Simply Portland...Utterly Devine

Good Morning *vi* & friends!

Fever grass (Andropogon Citratus) (Cymbopogon)
Fever grass (lemon grass), is grown in Jamaica and has a soothing, light lemon flavour. Most people drink it to recover quickly from high fever. Fever grass is said to provide relief from nervous headaches, as well as stomach and urinary problems.

For two cups: Take about 2 four inch lengths of the grass and boil it until the water turns a very pale greenish color (or boil darker to desired strength) Sweeten with honey or brown sugar to taste.

When I grow up I want to be an herbalist!

oh yes, LEMON GRASS!!! I've had it and bought it back with me. Helped me recover from a wicked hang-over. Didn't know it was also called fever grass. Thanks Goldilocks!

good morning vi
i was struggling with figuring out where this place is . . . driven that road hundreds of times and i've figured it's across the trident, in that neighbourhood . . . it's been almost two years since i've been back . . . thank you for sharing the pics and stories . . .

Hi JitterBug. Thanks for the compliment.

As far as Match Resort, you can't see even a hint of it from the main road. Even when you go down the lane, you can easily miss it. My marker is the apartments that sit on the corner as you enter the lane.

“Do you have to get back on the road?”

“No, not until about 9:00.”

“Can we stop at the beach?”

“No problem.”

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It was close to 6:30 and I hadn’t had a red stripe all day!! Not to mention I heard that sausage calling my name all the way from the jerk center. Can’t ignore that! My visits to Boston Beach are mostly just to chill. Chill, drink, people watch and think. The bar below wasn’t playing music to I hooked my player into the speaker and pushed play.

I like swimming here (water shoes are encouraged). The waves are active enough to be fun, but not too strong you fear being carried away. This is where surfers train and practice for the big surfing competition in St. Thomas.

One time a hefty-sized gentleman offered to teach me to surf. I thought he was joking…about being a trainer that is…so I giggled. He pulled the free lesson offer off the table and departed. Later that afternoon I saw him on a board being carried back to shore by a medium swollen wave. He was good. Surfers do come in plus-size!! I had no intentions of getting on a surf board, but might have been nice just to float way out there and chat. Oh well…my loss.

Nice Waves to play around in the water with... :D

Sparkle, this is just one of many Portland waters to play around in...stay tuned, darlin.

Awww Boston and no you didn't mention that sausage and I'm hungry too.....:rolleyes:

Jitter,

There is a sign telling you where to turn for Match and yes very near Trident.

Well Sammy, both of us are missing something good right now...that sausage and everything else about PA!!!!

While waiting for the driver to return with my sausage, I sip the red stripe and enjoy some Nikka Costa…”Loving You” and “Someone for Everyone” after that “So” by War.

I replay “So” at least three times, every time. Lonnie Jordan is soulful and convincing as he asks an “X” why she left him. At the time, the song’s melody and tone of the artist’s voice fit the scene I watched so attentively from afar. The man appeared lonely, maybe a little heartbroken as he concentrated on stringing his beads. I’m sure that wasn’t his situation. But it was easy to let his presence be the video to the music. The consoling ocean in the background added to my imaginative video…I hope he doesn’t mind.

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I visited Boston Beach again during this reach. It was earlier in the day and much livelier. I’ll post pictures from that day also later in the report. That was a great day. But for now…it’s all about being mellow and easing into Portland; reconnecting with places I’ve painfully missed while away.

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Beach is now just about empty. I got the hint it was time for me to leave when the batteries in the speaker gave out. I didn’t like the silence…sure it was evening, but way too early for complete stillness.

I have to say that may be the most beautifully cut pineapple I have ever seen .... mouth-watering!

LOL SamIA, it was just as sweet as it looked. Nothing like having a fresh pineapple peeled and sliced right before your eyes and nose.

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“What happened to the music, Vi?”
“Batteries dead and I don’t have any with me.”

I take the player and speaker off the dash and slip them into my bag.

“I never knew you to come out and not carry extra battrees.”
“It’s alright. I won’t forget to pack more from now on.”

He begins to fumble with the white envelopes over the visor.

“ummm don’t even THINK about putting on that Kenny Rogers cd.”

He laughs…”How was the sausage?”
“Excellent. I’m surprised it was so juicy considering how late we are getting it.”
“You going to eat the breadfruit?”
“Breadfruit?? Where??”

He unwraps the tan paper from around the small helping of breadfruit. I break off a small piece. It’s still warm, still moist. I close my eyes and slip it into my mouth. Mmmmm so good. Use the last two swallows of my red stripe to wash it down.

Ah yes, I’m back.

“I going to do a likkel work. I will come for you at 10:00.”
“10:00 for what??”
“Tonight is Thursday. You forget??? de roadblock party.”

