Okay, *vi* we need more PA! ;)
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Okay, *vi* we need more PA! ;)
Hi Vince...coming right up! But gotta warn ya, this next piece is mostly narrative recalling one night i went out. i know some don't particularly want to deal with a lot of reading, but I really wanted to share this moment in writing. Pictures will be posted a little later.
Not ONE “me beg yu one nanny” “me beg yu one manley” “me beg yu…”
Cleveland had been asking me to go to a club in town with him. What he described sounded like my kind of place…vintage reggae…mature crowd. Unfortunately I had plans the nights it was poppin. He talked me into trying someplace outside of town instead. I knew anywhere we went it would be quiet since it was a Thursday night. Light music, drinks and conversation sounded fine to me.
It was around 9:30 when he headed out. Coming through Port Antonio, he pulls over to the curb and shouts across me for two cigarettes and a bag of the leafy green. I turn to see two homeless men sitting in the darkness. They were dwelling in a small opening between two downtown businesses. The sight of these men, who looked to be in their late 50’s, broke my heart. No matter what happened that resulted in them being in such a depressed condition, all I could feel was pity & sadness with no questions or thoughts of judgment.
“Hurry mon! Hurry with the ting dem! B*BLCT! Hurry! Cha!! Come!!”
“Cleveland…stop yelling at him like that!”
One man is moving quickly to search for the requested items. His partner sat quietly watching me.
“Good evening.”
They both froze, then barely audible bid me the same.
The one found the two cigarettes which he rushed around to Cleveland’s window along with the small plastic bag.
His companion still motionless, still gazing at me. I can tell he is not well.
“Are you hungry??”
“Yes, Miss.” The companion answered.
“What do you have I can buy?”
He moved slowly as he searched the piles of what looked like rubbish then pulled out a little tattered brown bag and delivered it to me. The bag contained 3 tiny limes. Funny, I actually needed limes.
“How much?” I asked with a smile.
“Whatever you want to pay, Miss”
He looked at the bills I gave him as if I made a mistake, but he didn’t want to give them back. It was like he was giving me time to realize I gave him one bill but meant to give him the other.
“Consider the extra a tip. Now, Sir, please you two go get something to eat. Good night gentlemen.”
We drive off in silence. The men looked bad, really bad and there was nothing I could do about it nor could I erase their images from my mind. They didn’t ask for a thing. Come to think of it, no one did the entire time I’ve been in Portland. Even when I encountered folks in obvious dire need, not ONE “me beg yu one nanny” “me beg yu one manley” “me beg yu (fill in the blank)…” appeal did I receive. I’m not complaining, simply acknowledging the observation.
I’m no longer in the mood to be social. Part of me wants to go back to my room and be alone for the night but another side feels it would be wrong to bail since Cleveland was looking forward to this.
I’ll go.
“Cleveland…um we’ve been outside of Port Antonio for about 6 minutes now. Just where are we going?”
“St. Margaret’s Bay.”
“St. Margaret’s Bay?? That’s a good hike from here. Another 20 more minutes??”
“No less than 15.”
I still protested and complained about the distance, the lateness of the night, going somewhere I’ve never been and the cigarette smoke. He put out the cig, but didn’t slow down.
“Vi, I want you to go. It’s something new for you to experience. My friend has a bar by the sea. A nice place to relax and have a drink.”
The thought of a drink calmed me down. I sat quietly listening to music trying not to think of those two men.
We reached the bar. He turned down a dirt path and slowly weaved through the trees and the darkness. I hear the pleasant sound of the ocean. I feel myself begin to cast off my slight gloom.
The place…well…let’s say it’s not what I had I mind. It’s a man’s spot. Besides the owner, Eric, and the VERY young bartenderette, we’re the only others there.
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I get my usual, Cleveland gets a Heineken. We go outside and sit on one of these humongous tires to chat. Eric tells us he’s having a fish fry on Friday. We let him know we will be there.
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I started feeling a little better due to “acceptance” of what I cannot change. I even loosen up about the bar itself and looked forward to seeing it during the day. I had to return to get better photos because the ones I took that night were wacked!
