i think Clarity has kind of been hinting we might have seen the last of Jamar -- but I hope not!
i think Clarity has kind of been hinting we might have seen the last of Jamar -- but I hope not!
Clarity, Hubbyman and Jamar,
Thanks.
I was unaware of this T.R. until now (today).
You've captured so much, it's almost a Negril primer.
Seriously this is very strong writing (travel writing but more than that) and I say that as someone who's had his travel writing published.
Your stuff could be the seed of a travel based book, especially the family history angle, simply great stuff, and Jamar finding a muse . . .
Your (collective) report is absolutely gripping.
I'm going to insist my girlfriend read your report before we leave because I believe you guys have illuminated aspects that make Negril more than just a vacation destination.
Much of your writing distills why we all must "come back to Jamaica."
Kudos!!!!
Mickey (my real name)
@Rum-polephoreskin And this trip report is not done yet. Patiently waiting for the next installment.
In the meantime, you should read Calrity and Hubbyman's first trip report which was very touching.
Yaaaay my favorite virtual couple is back!!! Markus so glad to hear you are doing better. Love your optimism and looking at the bright side of things. I know your wife misses you like crazy(she told us :o)! So glad that you had a safe journey to and fro. I know it feels great to be back home after so long! Welcome back, and by the way, I know you hear this all the time but your sideburns ROCK!!!
@gerry123 No worries, I thought I had seen the last of Jamar many times. He is still here We are gonna put the thumb-screws on right now and see if written words come out. ;)
Thank you all for your kind comments. Thank you Irieluv for the compliment on my side-burns! I'm almost shocked! I do get a lot of grief for them from Boss-lady! This is vindication.
And Rum-polephoreskin, that is one heck of a name! Thank you for your kind compliments.
@Everyone: Thank you so much for your concerns about my health. I hope Daisy has not worried you too much. She can be rather dramatic. And thank you all for your patience :).
@Shauna: Yeah the Irie Box is filling up. I can't believe you know that term lol. Daisy must have talked. I really can't wait to meet you and your husband. I feel like I know you guys, without ever having met you.
Okay, Triple update coming up
Sorry for being M.I.A. Not gone, just really really busy. A lot of changes happening in my life. More about that a little later.
Trip report continued:
So we arrived in Negril and settled into the Grand Pineapple resort for the next three days…
My First impressions were that it was incredibly beautiful and amazing how close to the
waters we were.
My room was less than 20 steps from the beach and I was just dying to get my feet onto that sand.
That’s when I started to meet many of the locals. I noticed they were on one side of this imaginary line and the tourists on the other in their lawn chairs relaxing on the beach… I couldn’t figure out why that was… many were trying to call me over to them. Initially I tried to call them over to me on the resort side to no avail and that’s when I figured out the line between resort beach and public beach. So I went over and chatted with a few of the locals and immediately people were beginning to offer me things. I was still in shock mode of just being in Jamaica and bought more than what I really wanted or needed. I had a hard time saying “NO” because I felt so bad for them and seeing as how they didn’t have much and a few dollars here and there was not going to break my bank…
But as time went on and more and more vendors were trying to sell me stuff, I realized that it does add up and my bank would soon be broken, if I didn’t learn how to get a tougher skin and say “No thanks”. I got the hang of it all eventually. It was all good.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...unsetjamar.jpg
All in all, I really enjoyed Grand Pineapple and the beach.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...a/01beach2.jpg
The next morning we took a wave runner out with Markus and Daisy for some fun, but INTENSE moments out into the middle of the sea
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...etskiview2.jpg
(Basically the intense moment was jumping off the Wave Runner into the ocean and not being able to swim much because of the fear. We were really far out there... out in the deep waters
and all of us trying to get back onto that Wave Runner was an adventure in itself...).
I have to agree with Jamar. The Jet Ski adventure was not exactly the cake walk I thought it was going to be.
Markus will have a different take on this, but that's because he is a great swimmer with a scuba license. You can toss him out of a plane into the middle of the ocean and he'll be happily breast stroking back to shore. Jamar and I are doggie paddlers. I feel nervous when I can't touch the ocean floor with my feet
The Plan: Rent Jet Ski and park where the corals are, The three of us jump off and snorkel for a half an hour. Then we just jump back on the Jet Ski and ride back to land. Easy, right?
The Reality: First thing was the drama between Jet Ski owners. When they saw us putting three people on one Jet Ski, Another person stepped in offering us a second Jet Ski for Jamar to ride solo. Which infuriated the first Jet Ski owner that we had made the deal with. So there was a shuffle between those two involving some harsh patois i.e “bombaclaat” and “pussyclaat”. We just stood there frozen, while a group of German tourists watched the scene unfold sipping their rum drinks on their lounge chairs.
