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vi, during my good old days in porty, i used to stay at bonnie view . . . i always had lunch at the navy island hotel . . . it was beautiful and regal . . . there use to be some cottages to rent but were out of my financial reach . . . didn't take long for the nature to do its damage . . .
Yes, Sam, I'm sure that's the book. Have you read it?? If so, does it mention the Eiler family?? If it does I've got to get that book today!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam I Am
Jitterbug!! Wow…boy would I love to sit with you to hear about your earlier visits to Portland. As you can tell that place is my obsession. And yes, from the photos I’m finding, I can tell the hotel and restaurant were beautiful.Quote:
Originally Posted by JitterBug
I read somewhere that the circular thatched-roof cottages were $119 a night back in the fifties. That price came with everything…transportation, a wait and cleaning staff, food and drinks. I guess you can say one of the first all-inclusive accommodations.
Yes, Sam that's it...thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam I Am
Vi, loving the journey!
thanks Sammy...and it's far from over...:)
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As SammyB said, the little island has an interesting history. Once the playground for the rich and famous of 1960’s it’s now the resting place of a decaying hotel that is surely the keeper of many secrets.
As I stepped across the second floor room, I could imagine the elite standing around clutching their glasses of champagne as they toasted to another night of eating, drinking and imported debauchery.
One of these visits I hope to meet someone who was there. A boat captain…a maid..a chef who wouldn’t mind spending a few minutes or hours remembering what Navy Island was like when it was alive with guests and events.
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I loved that book. I thought it was a great piece of historic fiction. Having never been to PA it really brought it to life in my mind. When I finally make it there some day, I plan to bring and reread that book. I am not sure about the Eiler family... it does not ring a bell.Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
I don't remember reading anything about the Eiler family either but it's been a while since I read the book....time to reread it!
Loving these Navy Island photos Vi.....
I've read that book too, and loved it! Nice to see some photos of the island, Vi~
okay everyone, you convinced me to get that book.
…a tidbit I found on Wikipedia…RE: the Eilers
"Joseph and Gertrude Casey were investors. After Joseph’s death, Gertrude leased the entire island to the Eilers who lived there while completing the construction to the Admiralty Club, a private resort. After five years of operation, a disgruntled employee who was fired because he was stealing funds riled up the entire staff and took over the island. The staff commandeered the two boats used to ferry guests to the island and held the Eilers at bay until they received all their termination pay. After this terrifying experience, the Eilers left the island within a week."
I thought the book expanded on that couple and their ordeal.
There is a path that leads to what remains of the cottages. But I wasn’t wearing the proper shoes and he wasn’t wearing any at all so venturing beyond the beach and into the bush will be saved for the next time.
Taking photos of the outside I notice trees full of mangos. Mangos galore! I felt like I found a gold mine. I got Elvis’ attention and showed him the fruit suspended high, out of my reach. I told him how much I love mangos. He searched the ground until he found this long pole.
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I sat on the steps watching him scope the clusters of mangos until he spotted the ones ripe for eating.
Didn’t take much poking for one to drop and then another. Just in time because I was ready for a snack.
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It's about Errol Flynn's arrival in Jamaica
Here you go
In 1946, Hollywood’s most famous swashbuckler, Errol Flynn, arrived in Jamaica in a storm-ravaged boat. After a long and celebrated career on the silver screen, Flynn spent the last years of his life on a small island off the Jamaican coast, where he fell in love with the people, the paradisiacal setting, and the privacy, and brought a touch of Tinseltown glamour to the West Indian community.
Based on those years, The Pirate’s Daughter imagines an affair between the aging matinee star and Ida, a beautiful local girl. Flynn’s affections are unpredictable but that doesn’t stop Ida from dreaming of a life with him, especially after the birth of their daughter, May.
THANKS Sammy!!!! Going to search and order it tomorrow.
Returning with two huge mangos, one filling each hand, Elvis joins me at the steps. He takes a seat still possessing both mangos. I watch him rip into the fruit he held tight in his left hand while the other mango (the NOT-for-Vi mango) sat nestled close to his right hip like an obedient child.
Dang…I guess mine is still in the tree. And that’s where it’s going to stay.
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Hey, I’m not feeble. I could have done what he did and used the pole to fetch my own fruit. But knowing my luck I would disturb an unripe mango the size and hardness of a coconut that would come crashing down on my head knocking me out cold. The thought of possibly laying unconscious on the sands of a deserted island with a half naked man convinced me not to even try.
Presently, Navy Island has little to offer the average vacationer, but for someone seeking a little adventure or a history enthusiast, it may turn out to be a worth-while outing. To me it was kinda thrilling to stand in a place that holds lots of dramatic stories.
