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Thank you Marie, Chrissy really is adorable!Quote:
Originally Posted by Marie
Being up on the mountain was probably my favourite part of the entire trip.
Negril was beautiful and there was a lot going on but I dunno I left my heart with that view at Jacko's place.
I love all trip reports and there has been some great ones over the years on negril.com but this is by far the best one yet IMHO. Thanks for taking the time to share your adventure with us Manda!
Great report Manda! Isn't it funny how after you have had a few drinks a situation that might normally feel a bit awkward suddenly seems completely natural. There have been times where I've been in JA alone and the thought of walking in to a club alone knowing you will probably be the only tourist is kind of intimidating...but after a few drinks it's no problem! Your description of going into the strip club reminded me of that...too funny.
This is exactly what it was like! Not to mention that the level of comfort and maybe even confidence had risen drastically between Day 1 and Day 3 of the mountains. I no longer felt completely out of my element. I dont even think I hesitated when I walked into that strip joint it was only until after when writing my report that I realized there was a large crowd of guys by the entrance just hanging out. It also doesnt hurt that I'm with 3 males and not necessarily entering on my own.Quote:
Originally Posted by rastagal
Sounds like you really get in there too and don't let arriving solo hinder you from having a great time! Kudos!!
Thank you for sharing your trip!!!!!!!! I am really enjoying your trip report............more, more, more........please!!!!
Montego Bay is next I've got to write it out still so bear with me :)
It is well worth the wait!
You sure got around on your first trip Manda....way cool!
I've been following along your report from the beginning & must say, you really have a way with words! Your photography is a wonderful accompaniment to your great writing style.....It's so nice to see those mind boggling views above Santa Cruz....I have never been in that area & now am extremely tempted to take a daytrip over that way.....wouldn't mind having a likkle house up in dem hills deh! Thanks for putting so much time & effort into your trip report....it is well appreciated by all, I'm sure. You're a real adventuress & so nice that you had 3 reliable bodyguards with you so that you could venture out into rural Ja.!
good stuff manda!
Thanks Seveen :)
That night was probably the best night of the trip although it's really hard to just pin point one night as every night brought it's own adventure.
Northcoast - I would LOVE to have a house up on that hill!!! I wonder if Jacko would mind if I built a likkle something up there hahaha I'm a city girl born and raised who would have thought that Rural Jamaica would agree with me so well :)
Great report Manda. I'm loving every minute of it. Love that you had three awesome guys to hang with.
manda - we all need to get away from the city chitty
i packed up and moved from atlanta to jacksonville (and never looked back) - 12 miles from the beach - ride your bike - watch turtles grow up on the beach - friends - dolphins laughing - good food
and FRESH AIR!
great read manda, thanks for my ja fix . . . the view looks a lot like the views i experienced up at ginger hill . . . was your stay anywhere near ginger hilll? . . . unbelievable views and yes, the ride up that mountain is like you said, need to hold on to that "holy sh - t bar" . . . waiting for more.
DAY 6 PART 1
”OMG BABES WAKE UP!”
“Ughhh what time is it??”
“It’s 1pm”
“WHAT!”
This is the latest I’ve slept in since I’ve been here and we’re suppose to check into the Rui Montego Bay in 2 hours.
Okay we have enough time. The night before comes rushing back to me, what a great night and I’m sort of reminiscing
to myself in a bit of a daze.
“Um Manda?”
”mmmhmm” Still day dreaming.
”Come look out the window…”
There was the rental with a flat. We’re up the Santa Cruz mountain and the nearest place would be Junction but Andre
is pacing back and forth complaining that this could take hours and hours to fix.
Everything takes longer in Jamaica.
“I’m going for a shower, check for a spare.”
After my shower I check on Andre and he’s pouring sweat trying to get the spare on.
Babes I don’t get it, it wont fit I dunno if I’m doing something wrong but how hard is it to change a tire.
I’m gonna call Jacko he’ll know what to do.”
Jacko, what a great, guy walks down from his place and in less than 2 minutes he tells us the spare is not the right size for
the car that there is no way this tire is going on the car.
”Great!”
At this point I’m lying on Andre’s bed relaxing. What can you do? I’m not going to stress over this.