Eventually that was cleared up. 3 of us remained on one Jet Ski and we were off. Markus began to speed over the choppy waves, Jamar was almost tipped right off the back, but managed to hang on to my life jacket.
Once we were out there bobbing in the middle of the ocean, I realized this was not going to be as easy as I anticipated.
Markus jumped off first, this caused the entire Jet Ski to jerk over to one side... Jamar and I had to push our weight way over to level the Jet Ski and avoid it tipping over entirely. This was a slightly terrifying moment.
What do you do if a Jet Ski flips over when you're in the middle of the sea?
Jamar jumped off next and so did I.
Foolish move on my part. The Jet Ski began to drift away, it was still idling. So we started swimming after it... which is harder than it sounds in a cumbersome life jacket. I felt a sting on my lower leg and then another one.
Jellyfish. Great!
Trying to get back onto a Jet Ski that is spitting water on your face is a challenge.. There were a number of attempts. Finally I managed to pull my weight up using the handle on the back.
That's when I saw a light flashing on the dashboard indicating that we were running out of gas.
I didn't want to be stranded on a Jet Ski with no gas out in the middle of the Caribbean ocean... Dark clouds began to form overhead. Rain was coming..
Jamar looked slightly terrified in the water, I helped pull him back onto the Jet Ski with me. We both breathed a sigh of relief. My snorkeling plans were completely forgotten. My goal now was to get us all back to shore before we ran out of gas.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...etskiview3.jpg
But Markus was nowhere to be found.
“Markus?!” I screamed “Markus?!” I started driving in circles while in idle, searching for bubbles. The waves were swelling higher. I couldn't see him anywhere. I searched the endless horizon feeling panic in my chest.
Markus emerged from underwater, far in the distance, holding a sea star in his hand “ I'm over here! Look I found a sea star!”
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...kusseastar.jpg
He began to swim towards us. He was enjoying this underwater snorkeling adventure and he couldn't understand why we both looked so freaked out.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...rkelmarkus.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...skiseastar.jpg
Markus did some more exploring, and eventually climbed onto the back.. holding onto Jamar. “Okay, take us back to shore”, He said to me.
“I don't know how to drive this thing” I said (this was my first time on a Jet Ski) “and the gas light is flashing red”
“Don't worry about that, we still have enough gas to get us back to shore and to ride a few waves. Just Gun it”, He said.
We jerked to a start and next thing I knew I was jumping over waves. It was more fun than I expected!!
We parked at the Alfred's floating platform, and took turns riding the Jet Ski solo.
Despite the Jelly fish sting and moments of terror, I would definitely take a Jet Ski out again for a ride. (minus the snorkeling attempts)
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...rkusjetski.jpg
Has anyone taken a Jet Ski out to Booby Cay? This sounds like it would be a lot of fun. If so, how much did it cost and how long did it take to get there?
After the Jet Ski ride, we stopped in our rooms to shower and get dressed for lunch. We had some time before the Canoe webcast, so we decided to head over to Sunnyside bar to visit Maureen.
Markus is back... (so happy to have him home again!) so I'll let him take it from here.
Loving your report while sitting here bored at work! I really enjoyed my stay at the GP, and I didnt realize Ralston was not there anymore.
Oh yeah, The Jet Ski experience...
I was lucky enough to enjoy the luxury of a private jet ski in Florida for a few years, but I was really surprised that Daisy & Jamar would suggest that we rent one. They seemed really eager, but once we were jetting at 40 mph over the little waves catching a little air here and there, their faces turned a soft shade of green and they uncomfortably held on to the small seat behind me. The machine - while rather big – might just NOT have been intended for three passengers. As scary as that would be for anyone, my two companions are really more beach bums than open water enthusiasts....
We went out as far as we dared, not all the way out to the reef as we had planned, but the information from the gas-gauge was a little disconcerting. I would suggest, that if you rent a Jet Ski, you pay first and ask the guy renting it to you, to make the trip to the gas station before you take a ride, rather than after...
After we had all taken a swim and climbed back onto the wobbly motor-float, we noticed that our seating arrangements had been unkindly reversed. We were now sitting in order of who wanted to get out of the water first, with Daisy in front. Since switching seats would have been a highly acrobatic experience and neither Jamar nor Daisy wanted to go back into the water again, Daisy became the default driver for the trip back.
She was a little nervous at first, but once she felt the sporty machine responding neatly to her commands and the powerful motor between her legs roaring out at the slightest touch of her finger on a button, she was kind of hooked. While we were bobbing scarily back and forth behind her she leaned into spray and gunned it towards the beach, possibly because she wanted to get back to the safety of shore in a hurry.
