-
4 Attachment(s)
Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas 97 Days in Negril
So this winter we are ‘all-in’. We will not be waiting until Christmas before going to Negril. We will not tough it out until after the New Year. No. This year we left ‘Winter Hell’ (a.k.a. Ottawa) on November 30th. Good thing too, it was -18C, dark, dreary and there was already 10 inches of snow on the ground. Krickey!
And there will be no going back too early either. Not until March 8th will we depart the island. That’s 97 days. Yes, that’s a long stay. There should be time-a-plenty for me find my sometimes elusive ‘Negril Groove’. We’ll be spending December and January in Redground and then February thru March 8 at White Sands on the beach. It’s gonna be epic.
I sit here at the breakfast bar in our condo in Redground, gazing out the kitchen window at the blue waters of Long Bay. It already feels like its going to be a hot day, which suits me fine. Outside, a steady procession of route-bikes roar down Hermitage Road headed for the Negril All Ages School. I saw one that was loaded with three children; a little boy sitting up front astride the gas tank, then two girls crammed onto the seat behind the driver. All were dressed in immaculate school uniforms and each was clutching a colourful backpack. Sadly, none were wearing helmets. :(
Bea has gone for an early morning run. She’s going to check out that new sidewalk that everyone has been talking about. Other than that we have no specific plans for the day. Maybe walk up to the Red Dragon this afternoon.
More later, but until then, this is the view from the front patio:
Attachment 31781
These ackee look angry - perhaps because they are about to be eaten!
Attachment 31782
Bounty from the market. Ya mon.
Attachment 31783
Attachment 31784
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Oh boy! Thats an awesome view. Looking forward to your reports. 8 more sleeps for me
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Thanks for starting us off....please continue to keep us up-to-date as the rest of us fight the winter and the work! ENJOY!!!
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Hello dear Friend
I am a tours and taxi operator base in the Negril area i can't help but say you have some lovely pictures. Hope you have fun whilst hear on our island.
If you need any transportation contact us @
Tell# 1876 798 8382
Email: luxuriouscaribtours@yahoo.com
Website: www.luxuriouscaribtours.com
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Beautiful pictures! Hope you have a wonderful 97 days :)
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
97 days away from Ottawa! What are you a senator?
That is one beautiful yard and one beautiful view; you lucky lucky Kahuna3.
And if I was a beach person; White Sands is where I would stay too.
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
see ya pon da rock this winter......mi usually hang around Pee Wees......
Cool Runnings, Marko
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
have a great 97 days and nights . . .
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
I recognize the pictures of your villa. I checked it out last December and met the owners. Truly, great people and a beautiful spot indeed. Enjoy your time to the max. You made a great choice! Anxious to keep reading your posts and ..............soon come. If I'm up that way, I may well stop by and say hello. I've been trying to work on a long term option for the future. Those villas are on mi list fi sure!!!
97 days.........I can only dream of that!!!
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
-
4 Attachment(s)
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Mid-afternoon. Hot, hot, hot.
Outside, on Hermitage Road, the school kids are walking by, returning to their homes after a hard day of hitting the books, or computers, or whatever it is school kids ‘hit’ these days. Apparently they don’t travel home by route bikes after school. Their voices ring out as they pass by; they laugh and call out to each other and play games as they walk along, just like kids going home from school all over the world do. The girls are dressed in knee length smocks, navy blue with white blouses. The boys in long brown pants and khaki shirts.
Luna, our Rotie/Shepard mix guard dog (she’s actually just a big pussy), lays in wait in a shady corner just inside the wrought iron gate to the complex. She watches the children file by. Occasionally, for reasons known only to her, she unleashes a barrage of ferocious yelping barks at a passing group of unsuspecting kids. They squeal and jump away from her, then dash past the gate. Luna knows she isn’t supposed to do this. Yesterday she was scolded for it, a hang-dog look on her doggy face. But sometimes girls just wanna have fun.
This morning we walked the entire length of the new sidewalk project. If you're interested, I’ll have a report later.
We are just starting to settle in.
Ahh! I hear the high-pitched steam whistle peanut guy coming up the road - Gotta go.
Haven't tried this place yet.
Attachment 31791
Attachment 31792
A shady section of Hermitage Road
Attachment 31793
The mouth of the South Negril River - really tough to row over this section!