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LAWD the man didn't even share ...........:(
I know, right, sammyb? Not very gentlemanly.
ladies no he didn't. that surprised me as well but I guess if I asked he would have gotten the pole for me LOL. But he's a really nice guy who is quite smart. Just needs a little polishing.
I'm going to hire him to take me around the San San area next reach...can't wait!!!!
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Time to head back to the mainland.
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The trip to Navy Island was nice and I’m glad I did it, but being on the ocean is what really makes my heart rejoice. If I could I would give Elvis a few extra $$$JA to putter around the marina and Titchfield area. It’s so peaceful this early evening and the ocean is perfect for boating. But he has to get back and I need to shower and change clothes so ashore we must go.
Below is a view of the marina from the ocean.
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I pay Elvis with a promise to hire him and his little motor boat when I return. He’s good people and more importantly he’s someone I, a solo traveler, can trust.
I have been searching for a boat to charter like I do in Negril. But boats or any other motorized water vessels for that matter aren’t lined up along the beaches here. So I started asking around because my visits there aren’t complete unless I spend some time out in the middle of the vast waters. Even as I type this my heart revs up knowing that will happen when I return.
I can’t wait.
LOL, well ain't that just like a man! :p
some men, anyway. hope he got a green one. well, next time you know how to do him - get one big box food and don't share.
I was thinking I wasn’t missing out when I saw the mangos and how green they looked, but Goldilocks the juice dripping from his lips when he bit into it told me I was.
I DO like your suggestion...lol
Postcard qualityQuote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Sammy - yes it is... I had to steal this picture to make my screen saver... just beautiful
Thanks Sammy and Sparkle.
Go ahead Sparkle and place that photo where you can see it everyday because soon that's where you'll be standing :)
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I break down and buy another over-priced red stripe while I wait for my ride. I try to write a little but the handsome, middle-aged couple in the pool is making too much racket hugging and kissing and showing each other much love. Yuck!!
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No, they are really cute and I’m just jealous. They are really enjoying each other as if no one else in the world exists but them and it is truly beautiful. I admit sometimes it's not fun being "Vi -- party of 1" when I make my Jamaica reservations, then there are the other times I wouldn’t trade that label for all the jerk sauce in Jamaica.
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Okay, going to stop that thought here and will continue the “I’m in the mood for love” ramblings later in the report when I relate another incident.
In the meantime…the pictures of the bar area remind me of what a beautiful Sunday it was. A vivid, beautiful July day in Port Antonio.
*sigh*
I’m beginning to miss all of her painfully and I still have a number of days and experiences to write about. I can feel completing this report is going to be tough to do without using way too many sappy words but I’ll try not to let things get too mushy. Especially when I relive certain moments sent from Heaven.
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I love the marina photos, Vi, and you can get as sappy and mushy as you like :) We are just feeling human beings, right? Love it!
Vi, your pics. are to die for!! undisturbed tranquility. I have saved your pics. to use as screen savers hope you don't mind. I showed this to a Jamaican friend at Uni she says she has yet to experience this type of Jamaican beauty. I was puzzled until she told me she is from the inner city of Kingston and never ventured far from it.
Yes, and Elvis is greedy, especially because you told him about your love affair with mangoes:D
too funny about elvis not sharing . . . not sure about that. sharing is such a basic thing, i'd have re-think on him being a nice guy . . . on the other hand, one time i had a lapse in judgment and shared a very short amount of time with a "companion" who proceeded to get a box of food and ate the whole thing without ever offering me a taste!!!! . . . so, maybe that's just a "jamaican" thing . . . to me, it's a "selfish, self-centred thing" . . .
Beautiful photos! Love the yellow flowers. Geesh, too bad about the mangoes, and it was your idea! Lol!
Your photos leap from the screen.....sigh
be as mushy as you like, we're here for you and we do understand...........on one reach I sobbed so badly at the airport, the driver called the next day to make sure I was okay.....Beloved can do that to any of us.
No, JB not a "Jamaican" thing Elvis is just plain selfish! ;)
awwww thanks Schuttzie, I say with the biggest smile that you are a gem. Pictures of Jamaica have a way of not only reminding us about the moment but also how the moment felt and how it smelled and how it tasted. Okay, I’ll be sappy but definitely avid corny.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schuttzie
Thank you so much Summer! Help yourself to any of the photos as I am happy to know they bring you pleasure. I have so many that I change the 100 photos on my screen saver once a week. The people in the office love looking at them when they pass by. I understand your friend not venturing out. Some people just don’t have the desire to do so. I’m glad she’s enjoying the pictures.Quote:
Originally Posted by Summer
LOL @ greedy Elvis.
