Long overdue pictures + a few Q's for the next trip :)

Good morning boardies!

Last trip to JA was back in March this year and I'm going back in 27days 2hrs and 6min!I love that Virgin has got a countdown ticker on the 'manage your flight' section!

I feel very excited about my trip, but the excitement isn't shared by everyone [{WARNING - rant coming on}], some of my colleagues have made comments like 'Jamaica? Again?Why?Why not go somewhere else?' -Because! I have travelled around the world, but Jamaica won my heart. From the beautiful, sunsets, beaches, music, food and people to the nice relaxed atmosphere and even more importantly the fact that I can be myself 100%.

Working in a corporate environment with highly senior directors and within a team consisting mainly of qualified accountants my passion for dancing (to dancehall music in particular), as well as my love for other cultures and food just doesn't make a good fit with the 'country club'. Although I really love my job I am a proud Jamaicaholic!

It's a lot of fun coming home from work in a suit and after having a shower switching to my dancehall gear :) I've been dancing to dancehall since the age of 14-15 and we use to watch the videos mimicking the steps and make our own choreography. I fell in love with it then and I've never got tired of it.

As the trip is only a few weeks away I'm feeling really excited as i'm sure everyone here can understand :) Butterflies in my belly and smiling out loud to myself at times.

I need your help with some q's.

I know where I'll stay, but 1. I haven't managed to find out of any concerts or performances for the first 2 weeks in September?

I know I just missed Sumfest and ATI, but I'm hoping that there will be some artists that passes through. I'd like to see Mavado, Vybz Kartel, I-Octane, Ataru, Sizzla, Coco Tea or even Super Cat. Anyone from the Empire family would be cool too :cool:

Also, normally when I go, I don't really do a lot of touristy stuff, so far I've really only been to the Mayfield Falls.2. Any suggestions for good tours or boat trips which preferably involves good food would be much appreciated :)

This is a very random question but 3. does anyone know if you can buy sour cream and creme fraiche in Shamrock or in a supermarket on the way to Negril from the airport?

4. Any suggestions for any good trusted drivers that do private transfer from airport to Negril for US$50? or where you can get a good deal if you buy a return transfer?

When I went to Negril in March I got a lot of help from all the boardies on here and I promised to post pictures which I never got around to do. So although way overdue, here is a sample!
[IMG]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2746.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2941.jpg[/IMG]

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[IMG]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2850.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2845.jpg[/IMG]

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[IMG]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2843.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2828.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2822.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2818.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2783.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2779.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2722.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2721.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2712.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2704.jpg http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2680.jpg[/IMG]

http://<a href="http://s1214.photobu...I_2809.mp4</a>

Thanks for negril.com, it's such a lovely website! Jah know star!

xxx

...Oh no, I thought by insert image using my photobucket links the pics would show up fullsize in the post, help anyone?

You have to click add image button on the top of the msg editing window, then paste your photo bucket link in the pop-up that appears.. then click done, and it will add the img to the post.. repeat for each image

Love the image 2704 with the sun and what looks like a shadow of the sun (or moon?) behind it, lovely!

I like that one too.. I am guessing its a ball though..

jasperpso - it didn't work :( and yes it's a football, thanks for the great feedback Schuttzie :)

are you using the 'direct link' on photobucket?

Yes I am.. hmm.. Would it matter that I've got a Mac? (prob not but you never know)

Great pictures!! Especially love the one up in da hills...ahh, sweet Jamaica!!

I truly overstand your comment about people at work....they just don't get it. I use to get the same comments. Then, of course, the ones making those sarcastic remarks...."must be nice" and truly, they weren't being nice when they said it. I finally learned to just smile and say..."Yes, it truly is magnificent and I feel blessed to be able to find a place that fills my heart with joy! " As a dear friend of mine once said, "Jamaica has been good to me!" True, true.


I know there are many great drivers...and I have had many. One of my favorites, that fits your price exactly, is Kingsley. Info is found on his website..kingsleystakecaretours.com He is a real sweetheart and will take good care of you. Enjoy your upcoming trip...mine is still quite a distance away...Dec...yet it is growing closer and closer.

You know sweets-Life is short, It's your life, time and money. You shouldn't have to feel like giving detailed explanations why you choose to go where you do...
Just make it short,simple to the point and honest...something like "Because I want to." Try not to let it bother you what others think-It's YOUR life to live, not theirs.
Safe and Happy traveling...