Attachment 31794
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Thanks Kahuna - as always looking forward to more! And what the heck is a "Gizzada"?
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Quote:
Originally Posted by
2nutz4travel
....... And what the heck is a "Gizzada"?
i *think* he's referring to what i've heard called:::>>> '..gRizzada..'
'tis a type of coconut cookie/pastry thing-y ---- yummy yummmy yummmy, especially when fresh.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gizzada
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
According to the National Library of Jamaica, this Jamaican tradition is spelled and pronounced "gizzada" as correctly used by Kahuna...
http://www.nlj.gov.jm/FeastingontheHeritage/gizzada.htm
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
I would be interested to know how far the sidewalk has progressed.
-
8 Attachment(s)
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
* 2Nutz – Smith is correct, a gizzada is a cookie-tart kind of thingy that is my favorite Jamaican treat. I’ll take a photo of one and post it. I think the best gizzadas (home made) are made by the lady who has a fruit stand in front of Chances.
It is so hot and humid today, Lawd have mercy!
So yesterday I checked out the much discussed ‘Sidewalk Project’. It starts at the bridge over the river in town and is located on the morass, or garden side of the road. It’s made of poured concrete and is about 10 feet wide, twice the width of a normal sidewalk. It features a row of red bricks that run down the center, like a dividing line, and another row of bricks on each side, like shoulders. Every 30 feet or so there is a cut that runs across the sidewalk, one brick wide, also filled with red bricks. The sidewalk is a work-in-progress. It runs all the way out to Shamrock, but ends there. Also, for the last 500 yards or so, there are gaps in the concrete where only the wire mesh has been laid.
I am impressed with what has been accomplished so far and it was a pleasure to walk along the completed part. It is a really good start. I can imagine it completed, lined with shade trees along the southern edge, frequent park benches and trash bins. Kudos to all who are behind this project. See the photos.
Bea snuck a Christmas advent calendar down in her luggage. She gave it to me on Dec 1. It’s the type that you can customize, fill it yourself with whatever suits your fancy. It has little drawers in it for treats and surprises. She got it at Ikea. See the photo.
So far this is what I’ve discovered:
- Day 1 - $500J wrapped up like a little Christmas present.
2 - a lottery ticket – didn’t win, but got a a free play, and a Godiva chocolate-covered cherry.
3 - four gummy pineapple rings – there was supposed to be 5 but the fifth one didn’t make the trip.
4 – a chewy chocolate covered toffee and dental floss
Quick Fact:
- Juicy J’s is moving from its current location just behind Scotia Bank to the beach, near The Palms, in mid December
Attachment 31797
Attachment 31799
Attachment 31800
Attachment 31801
Attachment 31802
Attachment 31803
Attachment 31804
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Must try that sweet cookie thing. Miss Rose is the woman in front of Chances. The advent calendar is cool. Must be fn opening each day to see what she has surprised you with. Poor doggy and his leg :(
PS Thanks for the sidewalk report
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
How did you manage to get your passport stamped for 97 days? Isn't the usual tourist stamp for 90 days! ;-)
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
You KNOW I'm going to have to try one of those Gizzadas now! Thanks for the info and for the pics :)
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Reggae_Girl98
How did you manage to get your passport stamped for 97 days? Isn't the usual tourist stamp for 90 days! ;-)
Very good question! I'll have more to say about this soon.
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
This was back in the late 90's but I got a 6 month stamp when I arrived. Still stayed almost a year. Hence my board name, LOL. At that time some were travelling to the caymans for a few days, than come back and get another 6 months.
-
4 Attachment(s)
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
We’ve decided we will visit every bar that sits within a 10 minute walk of the apartment. Previously we hit The German Bar, The Red Dragon and The Corner Bar, a.k.a. The Hooker Bar. By walking to and patronizing these establishments not only will we exercise our legs, but our livers will also get a workout. I’m looking forward to dropping in on the really small bars (the shacks) along the roadside in RedGround.
The German Bar - no German beer or pretzels though.
Attachment 31808
Ahhhhhh . . . now that's better!
