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Jitterbug~ I remember your comments about Great Huts and many of the places you had to climb all those steps (which is OK) but you have to climb back down every time to use the bathroom. Not good for the middle of the night, lol. Plus we always get a place that we can cook our meals. I think the guest house Vi stayed in wasn't far from where we stayed but it is no longer renting out apartments.
Ahh "The Life of *Vi"
I must say I just love reading your trip reports!!!
Thanks for taking the time to post!!
Where are you Vi, did you go back to Jamaica ? :)
Not yet jojo p, lol. Technical problems plaguing me. :(
LoL Kaycee, I tried to find a female rasta doll but couldn’t. A little more about the driver is coming up.
True, JitterBug, although nice decor and interesting layout, the units are not worth the high nightly price tag attached to them. But I guess a lot of folks don’t mind paying for that “rustic chic” atmosphere because they seem to have a full house often. Never met the owner…he sounds as eccentric as the property he owns.
Thank you TAH…you make me feel like curtsying!! More photos on the way.Quote:
Originally Posted by TAH
WELCOME LadyP! Glad you are enjoying the report and thanks for giving me a shout!!Quote:
Originally Posted by LadyP
Mokateeeee Mokateeeee Mokateeeee!!!! So happy to see ya darlin. And as always you arrive on the scene showering me with such colorful compliments. Thanks bunches! I adore your one-of-a kind vocabulary. This time it’s “yummmmmerz”. Too cute. I agree you are over due for a Portland visit, but Tee…for a day????
Jitterbug, Winnifred Breeze is about ¼ mile from the road and about a ten minute walk to the beach. My pictures can’t capture the true beauty of the views from that upper unit. And as I said, the breeze is always blowing because of the way the room sits on the corner. Also it (the breeze) brings NO mosquitoes with it!!!!
DWL!!!! Pisces I LIKE that!!! My life is soooo much more interesting (and unpredictable) when I’m in Jamaica. Situations (good/bad/crazy/unbelievable) seek me out on the regular. So glad you are enjoying the report and appreciate you tagging along. So much more to come…Quote:
Originally Posted by Pisces
O’Neil and I talked and talked and talked. We came up with and agreed on lots of SWEET plans for Sunday afternoon and the entire Monday. Traveling to this place…seeing another…I was getting excited about being in Portland all over again. :cool:
7/13/14 - sunday, day 10
O’Neil is tending to business this morning but will be coming for me around 3:00. That gave me time to hang on a beach. After breakfast I called the no-name driver to see if he would be on the road today. It’s Sunday so I took inconsideration he might be off. Asked if he remembered me, he did. Asked if he’s driving, he is and will passing my way in less than 30 minutes. Just enough time to gather myself and get down to the road.
Only had to wait 8 minutes for him to reach me. Two people in the back that left the front seat all for me. He was on the phone having a heated conversation with someone so no introductions when I buckled up.
“Hold…hold…hold on…hold on.” He lowers the phone and turns to me. “Where you going, baby?”
“Long Bay.”
He looked less than delighted when I told him how far I wanted to go. Made me feel like shortening the ride and jumping out at Boston, but I wanted to go to Long Bay so I sat still. He drives on continuing the conversation.
The first person gets out at the little store in Castle. She asks him to wait while she dashes in. Again his face displays fret. She doesn't take long, thank goodness, and we are onward to Long Bay.
One lady gets out then two miles up, the other leaves. He asks me where I’m getting off. Told him the second bar after Chill Out.
“You meeting someone?”
“No.”
“Can I join you? I buy my own drink.”
“Sure.”
Still didn't find out the name of this place, but it has become a regular hang out for me.
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We sit at one of the tables without knowing each other’s names. I can tell he has a lot on his mind and wonder if I were in the mood to be sympathetic. I guess it’s too late now. He asks me what I want to drink, tell him Red Stripe. He goes to the window and I think, what a cool guy. He returns with two beers and a half smile. Looks like he’s feeling a little more relaxed.
“What’s your name?”
“Vi, and yours?”
A car storms into the drive before he could answer. He freezes. I knew when I saw her face he wasn't going to be hanging with me for long. He excuses himself and trots towards the young, beautiful but mad as a hornet woman. They have words, but kept their voices between the two of them. They move further away from me taking their drama closer to the street.
