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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
" The first time I walked inside, the interior threw me back to 1980 when I and my girls would hit the spots every Friday & Saturday night. The sectional, black faux leather padded seats enclosing a booth would be our station for the night. Dainty glasses of slow gin fizzes lined the wobbly table where we sat waiting for various characters to stroll by and ask us to dance. OR if “Shame” by Evelyn Champagne King came on…then we all jumped on the dance floor partners or not." Oh Vi. ;) did you bring back memories... Girl...I know just the spot you are referring to... LOL what fun we had there...
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Quote:
Originally Posted by
billndonna
Silently following your wonderful report Vi,you do a great job and your pictures are fabulous.Thanks for sharing!!
Hey billndonna! Glad to know you are riding along and enjoying the scenery, but don’t be silent…chime in anytime.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JitterBug
got my portland fix this morning . . . thanks vi . . .
JitterBug! Was wondering when you were going to give me a shout.
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Originally Posted by
jojo p
Are ya serious.... " Shame" by Evelyn Champagne King "" brought me back, and so made me smile... we are sooooo gonna roll together ...someday !!! :)
I’ve got my calendar out plotting my 2017 returns…hopefully we can coordinate something, JoJo.
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Originally Posted by
SPARKLE1010
Oh Vi. ;) did you bring back memories... Girl...I know just the spot you are referring to... LOL what fun we had there...
I remember the fun AND the trouble we got into at that place. LOL
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
I hear him talk to someone, but tuned out the words. I decided to just let whatever happens go ahead and happen. I’m on holiday in Portland and meeting people is part of it.
“He’s coming, but will be late.”
“Late like what? And what is your name? And when did I agree to meet anyone??”
He laughed and told me not to worry. “My name is Chris and they call his uncle, Tractor.”
“Trevor? His name is Trevor?”
“No, Tractor. Tractor like the big rigs…Tractor.”
“Tractor. Interesting. With a name like that, should I worry?”
Just as he was about to rev up conversation #2, Desta, Chubby’s wife, came for me. I tell Chris I’ll be right back then we went into the bar for re-fills. While in there, I got to know our host and hostess a little better. We talked about the club and how long they’ve been in business. Unfortunately I don’t remember the details because the rum kinda blurred my memory. But definitely a great team that I intend on seeing a lot more of.
I didn’t realize I was inside so long. When I stepped out, the crowd looked like it tripled in numbers. People were everywhere and the music was louder. It was around 12:45 so I decided to call it a night. Weaved my way through the mass of people, out to the road and soon I’m back to my room.
After nibbling on left-over chicken, I look at all my pictures from the party. Shoot…this was it! For the first time, I forgot about the camera. That tells me I had a great time.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20800.jpg
Couldn’t help feeling that I was forgetting something. Then it hit me…Chris’ uncle Tractor! Shoot!
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
THANK GOODNESS you don’t need a bikini to enter Bikini Beach!
I took two teen ladies with me to Bikini Beach today. They wanted to go to Frenchman’s Cove. I did too, but I needed to PICK up some things and since I had a few extra hands to help carry the stuff I steered us towards town. Besides…bikini beach is free…lol
Martina wanted a patty from the patty truck. But I swear I’ve never seen less than 15 people waiting in line to get patties at that truck. I wanted to try one myself, but I wasn’t about to stand in that heat for 20 minutes or more for patties. Told her we're gonna save that for some other time and she responded to that by sulking.
I freeze...
“Martina, are you about to make me regret bringing you?!?”
“No.” she whispered. “I really wanted a patty.”
“We’ll get something when we get to the beach.”
“Okay!” she said all perky.
LOL I have zero tolerance for teen-tude even in Jamaica.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20808.jpg
The beach was packed on this glorious sunny day. I love this beach…so convenient and persistently entertaining. I always meet colorful characters when I come here and today there was plenty. We claim a table and chill for a few minutes before the girls get in the water.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0400.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0476.jpg
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Three minutes later, we’re on the move. The girls head to the water and I go to visit the Coconutman. I think his name is Clarence…I’m pretty sure it begins with a “C”. You would think I’d remember the name of the man who proposed to me two times…lol.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20824.jpg
Anyway, we chat about business and how life’s been treating each other since my last visit. He has lots of huge pineapples. He grows everything he sells. Today he has pineapple and coconuts. I ask about the mangos. I always get my mangos from him. He said "Only one mango did show all season...and a someone thief it."
I get pineapple for the girls and a cold jelly coconut for me.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20832.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20838.jpg
He has an assistant. This guy peels & cores a pineapple like he’s performing surgery.
He said “Me love cleaning de pine, but me nuh eat it.”
“Oh no??? Never?”
“No, neva.”
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20821.jpg
I take pictures while I’m waiting for the pine-sculpture finish slicing away at that pine. He takes his time…lol.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
I would of had to stick around to see what a guy with the name 'tractor'' looks like !!! (LMAO) :)
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Miss jojo, (snicker) there is a continuation to that...soon come...