In front of Alfred's Daisy slowed down to an idle and we hopped off on the platform to let Jamar have a go. We watched him from the platform as he drove circles around it, a little like an old lady on mobility scooter at Walmart: slow, a little dazed and slap-happy.
We had to do something, so I started yelling at him to get his butt of the seat and drive standing up. “Come on Dude! Push down on that gas button! Don't be a wimp!”
Peer-pressure always works! Within minutes Jamar turned from a grandma into Action Jackson, and soon drove standing up and hugging the corners, crossing and jumping over his own wake with a dramatic splash. We definitely all got our moneys worth!
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...amarjetski.jpg
Back on the beach I dropped the two passengers off and had another go myself. But I am not 20 anymore and there is a definite voice in my head now, that tells me I have a lot to lose. I am not the same person I used to be. We used to race through the mangroves on a jet ski knowing full well behind every corner the water way could be abruptly cut off by a branch or sandbank. We used to crash into the unforeseen obstacles, go flying into the shrubbery and got up to get some more bruises. Now I can't even let it rip on open water with out pissing my pants. I am getting old … and reasonable - yuck.
We went to grab a quick lunch. Then Daisy, who directed and managed every detail of our vacation, like a benevolent bridezilla, informed us, that it was time to see Maureen at the Sunnyside bar. So me and Jamar dutifully grabbed our wallets and trotted to the beach behind her.
Sunnyside Bar is not far from the Grand Pineapple and right next to "ROOMS". Don't look for a sign, yet. They are saving up to have one painted. (I would have loved to paint one for them, but it didn't feel right to offer something, that would have taken work away from a Jamaican Artist. Plus it would hardly have been authentic).
On the short walk down the beach we made some obligatory promises to see peoples vending booths just to hasten our progress. We also have to keep a constant eye out for Jamar or he'll get lost and disappear somewhere with some shady character, only to return frustrated with more stuff he didn't mean to purchase. He already had one person chasing after him, demanding a ridiculous sum from him, for no more than the sharing of an herbal cigarette.
Once we reached the vicinity of the sunny-side bar this was no longer a concern. I remember the first day we met Maureen and she almost brought a broom out to chase away a beer-mooching fellow. One look from her can kill any trespasser.
A tall figure was sitting on the bench in front of the bar one leg up and his arms slung around the knee. We hesitantly approached. Then Daisy and Maureen made eye contact. Their faces brightened and Maureen came around from behind the bar and opened her arms invitingly.
Maureen's hugs, if you can get one, are brisk and economic. When you meet her you will find a sincere woman that has no time for nonsense. It's not that you can't tickle some playfulness out of her. You certainly can, She is not cold at all. She is in fact very warm and kind, but she doesn't suffer a fool. From her mouth you can get an utterly sober view of Jamaica. She works hard and if you want something from her you need to show some effort. She doesn't just deserve one's respect, she commands it.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...demaureen2.jpg
But if you do get her to smile and laugh, you are looking at one of the most beautiful and radiant woman we have met in Jamaica or anywhere else for that matter. I personally enjoy strong women, after all I was raised by several.
We clumsily climbed over the ridiculously high bench that wraps itself around the little bar. And started off the boozy part of the day with a round of beers.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...sunnyside3.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...sunnyside4.jpg
(Trip Report Continued from previous page)
My friend who works in PR for Pabst Blue Ribbon had given me some "beer cozies" and charged me with taking some pictures in weird places during my travel. So I slid one of them over my red Stripe and posed for a picture. Maureen asked me what I was doing. I tried to explain, but judging by her facial expression she found this concept quite bizarre. “It's just a beer,... with the wrong label. Why would your friend want a picture of it?”. It kinda don't make sense.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...1sunnyside.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...idemaureen.jpg
Robert, Maureen's business partner, came and joined us on the bench-side of the bar. He brought a local newspaper and was studying the soccer results.
Before coming we had watched "Three Sheets' Jamaica" episode a gazillion times and had seen the shows hard-drinking host brought to his knees by a nip of JB over-proof. Jamar had since been talking about JB non-stop and since Maureen had been the first to pour us that mysterious wet (back when she worked at the “For Real” bar), we kind of felt it was safest to continue the tradition and let Jamar have his first JB and Ting at Sunnyside, under the watchful eye of Maureen. She had almost not allowed us to even try the liquid and had given us one of those deadly disapproving glances upon ordering it. So we figured, if she said it was OK, then it was.
While Jamar was unwittingly sipping the strongest mixed drink of his life, and Daisy was in an intense conversation with Maureen, I talked to Robert about soccer. I really wanted to see a game, since soccer is kinda weird in the US (getting better though ).
