Takin' the Newbies along Part 2 - a trip report

Well...we've been back for a couple days and I finally got my pictures uploaded and I'm ready to write my report. Hopefully, y'all find some enjoyment from the pictures and stories. So here I go...

As you might have read, we have been fighting some colds and bloody nose issues with my husband. The night we before we left, there were a few moments where we were unsure if we would be able to go. He woke up with a bloody nose at 10:30 and again at 12: 30 (we had to get up at 2:30 anyways to get ready for the taxi). However, we just stayed up because his nose was bleeding terribly at 12:30. Finally, it slowed down and we decided we'd give it a go.

You know how you are SO excited to leave? This year was different because we were both very concerned about his nose. I realize that sounds silly to some, but blood thinners and bloody noses just don't mix. So I was bouncing between - OMG WE ARE FINALLY LEAVING and OMG MAKE THIS STOP!

Anyway - taxi arrives on time - friends are here - and we're off. Brian dealt with the residual nose issue for the remainder of the day - however, it never got really bad again. Our concern was the cabin pressure in the plane - but alas, it was fine.

Flight left on time and we landed early in Atlanta. Found our gate and oh look - Blue Moon right across from the gate. Beer. It's what's for breakfast on vacation, evidently! Plane left on time again from Atlanta. (Side note: This has NEVER happened for us to have both planes leave on time!) Checking in at the gate - the gate agent reprints boarding passes for us. Brian questions it and he says - if you don't want them? We looked - bumped up to comfort plus on Delta. Uh...nope - we're fine!

Brian is an aisle seat guy - which means I never get a window seat. Our new seats were roomy and there were only two. Window seat for me. Tons of leg room. Aisle for him. Good stuff!

Attachment 47767

We flew directly over Cuba - something I am not sure we have done before...because I never am in the window seat! haha On our approach to Montego Bay - we are landing 25 minutes early. WOOHOO! Brian's nose is a bit better - but I can tell he isn't feeling well. Hopefully - the sun, sea, and humidity will help him feel better.

Attachment 47768

Attachment 47769

Attachment 47770

Looking forward to more, Jenn!

Landed in MoBay and met by the Club MoBay rep. The airport wasn't super busy, but there was a long enough line that I was glad we could bypass. Got through immigration and customs with luggage in hand in about 10 minutes. Got to the lounge and first rum punch of the trip. Another rum punch for the road and out to meet Tulla. We book through NegrilOneStop and Tulla was our driver last year. Off we go - head to the cambio to change some money and in to HiLo to grab some supplies for the road. Tom and I do the money and shopping. Last year, Amy was sick on the way down and Brian stayed with her in the van while Tom and I did the money and shopping. LOL I hope next year is NOT my turn being sick! Stopped at another shop in Lucea for some beers and back on the road. Had a Red Stripe Light Lemon. Um, that's interesting...very juice like - not beer like. I don't think it's my favorite. Finally - we arrived at Rooms.

We go in to check in and the girl at the desk said she had bad news. Now, having been to Negril many times, my first thought was that we are going to get bumped to another hotel. Amy's first thought was that our room wasn't ready. I suppose that's the difference in the experience. Neither was the case. They upgraded our rooms to ocean view. NICE! This means we have a fridge (finally - we always request, but never get one) and the sound of the ocean all the time! I was glad to have the room, but these rooms do not have balconys and we REALLY missed not having one. Oh well - I am certainly not complaining!

Dropped our bags - and headed down to say hello to Kelvin at the bar. Then over to Sunnyside to say hello to Robert. I was the first to put my feet in the water. Last year, Brian beat me to the water...so I had to be sure I got there first this year!

Decided we were starving and headed down to Alfreds for fish and chips. YUM! As we were finishing dinner, Brian started not to feel well again. At this point, we'd been up for 18 hours and in addition to not feeling well - we were exhausted. We needed to leave - so we headed back to the hotel and went to bed. At 6:30. We went to bed. This is not how we planned it. But, we clearly needed the sleep. Woke up at 5 the next morning and he was feeling significantly better!

Typically - we land in MoBay and I'm already in vacay mode. The tension of my reality is gone...this start was completely different. For the first time, it took me a couple days. However, it was more because I was worried about Brian. One full day in - and I had nothing more to worry about. Let the fun begin!

Great report Jenn. Glad Brian was feeling better too. Now you were able to fully relax, enjoy and forget everything for a while.

Great start,hoping you share more!

sounds like you were at Rooms . is that correct?

YES! Looking forward to more please!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by original spanky

sounds like you were at Rooms . is that correct?