Jacko being the stand up guy he is offers to take the tire down to Junction and get air in it and test it for leaks.
Now this is no easy feat. Jacko’s going to haul our tire on his own down to Junction but we’re in the middle of nowhere and
he’s first got to wait for a taxi to pass buy. I hand him 500j for taxi and air for the tire and I hand him another 500j.
I wont need that much”
“Just take it Jacko you’re going through all the trouble.”
”It’s nothing.”
Andre hangs out with one of his neighbors for a while and I decide to turn on my phone to call the car rental
agent, Anton. My phone starts lighting up like 4th of July fireworks. Emails, bbm, text messages, facebook.
I’m skimming through and I have a text from Brasi.
“Are you alive, Manda are you okay?”
“Hey I’m having a blast I’m good”
"Where do I live?"
"Huh? What do you mean where do you live Brasi? Lol
"Manda I’m worried you have been kidnapped and your phone was stolen, where do I live?"
I can’t help but laugh I mean the sentiment and the worry behind the message is heart felt and appreciated
but I’m laughing outloud.
"You live in Albany, NYC and we will meet in nowhere, NY lol Brasi I’m okay, having a blast!
”What’s so funny babes?”
”Brasi thought I might be kidnapped and my phone stolen.”
Andre gives me a weird look. ”Why would he think that?”
Jacko returns, he lets us know that they tested the original tire for holes with water and nothing was found that he
put air in it and we should be fine just keep an eye on it if stopping for gas put some air in it if it’s low.
Jacko comes up to me, “Manda, I didn’t need this” and he hands me the 500j back
I look at Jacko slightly confused.
”No Jacko, that’s for you. For going out of your trouble to fix it when you didn’t have to.”
”It wasn’t a problem honestly I was happy to help’ and he’s still holding out this money.
“Jacko, it’s yours and that’s that.”
I have to wonder how many people would have come back with change? That Jacko is a really good guy.
So now it’s time for packing number 3, I really am starting to hate packing and I have to say that you can tell
at the state of my clothes that I’ve decided that being neat and folding anything is a waste of time.
We get on the road and pull over to where Jacko wants out and I realize that this is it. I wont see Jacko again
for a while and I’m sad. I’m gonna miss my new friend and his contagious smile.
”Manda, it was nice meeting you and you come back soon okay we’ll be here.
“Please tell Kedesha and Chrissy that I said goodbye and thank you for having me in your home.”
Anytime Manda and he holds up his hand.
I’m not quite sure what I’m suppose to do are we doing props or what? But he grabs it and sort of swipes his thumb
against mine a few times and I’m awkward and have no idea what’s happening.
Jacko laughs… ”It’s our handshake I want you to know it.” So for the last minute of my time
with Jacko on this trip he teaches me the boys “handshake” I’m proud and honored and part of the family.
Nice keep it coming. Nice you are taking us along. Feels like we are there.
Manda... What a wonderful story you've been telling/sharing. I don't have much time to post these days but have been enthralled by your reports & following along w/ your adventures. It's a bit of a been there, done that for me. It is so refreshing to read reports through the eyes & experiences of a newbie.
That was me back in the mid 80's. No internet then. 43 or so trips since then, most for weeks at a time (summer). Now I go to relax. I have a few adventures here & there. Nothing like the wild & crazy old days. Other than "you go girl", what can I say?
I hope to be able to say the same thing in years to come :) I'm glad that I could take you back to what might have been some of the same feelings you felt back in the mid 80's :)
Oh Manda, why must you tease us? I see you as the last poster and "click" hoping that we have a new installment to read. But...it's just you being your nice self and taking the time to reply to the other posters. :) You keep getting my hopes up...It's like getting to the good part of a book and someone stealing it away from you.
I do want to add that your last post made me wanna cry. I know that feeling.
DAY 6 PART 2
On the way back down the mountain Andre tells me we’re going to stop for patties and I’m excited. This time I want coco bread
and I know to let it rest before burning the top layer of the roof of my mouth off. Andre also comes back with what I recognize
from so many other postings on Negril.com as guinnip(sp?) Damn those are good!