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She glances back at me. I pray she doesn’t question me or worse, accuse me of something.
She’s coming towards me. I take a drink. He grabs her hand and whatever he said worked because she changed her mind and turned around. He opens her car door and she gets in. He shuts the door then gets into his car. He never turned to say good bye or even give me a last look. It’s okay, obviously I just escaped being caught in a crossfire.
ahhhhhh the view...it's calling me
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awwww pure bliss! so glad you're back online! your photos of Long Bay are always a treat!
Thanks Sammy :)
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When I got back to my perch, a young couple had come out to play dominoes. They were both giggling a lot and loud, distracting me from trying to write. No, to be honest, I couldn’t blame that on them…my thoughts were still all over the map wondering if I would truly do what was planned for this afternoon and tomorrow. Tomorrow is especially important to me because I would be meeting new people and visiting a property I’ve been wanting to tour for a long time.
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I get another Stripe. The young girl is the owner’s daughter. She interacts very professionally. She turned the giddiness off when she waited on me and was all about business. I was impressed.
The three of us chatted briefly. I wasn’t in the mood for conversation so I excused myself as soon as I got the opportunity. I was fighting the urge to look at the time. I had a feeling it was long passed 3:00.
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Went back out to walk the beach hoping the scenery would take the time off my mind.
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The phone rings…FINALLY!!! But it wasn’t O’Neil’s number. I answer, it is no-name driver.
“Vi?”
“Yeah??”
“I apologize for leaving like that but my girl was vexed and need to cool down.”
“No problem.”
“You still at the bar in Long Bay?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I want to come back to keep you company.”
“NO WAY! It is best we never know each other’s names…have a good evening.”
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The time is 5:47. I break down and call O’Neil. He tells me he’s in town…Port Antonio and wouldn’t be in Long Bay for another hour or so.
Hour or so????
I reminded him about us getting together at 3:00. What happened to that????
“I comin…I comin now. Just let me get two more people to ride down.”
“WHAT??!!??”
I was OUT! Quick gathered my stuff, said good bye to the lovebirds and went to the street to grab a cab.
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you describe events and the words make me feel like i'm there . . .
Vi, I must say, there's never a dull moment in your trip report....and, that's a good thing!!!
Absolutely love that second picture - just beautiful !!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Ahhh, it gets better!
Beautiful pictures and the words should be in a book,thanks for sharing Vi,it's wonderful!
I LOVE that little bar and area around it. Last time we were there, chill Out was closed so we went to this bar. Very happy we did....we sat at the benches on the beach....ahhh memories!
Thanks for sharing Vi!
I'm glad the outcome from that irate girlfriend turned out fine. It would've have been upsetting being accused of something you was totally innocent of. It look like the no name driver had more intentions than driving you and having a drink.
Welcome Back Vi.... Thought I was going to have to make a trip North to see what was going on...Glad to see your back!!!! Loving your pictures... and your narratives.. make me feel like I am right there with you... Hey Mokaatee...:). Hope you are doing well.... Your ears and nose must have been itching last week... my girls and I were talking about meeting you a few years back... Lots of fun.. and stilll a big thank you!!!! ;) billndonna.. I have been telling Vi a long time now that she should put pen to paper and write a book....it would be a best seller!!