“THURSDAY NIGHT ROADBLOCK!!!!”

Always enjoy your reports - love the picture of the guy stringing the beads with the waves in the background and, I agree, that is the most beautifully cut pineapple I've ever seen too. Portland is one of the most beautiful areas in Jamaica, in my opinion anyway.

You mean a street dance? or are they really gonna do a roadblock? :D

Thanks for stopping in rachel. Glad you are enjoying the report. I see you understand why I love Portland so. Well I have a lot more to share so don't go far.

Goldilock...check below :)

“THURSDAY NIGHT ROAD BLOCK!!!!”

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I know...terrible shot, but it was post happyhour and into party mode!

Road Block is the name of the bar. Every Thursday night they take the party outside and onto West Street in downtown Port Antonio. Starting at 9:00 reggae music takes over the entire block (and beyond with thundering sound) while folks come out to dance & party until 2:00 AM. And of course like any party in Jamaica it starts of with a slow whine then gradually shifts into a frenzy of stepping, jiggling, humping, bumping and griiiiiiiiiinding!.

The sound system was fabulously LOUD and the music selection had me sweating up a storm from dancing. Couldn’t believe they played “Housecall” by Maxi Priest & Shabba Ranks. Wasn’t expecting that blast from my wild past at all.

“Let my caresses take you places where you’ve never gone before….” I learned how to whine proper to this song, actually Maxi's sensuous voice. ooooweeee what that man's voice does to moi!

I also appreciated how the DJ didn’t do a lot of talking or “PULLLUP!!!” start a song, stop it then start it again.

Didn’t get many pictures because my hands were busy…one had to hold my drink while the other held MY OTHER DRINK!!!

Now the roadway isn’t blocked, traffic still comes through, but it’s sparse and the drivers coast slowly. My dance stage was the sidewalk where I could see everything and not be bothered moving for the cars. Didn’t get around to checking out the inside, but I will next visit. I had a good workout that night. Got me ready for tomorrow’s relax time on the beach.

There were a couple of food vendors out selling jerk chicken, but no soup. I left around 12:45 to search for soup just as the party was heating up the night with dancehall. Wanted to stay but I NEEDED a hot cup of soup. It’s the only thing that keeps the hangover madness away.

Loving this report, the pics. and especially the humanitarian side of it. I am a foodie so loving the pineapple and the mangoes. I never knew mangoes could taste so good until I had some in Jamaica. Vi you really capture the beauty of Portland in your pics. I am thinking about framing one (with your permission of course)my school bredrin does a beautiful job with matting and 3D he is into framing his little gig for making money for school. Thanks again tagging along as time allows.

Ciao :)

OK, that's my kind of party! Love me some Shabba with his nasty naughty self. I met Maxi Priest at a Payless shoe store on Cape Cod, got his autograph and the entire entourage's and then went to the show that night at the Cape Cod Melody Tent - ended up on stage and in the hospitality suite after, just partying. That was a good night!

Summer, Vi's pictures are beautiful and I would also luv to have one hung in my home....goldilocks.. knowing Vi the way I do.. She would be in all Glory to be able to meet Maxi...and to be able to go on stage with him...and party aftewards.... Sounds like one great night!! You go girl!!! *Vi*... luving the report...

It was great! He is very kind and down to earth.

Summer, I know how busy you are so it’s an honor you choose to spend your breaks with me. I also appreciate your kind words. It means a lot to me when people understand the visit is for my soul-satisfaction, but the report is all about Portland, Jamaica and the beauty that abounds there. And YES, help yourself to any picture I post. I would LOVE to see which one(s) you choose to have framed. In fact, the 3D imaging sounds interesting. Is there a way I can see his work? Perhaps a site I can access???

You know what Goldilocks…I am sooooooooooooo jealous of you right now!!!!! Not only an autograph but you partied with my future husband!!!!! Dyam, you lived my dream. He’s an amazing vocalist. I fall in love with his gift each time I see him. Every once in a while I hear songs I think he could bring new life to…this year it’s Crystal Blue Persuasion. I can hear that mellow, sexiness coming from his heart….Look over yonder…what do you see…a new day arising…most definitely…sigh

Sparkle, I KNOW you know about this shameless torch I carry for this man. And yes, I would be deep in glory if I had the opportunity to tell him so. And darlin, you too can help yourself to any of the photos I post. But you and Summer be warned that I still have a bushel load left to put up.

WOW! What a great report vi. Im gonna have to look through the archives and read your past reports now.

Thanks for putting the time in!

Hi there murph and welcome to this ride. So glad you are enjoying it. I believe there is only one still on the board. Had another but something crazy happened to the pictures so I asked for it to be deleted. Couldn't figure out what went wrong but I'm sure I was the blame. Anyway...more on the way.