The mental picture I get of the moment of the 2 men, I picture and what you did is what I would had done, And I agree about just going back home and chilling, but the other part would be go check out the new bar and get a drink. I like the way the waves crashing in the dark night sky. Looks like a kool place to chill. Young mon trying to make it! I like it!
I'm here with you babydoll
Vince, my friend...I do wish I could be there when you arrive in Portland for the first time. I wish I could go everywhere you go just so I could see that glow on your face when you finally gaze upon what makes my soul survive. it would be a treat for me to see you meet some of the people who I know will embrace you and your fam the way they've embraced me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vince
Thank you Sweets.Quote:
Originally Posted by sammyb
Return to Boston Beach
On my second visit to Boston Beach, I usually go 3-4 times day/night, I take the girls. Its Independence Day so there’s a 200J charge to enter. I pay the 600J and we find a nice spot down front to get a good view of the action. Since this is the second post of that beach, I’ll only put up photos that are unique to the previous.
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As you can see the beach was full of happy people. I heard Winnifred was also packed to capacity. We were fine right here. Wrist bands were required for proof of payment. Normally it’s optional. You only have to purchase one if you intend on using the shower or rest rooms.
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All three of us dove into the water without delay. It was magnificently refreshing and on the active side. We had a ball being lifted than bouncing back by the incoming waves..
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We took a short break from the water to munch a little. I wanted pine, but the cotton candy man passed by first. 100J a bag. I got the girls a bag and picked from their sweet fluff.
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The weather started out gorgeous…then the clouds joined us and decided to rain and rain and rain on our parade. We headed for cover to one of the gazebos. The girls were hungry so I got them lunch. There was still a lot of people in the water. Yes, it felt just that good, you wouldn’t want to leave.
https://youtu.be/IB2-i69tRDY
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We chilled there until it was obvious the clouds were gearing up to release quite a storm. The flashes of lighting told us it was time to go.
On the way out I spotted a guy with a pine. I asked if it was for sale, he said yes…300J. All I had was two 100’s and a 1,000. He took the 200 and said I could pay him the rest later. Cool! Until about five minutes later when Martina examined the pineapple and announced that it was bad. I asked if she was sure and they both said yes.
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While we were waiting for our ride, the fruit man called for me to ask if I needed anything. I bought three grapefruit from him 50J each. He looked at my sick pine and asked me where I got it. I told him who I purchased it from. He blew up. Told me he GAVE the pineapple to that guy because it was going bad. He was livid that not only did he sell it, but sold it to me. LOL
“It’s okay. You live and learn.”
“No No No No No…darling it’s NOT okay and I will take care of him. You hear! I will….”
He said something in patois that went by me, but not the girls because they couldn’t stop giggling. The wonderful merchant took the pineapple back and gave me some tomatoes, an onion and limes. Limes…I told him I already had limes, that the tomatoes and onion were enough. As we were walking away, he asked “Darlin, will shop me again?” “Of course! In fact I’ll tell a small portion of the world to shop your stand.” I got a big smile out of that.
His fruit stand is located on the road side between the jerk center and boston beach. Please pay him a visit. He has a nice selection of vegetables and fruit. The items I purchased from him directly were very fresh and tasty…especially the grapefruit.
Ahhh mon, loved to been there chatting, swimming, jumping and have a TON of fun!! I can feel it!
Mon, that's what I like to read! How the fruit guy was looking out for you and da girls! And made it right for you too!!! Now that's a TRUE Jamaican!!!
You know Vince, normally the minute the girls told me the fruit was bad I would have searched for him and demanded my money back. Instead, I let it roll off and tumble out of my thoughts. But when the fruit man recognized it and questioned me, I understood I didn’t need to do anything, that the matter was being handled for me. So yes, the community watches out for their own and visitors. I will always buy my fruits and vegetable from him and the vendors downtown.
Talk about good Samaritans...one of these days I'll write about my Montego Bay nightmare LOL
For now, I have three more special days to share when I start posting on Monday. I’m sure you will see yourself somewhere in all of them. Photos of one place in particular, my ultimate favorite experience, will leave you speechless.
Sweet! till Monday!
packed for real...nice video....and of course lovely photos
Nice report vi.
Yes Sammy, it was one of the best as far as the number of people...until the rain came.
