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…hmmmm what pictures can I post that will force you to book???? ah ha!! I know. Stick around Sparkle. In a couple of days I’m going to dedicate a post to you that will have you whipping out that CC and buying a ticket before the sunsets.
Hey Sammy, I think seeing the beauty of FC will drive her to do it, don’t you???
without a doubt!Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Go ahead and start counting those nickels Sparkle
Didn’t go out that evening. After showering and nibbling on my chicken I made the decision to change my plans.
The original itinerary was 9 nights in Port Antonio the remaining 3 nights in Negril. Was there last year for Independence with my two crazy cousins, but I only stayed for two nights. I thought it would be nice to stir up some trouble there and get that lobster thermidor Murph talked me into seeking out at Teddy’s.
But the thought of leaving Portland was making my heart ache and my stomach spin. Before I ate another bite, I made the calls.
To the Negril hotel to cancel my reservation. They were cool once I said I would let the deposit ride until I can get there.
To the Ocho Rios hotel to make reservations for one night. I can stand the drive straight through on arrival, but it’s much too hard on departure. So an overnight stay in Ochee or Montego Bay helps me let go gradually.
Son #1 to let him know how things are going. He gave me grief for waiting more than 72 hrs to call.
Son #2 to check on the car. “Oh, hi mom. Um, there’s a little problem with the car.”
“How little??”
“The rear passenger window got off track somehow. “
“Oh?”
I hear his gf ask for the phone..
“Hi Miss Vi?”
“Yes Corrine.”
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
“uh, yes….”
“Awesome!”
“What’s this about the window??”
“Oh don’t worry about that. Kenny and I fixed it?”
“oh!….okay that’s good. How?”
“With Gorilla tape!”
Dear Father………..
I need mommy!!
“Hi Mom”
“Hey mon! How is everything there?”
***sigh***
“Mom, I decided I’m not leaving Port Antonio…going to stay for…..”
“OH yes you are, Vi. You WILL be at that airport on the day you are supposed to leave and you WILL get on that plane. And you WILL be there for your son to pick you up!!!”
“Wait MOM…MOM…”
“Did you hear what I said???”
“No Mom…you don’t understand!”
I hear my sister in the background ask what’s wrong Mom tells her I’m not leaving Jamaica. Sister asks for the phone.
“Hey…what’s going on???”
“Vanessa, put mom back on the phone. She misunderstood me.”
“Mom, she wants you back.”
“There is nothing else to discuss, Vi.”
“Mom!!! I decided not to go to Negril! I’m not staying in Jamaica for good…just Port Antonio until it’s time to leave.”
She laughs…”Oh, my bad.”
Did momz just say my bad???? Can’t handle this…I need a drink.
“When do you come back?”
“Next Sunday.”
“You better. Love you, Vi.”
“Love you too, mom.”
Why does it feel like I’ve had this struggling conversation with her before???
I needed a heavy drink and a light movie.
Rum no chaser and Despicable Me 1 & 2!
WINNIFRED BEACH DAY!!
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After a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, I’m on my way down the bumpy, narrow dirt road leading to Winnifred Beach. It was a gorgeous day.
Mr. and Mrs. Schutzzie...enjoy!
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Mom!!! I decided not to go to Negril! I’m not staying in Jamaica for good…just Port Antonio until it’s time to leave.”
She laughs…”Oh, my bad.”
DWL you will always be Momma's babygirl:p
Sammy, you should have heard her. I felt like I was 13 and she was telling me I BETTER come straight home from school.
Told the driver what time to come for me then headed to my favorite spot. Was looking out for I-Cliff. He was not there that day.
No worries, I made myself at home, found me a seat in front of the bar and secured my gear.
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I spotted a jewelry vendor I met last reach. I know his name begins with an “M” but for the life of me I can’t recall it. But I wanted to get some of his rings last time but I didn’t have enough cash on me. I was glad to see him today. He remembered me.
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I wanted this ring, which he quickly re-sized for me.
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Too cool and it drew a lot of attention.
Oh I LOVE IT!
Oh, Yeah! Logged on this morning to see Winnifred, my favorite! I love your roots ring...I had a bracelet I'd gotten in town from Rock Bottom which I had for years wearing and never taking off. It finally broke but daughter gave me hers so I have it now. Does I-Cliff run the bar now? It used to be Otis and I-Cliff would sit and carve his bowls. I miss this beach and lovely people so much!