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...siderobert.jpg
Robert offered immediately to take me to a game in MoBay that Sunday. To my surprise I heard though that barely anyone cared about the Premier League. Highschool soccer is what people here are really into. I wish I could have taken him up on that offer, but the few days we had in Jamaica just didn't allow for too many excursions.
We finished our beers and eventually said our good-byes. Daisy was itchy about leaving some message to let you all know we were still alive on Negril.com. So we sauntered a few feet further up the beach to find an internet cafe.
Boozing pretty hard, me and Jamar decided to lay down under a sun chair, while indoors Daisy sent out word to whoever was waiting for it (according to her, getting on the internet was some sort of a national emergency).
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...1beachtalk.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...bottomboat.jpg
While we were waiting and chatting, restless Jamar had found himself a dog to play with. He really missed his own canine, but this Jamaican puppy was a little hesitant and nervously moved forward and backward seemingly at the same time. Fear and attraction were obviously fighting an even battle inside her. Finally a stranger came over and offered the advice that “Hotdog” would respond most kindly to an offering of food. So Jamar un-crumbled his last dollars and went into the convenience-store-part of the internet cafe and procured some sausage bits in a can.
Hotdog immediately fell in love with Jamar as soon as the can was opened. She didn't so much eat the sausages as she breathed them in. That made Jamar look at me like a puppy.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...cafedoggie.jpg
Jamar: “We need more! Do you have money?”
Me: “Boss-lady inside has the wallet.”
Jamar disappeared again and came back with two more cans.
By now more neighbors had taken interest in the project and people were now offering suggestions as to which other animals might need a feeding. A contest of urgency ensued and after much discussion a pregnant cat won out and we searched the neighboring bar with a group of concerned citizens in order to find the needy mother.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...netcafedog.jpg
We found her lying down in the dust against the back-side of the structure. A little startled by the sudden emergence of a group of excited of people she tried to get up fast and run. But before she could get away with her swollen belly, we shoved some canned food in her face. She sniffed confused and quickly figured out, that we were probably not here to grab and drown her. Oh what a joy! Jamaicans are so capable of being right here in the moment. Everyone clapped and immensely enjoyed the kindness that was taking place. It was like a little mini-party - with dancing!
Jamar had not partaken in the cat hunt, but had instead reinforced his relationship with Hotdog. Daisy had finished her business, unaware of all that had been accomplished outside. She was quite surprised when we suddenly had a dog following us down the beach, staying right by Jamar's side.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...cafehotdog.jpg
Of course we had forgotten all the rain-checks we had given the vendors on the way. So despite being cash-less, there was no escaping it. We had to browse through many many stalls, which is hard for me, since I hate shopping. One thing I have to mention though: in Jamaica you can definitely buy on credit. Not a vendor that won't send you home with even a 100$ item on credit. That makes the argument, that you have no cash, absolutely mute.
Jamar gifted each of us with a much desired shell necklaces, while we survived the experience without a single purchase, but again promised to return (which we did).
Throughout all the negotiations Hotdog had fallen asleep in the shadow of a table. We didn't bother to wake her up, she looked like she was having good dreams and a full belly...
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...ogsleeping.jpg
Back at the Hotel Jamar wanted to immediately head back out to the beach to settle his debt. He is a little OCD like that.
Some time passed and Daisy was very eager to get going and catch the sunset at Canoe. She searched for Jamar all over the hotel grounds especially at the beach where we were supposed to meet. We even used the zoom lense on the compact camera to peer down the beach to find him. He just wasn't there.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...condsunset.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...ondsunset2.jpg
(Sunset and no Jamar to be found)
Finally I suggested to go check his room. Daisy knocked and out came a confused Jamar with bloodshot eyes. He had enjoyed some Jamaican herbal medicine and in combination with the effects of the JB & ting, he was extremely..... relaxed.
Daisy: “Come on Jamar! We have to be at the Canoe, like yesterday!”
Jamar: “What? I thought we were gonna see a sunset.....”
Daisy: “That's already OVER! - besides it's called sunset webcast AT the Canoe! We're an hour late! Argh, come on boys, MOVE!”
Jamar: “I got a hold of my mom btw. , it's her birthday today. But she thinks I am in San Francisco.”
Daisy: “What??”
Jamar: “Yeah She asked me how the weather was in San Francisco. I really didn't know. Do you?”
Daisy: “WHAT?!.. umm, let's just go!”
To be continued....