Vi the report was exquisite and the pictures are to die for. I think you should write a book someday...name it Directions to feel good places in Portantonio, it would be a best seller. I have not been on in sometime...life gets in the way but glad I looked in today those pictures are just what I need for this dreary day in Toronto. Thanks again for sharing you made my day perk up. :) :D
Thanks JitterBug. When I relate incidents I tend to be overly expressive (lol like now!). I want the person to not only understand what I’m talking about but feel what I feel. Happy to know the report still flows like that since I’ve cut back and not using my usual mass amount of words. I must say, this statement coming from you means a lot since I know if something doesn’t “sound” right to you, you would say so.Quote:
Originally Posted by JitterBug
Hi Patricia, I don’t think anyone who loves Jamaica experiences dull moments. Simply watching a sunset can be stimulating. But yeah, unusual moments do seem to swoop down on me at the oddest times. Some who have traveled with me would shake their heads and say “something like this or that would only happen to you, Vi.”Quote:
Originally Posted by Patricia
Thanks Rachel! Glad you are enjoying them…plenty more on the wayQuote:
Originally Posted by rachel
Hey there TAH…my reaches aren’t always smooth sailing from arrival to departure. Still have “stuff” to share and hope the report continues to get “better”.Quote:
Originally Posted by TAH
Thanks for your support and compliments, billndonna. So glad you are still following along.Quote:
Originally Posted by billndonna
Brazz, Cool you know of that place!!! Isn't it the perfect sot to sneak away to??? I was actually switching from the porch to the beach so I occupied the property well. Except for the sound of the ocean, I was in total bliss.Quote:
Originally Posted by brazz
Thing is, butterfly, I was feeling him up to that point. Thick and liked how the green & white striped shirt hugged his belly. LOL Plus, oh man, the setting was perfect for that “get to know you” conversation. What I've learned about Portland is that it is a true community. Everybody knows where everybody is at any time. I’m sure she was the one he was talking to on the phone and when he didn’t go to her, she found out where he was and went to him. I didn’t fear her as I knew I could calm her down..I just wasn’t in the mood for drama since I had my own going on. Oh and yeah, it also proved him not one of the good men dem.Quote:
Originally Posted by butterfly
LOOK I was about to shout you out, Sparkle. Thanks for the compliment darlin, but if I had the time to devote to writing I would love to make an attempt at writing a book or at least short stories. But anyway…don’t stay away for so long!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by SPARKLE1010
Ahhhhhh Summer!!! You know how to brighten my day!! Thanks so much. You and Sparkle made me blush. As you can tell, I enjoy expressing myself and boast about Jamaica. Come back when you can because the pictures are going to get soooooooo much brighter they will shine just for you in Toronto!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Summer
After leaving the beach, I decided to walk and not just stand waiting for a cab. The burnt remains of a small building caught my attention so I closed in to get a better look. I used the curious moment to get my mind off of my anger, not to investigate. I didn't wonder what happen. The longer I lingered and looked around the more relaxed I felt. I wanted to take pictures because the charred shell still had color as if to say, hey, I’m not dead yet.
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As I raised the camera I hear a voice say hello. Peek around the side to see a young woman smiling. She first bid me good night than asked how I was. I returned the replies. She asked, very politely, if there was anything she could help me with. Suddently I was interested in the remains of this shop. Obviously it was destroyed by fire but how?? Cooking? Faulty wiring? Careless smoking? Or perhaps a gas leak???
“No, none of those.” She said. “Revenge. One person mad with another burnt it down one night. No one tried to put out the fire. They let it burn.”
“That’s so sad.”
“You don’t do people wrong then not do them right or wrong will come back on you.”
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I think if I asked for more details she would provide them, but I left it at that. I did ask about the small vacant house directly across the street. I’m always house hunting in Long Bay. She informed me the place has been empty for a long time and offered to ask her parents if they know the owner. Cool. We exchanged numbers.
She did call two days later to give me some information. Her mother said bad things happened in the house and bad things happens to whoever stays there. That was good enough to keep me looking elsewhere.
The night ended positive. I was very satisfied after the fussing and ranting I had to do with O’Neil regarding my time. I felt I finally got through to him making it clear what I expected to do on the days I have remaining in Portland.
“Tomorrow is MAJOR for me. Don’t…PLEASE don’t screw that up.”
“I won’t…I won’t. I promise you I will be here at 10:00 in the AM!!!
“If you can’t, call me. Okay?!?!
“Okay, Vi. I won’t have to call you because I will be here.”
The sky was exceptionally beautiful that night. The stars twinkled brightly and the air was empty of humidity. I stood on the verandah listening to music coming from somewhere out there. For the moment I felt confident things were going to finally go my way.
“Vi, do you want to get food?”
“Sure, I could eat a little something.”
“You worry too much.”
“Excuse you??? If I could rely on you I wouldn’t have to worry.”
He takes my hand and says “Vi, I won’t disappoint you.”
7/14/14 - monday, day 11
Insert one long 24 hour sigh here…..