After this we are going to pass through New Market so that I can meet his brother’s Mother. His brother is a police officer in Kingston
but his step mom and father live in New Market so we stop there for a bit and I get to meet his step mom and his cousin who spends
6 months of the year in Chattam, Ontario on a farm. We spent quite a bit of time in the little bar having a couple of drinks and Andre
is catching up with family he hasn’t been able to see in some time and I’m happy for him.
We were starting to lose light it’s probably 6pm now and the days half done already.*sigh*
Everything takes longer in Jamaica.
We almost get into a huge accident as its dark it’s raining and there was a massive pothole in the middle of the road that someone
thought putting a large branch in it would be a good idea. Which theoretically is but with on coming high beams and wet road surfaces
we barely saw that tree branch before it was under us.
I thought for sure the branch was coming through the window which is probably a bit dramatic but that’s what I thought at the time.
We veered off Andre reacted fast and we stopped. I resisted the urge to yell at Andre as I know it’s not his fault and I can tell he’s
shooken up himself. And the one time I might have needed it, I wasn’t even holding my “holy s h&t bar” We check the car ..
other than a missing hub cap .. just one by the way, we’re fine. Even the tire is fine. Phew!
We get into Mobay and Andre has no idea where he is going, he’s unfamiliar with driving around this area. We call the Riu and
we’re told to head towards Ironhorse and it’s across from the Blue Diamond Shopping Centre. We are driving and driving.
“Andre maybe pull into this gas station right here so I can ask someone for directions.”
We pull into the gas station and I’m just about to get out of the car when Andre taps me on the shoulder and points out the window.
Right in front of us is the Riu.
”You still want to go ask for directions?”
“Shut up Andre”
Checking into the Riu was no problem. We were very late so we were the only ones checking in there was a young woman helping us
well me at first. Andre went to park the car. So we’re almost finished the check in process and Andre strolls up his heads a mess he’s
in a wife beater we’ve had what has felt like a long trip to mobay and he's got the bunch of guinnip in his hand.
I hear the lady at reception that is helping us “guinnip huh” and she turns to me with this big grin on her face.
“ahhh he’s a yardy aaa” and we all laugh.
We get to the room the ground are dark right now but everything looks beautiful I realize we probably only have an hour and a half to
catch dinner before it closes. Andre is excited over this room. We’re on the ground floor but each little building has elevators if you weren’t.
The room has an enormous king size bed and it’s own mini bar consisting of 4 full bottles turned upside down in it’s own slow pour unit.
The fridge is stocked with beer, water, pop, soda water. Who needs to leave the room?
Ok we’ve had patties and we’re hungry so we have to leave the room and grab some dinner. The buffet is good and considering we
are only staying 2 nights we’re happy with it. Afterwards, we head over to catch some of the show.
We spend an hour or so by the pool with a drink just talking. More about our lives and our past and catching each other up on
everything that’s happened between now and then and I’m ready for the “disco” so we head to the bar and surprisingly it’s packed.
Andre’s rum punches are going down like water and I think he’s feeling pretty good at this point. We do a bit of dancing well Andre
does a lot of dancing and drinking but I’m exhausted it’s been a long day so we head back to the room for a night cap.
Andre is one of those people that enjoy cuddling and I do too but I’m never quite sure when enough is enough so I lay down and
give him some space.
”Why you lying so far from me? Get over here.”
I curl up under Andre’s arm and lay my head on his chest and that’s the last thing I remember before waking up on my last full day in Jamaica.
Day 6 pictures
Day 6 pictures
I actually almost cried when I wrote it lol ahh I'm such a sap lolQuote:
Originally Posted by jeannieb
major props to you girl for your 1 st experience in Jam..and you didn;t hold back, get scared, etc,et...Got a real taste of Jam life..not just the tourist view..I gather you now want to go back ..heh..??? I', just so glad and happy you went off the beaten track (ie out of tourist area Mobay, negril etc and didn't get stuck in Negril) and exp, other factions.of Jam..I wish people visiting would get it thru their head that those areas arent ALL Jam..that there is so much more..Negril-mobay,ochie--as cool as it is..Isn't everything...You are fortunate you had your own personal tour guide (he he) but anyone can find a local that drives and that would welcome showing people outside the tourist "areas"...Just got ask around from people you trust...