Otis is married now and in the states for a little over a year now.
good for otis, last time i was there he was working on that . . .
i'm looking forward to more stories and pictures.
vi, jamaica colors, the hotel around manchoneal has the best pizza on that side of the island. worthy of a trip . . .
Well I finally caught up! slow morning here on the PT job. Vi awesome as usual!! you should compile a book about places to visit and stuff stuff to do in Port land. Your trip report is making this rather cool morning on the job seem bearable and warm. :o
Sammy darlin...I know you do :)Quote:
Originally Posted by sammyb
Schuttzie, I also got a bracelet from him. When I go back I’m going to get him to sculpture me an anklet. Yes, I-Cliff sells from the bar.
Jitterbug, I passed Jamaica Colors twice, but didn’t check it out. I will on the next reach.
Thanks Summer! What I would like to do is seriously research to on places to stay. Since getting there is a money and time factor for some folks, it might be helpful if they knew of safe and affordable accommodations that would off-set those concerns. In the meantime I can expand on the attractions which are so enticing and worth the effort to see. Hang in there Summer, soon I’ll be reading YOUR fab trip report.
Hi Vi!! Great trip report as usual. I'm glad to say I did make it to Port Antonio last summer for the second time. I stayed at the match resort, thanks for giving me the contact information, it is a nice cozy hotel. Your pictures brought back great memories of Port Antonio. I went to Winifred and Boston beach. I also went to the blue Lagoon. Your pictures are what attracted me to go. I am so looking forward to exploring Portie on my next reach in Jan. 2014. I will be contacting you for places to go. I will be staying for a month in Jamaica and will have time to do different places. That ring is gorgeous and very different, I will be looking for the maker of that ring. Thanks for the Port Antonio fix.
I thought about you, Butterfly, while I was there. I knew you stayed there and enjoyed it. Now I know why. I’ve been collecting a list of places to stay and will gladly share details with you when you are ready for them. January 2014 is not that far away so I know the excitement of going has already started if not then this report will get you in gear. Wait did you say a month???!!! You go girl!! Still a dream for me.
I’m now thinking the vendor’s name is Jonsie. Probably not that either. My memory is horrible and I should never trust it anymore. A soft spoken man who conducts non-pressure business. Not aggressive at all and very friendly. I’ll always purchase from him.
He also sells bamboo crafts which I like but stopped buying them because they dry out and crack once bought to a drier climate. He explained to me why that happens. Said it’s because the bamboo needs to be cut at night. After assuring me the bamboo he uses will not crack I picked out a shot glass and had him add the year.
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It’s been 2 months since bringing it home and the bamboo has not split or cracked. It’s no longer vibrant in color, but the etching is still very clear and attractive. I use it as a tea light holder. Going to take him a bag of tea lights so he can customize the bamboo to snuggly hold the candles secure inside. The idea might bring him a little more income. Mine looks pretty neat.
There are other vendors selling crafts at their stands and a few who walk the beach, but they are never overbearing or irritating in their selling methods. Stop by to look over the items at your leisure, purchase or move on…zero pressure.
Great idea on the tea light holder..Vi. Please bring one home for me.. Would luv to have one or two or three..
Non aggresive vendors, I see why you love Portland, it's laid back and not the hustle and bustle that's in Negril and Ocho Rios. I have never traveled to Portland alone, but I would love to get to know that side of the island a lot more. I will definitely stay at the Match Resort again. I am staying for a month because I save my time at work and can't do the little short trips because I feel it's just a tease.:cool: I will be doing a 1 month apartment rental in Negril and 3 nights in Ocho Rios, to be there for Rebel Salute (it's booked already). While there I will make accomodations for Portland. I will be contacting you so that I can get contact information for a driver while there.
Hey Sparkle!! well....okay...this time, but NEXT time you get your own...lol
Butterfly, I tell you I’m so envious but do appreciate how you give Jamaica proper time. Not just for yourself, but to get to know the many different aspects of the country by not limiting yourself to one or two areas. Do the dyam thing girl!!!! I hope this report will give you ideas of where to go and what to do when you get there. And yes, I'll be happy refer a couple of drivers that will get you all around Portland safely and hassle free.