OMG!! What a treat, I am so glad to have the incredible trip reporting threesome all back together again! This report has me smiling big and laughing hard! You guys are too funny. I was explaining to Raul that what makes this report so great is now seeing the same story through THREE sets of eyes. It is perfect, its like Jamar, the beginner is nervous at first but then immediately jumps into any situation with intense passion and determination. Daisy, in the middle with an even balance of excitement and responsibility, and Markus is the jump right in, balls to the wall experience all the excitement and experience from sun up to sun down without a care, at least until boss lady tells him it is time to move to the next place on the list!
HA!
I am loving this so much!
Glad to have you back Markus, and glad you are feeling better! I feel like I know you too, and Daisy and I cannot wait to party it up together in April, we are going to have a blast!
And thank you Jamar for giving us a little more of your trip report as well!
We are loving all of it!!
~Shauna
Very nicely done, my fellow Californians .... Amazing color on those pics -- don't know how you do it, but the images are magazine quality stuff!
yeah the trip report is back on!
i can't help but notice how much more relaxed markus looks this trip
i love the tag team trip report - really fun
so another trip planned for april - lol
jamaica will do that to you :-)
:cool:
So Marley9808 was cracking up while I was working on a website design for work. I try not to ask her whats so funny (she'll tell me when its something I need to know). She stops and looks at me and tells me that Markus, Jamar and Daisy have kicked it back in. SO I knew it was time to start reading. Well I was pleasantly surprised to read the continuing adventures of Daisy and the Boys :).
The jet ski adventure sounds like fun! Its the first thing I do when I get to the beach in Negril.Once you get the hang of it you just want to go full speed on the open water,theres nothing like it. Cute little dog, it looks like the exact dog that hangs at Alfreds under the tables.I went to Alfreds one time and the dog was sleep under my table for hours, I did not even know he was there until he got up and walked away, it was funny :D. I think he may have been a little toasted from the contact. I am a little scared of regular dogs, but the dogs along the beach seem so harmless. Great photos!
Hey Markus - I have a friend who does the local PBR marketing here in New Orleans too... Great photos and writing by all 3...
12:12 AM. (seriously???) That was a disappointing discovery. I know Manda will understand what I'm talking about.
Hahaha just like me waking up in the middle of the night. So confusing when you're full of excitement and then have to try and fall back asleep.
I only just started this read, as I had heard it was on a delay. I am very happy to know that Markus is better.
I've just caught up on all 10 pages but sort of wish I had waited until you were finished because now I am sitting here waiting waiting anticipating more. I love that each of you are giving your view of the same time/events. Great report !
I am really enjoying this report and happy that Marcus is back and feeling better, I can feel the love between you two and the love you both have for JA.
I am really getting a kick out of reading your trip report! As soon as I am done writing out all my experiences on facebook, plan on doing a 'sanitized' trip report here myself, but I already know it can't even come close to yours! I am loving this! and it was a real pleasure gettting to meet you in person, even if only very briefly! :)
Thanks Ralonzo & Marley! – Shauna, your description of our vacation personalities had me laughing. “Markus is the jump right in, balls to the wall experience all the excitement and experience from sun up to sun down without a care, at least until boss lady tells him it is time to move to the next place on the list! “ LOL! You have it right on the money! We can't wait to meet you both!:D
Gerryg123 – thanks for the compliment! – your trip is right around the corner now, right? We'll try to finish this TR before you and Brasi reach the rock. How many days do we have?
Seveen – Yes, we're hoping to go back in April for our anniversary. We don't have tickets or anything yet.. but we're filling up our “Irie box” as fast as we can and we're crossing our fingers that the cost of airfare goes down.
Yes we're hooked. There is no hope for us. My friends think we're crazy, but Jamaica has changed our lives in so many positive ways. There is nowhere else we want to be to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.
IrieLuv – Me too! I'm usually afraid of regular dogs. (I was attacked by German Shephards when I was seven years old) I'll cross the street to get away from one that is heading in my direction. The dogs in Jamaica don't frighten me at all.
NOLAmnr – do you also get all the PBR merchandise and free coupons too? Haha, it's a great perk. I wish we also had a friend that worked for Red Stripe!
Thank you LadyP! and Negrilaholic – It was great meeting you too! I'm looking forward to reading your “sanitized” trip report!:)
Manda81 – yeah, I knew you would relate! The first night is always the hardest. It's impossible to sleep when you're so excited.
And I'm sorry that we're taking forever to finish this... it's been a stressful couple of weeks and I had to put our TR on the backburner to finish my finals. Now with the semester over and all the holiday craziness behind us.. we can finally finish up this trip report. I'm shooting for one update each day... at that rate, we could finish this in 10 days? We're going to kick it into overdrive.:cool:
Okay, Markus is up next...
TRIP REPORT CONTINUED...
