originally Posted by JitterBug
I do that a lot kaycee. Way more than here at home. In fact, I avoid conversations with strangers here. In Jamaica I actually look forward to being approached and two minutes later finding myself involved in a meaningful exchange of thoughts, opinions and theories with someone I have never before met. Maybe I find the topics more interesting? Maybe the individual has a way of captivating my attention? Maybe I’m just less…rude.Quote:
Originally Posted by kaycee
My pleasure goldilocks…lots more beach days ahead.Quote:
Originally Posted by goldilocks
Hi brazz. I know you feel as I about Portland. Amazing place indeed. Thanks for sharing your awesome pictures. I can tell you and your lovely wife had a ball.Quote:
Originally Posted by brazz
Evening…showered…dressed…hungry
I hadn’t eaten since breakfast so I was queasy on top of hungry. Can’t eat anything sweet spicy or there will be a battle going on between the food and the rum. Went into town for soup of course. Stopped at the cook shop on the right side just before entering town. One of these visits I must get the official name of that place. The soup was HOT and swirling with flavor. Gee, it’s all coming back to me. That’s good because I was too weak to keep notes or raise the camera to take photos.
Lobster soup! The pieces were small and scarce but oh that flavor made up for the lack of meat. The 150J cost of the soup also excused the meager bits.
Drove to the soccer field to eat. The perfect weather from the day’s beginning continued through the evening then on to the night.
Now I feel like socializing a little. Called Rox, one of the Canadian ladies I met on the plane. She was excited I called. Told me she and her group are on the upper level of a downtown complex. I had no clue.
Walking the nearly deserted town, I suddenly hear someone call my name. I look up and see nothing but a beaming smile and arms waving.
“Up here, Vi.”
I look around but don’t see steps.
“Wait there Steve is coming down to walk you up. The stairs are tricky…narrow.”
A tall, slim young man of about 21 seemed to appear from a crack in the side of the building. He greets me and I follow. She was right about the staircase being tricky and narrow, but didn’t tell me it was pitch black. Steve was in front of me and didn’t mind my hand on his backpack to guide my stepping upward.
Laughter broke out as I made my way around the corner of the balcony and was given a big “hello” hug from Rox. She introduced me to everyone in the party consisting of some of the young people who attended the workshop.
I hear my name again. It’s the bubbly and cute as a button Rachel. She held a box meal in her left hand as she hugged me with her right. We chatted for about 20 minutes. They were leaving the next day for Kingston. I tried hard to get there but couldn’t find a driver to take me. O’Neil flat out refuses to go near Kingston. Don’t get me started on that struggle. Anyway, it was a nice gathering and we will keep in touch.
I have a nice picture of the two of them, except for one serious distortion…I’m in it.
7/9/14 Wednesday - day 6
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Before breakfast. It looked like rain may pay Portland a visit today so I made up my mind to stay close or maybe ride to the Rio Grande.
Breakfast: ackee & saltfish, boiled banana, fried breadfruit and plaintains. Everything was excellent and boy would I love to have that plate of food right now.
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After breakfast I look outside to see sunshine all over the place. Another amazing day.
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Heavenly Father I thank you with all my soul for the gift of this beautiful morning here in Jamaica.
The day couldn’t be brighter or more pleasant weather-wise. The temperature was in the low 80’s but not humid at all That’s when I changed plans from going to my spot along the river to packing a bag and heading to Under the Rock beach.
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i always get the same somber feeling when passing through Manchoneal. A true sleeping town...appears to be a very uneventful community. I know when we enter the area before seeing signs or landmarks. A drowsy type of vibe seems to lie in waiting along the roadside and enters the car along with the breeze. There’s got to me some action here...somewhere...at sometime.
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12:06, forty minutes after leaving Fairy Hill, I see the familiar blue and white, 3-store pillar structure on the horizon.
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Wasn’t alone today. With school being out you are definitely going to find children on all the beaches at any time. Today, only a couple of little guys were in the water. On the second balcony there was about 6 teen age boys chatting, playing a hand held game and listening to music taking time once in a while to dance for a few seconds. Just enough twisting, dipping or jumping indicating a favorite part in the tune.
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Two ladies sat side by side in the shallow waters keeping an eye on the three little guys in the water. Man were they having a ball. Their laughter filled the spacious beach cove. Squeals echoing off the rocks and drifting on the mild waves of the waters they frolicked in. I was jealous of their pure childish delight. I sip my red stripe and smile as their small frames sprint in and out of the water.
Back on the beach they would fill their underwear with damp sand until the wet pants bulged and sag from the weight of the load. Okay, now that didn’t appeal to me, but it was fun to watch. Kids...what doesn’t creep you out makes it to your list of fun things to do.
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The water has been warmed by the sun. Calm and oh so perfectly clear. The sand on this beach is coarse, but I find it’s easier to stand on...to balance myself even without water shoes.
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Renovations were going on at one of the beach bars. I know when I return it’s going to look great. I counted three bars on the lower level so I imagine when the big parties are happening there is no lack of booze.
This is what the bar looked like in October.
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Work in progress.
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Glad to see your back on this trip report, I needed my daily fix. The more you post pictures the more I get excited to get to Portie again. This seems like the perfect place to fall in love or fall in love with. I will love to go to a beach party there. Where exactly is Under Di Rock located, when do they normally have their parties, I would love to attend.
(((Butterfly))), Portland will be all that “you” need her to be as you continue to heal. There are so many intimate places that will allow you visit your special memories without distraction. This beach would be perfect for you. It’s on the main road in Zion Country and should only take less than 30 minutes to get there. Can’t miss the building because you can see it way before you get to it. The drive is a pleasant one.
I just found this and once you check out their site, I’m sure you’ll want to check them out.
http://www.underdirock.com/