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Is it just me or does that ice cream look... LOL
LOL! No, It's not just you. That is hysterical!
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Is it just me or does that ice cream look... LOL
LOL! No, It's not just you. That is hysterical!
Loving the reports,they help quell the D.I.F.,thanks for sharing!!
A small plane is the first man-made sound we've heard in a a couple hours. Maxed out at Rhodes Hall. No one else here. For a while, we're on our own private island away from the traffic of Negril (foot and wheel). Packed our cooler full of red stripes and claimed our front row seats to our favorite production, The Ocean. Doesn't get much better than this. We'll head to Bay View for dinner and see what's on the menu. Last night on the beach. I've always wondered what I was missing. I'll be happy to go to my home on the cliffs tomorrow. There's just something about that room...
But back to yesterday...after breakfast we went and visited the collection of doves, parrots, and pigeons that live at our temporary home. It wasn't long before the rain set in again. More reading, napping, catching up on casual conversation we never seem to have time for at home. Then the rain started to let up and our friend, the protege shark hunter and esteemed shark chef, called. He was almost there! Oh how we've missed him! We keep in touch frequently. He has a wife of 2 years back in the States. Hope he gets to see her soon. We walk the beach, talking, catching up, laughing, telling the latest fish tales. We knock back the Red Stripes and walk on. We covered most of the beach last night, walked and walked. It was good for the soul. Back to our porch we went, more red stripe, more fun, laughing til our sides hurt. We exhanged gifts and hugs. I think SharkChef was feeling pretty good when he left. We have plans again Sunday and that is where you all come in. From what I've been told, our place on the cliffs isn't locals-friendly. Where's a good place on the cliffs where we can have cheap eats and cheap red stripes and borrow some cliff for the day Sunday? *cheap* being the operative word. Thanks in advance all.
Cheap in the cliffs, here are some, cheap joints, Sir D,s drinks but no food, LTU, reasonable food and drinks, Negril Escape, Peewee,s ,
Xtabi is quite friendly with a great bar and easy access to the water. Nice snorkeling too!! Grab a drink or a snack to repay their kindness for the access. The meals there are not really cheap but not too out of hand. Could always drink and hang out there...then head next door to 3 Dives and have dinner or just jerk chicken, etc. Sips and Bites is a really authentic Jamaican food place near Rockhouse which IS really quite reasonable. Not an ocean view but great food and nice folks for sure! DeBar...nearby...again not on the wata but great food and great folks too! So many options on the cliffs....If during the afternoon...stop by Ras Rody's for an Ital delight!! Truly great prices on ital food and some of the best callaloo around. No salt fish but trust me with all the veg and other treats...you won't miss it.
Enjoy...nothing better than the cliffs!!! :)
Hello boardies, please be patient us we are moving today. We will be posting pics from yesterday's adventures, tonight. I have lots of them them to choose from... :cool:
hehe they must be having a wonderful time! I know I won't be trip reporting while I'm there maybe if i have something I wanna say or ask while I'm there yeah but I plan on doing a formal trip report after with proper pics and day seperations (lol tizz)... can't wait... But it's all falling into place!!!
you can bring your own beers to Rhodes Hall? did you do the day pass and free pick up?
Sorry for our absence everyone. We finally made it home to the cliffs. So glad to be here. So many perfect days had since our arrival. I'll catch up the last week and have photos soon after our return. "Dead Man Walking" day isn't far away now. Gonna soak up as much as I can before that dreaded day.
Well the intention was to hike a ways from their beach area and wanted to have a cold one once we got there. Bad news is they had it all gated up and locked up and NO ONE was around. Yes we did the day pass and pick up. Intended to eat at the restaurant but it was a ghost town. Usually love the day trips there. This one was a bit of a flop but enjoyed the scenery and quiet nonetheless.Quote:
Originally Posted by jenb
Know exactly how you feel..the Mrs was crying on our last day..she didn't want to leave.
i'm back --- had a mini vacay and now back checking on yours! love it . . . i can feel the relaxation in your words :-)
obviously cliff gravity :-)
Good catch seven ..... Hey!!!!! Misty and the shark hunter whered you go lets hear it... We need our fix of report.
shoot they're home! aghast lol
We are indeed home. :( don't give up on us though. The remainder of the trip report and lots of pics are coming soon. Just have to play catch up at work for another day or so and then start reliving the trip. I start each morning with a cup of Blue Mountain and a sigh.