So when we last left off Daisy was in a hurry to get to the Canoe and walking ten steps ahead of us.
Jamar protested that he didn't have any cash and Daisy reluctantly agreed to stopping at Negril's only reliable ATM at Scotia Bank downtown.
Chicken, who usually conveniently parked across the street from the Grand Pineapple was no where to be found. Instead another cab driver was parked at the lobby ready to go.
As agreed we stopped at the bank, and both me and Jamar got out. Daisy, concerned for our safety asked the cab-driver to walk to the ATM with us, which he did with enthusiasm. While Jamar was taking out money inside the cabby lifted his shirt and proudly showed me the firearm he had stowed in his waistband.
“How is that making anything safer?”I thought to myself. Scenes from “Shottas” came to mind....
When we arrived at the Canoe, it was getting dark. A red glow illuminated the Horizon, while straight above the sky had already taken a darker shade.
All three of us have been watching Rob & Lisa's webcasts for months. In our apartment It's a sort of ambient background noise. I feel like the Seastar Drummers live with us.
As you can imagine we stumbled up the steps into Canoe Bar with wild enthusiasm and expectation, like life-long fans invited to Oprah!
We greeted the first people we saw, sitting around a table on the veranda, with loud enthusiasm, screaming: “WE ARE HERE! WE MADE IT!” - The group stared back at us with empty expression all around.
OK, so we stated our respective screen names, hoping for some sort of..... reaction?
Me: “I am Hubby-man!” - Tada!
The group reacted alright, but by looking more befuddled then ever, Their expression clearly read:“Who are you people?”.
It dawned on us. These people have absolutely nothing to do with Negril.com. They just happen to have some drinks in the same bar where the webcast is. How mortifying.
We were rescued from our embarrassment by Lola, who recognized Daisy and pointed us to the other room at the Canoe, where we saw the back of Rob's head silhouetted against a Laptop screen.
While Daisy stayed outside to chat with Lola for a while, Jamar and I hastened inside to get away from our humiliation, hoping to find other people with screen-names inside.
The inside of the bar was very homey and about the size of an average living room, decorated like one as well. Oddly for Jamaica, snow shoes and other alpine decorations adorned the wall. On the side of the room facing the Sea the windows weren't just open, but seemed entirely removed from their sockets to give unobstructed view of the spot, where the sun had set, towards which Rob's Camera was pointed.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...ewebcast-1.jpg
Rob had two guy pals on chairs next to him. They each had one arm leisurely draped over the backrest and held a drink in the other. Everyone seemed deep in conversation and we hesitated to speak to anyone, shell-shocked from our recent mishap.
Instead we fled to the safety of the bar and ordered the discounted value pack of rum-punches.
With drinks in hand we plopped down on the sofa next to two ladies already seated there. We introduced ourselves and were relieved to find out, they had screen names too. Hurrah! We were finally physically in Negril.com.
Like Tron we were now INSIDE the Computer.
Now here you have to forgive me. I am not super good with names and I know I am leaving out at least two folks here. The only names I remember are due to an ingenious mnemonic device. The Canadians (who must have been responsible for the snowshoes on the wall) introduced themselves as "Canadian BS",...or: Bruce and Sandy.
An engaging conversation was started and we learned that we were dealing with some hard-core Negrillians. Of course we had a lot of questions.
Then I noticed the silhouette of my wife behind Rob, shyly inching towards the silent man huddled over his computer equipment. She was folded over, as if that would make her somehow less noticeable and clutched a Rum punch close to her chest, as if it were the last thing she owned.
Indeed unnoticed she peered over Rob's shoulders at the screen, like a poor person, gazing at forbiddingly expensive merchandise in a jewelers glass case, careful not to touch anything.
Daisy can be ridiculously shy. Rob (only without Lisa around, as Daisy explained much later) is not exactly Mr. Outgoing himself. While Jamar was in deep conversation I watched as the two neared the moment of recognition.
Finally Daisy asked: “Who is online tonight?” Rob turned around. “Hi I'm Clarity.”She stuck out her hand. There was none of the fireworks or whatever one might imagine to materialize, when two people, who have long known of each other transition to knowing each other (not in the biblical sense, this somehow didn't sound right on the second read). Some people are explosive. This was a quiet encounter in as much as was observable from the outside. But at least for Daisy, I know, this was a meaningful moment.
Their first meeting was shy, but it should not be the last one on this trip. And for Daisy this was not the only big moment of the night.
For weeks now, Daisy had prepared us to meet the famous Hurricane Bea, We had even seen her in a you tube clip, making the security guard blush, while trying to start a midday dance party on the beach.