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
This guy saw me taking pictures and asked to be in them. Actually he insisted on it. Told me he’s an aspiring singer and is always promoting himself. He began posing like it was a staged photo shoot. He was very animated.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0424.jpg
“Hey Miss…Are you a photographer?”
“No, I just like taking pictures.”
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0425.jpg
Asked me to video his performance and put it on youtube. Wow…my very first semi-professional producing gig.
Okay all you talent scouts out there…the next Buju???
https://youtu.be/1UNKSKnLybA
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Quote:
Originally Posted by
*vi*
CHIT! I like this guy!! Finger snapping music! Irie!!
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
LOL Vince, he seemed to be born to entertain.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Ya Mon! Mon, PA is just...........Hell, I'm speechless about the beauty of that part of da island!! Drooling!!!- Is the Red Stripe colder over therer?-lol :0
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Yes, but here's the trick, you let the bottle sit in the river for about 30 minutes and it will be nice and cold...lol
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Chit, i'll be sitting in da river with dem :) PA has mi number now!! The pictures just keep mi in a dream that I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN to get to PA!!!
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
If you are drawn to Portland from the pictures I've posted so far, you'll be selecting a place to stay after you see the ones I have yet to put up. And remember, Vince, my photos don't do that place justice...
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
I have been reading along Miss Vi......loving the report and pictures. So beautiful
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
portland . . . gorgeous!
thanks vi!!
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Great post VI I visited Portland for the first time in feb we stayed at Great Huts for 6days and really fell in love with the area. We just booked a private place for 8 days for February in long bay. Reading your post just got me really excited
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
You've got such a way with words... you always leave me wanting more. Always interesting and entertaining. One of my favorite lines... “Ummm slow your roll Tupac Fan…" LOL.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Beautiful picture VI. I love the way the trees shadow onto the grass. Just beautiful.... I am so enjoying your report.... keep it coming..
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0400.jpg
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Summer
I have been reading along Miss Vi......loving the report and pictures. So beautiful
Hi sweet Summer! That’s right girl, stay close and keep taking notes! You’ll be experiences all and more when you arrive in Portland…soon come.
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Originally Posted by
JitterBug
portland . . . gorgeous! thanks vi!!
Yes it is, JitterBug. The beauty and peaceful vibe is why I keep returning.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
takinitslow
Great post VI I visited Portland for the first time in feb we stayed at Great Huts for 6days and really fell in love with the area. We just booked a private place for 8 days for February in long bay. Reading your post just got me really excited
Hey there takinitslow! I remember your first visit and now you’re going back!!! To LONG BAY!!! Good for you! Wow, I’ve been searching for a place there…it’s actually my favorite Portland area mainly because of the wild waters. Thanks for letting me know you’re hanging in with me. Hopefully the report will give you some ideas.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BaileysMom
You've got such a way with words... you always leave me wanting more. Always interesting and entertaining. One of my favorite lines... “Ummm slow your roll Tupac Fan…" LOL.
LOL! Thanks BaileysMom! I wish I could devote more time to the broadening the narratives but due to work & life on top of not wanting this to be a year-long project, I’m writing on the fly. So glad you are enjoying it just the same.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SPARKLE1010
Beautiful picture VI. I love the way the trees shadow onto the grass. Just beautiful.... I am so enjoying your report.... keep it coming..
Sparkle, the entire Bikini Beach area, including the marina, the pier and the parking lot, is picture perfect all the time. Besides the beach, there's three restaurants, two bars and a pool in the vicinity. It's a very convenient chill spot. Girl, you're going to love it.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
After the show…lol…the girls enjoyed their pine and I indulged in some nice refreshing coconut wata followed by savoring the sweet meat inside.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0479.jpg
There are boats at Bikini Beach!!! Not just the million dollar yachts docked at the pier for everyone to ogle at and wish they could have…but ocean liners like this one to take folks around the Portland waterways. Well maybe not an ocean liner. The captain asked me if I wanted to take a little cruise.
"In what?"
"That."
"How much?"
"1000J"
"Sure."
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0433.jpg
So I tossed in my bag then gently sat down and realized how tiny that boat is. I wasn’t worried about sinking but keeping my camera dry when we do…lol
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0437.jpg
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
^^ Priceless!!- We would have to do some local style fishing though:)
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Trust me Vince, anyone with a boat in Portland is geared for fishing.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0465.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0462.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0458.jpg
I actually enjoyed the ride and being on the ocean. There are now two licensed boats at the beach to take passengers for puttering around the marina and beyond. This particular captain, don’t remember his name, is a very kind man. I guess his politeness persuaded me to give his service a try. Also he shared bits of information while we were out. The price also helped me make my decision. I can’t wait to do it again.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...9/IMG_0441.jpg
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
BEAUTIFUL country side and now fishing everywhere!! DROOLING!!!!!!:D
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Greetings Sammy!!!! You know the deal...