Well, we’ve survived our first week back home and have begun the second. SharkHunter’s birthday was last week so some celebration eased the pain of being back in the states. I meant to start catching up my report this past weekend (have done a lot of mental writing) but we spent the weekend on the boat fishing instead. It was one of the things we missed the most in Negril. All that water and we didn’t have our own boat to laze the day away and wet a hook. It was good to get Serenity out on the water again. I’m pretty sure she missed us. Brought home a few fish to filet and add to the stock pile in the freezer. Wish it was snapper. I L.O.V.E. snapper. We'll have to settle for catfish, bass, and crappie though.
So where did we leave you all hanging? Moving day! We were up early for breakfast our last day. For some reason there was a shortage of ackee at the hotel and we hadn’t had any all week. Our dear night security guard had heard our disappointment and had personally secured some just for us. He had told us early in the week that he would. Well, one morning I awoke to a single ackee on the patio - I knew he had come through for us. It was a most excellent breakfast which earned both our sweet Miss S and the night watchman a generous tip. The bounty carried over to our last day. We anxiously packed our bags, said a very sad goodbye to K Man and others we had spent time with, and were ready to depart. I loved our time on the beach. I loved the easy access to everything. Loved being next door to Shamrock which made life easy and Red Stripe binging super cheap. Loved the sound of the traffic, the pretty sunrises, and the foliage. It took 5 trips to try the beach. I’m glad I did it. If I could do it over, I would have done 4 days on the beach and 10 on the cliffs. Glad I planned the beach part of our trip for the first week. I knew the cliffs wouldn’t disappoint so I saved the best for last. It was a wise choice. Overall, the beach side has a few more mosquitoes, heavier, moister air, and too many allergens for SH. We are glad for the experience, but I am without a doubt, 100% a cliffs girl. When we stepped into Samsara’s recently renovated lobby shortly after noon on Saturday, I knew I was home. Sign here, sign there, here are your keys to T1, it’ll be ready soon, off to the bar we went.
It wasn’t long before our room was ready and we ascended the stairs and opened the door. Surprise! Since our last visit, Samsara has updated their pillar houses with king size pillowtops. SH is 6’ 2” - a king is a necessity anywhere in the states. We make the exception in Negril. Looks like we won’t have to anymore! SWEET! We grin as we step on to the porch and look out from our little spot on the cliffs. The breeze cools us. Breezes! Oh how I missed those on the beach! The cliffs. Samsara. Home sweet home. That night we had pumpkin soup at dinner. There were other things, too, but I have waited so long for pumpkin soup I couldn’t tell you what else I ate that night. It didn’t matter. Pumpkin soup at last!
We spent that night the way we would spend most of the rest of the nights of our trip: sitting on our porch, listening to the reggae music and laughter coming from the bar, watching the stars twinkle, hearing the ocean crash against the cliffs below us. Talking and dreaming and being together and at peace. It was perfect. Just what we needed. We didn’t drink too much or stay up too late. The next day, SharkChef would be joining us. Must rest up for the adventure.
A few pics from Rhodes Hall...
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YEAY!!!! glad your back and its going nice and smooth... ps.. happy belated SH!!!
Lovely! Looking forward to more on Samsara as it was our second choice behind Xtabi. Great location and in our price range. :) Can't wait for the next installment! :)
Rhodes hall is beautiful.
It's good to be back! And SH says thank you! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Beebeluv
Although I've seen some people with less-than-pleased reviews around here, I have a high opinion of Samsara. I'll give a full review of it and our beach hotel a little later in the report sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of each. :) I've heard many wonderful things about Xtabi and once again did not make it by for a visit so I can't compare the two but Samsara definitely has its perks.Quote:
Originally Posted by nicole.edith
Agreed! I spend at least one day there every reach. A nice quiet place to collect shells and reflect. A good way to feel like you're all alone on a deserted island. :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by kaycee
Daylight creeps through the windows into our pillar house. The fan spins above us making its comforting woosh-woosh-woosh sound which gently lulled me to sleep some eight or nine hours before. Laying on my side I can see out the glass sliding doors beyond the patio to the ocean. Waves barely break the surface. So calm and serene. I stare out, not moving or making a sound, afraid to shatter the perfect stillness of morning, afraid to disturb the dream to which I’ve awakened. I love this feeling. I’ve been here before. Each time I’m afraid it will be the last so I savor it, relishing each sound, sight and smell. The sky slowly morphs from grey to a pale blue and then gains saturation working towards that brilliant azure that will surround us until it is interrupted by storm clouds or sunset.
I finally rise from my spot under the fan only to take a few steps out onto the patio where I can continue watching the world wake up. I watch a boat or two, their captains seeking bounty from the depths. I’ve been watching one of these boats in particular set and check his traps every morning of my vacation for so many years now. I’ll never grow tired of watching him. I daydream that I’m sitting in the boat with him, rocking gently, not a word spoken, going about our work, salty air all around us, salty water beneath us, fresh catch being pulled into the boat. He doesn’t know I exist. His life would be no different if he did, so it’s just as well. I’m content to watch him from here. I wonder if he has a family, a son to which he will or has already taught the tricks of the trade. I wish him luck from my spot on the balcony.