1. You're right, I've also found it's hard to find out ahead of time what entertainment will be available in Negril. Seems like the only place that does a good job promoting their concerts in advance is Negril Escape - but they are winter. The closest thing I've found, so far, is the "Negril Event & Nightlife" facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...0576472638955/

2. It doesn't involve food, but a tour I really enjoyed was of Accompong - maroon town that was center of Jamaica fighting for it's Independence. Besides learning the history, the trip up into the cockpit country is very scenic. And it's near enough to YS Falls or Appleton Rum factory, you can do a combo trip.

4. Clive's Transport is $20 each way for a "shared" transfer, which many times turns out being a solo ride.
Even if shared, it's usually such a small group that you get to your hotel with little delay - if that is your concern.
They will stop along the way for a food/drink/bathroom pit stop, if desired.
Very reliable with great vehicles and friendly, safe drivers.
http://www.clivestransportservicejam...ransfers_1.htm

Very early on I had a few co-workers that questioned why it was always Jamaica. After I told them I wasn't going on vacation, I was going home they quit asking. Several even came down for our wedding. Now, when I have a trip coming up there are 3 or 4 that ask me at least once a week "how many days?"

Love the pics, they are really nice. My favorite is the one with the sea and the glass bottom boat.

And never mind the haters, they need something to do, so they hate, it's just what they do.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sweets

I feel very excited about my trip, but the excitement isn't shared by everyone [{WARNING - rant coming on}], some of my colleagues have made comments like 'Jamaica? Again?Why?Why not go somewhere else?' -


Thanks for negril.com, it's such a lovely website! Jah know star!

xxx

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The heck with your coworkers and it's none of their business, nobody should rain down on your parade.
People judge things by what they know and I'd just tell them you were heading out of town for a little R&R and leave it at that.
It can cause problems with coworkers and HR when your personal life comes into the workplace.
Loose Lips, Sinks Ships.......

@Yetta Thanks and December will be here before you know it!

@Suzengrace - I agree - that's the approach I'm taking moving forward

@Ohiobuckeye - Thank you so much! I'll definately look into all three suggestions!

@RassWalley - I agree, it does feel like coming home :)

@Negrilaholic - lol@haters! You are too right - thanks for the feedback on the pictures

@Missnegril - Loose Lips-Sinks Ships - never heard that expression but it's so true and I hear what you're saying

Thanks everyone for feedback, advise, enthusiasm and love, exactly what I needed!

Touristy stuff I like to do.

Snorkelling, it gets you out for s nice boat ride with panoramic sea views of the island, and even if you don't see any rare fish, is allot if fun..

The Bob Marley museum is a all day trip, but is allotbif fun, and you can stop any number of places for great food around the island..

Zipline tours are fun, as well as the atv tours.. I did the chukka atv tour in mobay a while back, on mt. Zion. There is a school and village on top of the mountain.. visited with the locals.. very fun..

Pelican bar is interesting tour.. a bar in the middle of the sea made from drift wood.. I haven't been, but pics make me want to..

And, for the more adventurous, I always like to go to sav la mar to shop and eat.. Friday night it is hoppin. Great deals on clothes, shoes, anything you might be looking for that negril might not have..

Or just rent a scooter and explore..

There's a few anyways.. hope it helps, I am not going till February, but am already stoked

Places I require to eat from on my stays

Sweet spice
Sharks -west end rd near Alices but better
The rockhouse, not to be confused with pushcart, both good but Rockhouse is unbelievable.. median $$ around 15us
Ericas cafe - west end rd
And for jerk stands, there are allot of excellent guys cooking daily, but I declare my favorite to be blue dandy.. he usually sets up.on the beach rd in the early afternoon, often near travellers bch.. cabbies know who he is, just ask if you can't find him.

I love Sweet spice jasperpso! I've been really curious about Rockhouse, if it's around US$15 it's a bargain, I've seen pictures and it looks lovely, always assumed it was quite expensive - maybe I'll give it ago this time around :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sweets

I love Sweet spice jasperpso! I've been really curious about Rockhouse, if it's around US$15 it's a bargain, I've seen pictures and it looks lovely, always assumed it was quite expensive - maybe I'll give it ago this time around :)

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Yes, very affordable by US standards.. don't be afraid, I order the beef teneerloin sometimes, which may be the highest priced item they have, for under 20$ US.. always top excellent and tender..