Her entrance was magnificent. Bella Bea was fashionably late and stopped on top of the stoop to regally take in the room. Her dark hair, which fell just passed her shoulder was adorned by a Hibiscus flower matching her dress, and the moment she came into the cameras view, the chatroom went a flutter with comments about her shoes and wardrobe.
We all got big hugs before she joined us on the couch, Daisy now sat down for the first time herself. Jamar dived in with the typical flourish of questions.
It was a jolly round that evening. The rum punches were VERY potent and it got late quickly.
Our driver had arrived to pick us up. Bea opted to take our cab, since here hotel was on the way to hers.
In hindsight not a safe decision as our driver was now more preoccupied with flirting than focusing on the road. After we dropped her off, he let out a loud sigh, turned to us and made some forward comments, to show that he was sad to see this particular fare go.
Before she left we made plans to meet Bea in front of the jungle a little later that night. Out front at 10:30.
I wasn't to fond of the whole Jungle idea, I am more into visiting naturally occurring Forests. Having heard it described as an L.A. Style night club didn't make me like it anymore.
There was no talking Daisy and Jamar out of it. So next up was a night at The Jungle...
To be continued...
The Jungle's up next....can't wait. I'm glad you're feeling better hubbyman. I've never seen the Hurricane Bea video, where can I find it. :cool:
great stuff. as for the taxi guy, this is why tourists should not run out on their fare!!!
YAY!!!!!
So glad you are both back....and loving the trip report as always! Woo hoo :)
Thanks S-G and Marley!
More coming soon:)
Gerryg123 - haha - no kidding! that's a stunt I'll never attempt!:)
After meeting Bea, Rob, Bruce, Sandy, Lola, Jennn and others at the Canoe.. we headed back to the hotel to get changed for the Jungle.
I realized immediately that I had a problem...
I had only packed a pair of leather sandles and a pair of plastic flip flops. Not exactly the kind of shoes you wear with a halter top dress...which was wrinkled and mis-shaped on top of everything from being jammed in my suitcase.
I looked ridiculous.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...dresshunt1.jpg
“You look fine”, Markus assured me. “Yep, That'll work. Lets go.”
I rolled my eyes and I shook my head. I realized that he was going to be no help and neither would Jamar. So I headed out to the front desk area.
A female security guard was chatting with some guys in the front. She recognized me and waved. “What's up?”
“Would you wear this to the jungle?” I asked her.
“Not with THOSE shoes” she laughed and shook her head. “Nu-uh, You must have some other shoes”
I shook my head. “I didn't have room in my carry-on luggage, what now?”
She looked me over, tilted her head to the side and rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Do you have a black tank top and some shorts, denim perhaps? - you can pull off a casual look. There are all types at the Jungle, you see. Some girls are just wearing shorts and a halter top.”
I returned to my room and rummaged through my luggage some more... tossing clothes all over the room. (Yes, I know... day 2 and I still had not unpacked)
I returned to her wearing this:
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...esshunt2-1.jpg
She gave me a thumbs up sign. “That's what I'm talking about. You're good to go”
Next time, I'll pack some dress shoes... but for now, This would have to do.
We headed down Norman Manley Boulevard towards the Jungle. The night was warm, the tree frogs chirping in the distance. Taxis honked as they drove by. The Jerk Chicken vendors were setting up shop for the night and a crowd was already congregated around the Jungle entrance...
It was 10:30 – we scanned the crowds of people entering for Bea, but she was no where to be found. I watched as girls in skin tight mini dresses walked by in high heeled shoes, but there was also an equal mix of casual. At one point a bus stopped, and a hoard of tourists came out in droves.
We waited...and waited..
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...glewaiting.jpg
I confess they were just hamming it up for this shot. In reality, We were all in really good spirits. We are aware of how crazy it is in Negril. It's hard meeting up without a cellphone, even with the best of intentions.
After 11:00, we realized it was time to get in there before the line got too long. So we head on in.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...unglerools.jpg
Love this sign... What are TOUTS??
The Jungle has two levels. It's much bigger than I imagined it would be. The top level was mostly tourists, the bottom level was darker with strobe lights and almost entirely local. We ordered drinks on the bottom first and played a round of pool
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...junglepool.jpg
We were having a lot of fun, enjoying the music..
Markus noticed my new shiny bracelet from Bea... We had done a traveling jewelry exchange. I showed it off to him
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...lebracelet.jpg
We went upstairs to do some dancing.. and this is the last picture we have with Jamar from that night
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...01jungle04.jpg
After that photo was taken, he disappeared onto the dance floor with a really cute girl on his arm. “I'll see you guys tomorrow morning” was the last thing he said.
He was gone.
That didn't take long.