Vince, it's all there waiting for you sweetheart.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Some changes occurred back at the beach while I was on the boat. A wedding reception was about to take place. It looked beautiful except there was no kind of shelter provided for the guest. At least I didn't see any. And let me tell you, the sun was intense that day.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20864.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20887.jpg
Yummy & Beautiful
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20892.jpg
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
This young lady was fantastic. As we were leaving, she was playing “How Deep is Your Love” and it sounded amazing. I will definitely keep that idea in mind when I plan my sister’s dream wedding.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20894.jpg
The bride and groom
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20903.jpg
This was one eventful afternoon at Bikini Beach. But then I've never known it not to be. Time for us to head to the market and then home.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20908.jpg
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
I did get the girls something to eat. We stopped at Piggys who, I’m happy to announce, is renovating his restaurant. Construction wasn’t complete before I left Portland so I’m looking forward to getting pictures of the new look when I return.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20912.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2016%20913.jpg
After we leave the market I tell Cleveland about the guy singing on the beach. He tells me he drops verses too. Oh boy, I wanted to hear this. “Wait!!! Let me refresh my drink first. I always have a cocktail during stage shows. LOL”
Meet Cleveland…the singing taxi driver. His 3 minutes of fame.
https://youtu.be/5fKADdIx6QI
What followed that was nothing by good old fashion cutting up FUN! Even the girls got into cheering and hackling Cleveland, our Dennis Brown wanna-bee. Much singing, laughing and drinking going on during that ride down the winding Jamaica road. Well, I was the only one drinking and that’s all that matters because me alone the one on holiday!!!!
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Looks like not many cars around that area. I love the last picture! Lots of bike riding and walking! *vi*, in your past trip reports had my eye on PA, but now!!!- My main focus is to GET to PA!!-I'm sorry Negril area, It's PA turn now;)- We like to stay with a local family guest house. Nothing fancy, just great views of the da hills and watta. Thank you *vi* for sharing us the other side of the island!!- Funny thing is I showed my wife Saturday your trip report and I walked out to do stuff around the house, I walk back in and she is looking on VBRO in PA. lol
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
I can picture your smile when you saw her searching for places. Sounds to me like she’s feeling some positive vibes for Port Antonio right along with you.
I’ve had excellent results finding accommodations all over Jamaica through airbnb and VBRO. I trust the reviews on both. Starting with a place Butterfly wants me to check out, I plan to take a full day visiting as many guesthouses as I can and post what I find. I’ll be happy to put anyplace Mrs. Vince is interested in on the list.
Portland’s diverse scenery will be so appealing to you, Vince. From the bustle of downtown to the serene along the country lanes, you will see people going about their daily routine in a location that flourishes in lush beauty. The only thing most will beg from you is a return greeting.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
I just look at my screen and just look DEEP into the pictures and just see us there! Mingling and asking questions and answering there. Seeing the yutes come up and "feel" our skin. lol- Love da country!!
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Vince as I had my first visit last Feb to Portland I will tell you I thought going to Negril staying in a non AI that I was connecting with the island and its people and after visiting A lot of Portland I realized Negril is just where tourist go. I still love Negril but we decided to spend more time on that end of the island this year its magical for real.
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Quote:
Originally Posted by
takinitslow
Vince as I had my first visit last Feb to Portland I will tell you I thought going to Negril staying in a non AI that I was connecting with the island and its people and after visiting A lot of Portland I realized Negril is just where tourist go. I still love Negril but we decided to spend more time on that end of the island this year its magical for real.
SWEET, *vi* has really opened up my eyes to PA!- As I write on threads, I LOVE Jamaica, but we as a family like and do it yaad style. IMO- I don't even like the dreaded plane ride back, due to whinning of tourist. IMO- So the plan in the future, is to pick up our yaad fren and bring him with us to PA! Last trip, he went with us to Mayfield, and then he (Dellie) has some frens along Roaring River ,went there, hit up a local cook shop and watch the storms up in da hills. Ahh yea local style!
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
We took the Nutsford express bus from Negril last year and it was a great way to see all of the north coast. We stayed at the great huts in Boston bay it was magical. This year going to take the bus again but less time in Negril. We are trying a private house in Long bay I cant wait!!!!!
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Re: Trip Report July/August 2016
Vince, I like your eagerness to meet Portland. I'm excited for you and just want you to get there!! When I first starting going, I wanted to get to know many people, but I am shy so it took me a while to actually make friends. But I know you won’t have any problem making connections on day one!. From the children to the adults, people are genuinely friendly and hospitable. Takinitslow is so right when he says you get the true Jamaica flavor in Portland. Tourists are there, but they walk about the roads and streets as though they live there. I know you, your family and Delroy are going to have a great time. Country living is what Portland is about.
Takinitslow, I travel on Knutsford buses and love it. Seems the four hour travel time passes quickly, doesn’t it. Very comfortable and scenic ride. Like I said, I’m happy but jealous you found a place in Long Bay. I can never visit Portland without spending time on that beach even if it’s for ten minutes.