My belly is letting me know it’s time to eat so I’m planning to dine at Cynthia’s after a dreaded but necessary stop at the rest room. Dreading this because I’ve heard the facility is less than squeaky clean.
Came upon the door and it’s padlocked. I guess I’ll respect the “no entry” sign and hope my bladder holds up. But that would mean no drinking. Oh nooooo!!! I decide to find out just where the vendors go when they need to go. A young man approaches me.
“We keep it locked now. I have the key.”
He unlocks the door, walks through to make sure it’s okay for me to enter then hands me a small roll of paper.
“I’ll take care of the flushing when you done.”
It wasn’t bad in there at all. Not at all what I expected. I was able to breath…lol
I return the remaining paper along with a tip and thank him for maintaining the restroom and that it was good for visitors to know it’s “breathing” safe to enter. Told me if I need to use it again to come to his cookshop and he will let me in. He pointed to the colorful, spacey structure directly across the pathway. Cookshop???
Dungu Culture Me Yard
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Walked over with him to get a closer look and sniff.
I knew after meeting the chef I had to eat here.
“What is the special for today?”
“Steamfish, but we can prepare chicken and goat any way you like.
“Fish sounds good since I hadn’t had any in a long time. But I bet you fix a mean curried chicken.”
He smiled and said “Yes, it’s his favorite meals to cook.”
“Well do your thing.”
His partner said he will come for me when the food is ready. I wander about taking pictures and sipping my red stripe & rum.
Wow, that looks like a new cookshop since we've been there. Darrel and his wife used be right next door the "toilets" along the beach. We usually got the jerk chicken and rice from him. My daughter loves the chicken foot soup, lol. Cynthia's so wonderful! Tour buses used to come and spend a bit of time on the beach and eat at Cynthia's.
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I'Cliff's bowl inspired by my daughter's drawing for him.
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The sweet dog with no teeth we'd see each time we came for years.
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Otis, I'Cliff, my girls' friend for a few years and my family.
I hope you don't mind, Vi, I jumped in with some pictures. I miss it so!
I always loved that the vendors are not pressuring anyone and they always recognized us each year.
Schuttzie, I LOVE the pictures!!!!!!!!! The group photo is great. It must have been soon after Otis opened the stand. I notice no benches around it. So your daughter designed the picture on the bowl???
I think I know the cookshop you are talking about. They were getting a lot of business. I was going to try their soup but the meal from the other place was not only excellent but filling. The buses still come down that challenging road bringing hungry travelers to Cynthia's.
Thank you, I will keep you to that too Vi....whew whooo. Can't wait for your next visit....
I sure hope you have a photo of that fish dinner.........:p
vi, cynthia also has a restroom, a sparkling clean one, you just have to ask. also locked. i've never been to any other . . .
Yes, Vi, my daughter made the drawing (she is quite the artist now) and then he copied it to the bowl. The group picture was after a few years of us coming and knowing him so he had it for some time but the benches hadn't all been installed yet. He also made it bigger later. Cynthia's has been redone, too since our visit.
Soon come but sometimes it feels not soon enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by SPARKLE1010
Actually Sammy, I ordered the curried chicken and yes indeed I got pictures.
Jitterbug, I didn’t know that. I knew there had to be others so I was going to ask around. Now I don’t have to. Thanks! Although the other rest room was sanitary, it wasn’t sparkling.
Schuttzie your daughter did a great job on that drawing. That's a real special keepsake..shoot I want one!! I have a couple more shots of the bar/stand and well...it's just not the same.
Winnifed Beach is enjoyed equally by tourists and residents. The weekends bring bus and car loads of folks to enjoy a full day here. But as Schuttzie and others will testify, no one is ever cramped for space.
The beach waters here are one of the calmest in Portland.
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It was an absolutely gorgeous day!!!!
i love to see jamaican families on sundays at winnifred beach . . .
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I took the above picture to give an idea of the depth of the water. Those people behind the little boy with the ball, which are shown close up in the below shot, are far out there, but as they walked, the water level never reached their shoulder blades.
The tide is mild making it favorable for just hanging in the water and for supervised kids playing along the shore.
Once out there, the ocean floor is sandy, but there are patches of rocky mounds in some areas near the shore that you have to cross. They look flat as if you can easily walk upon them, but they are jagged in places and really hurt the feet so unless you find then enter through the sandy paths, water shoes are highly recommended.
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