Jitterbug, I know my descriptions of him conflicts, but up to and after that “mango moment” he was/is a nice guy. Somewhat clueless, yes when it comes to hospitality. I also had a friend buy and eat an entire meal in front of me knowing I hadn’t eaten. Another man was talking to me one time, left to find a seat to sit in, bought it back with him, sat in it to continue the conversation while I was still standing. I guess I’m used to seeing those little selfish acts from some, however after bringing it to their attention, I can look beyond it. I just know to only expect Elvis to provide a no-frills service. lolQuote:
Originally Posted by JitterBug
Thanks Maryann and shoot yeah it was my idea…but it went right over his head.Quote:
Originally Posted by Maryann
Oh Sammy, I can always count on you to understand where I’m coming from and to tell me to go ahead and let the sap flow. I appreciate you to the max girl. Very caring of that driver to check on you like that.Quote:
Originally Posted by sammyb
btw…I love these discussions everyone. I appreciate how comfortable you all feel sharing your comments and opinions about my experiences. It makes writing the report more interesting and makes me glad I decided to include more narratives than I usually do.
Just had to say it...:)
Now back to more report.
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Town was quiet. Typical Sunday in Port Antonio. Folks slow down early and continue that pace into the night. A day of resting in the truest sense.
I wasn’t saying much as we rode down the almost deserted streets. I wasn’t even watching the outside pass by like I usually do. I lingered in deep thought thinking about the pleasant afternoon and hoping the days ahead of me will just as nice.
I did wonder if my driver got my red stripe but didn’t feel like hearing the excuses. I’ll have him stop at the supercenter on the way to the hotel.
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He told me the government has issued “notices to vacate” to the shop owners along the seaside as exiting town. That made me sad for them because so many people have little businesses there to support themselves and their families. He told me they have the option to either set up at the foot of Folly Point or pay for a stall in the new craftmarket which was being constructed while I was there. It looks really nice, but most may not be able to afford the monthly fee to occupy a spce but also feel they won’t get the same amount of business if they take the free option and set up at the point.
I pointed to Anna Banana. “Them too?”
“Yep.”
‘What about that place. It used to be called the Hot Spot but I see they are rebuilding it.”
“No, not them. They have a permit to modernize the place.”
He kinda shrugged the issue after that comment saying this is not the first time they were told to move. “They will refuse to move and life will go on until the next time.”
I don’t know but as I looked around noticing all the renovating, upgrading and new construction going on in and around Port Antonio I get the feeling the government means it this time. I wanted to go back and take pictures of both sides of the entire avenue. From Piggies cookshop at the split of the road all the way to Folly Point game field. But couldn’t let go of the thought long enough to ask him to turn back.
I hope to get back to take those photos and videos before anything is changed. Change is good and it’s bound to happen. But the present “look” is one I want to see long after it’s gone and forgotten. .
I love the small shops; if I wanted to go to American-style malls I would stay in the US. (Note: I haven't set foot in a mall in probably 20 years, not a follower of US mass market trendy crap)
I really hate to see these go, Goldilocks, but I do support progress if it means more jobs and revnue for the local shop owners.
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To my delight and surprise, we enter the supercenter parking lot. He remembered the stripe he owes me.
“Make sure the bottle is a cold one!” I shout as he nears the store.
Back with two red stripes and a half pint of Port Royal. Told him he’s off the “S” list and that rum surprise put him at the top of the “A” list.
There was activity at the field. We went to check it out.
Soccer game. I’m even less interested in soccer than cricket. But I agreed to stick around and enjoy the scene while I down this semi-cool red stripe. He gets out moving closer to the game. I stay in the car with both front doors open enjoying the breeze coming from the ocean.
Many families out at the point this evening. Some on the field watching the game while others spread out socializing. Was out there parked for about an hour. It was so relaxing and a great people-watching episode.
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Diver had to make a couple of runs to and from Boston. I didn’t feel like riding so I got dropped off at the hotel to shower and change.
Later I went out to get something to eat. Found a place selling crayfish soup and roasted conch. I got the soup and asked them to make sure I get plenty of meat. A quick “I’ll pay extra for the meat.” got me a smile and a hearty serving of the piping hot soup. Decided to take it back to the room and eat. I wasn’t tired, but there wasn’t anything going on around town and I needed to reorganize the stuff in my suitcases. They were a mess.
The soup was outstanding. Got a picture but I didn’t take my time and it ended up looking like hog slop so I decided not to post it.
I put on Necessary Roughness while sorting through the pile of clothes dumped from the suitcases onto the bed. What a mess.
First time watching NR…interesting show.
good night portie
AHHHH, so sweet! I love all the little shops, too! If they end up moving by Folly's, they may do OK, I think. Catching people coming and going from that end.
Schuttzie, although I’ve only started doing this, walking the avenue on a busy Friday or Saturday night is a favorite of mine. So much goes on from about 7pm to 11. A few cook shops stay open playing music only loud enough for those inside to hear. Again, not once am I disturbed as I walk from one end to the other. I love it!
But whatever happens I just pray the vendors will be okay.