Suzengrace -
I was very fortunate in the end. The trip from the beginning of the planning process was organized and then upside down then organized and upside down and it wasn't until I got off the plane that I really knew everything was going to come together on it's own. Never have I travelled like that and although some people may have not been able to deal with that sort of uncertainty (normally I wouldnt either) I'm happy that I let it just unravel the way it did because I wouldnt have had the experiences that I ended up having if I didnt. I honestly, have to thank not only Andre for being able to see outside the tourist areas but everyone on the board that helped me with my multitude of questions or panic attacks but the other posters who I gained knowledge from before I left for my trip. The only regret I have from my trip is not meeting with Rob and Lisa because without this board I wouldnt have this opportunity to relive my experience or share in others and although being outside of Negril and other major tourist areas was probably my favourite part of the trip I will be back and I will be in Negril if only to see Rob and Lisa to be able to thank them personally.
There is only a full day left in Jamaica and I haven't written it out yet I almost dont want to lol but you're right I do want to go back and have already looked into air fare costs for March :)
There is just one more big surprise left in my report hopefully you'll stick around because I would love to hear everyones opinions on THAT experience
Lol! We aren't going anywhere! Totally glued here. Like someone said, it has been like reading a romance novel (with beautiful pictures). LOVE it! Thank YOU!
It is so funny to me that this has been said I think twice now because never once did I think romantic when I was there hahaha I mean there might have been moments sunsets little momentsQuote:
Originally Posted by Maryann
but not what one might consider "romantic" Andre and I bicker like we'd been together for the 13 years we were apart lol And honestly I want to ring his neck sometimes haha But maybe it's
the fact that we were instantly comfortable that makes it romantic?
Manda
Wish I could put u in my suitcase and take you back with me next week. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and may you enjoy travel to Ja for years to come (to see "Taye Diggs")!!
just happy you're happy after your trip and that you want to go again
jamaica jamaica :-)
and soooooooooooooooooo happy you wrote the trip report - it was the bomb diggity
I agree with Seveen, I'm so happy you wrote this trip report too! It's truly the best I've ever read.
I've been tuning in every day to read the newest installments and have enjoyed reading it so so much.
Thank you for all that you've shared, introducing us to your friends, letting us into your world and taking us all on a virtual vacation along with you. What an amazing trip!!
Through your pictures and words I feel like I've experienced an intimate and authentic slice of Jamaica that I never could have experienced otherwise.:)
I concur with Ms.Clarity....
Think I have to watch how stella got her groove on again today.Last time I rented it off lovefilm is there anywhere I can watch it online?
miss manda, is that hill "ginger hill"????
I messaged Andre to ask him if it was Ginger Hill
"Hey someone online asked if where Jacko lives is "Ginger Hill" ?
"Nah babes tell them dats fairmount in Malvern, St. Elizabeths, Ginger Hill nuh suh nice lol"
that was his answer lol
Again I cant thank you all enough for tagging along and sharing in my story. I will post the rest of the report shortly and then I will be bugging everyone to get to Jamaica and write me something to read :) !! lol What will I do with my time *sigh*
I will take any offers to shove me in any suitcases ;)
DAY 7 PART 1
I wish I could sit here and write about how fabulous the amenities are at the Riu Montego Bay and how much fun I had jet skiing
or hanging out at the swim up bar but I can’t. My last day in Jamaica is spent restless and I feel as if I shouldn’t be wasting what
time I have left stuck behind these gates granted it’s a beautiful property but I’m finding it very hard to “relax” and wind down.
I’ve traveled to many AI resorts on different islands and this is no different from that and what I once might have considered a
fabulous time has now changed for me. This is not what I want. The bed is huge and there are no boards stuck in my back but
I miss those boards. The food is in abundance but nothing compares to the box food on the hill I’ve become accustomed to each night.