---

Post #3

Yep, Spanky. Rooms is where we were...and always go. :)

Day 1 in Negril:
I am not counting yesterday as the first day because we were in bed so early! So...up at 5. I have to unpack and get organized. This makes me settle in and relax. That done, we head down to find some chairs and have breakfast at the hotel. If you have stayed at Rooms before, you know it is a simple continental breakfast that has changed over the years. It used to be they brought it to you, as of last year, there is a line to get fruit, boiled egg, yogurt, pastries. You can also get toast and cereal, juices, coffee, tea, and water. If that doesn't work, you can order a breakfast. However, I usually just get the continental as it's enough to get my day started.

Down to the beach for a picture perfect day. Walked over and hung out with Maureen for a bit. We spent the day in our chairs, the sea, at Sunnyside - repeat. Over the years, we have had varying degrees of "sand gravity." Brian referred to it today as "sand paste". Well, that stuck (haha) and we now will refer to it only as that.

For dinner we decided to head to Canoe. My God I love it there. Kirby's rum punch is always a favorite! And we sure did our part to put a dent in the stock. Jerk wings for the girls and jerk shrimp for the guys. DELISH! Misha and Christina were working. Christina was new to us and she is wonderful! Hung out at Canoe and listened to the Overtakers (awesome!) Headed back to Rooms and hung out with Kelvin at the bar. We made plans to go the Jungle the next night - along with another Brian we met, Kelvin and his friend. Closed the bar at Rooms and headed over to Sunnyside for...one more. Somehow this turned into a taste of Campari. Can I just take a moment to discuss this? Who drinks this stuff?! AND WHY?! I would rather drink cough syrup but I digress. This then became a shot of magnum and red bull. I think the same people drink this. as the Campari. Blech. Somehow though - this wasn't the last time for this nonsense.

While we were sitting there - back to my regular rum punch - a couple walk over. The guy looks at Amy and says, "are you Jen? I saw your picture on Negril.com" I just cracked up. She was so confused because I had posted pictures of our last trip - and normally - I'm in less of them because I'm taking them! This got a good laugh from everyone and earned me my first nickname of the week. So Doug - if you are lurking here - and I am pretty confident you are! - this is me calling you out. Register, get a screen name and write a report!

After a bit more - we headed back and off to bed. Up after 6 am the next day - unheard of for me. I'm always up by 5 ish. Let's just say that the next day was a little rough for me. We had planned to go out to Calico Jacks - but I wasn't in any shape for that. I took zero pictures so far. This will change tomorrow. Stay tuned....

Hey Jenn, thanks for your report. We met last year at Travellers painting blocks! From mid Michigan but sorry to say we had to pass on trip this year..... first time in 8 years. Looking forward to more pictures and more report��

Hey Jahmyheart - thanks! I remember! :) I'm sorry you had to pass on your trip this year - maybe next year we'll meet up again!

Day 2 in Negril:
So...a rough start for me. Remember we were supposed to go to Calico Jack's today. Not going to happen and I'm bummed. This was Brian's regret last year - not going. So on top of not feeling well - I feel bad that we aren't doing the ONE thing he wants to do. Amy *not so gently* reminded me that we weren't leaving the next day! haha Not really hungry - too much rum and fun yesterday. Ah well, the sea is the magical cure. Whether I'm in it or looking at it...I just feel better. Mid afternoon, we wandered over to Sunnyside for a bit of the hair o' the dog. Tom and Amy decided to head down the beach for massages. Meanwhile - we were perfectly comfy with a cold beer and our chairs. Chatted up Jay (who we always see every year) at Sunnyside - back to the water and I am starting to feel human again. Norman comes by and suddenly, I'm starving! He only has one beef patty and veggie patties left. We chatted with him for a bit and he said he was going to get more and would be back, but here's the beef one for hubby. About 30 minutes later he comes back with chicken patties we grab another, pay him, and sit down to enjoy! I can't imagine going to grab food in the US and because they aren't ready give us something without asking for the money (trust me - I asked him 25 times if he wanted me to pay him first - no, no mon....I'll be back) and coming back with food and getting paid. Just doesn't happen at home. Head into the water for another swim and then decide we are going in for another swim. It's hot today. Finally decide we've had enough sun and sea for the day and head in to get showers.

Hit up happy hour at Rooms and decide to walk to Best in the West for dinner. All of our trips to Negril...we've never eaten here. I'm feeling WAY better and with only one patty for the day - I'm hungry! We head down and talk about our plans to go to the Jungle tonight. Collectively we decide we aren't going. Brian and I are feeling better, but why push it? Get down to Best in the West and get seated right away - just after sunset - which was STUNNING.