ALL DAY Monday were spent in an inescapable pit of agitation and discontent. Neither the awesome breakfast I devoured, nor the blinding sunshine that stayed with me until evening…not even the many tiny smiling faces I saw could compensate me for the loss I experienced that day. Even though I didn’t bring these sorrowful emotions on myself -- smack in the middle of MY vacation, I wouldn’t blame anyone but me. “I” am the only one who had the power to prevent the unnecessary suffering when it became obvious. However all was not lost because it is still MY vacation and I still have the power (and time) to turn things around.
So with great pain, I surrendered and decided to relocate me.
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END of MONDAY…
7/15/14 - tuesday, day 12
After riding for some time I realized I didn’t have a place to stay. I could have waited until I got there to check out spots but I remembered I had written down three properties I was interested in. Yellowbird, Travelers and Negril Luxury Apartments. Walter’s place was at the top of the list so I called him first. He could accommodate me and at a fantastic rate so I didn’t search any further. Sat back and took in the scenery of a route I hadn’t traveled in a long time.
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When I saw that sign I knew it was time…and I didn't hesitate
…I hit the reset button to this reach.
It’s going to be okay. :)
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awwwww Shucky Ducky now...let me get my popcorn and chardonnay!
something tells me you should be careful of this one also ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
I'm still here and loving your writings, Vi! Beautiful pictures and you invoke all the emotions that you've felt and experienced. Lovely!
Wow!! Your going to Negril. It seems you might've just missed me. I got there on July 30th. I'm so excited to know what happens next.
…lol that’s a good idea, Sammy!!Quote:
Originally Posted by sammyb
Summer, to make a long unpleasant story short, he didn’t keep his word and disappointed me big time on Monday. I was furious. If I stayed in Portland, the anger wouldn’t go away and my entire visit would have been ruined. I knew I needed to find another driver when I left in October, but he talked me into giving him another chance. I did and regretted it. HOWEVER I normally pay him up front for the entire stay. I only gave him half this time and I think that’s what gave me the charge I needed to take flight. Had I paid him in full, I’m sure I would have removed a car door, the headlights and windshield to compensate for my loss.Quote:
Originally Posted by Summer
Thanks Schuttzie. It was an emotional visit. I’m sooo grateful it ended on a high.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schuttzie
Butterfly, I got into Negril on Tuesday, the 15th and left Tuesday the 22nd. So I was a week ahead of you.Quote:
Originally Posted by butterfly
I knew when I got to the gate I was going to like it here. I called out for Lidia, but was greeted by Luna, their Rottweiler. Okay, I am super afraid of dogs, but not like that driver. When he spotted Luna, he said he wasn’t going inside the gate and told me to pay him so he could leave. I don’t think so. Told him if he didn’t help me get my bags to the door and inside I was only going to pay him half of the chartered fare. He manned up and got to rollin those bags...sweating all the way.
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Now we're getting somewhere...
Lidia showed me to my unit and when she opened the door I was speechless. This place is PERFECT!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! Beautiful, spacious and all mine for the next seven nights..
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Yes indeed!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by TAH
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She and I chatted briefly…just enough to introduce me to the property and for me to simply adore her!!! Lidia is a superb hostess, but more about her later. For now I need to shower, change and get something to eat!!!
Shower…DARN. I discovered I left my body wash and Summer’s Eve in Portland. A woman is faithful to her products…facial products…hair products…cleaning products… I would have to go out tomorrow and replace them. For now it’s bar soap and plenty of lotion.
After calling & texting a few folks back home to let them know I relocated and why, I made the short walk to the busy main road. In less than 3 minutes a driver stopped and asked if I needed a ride. Told him where I wanted to go and asked if it is in walking distance. He said no. How much? 100J so I jumped in.
I decided to have dinner at Swordfish. This restaurant was at the top of my Negril eatery wish list so I had been looking forward to trying the food there for a long time. The draw for me were the pictures of the upper patio and the amazing view. I had to see it for myself. When I got to the top I was more than pleased.
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I was the only one there so had my choice of tables. I’ll sit right here and take it all in. I’m ready to slow down now and allow Jamaica to work her healing magic. I sip my rum & tonic water.
*sigh*
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Wow, really cute place!