The alcohol is free and flowing but it doesn’t taste the same. I try and promise myself that although my trip is coming to an end and
tomorrow I will be back on a plane I will not let my last day in Jamaica be solemn. Embrace the moments left but I can’t help but wish
I could enter a state of timelessness like Einstein suggests if traveling at the speed of light, time would cease completely if only Andre
and I could exist trapped in timelessness but whether there are transitions between present past and future or not the reality is that
no matter how much I wish for time to cease I will have to leave and my time here will come to an end.
We spend the day walking along the boardwalk sitting by the pool and we’ve found the sports bar which has a pool table so we’ve c
ontinued our battle for which I have successfully lost every game that day.
On the way back to the room Andre decides he’s going to get his hair done so I spend about an hour on my own just laying there in the room.
I could be out tanning I could be swimming or doing something productive but really I just want to lay there. I go through my whole week
each day going through it mentally. I catch myself smiling to myself or giggling out loud and I wipe away a tear on my cheek and I’m not
even sure why it’s there or how it got there because I’m so wrapped up in the wonderful memories of the last 7 days that have changed
me in many ways and has certainly changed the way I will travel for the rest of my life.
Andre bangs on the door as if he’s the police and it breaks me out of my reminiscing.
“Hey that was quick!”
“Ya she was fast, what do you think?”
“It looks good!! Really good you look hot!’
”Really??’
“Always.’
Hahaha nah babes but thank you.’
Andre’s bouncing around the room he’s excited about his hair and he’s taking pictures he’s smiling and I can’t help but laugh at him.
He’s like a little kid.
”Come here Manda”
And I lay down on the bed next to Andre and it gets quiet. There just seems to be this elephant in the room that neither one of us
wants to notice nor acknowledge.
“I can’t believe you have to go home tomorrow.”
“I know what a week it has been.”
Honestly it’s been the best week I’ve had in a very long time.
You know when I invited you down I didn’t think you’d take me up on the offer. A part of me still believed I would never see you again.”
“Andre you should know that when I say I’m going to do something I do it.”
I know you are a woman of your word Manda but for whatever reason I couldn’t believe you were actually coming
until I called out your name outside the Airport.”
“I know really sucks I have to go but lets not dwell on that right now come on the sun is going to set soon come
to the beach with me please.’
I never said anything to Andre but in that moment there was a heaviness that settled over me and I thought to myself,
what if I never see him again?
We walk and sit and walk and talk and sit and the sunset is beautiful. I’ve been here 7 days and I’ve seen sunsets from 3 different
locations and each one has been different and equally as beautiful as the last. The cliffs was breath taking and it felt as if I may have
been on the edge of the world and I might be the last person to see the sun before it disappeared. The mountain view from Jacko’s
was breath taking because it felt as if if I could reach out and touch the sun from what felt like the top of the world and this sunset
here on the beach with silhouettes of palm trees and sun chair and couples walking hand in hand is like a postcard or a perfect travel
advertisement for Paradise.
Its walking with Andre while watching this last sunset that I realize that whether I’m here at this huge property or on a mountain
somewhere regardless of my preference I’m happy because I can share it with him. I don’t need to be zooming up and down the
mountain, I don’t need to be jet skiing, I don’t need to be doing anything.
I just needed to be here doing nothing with him and I was happy.
okay the tears are flowing! work it miss manda- props to you!
Oh Manda I can feel my tears starting too. Our last night and saying our good byes never seem to get easier no matter how often we have to do it...
The final day is the worst day... I remember feeling an ache in my chest while viewing that final sunset, know I had to leave the next day and my eyes filled with tears.
I know it must have been so much harder for you to say goodbye after all you and Andre have been through. This entry made me so sad...
Your trip report was so beautiful, Manda.
I didn't want it to ever end!
But I know you'll be back :)
you mentioned you've been looking at Flights for March. Have you found anything yet?
really good stuff Amanda ....
Thanks Gerry and Clarity :)
I've found a flight for 600 for March I believe the high season starts in March? Or am I wrong.. I'm not sure I'll find anything cheaper. But I haven't click the mouse yet and booked anything. I'm already getting that itch with the ending of my report coming up fast I'm really feeling the need to get back on a plane lol
I had chinese the other night and my fortune cookie read "you need excitement and adventure, take a vacation" Ha! I wonder if I take it into work they'll grant me time off .. after all it is my fortune right? lol