Thanks TAH
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The day to ride, stop and ride some more
Two or three days before I leave, I plan a slow ride from Under the Rock beach to Shan Shy beach stopping often along the way. Besides the driver, I do this alone. I review the visit and give thanks for going home with no bruises or scars. I also have a mild meltdown at the reality that the "making of new memories in Jamaica" is coming to an end..at least for the present reach.
However, Kameesha asked to come with me so I slightly changed the agenda. I will drop her off before we go to St. Margaret’s Bay. She was a little pouty with those arrangements but I wasn’t taking her to that bar.
I was up at the crack of dawn. I read a little. Looked at a few of my pictures. Fussed with my hair. Then I did what I said I wasn’t going to do…laundry :(
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I wanted to wash one dress but the others dove in.
Breakfast was that papaya after something left over from last night. I think it was cowfoot??
I wanted to hire Tommy for this excursion, but since I was going to the fish fry in St. Margaret’s Bay and Cleveland provided the hookup it was only right he go with me.
Soon we’re on our way…
Glimpse at Long Bay Beach
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First stop…Under Di Rock Restaurant on the beach at Hectors River.
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Kameesha got in the water. Cleveland found a spot under a tree. I roamed around taking pictures & videos. I actually captured a great vid of two lizards getting busy on the rocks. I can see my mother shaking her head now…lol
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Ahh, You save the best pictures for last? Day dreaming now!!:rolleyes:
Yes, Vince I did...but the last is still yet to come :)
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Kameesha is hungry so we go to the restaurant to see what’s cooking.
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Fish was on the menu, but it wouldn’t be ready for a while so she ordered the fried chicken. The ladies in the kitchen are super nice and the food is excellent.
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We go to the bar which is adjacent to the restaurant to get K and soda and Cleveland a red stripe.
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SUPER CLEAN cook shop!! (drooling!);)
500J
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K and I sit in the shade and chat while she eats. This was our first opportunity to converse one-on-one. She’s a very soft spoken 15 year old who’s joys are music, internet and religion. She makes a little money helping her Auntie run the store. She says she saving for an I-Phone. You should have seen her eyes when she talked about having that phone. After she told me what she makes a week, I knew that wasn’t going to happen for a long time. But, it’s good she has a goal and I commended her for starting a savings. What??? You didn’t think I was going to offer to buy her one did you???? LOL
Later she mentioned dreaming of staying at a hotel where you can eat all day and all night. Okay, now THAT I can do. So during my summer 2017 visit, I’m taking her to Ocho Rios for 2 or 3 nights at an all-inclusive. Much cheaper than an I-Phone!
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Time to depart for the next stop…this is the view from one of the upper decks. They still have parties here on weekend nights and holidays. I hope to check one out on a future visit, but for now I’m happy to enjoy the beach and BAR!!!
Mon, that VIEW!!!;) Untouched!!! Love it!!!!!!
All of that and more is waiting for you, Vince, and anyone else looking at that view right now. As a side note, this was take after a storm so the beach had not been raked. Now talk about BEAUTY!
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“Can we stop somewhere in Manchioneal ??? Not in town or anything…A shop or bar along along the water where I always see the fishing boats.”
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I’ve always been curious about this community and its flavor. But I have to ease into getting to know the running of a new town/city/parish. Anywhere near the water and a bar is a good place to start.
my stomping grounds, you've covered it all beautifully!
''Anywhere near the water and a bar is a good place to start "........that's what I'm talking about....hehe!! :)
Thanks JitterBug. Tell me, what do you think of Manchioneal? I know why I have a fondness for Long Bay but I can't figure out what it is about this somewhat "sleepy" community that intrigues me. I don't know...perhaps my knight in shining armor is there???????? LOL
jojo p...CHEERS!!!!!
The Sleepy is what made me love it my first time. It is totally different than Negril. So much more chill. Don't get me wrong I love Negril but more for the party. Portland is more for the total relaxation.
You should come visit me in Feb Joann
500J for that huge box food....!!!!!!!!!!
No, trust me he isn't in Manchioneal lol!!!
good food there though :)
There you go jojo!!! What a sweet plan. Introduction to Portland with takinitslow then a revisit with me in the summer.Quote:
Originally Posted by takinitslow
Dang Sweets...I'm running out of parishes...LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by sammyb