That's when we met some guys that work as dance crew for a hotel beach bar. They showed us how to drink Magnum. Which is a local drink that has a high alcohol content that is mixed with Guinness. We all had a few rounds.. and the room began to spin.
We all moved downstairs and that's when it got a little crazy and um, dramatic...
But Jamar is here and ready to write a few lines about HIS experience...So I'm going to pass the torch over to him.
Trip Report Continued
While staying at Grand Pineapple, we managed to see the nightlife a little…
Thursday night was Ladies’ Night over at “The Jungle”. My first taste of partying like a local had finally arrived…
At first people were just starting to slowly flow in (We got there about 10:30pm) and it was a bit quiet… music was playing but no one really dancing…
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...01jungle03.jpg
About 11:30pm all the foreigners who were there were on the dance floor and most of the locals were around the peripheral watching… I thought that was interesting.
So I managed to get the courage to talk to a local girl that I met… her name was Sasha and she’s from Mandeville and was there for the weekend to party and get away from stresses back home…
Around 2 am or so, Sasha and I get on the dance floor and from that point on, it looked as though all the foreigners took off (minus a few stragglers that had courage enough to hang around) and that’s when the locals all got on the dance floor.
Let me just say this from what I saw:
“WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWW”
The dancing that was going on…they call it “the dagger” was just insane. Think about watching a porn but translate that to the dance floor and that sums up what was going on in that club! Let me paint a clearer picture for you. It looked like everyone was having sex, but with their clothes on.
Sasha, who is a respectable young woman with a son and has been through so much tragedy in her life to say the least… so the idea that I was going to have my play was definitely out of the question with her, but still someone that I could respect easily!
All in all, had a real good night:)
Clarity, you looked fine in the first picture. What kind of shoes are you supposed to wear on the beach road? I'm not wearing anybody's heals on that road.
I don't care what kind of dress I'm wearing... Have you seen the condition of that dirt road?
I'm glad you guys are continuing the trip report...thought we lost you there.... Both you and Jamar have left us hanging on this installment though. :(
I'm biting my fingernails with the suspense....
Ok...so I don't know what I love more.....your story-telling or your pictures that go with it?
I LOVE reading your reports because you capture me instantly and I just cant get enough....but the pictures! Oh, the pictures.
First, it makes me laugh that somehow Clarity has become this elusive target for a picture.....even to show the outfits which must accompany the explanation...but NO head shot...like she is a member of the witness protection program and her identity can never truly be revealed...and then how it seems that each picture in each report goes so perfectly along with the story
She writes "there we were waiting outside for what seemed to be a long time"...then cut to a picture of Jamar looking tired and Markus looking at his watch.
She "shows him her new bracelet" cut to a picture of said bracelet with Markus pointing and looking in amazement
I LOVE it! It makes me laugh so hard....this is better than any book, movie or comedy sitcom. I can't get enough
And fyi....WHEN you guys come in April...oh this is going to be fun. I will be all about taking some of these photos....how fun!
You guys make me laugh. Love it!
{{Clarity, Markus, & Jamar}} This trip reporting is absolutely DELIGHTFUL!! your stories and photos are a hoot!
I so much enjoyed tagging along on your first trip reporting ... it is difficult to describe "that feeling" when Jamaica wraps her arms around your and envelopes your soul ... You two "got it" from the start!
and now - how fun to get to follow along with these same "first reactions" shared from Jamar ~
We were sat at the table next to you three at Sea Star's reopening night with Luciano ... it was fun watching your "Celebrity Status" with the N.Commers and Boardies!! what a great night that was!!
Write On you three!! took a while to catch up .... took advantage of my sleepless night last night!! now I am hooked and tagging along for the rest of this ride! Good Fun!
I have to agree that Clarity's camera coyness is a salient trend in the pix.
Regardless the details about dressing for the Jungle is the kind information my G/F covets.
Just that blurb alone and how you handled it is going to aid her packing.
My guess is she'll now pack heels.
God bless you Fashionistas.
Clarity I just returned on 12/25 but I wanted to tell you my Rasta friend "mackenzie" told me he saw you guys at the Luciano concert a few weeks ago.
He was all excited to tell me, he said remember the couple that sat with us in April at the Luciano show, I was like yea I talk to them online, he like was I
saw them again at the Luciano show!!!
I'm with Clarity on leaving out the mug shots. I would rather not deal with the employer and the 20 questions regarding my escapades in Jamaica. So remember that Marley and Clarity, keep me out of the pics in April!! :)
LOL Booger....how about we just blur the face? We are definitely going to need you in some of these "Acting out the story" photos!.....even if we only use your feet or hands, it could still work I guess....ha! Too funny...this is going to be good!