Vi, I love yoru spirit and zest for life! My husband and I fell in love with Portie years ago and sadly haven't been back for the last 5 years. I love the way you tell your story and your lovely photos. I hope to go back one day. Many blessings and love to you~

Oh, and my avatar is at Winnifred Beach with my LOVE.

A refreshing afternoon in the midst of majestic falling waters…

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Rode into town…tagging along as my driver ran some errands. Along the route of stopping here and there, I searched for an FM receiver so I can play my music through his car speakers. I was also looking for a knife to cut my many mangos…the string ones are a challenge to eat otherwise. I feel I waste a lot of the fruit because I can’t pull it all off the humongous pit. Why does the pit have to be so big??

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Couldn’t find the receiver anywhere so it became the first thing on my list of stuff to pack for next visit. But boy did I strike it gold on the knife. A 6 x 2 inch blade so sharp I was afraid to use it. Straight razor sharp. Only 200J! I know it will last me a lifetime. Sorry no picture.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Schuttzie

Oh, and my avatar is at Winnifred Beach with my LOVE.

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Hey there Schuttzie!!! I love that photo of the two of you. You can see the look of love in your faces. Thanks so much for joining me on this venture. Your words are so kind and very much appreciated. To express my gratitude I'm sure Summer won't mind me devoting the Winnefred Beach post to you and your hubby. It was one of the most memorable days of this visit...can't wait to talk about it.

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Super hot today. Being in town in this heat wasn’t much fun. I dreamed of water pouring down on me to cool my body temp.

Thank you so much, Vi, for sharing your vision of the people, sights, sounds and tastes of Jamaica. Your straight forward, but poetic style are really refreshing. Your respect, openness and curiosity shine through your postings. I really appreciate being able to immerse myself in the richness you portray!! Thank you, thank you. Debrah

Hello and welcome to the ride, Debrah. Thank you for your beautiful words. Port Antonio ignites my passion to write and express myself. Good or bad, I am able to face my failures, imperfections, negativities with humble eyes then be motivated to change what I can about my not-so-pretty ways. I need a lot of work…lol

Comments like yours and the others fuel my fire…I thank you all so much. :)

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“Dude, it’s hot!”
“It’s summer in Jamaica. It’s usually hot in the day and hot in the night time as well…”
“I know…I’m just cranky. Wish you didn’t have those shields over the windows.”
“They reflect the rain.”
“They also reflect the breeze.”
“You want a cold drink?”
“Yeah…get me one I can put my whole body in.”
“I know where you need to be…”

After getting gas, we stop at the supercenter for a couple of cold bottles of water and snacks.

I didn’t ask where we were going…assumed Boston Beach since I wasn’t dressed for swimming. I just sat back and enjoyed the ride.

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Vi, I am so glad I checked in. I love your reports. You helped me a lot when we went to Portland. Your pictures are great and your stories make me feel like I am there with you. Makes me kinda want to go back.

The picture above with the yellow building almost looks like Anna Banana near edge of town. I'm so loving all the pictures and your lovely thought provoking words!

oh, the pictures are so comforting . . . remember every one of those buildings and streets and roads . . .the man and the dogs, the road, the sky . . . let me get my magic slippers to get there . . .

Yes, the one with the guy and the dogs speaks to my soul. Oh, to wander down a quiet country road in Jamaica again!

Jeannieb, welcome! Thanks so much. I remember you planning your trip and enjoying your many pictures after you returned. I also remember being envious of your Jamaica Palace tour. The Palace and the Trident Castle are on my list of places to walk through merely to oooh and ahhhh since I could never afford to stay in either one.

Schuttzie, I automatically smile when I see you have not only stuck around but posted your usual sweet words. So happy the pictures promote memories for you and allow you to enjoy familiar places and events. And to think, the ride has only just begun.

JitterBug, you have to let us all know where you got your magic slippers because I’m ready to be back in Portland YESTERDAY! Thanks so much for commenting and letting me know you are still with me.

Goldilocks, a ride down the long, winding bush lined road in Portland is, as JitterBug said, comforting. The route we were taking that day is seldom walked so it was nice seeing the man and his dog strolling under the bright sun.

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Seemed the further from town I rode, the cooler I became. Not that the temp went down, but my attitude improved. Crankiness was subsided by the beauty that adorned the sometimes rugged road.

It was only appropriate to let the reggae set play on as I found myself being immersed deeper and deeper into the land of where this often emotionally stimulating music originated.

Song after delightful song made conversation unnecessary.

I mean, how does one (man or woman) respond after listening to Jah Cure’s “Reflections” but within your mind repeat his chant

“I wish that Jah can come and take us back in time for I swear, I can be a better man.”

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Just started reading your report. I luvs mi some Vi report. I also luv the "Welcome Home" picture. :)