I hear the first noises coming from the kitchen - the clatter of pots and pans, the voices of the kitchen staff. The heavenly smells of breakfast soon waft from the windows of the kitchen across to my balcony. Oh how I love T-1 in the mornings! I hear the creak of the wood floor and a second later, SharkHunter’s hand is on my shoulder as he, too, takes in the beauty of the world around us. Such a simple moment yet so outstanding. A vivid memory, rich and full of texture. I love these moments. This is why I come to Negril. Sunday morning. I may not be sitting in a church house, but I’m definitely in the presence of God’s Majesty. Thanks and praise.
Eventually we are ready to start moving around for the day. We go downstairs for one of our favorite parts of our vacation - the outdoor shower. I don’t know what it is about showering outside, but I love it! The fresh air moving all around me, the cool water against my skin, and the sound of the water as it hits the rock and tile are more refreshing than the soap itself. At home, I always get ready quickly, always in a hurry. In Negril, I linger under the showerhead. Whether it’s the ocean, the pool, the shower, or just sweating in the Caribbean sun, it seems I spend most of my vacation drenched. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’re ready just in time for breakfast to open. We choose a table by the window so we can continue staring at the ocean, entranced by the waves. Fried plantains - yum! They’re never quite as good at home. Porridge - delicious! Fresh pineapple - droooooool! And I save the best for last… my cup of coffee and festival. I’m stuffed! I feel an after-breakfast nap coming on, but not today! SharkChef will be here soon. Today is going to be a good day!
Your writing is so picturesque. Just beautiful. I was right there with you.
Excellent report,can't wait for more,thank you for sharing!!
Awww, thank you! I'm glad I could share!Quote:
Originally Posted by MoFromMonroe
Quote:
Originally Posted by billndonna
Thank you! It is my pleasure. It was fun to write while I was there for the first week. I'm sure I'll forget lots of details writing about this second week from home, but it's nice to relive it. :)
I was going to post a few pics today but I realized what I have will give away the next installment so until then, I share with you "Naked Light."
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Tease.................
You write so wonderfully, can't wait for more :)
Ha! Not I!!! ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim-Donna
Thank you! :o I've always enjoyed writing, part of the reason I kept up with the trip report daily the first week we were there. Writing and reading have always been soothing pastimes for me. What a shame I couldn't make a living doing either! By the way, love the quote in your signature line.Quote:
Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel
I've been going through photos this morning and will have the next installment a little later assuming work doesn't get too crazy today. Until then, a few random photos...
Don't you all just love this sight?
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And this one? This one makes me giddy as a school girl (movie quote...name it!)
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Loving this trip report. You must be an English teacher. Your writing style evokes such vivid images.
This is my favorite pic from a plane landing at MBJ. Some of you may have seen me post it before.
(Unfortunately, this was taken at the end of our reach. But I look at it and dream of a returning flight.)
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Johio, my heart skipped when I read your post. :o You have no idea what a compliment that is! Possibly one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. Really. I am flattered and would be honored to be an English teacher. Teaching is one of the most noble professions IMHO. I am a lowly hotel manager though, spending my days behind the front desk, wishing I was on the other side, checking in to a room at an exotic destination. But at least I get to hear my guests' stories of travel and adventure, and when I'm lucky, once every year or two, I get to have my own little adventure. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Johio
As for your picture, I have seen it before and am happy to see it again. Perfect timing on that pic. Love it. It is a view so fresh in my memory. I usually see it blurry, through tears. I think this is the first time I ever saw it clearly, with a smile in fact, but that is many installments from now. ;)
Your pics are beautiful! The water is sooo blue and clear.
I am a HORRIBLE photographer. Fortunately SH is pretty handy with a camera. But Jamaica makes a professional out of anyone. I don't think it's possible to take a photo there that is NOT beautiful.Quote:
Originally Posted by kaycee
It was near 11:00 am when SharkChef arrived. SharkHunter was caught up at the moment, so I rushed to the lobby to meet our dear friend. Hugs and smiles and how-do-you-do’s. Just as I was making excuses for SH, he came into view on the twisting path canopied by palms and vines and flowers. I love walking that fragrant, lush path. I always feel as if I’m walking through a well-manicured jungle. More hugs and how-do-you-do’s and we’re through the gates and walking down the street.