Attachment 31809
Last nite we dropped into the Cozy Bar, at Cotton Tree. The bar girl there, a young, slim, long legged beauty, was wearing one of the the tightest and shortest dress that I’ve ever seen. Not complaining. Just sayin’. The dress was a shiny material in a geodesic pattern and she wore a big metallic necklace/pendant. Her hair was pulled tightly up and back. Bea said she looked like one of the bartenders in a Star Trek movie.
The music was turned up so loud that we couldn’t talk, so we just sat there and looked around for a while then went up onto the top deck.
This guy guards the bar at The Cozy Bar. Check the teeth!
Attachment 31807
Then we picked up a couple of tickets for the 5:00pm Cash Pot lottery. I was feeling lucky so I slapped down $200 on #20, because I’d seen three pregnant women during the day, and we’d waited in the Hammond’s Bakery in the morning for about 20 minutes for fresh gizzadas. :) Both ‘bakery’ and ‘pregnant’ are prime meanings for the #20.
Bea bet $100 on #3 for ‘death’ and another $100 on ‘dog’ because she saw a dead dog on her run at Mandrix corner yesterday morning. That corner just might be the death of me too, before I’m done here.
Check out the link to the numbers guide on the Cash Pot Poster. Its a hoot:
http://www.supremeventures.com/image...er_tracker.pdf
Unfortunately (for us) the winning number was 33, so there’s $400 shot to hell. Interestingly, number 33 has ‘Deportation’ as one of its major meanings. Not that I’m overly superstitious, but I’m kinda worried about that. The whole 90 days versus 97 days visitor Visa has got me thinking. And I’m going to have something to say about that later.
Quick Fact:
I saw some workers up on the roof of the old Negril Yacht Club and heard sounds of work from the inside. Looks like its in the deconstruction phase at this point. Looks like its gonna be fixed up.
The jungle out back. These leaves are so perfect they look like they are made of plastic.
Attachment 31806
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
lol
lol
lol
your *logic/strategies* for CashPot is too-too funny
THANKS --- you've made my day..!!..
lol
lol
it *shows* that you-2 are REALLY into-Jamaica-mode, BIG-Time, eh..!!..
lol
lol
keep playing
:-)
ps.... as you probably ALREADY-know/figured-out,
that likkle in-the-neighborhood barhopping excursion is gonna pay-off in spades for you-all, as the days roll-on [[ wink wink ]]
'twas/'tis a BRILLIANT move..!!..
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Nice to hear about signs of work at the Yacht Club!
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
I'm digging your report.
Thanks, IMHO trip reports are one of the best sources of (as Hemingway would say) "the true gen".
Great to hear about the NYC, that was the first place I stayed in Negril.
There is a great secret that goes along with that place.
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Bar hopping! Yippee, chug, chug, chug
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rum-polephoreskin
There is a great secret that goes along with that place.
I wanna hear the secret - I feast on that kind of thing!
Please . . . .
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rum-polephoreskin
Now you know.
Thanks - I must do that some day :)
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
It's been a few years since I've tried it.
But there some awesome eels as I recall it.
. . . and speaking of the German bar, their beach would be a good starting point.
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Lucky you... 97 days! Enjoy! BTW- What is a gizzada? a Jamaican cicada?
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
YIPPIE an on sight Kahuna3 report~ See you on the beach soon mon.
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Man I saw that poor doggy walking to Hi-Lo last night. It was dark and Tizzy would have stepped on it had I not pointed it out at the last second. That stretch of road is sketchy, especially at night.
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Tizzy and Booger on vacay together?...NICE! :rolleyes:
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Love the photo of your 'jungle' foliage. Looking forward to beautiful green Jamaica.
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Thanks for the on site report!-where is this place you staying at mon?-looks nice mon!-enjoy!
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
Quote:
Originally Posted by
irie luv
Tizzy and Booger on vacay together?...NICE! :rolleyes:
lol. This one's a family vacation and somehow we were out to almost 5am this morning.
-
Re: * * * * * * Sunsets, Rum, Sand and Gizzadas – 97 Days in Negril * * * * * *
That's ok, even on family vacations...there are times that the moment is just fun! Too many folks are really quick "to jump to judge" as Tarrus Riley says. Most of us have such busy lives at home that vacation is a time to totally relax. It isn't long before we head back to reality. Life is to be enjoyed as long as we keep our heads on straight! I have no doubt that you are just enjoying yourself with respect to all involved. Have a great vacation Booger!!