Where to? Everyone without opinion, so we’re just walking, talking, and laughing. We’re passed by the occasional route taxi - beep-beep - but we’re having too much fun to really notice them. They get a friendly wave, none of us missing a beat on the conversation. The sun is beating down. Today is going to be a hot one! Hotter than usual I’m afraid. We’re thirsty already.
Pewee’s! We’re the first customers. Our barkeep is asleep in the hammock. SharkChef rouses him, and he opens shop for us. Red Stripes for SharkChef and I, juice for SharkHunter. Lightweight! ;) A couple locals show up eventually. They speak to us, good mornings, hellos, a quick exchange in Patois with SharkChef, and then they go to the cliff for a jump and swim. After they each take a turn, they start hollering at a sunbather on the cliffs at the property next door. Does she want to see them jump? Does she want company? Should they come over? I giggle, glad their efforts are focused on someone else.
Even in the shade of the bar with a cold Red Stripe in my hand, I’m burning up. It’s so early and soooooo hot. There’s not much of a breeze which doesn’t help at all. After a couple of rounds, we’re all ready to move on. We pay our tab and throw in some extra for the kindness of opening [waking] just for us, and we’re on our way.
We get out to the street and we’re back where we started. Where to? No one has an opinion, again. Except SharkChef is burning up, and so are we, and we don’t feel like walking much anymore in the heat. We would get a cab, but we don’t have a destination. Hmmmm. SharkChef just wants us all to be able to chat. Maybe take a little swim. We feel the same. He’s carrying a backpack which just makes him hotter. We decide to walk back to Samsara to put his bag in our room. I stop at the desk. I explain our friend is here to visit. Lots of catching up to do. Can he spend the day with us? How much is a day pass? I’m sold. The price was cheap and it gave him all inclusive access - bar & meals for the day, up until 10:00p.m. It was inexpensive enough that even if we decided to leave again later that day, it would still be worth it.
I’ve read on here somewhere once before that Samsara wasn’t locals-friendly, so I was pleasantly surprised. I don’t know the specific situation that caused that comment, so all I can speak on is my own experience, but our dear friend the SharkChef was welcomed with open arms. We didn’t mention he’s the head chef at another resort. ;)
Off to the bar we go. We order our first round, quickly empty our cups, and order another round. We decide we’re all mildly hungry so we head upstairs for a quick bite. Back down to the bar. More drinks. Time for some billiards. SharkHunter sits out the first game and lets me play. SharkChef says he’s only played once or twice. He smokes me. Once or twice my @$$! He insists. I rack the balls for a rematch. Smoked again. He stands by his story. If it’s true, then he’s a natural. Then it’s SharkHunter’s term. He puts SharkChef in his place quickly. SH is GOOD at pool. And poker. Don’t let him tell you otherwise and NEVER bet against him. ;)
We make it through a few more drinks while we play pool. The sky darkens a shade or two. There’s rain far in the distance. The wind starts to blow a little. FINALLY A BREEZE! Still hot though. We walk along the cliffs, catching up on life’s events, how the family is, how work is going. We make jokes every chance we get. We were bonded to SharkChef by laughter from the very moment we met him. He is a dear friend to us both, a kindred spirit to SharkHunter, and a mentor to me. Deep eyes, a kind heart, contagious laughter, a sharp mind, and a passionate spirit. So glad our paths crossed. We will make sure they cross time and time again for the rest of our lives.
From down below the cliffs, the water pulls at us. From above, the sun pushes us. SH and SC are ready to take the plunge. I’m quite sure I don’t have permission to post the videos that were recorded over the next two hours. I’m glad I was on the cliffs shooting them. Had I been in the water watching the antics that followed, I surely would have laughed until I drowned! SC says, “You jump first.” SH says, “No, you!” SC tries to get SH to hold his hand and jump. I’m shouting, “Lovers leap!” We’re all laughing. And then SC bolts. Splash! SH is right behind him. Splash! They both surface laughing. Then they start trying to coax me in. Not today boys. Not today. I’ve had my years of cliff jumping. Now I’m old and fragile. I’ll keep watch for sharks from here. LOL
They climb the ladders and dive over and over again. I play gopher. I gopher drinks. I gopher the snorkeling gear from the room. I’m a professional gopher, so I’m up for the job. I laugh from the cliffs as the guys soak up some salt water. It’s a perfect day, and it’s just getting started...
Johio...........LOVE that shot~!!!
Please continue, Misty.
Not really in the writing mood today...got called in for the early shift today AND tomorrow. :( That means 12 in a row until a day off. Yuck! But I've been absent for a few days, so I'll share the photos I've been reminiscing over ...
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Really enjoying your report and pictures! You made my rainy Sat. much brighter!!