Attachment 47782

Attachment 47778

Attachment 47784

I ordered chicken - sooo good! The others had pork - also sooo good! They have the funniest menu. 2/3 of the page is drinks and 1/3 of it is food. Our kind of place! One of the drinks - a flaming f&^% caught our eye. We convinced Tom to give it a try - that might have become his new nickname....

Attachment 47783

Finished dinner and headed back down the sidewalk. I've read a lot about Roger's bar here prior to our trip and we happen upon it. Stop for a drink? Why yes, we will. Had a drink at Rogers. What a great little place! We hung out there for awhile then headed back to Sunnyside. I feel like much of this trip is centered on our drinks. It sorta is. I don't drink often at home and I don't drink to excess in Negril....however, I enjoy hanging out and having a drink at lots of different places. So, there. I'm not an alcoholic...it might just seem that way by reading this report! LOL

Hi, my name is Jenn....oh wait, I digress.

Headed over to Sunnyside for a bit - Tom and Amy went along and had a drink then decided they were ready for bed. We stayed longer...and then decided that we weren't quite done with the night.

How can you turn your pictures around? They aren't sideways on my computer! Help, please! I don't want you all to get a crick in your neck looking at them.

Thanks for the report, Jenn!

its easy... i just turn my computer sideways

Thanks for the report Jenn,please keep it coming!!

Jenn - so glad hubby is feeling better! And the sunset is beautiful, just what I need on this rainy Tuesday!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jenn

How can you turn your pictures around? They aren't sideways on my computer! Help, please! I don't want you all to get a crick in your neck looking at them.

---

Jenn...your first set of pics are right side up...only your pics that you left in the 'manage attachments' box are sideways...when you post pics again, scroll down near the bottom of the screen to the 'manage attachment' box and delete the extra pics.

Thanks, Lisa. I think I figured it out. :)

Continued:

So, we are sitting at Sunnyside and it's about 10:45 - 11:00. We're wide awake. We told a couple people we would meet them at the Jungle, but then decided not to go - but no way to notify those who we had told we would go. Hubs looks at me and says - wanna go? Sure - what the heck! I need to change though. Hurry back to our room - change into a dress and off we go. We were like two teenagers sneaking out. Just laughing the whole walk. Not that we had any intention to leave our friends behind - it was just a spur of the moment - we're still up - we've never been - what the hell kind of a decision.

It's ladies night. We get there around 11:15 - take a look around. Not super busy....yet. Find one of the guys we are planning to meet and grab a round of beers and take it all in. So whoever says that it's cool for all ages and types wasn't there this night. I just kept laughing to myself that 7 older white folks doesn't make it an all ages club. hahaha Now - I mean NO disrespect by that comment because we had a lot of fun. There were just a LOT of younger people there. We danced, laughed, and had a few drinks. By about 1:30 we decided to call it a night and headed out. Would I go back? Maybe. Was it worth it? You bet.

Can't wait to read more!!!

Look for more this weekend.

Day 3 in Negril:
Woke up a bit later than usual...but I was out later than we ever are! So...down to breakfast and then off to the beach. Today is Pub Crawl day...so I'm pacing myself...like drinking water. Stayed on the beach until around noon. Off to get ready because we had to run to Scotia for some cash recharge. Ready and walk out to the road to catch a taxi. Seriously? Not one in sight. There were no taxis at the hotel. None on the road. None coming. What the *&^%? Finally, a route comes along and we hop in. The driver was a little cranky because it took us a bit to get money. Oh well...sorry buddy - we tossed him a tip and he dropped us back to Rooms. Decided to get a jump start and went and had a beer while we waited for Lenbert. It was HOT today - YIKES!

Finally, Lenbert shows up and the bus is PACKED. A lovely young couple - Josh and Taylor made room for one of us to sit (me) and the others had to stand. It became a joke to get back on the bus sooner so you could get a seat. Picture a drunken game of musical chairs. Literally! Josh and Taylor were on their first trip to Jamaica - we chatted as we packed more in and left some behind. Either way - this group was already much more fun than the bus we were on last year! There was a big crew from White Sands who were also a blast. We saw them frequently on the beach and always stopped to chat. Our stops were:

Palm Court
The Horizon West
No Name Bar (love!)
Easter Bar
Xtabi
Bella Donna's
Sunset Pub

Some pictures:

Attachment 47823

Attachment 47824

Attachment 47825

Attachment 47826

Attachment 47827

Attachment 47828

Attachment 47829

Attachment 47830

Attachment 47831

Attachment 47832

The Pub Crawl is one of my favorite things. I know it's "touristy" and we stopped at some of the same places, but it's something I wouldn't do at home. Meeting so many people from all walks of life...just was a great time! Bella Donna's pizza is perfectly timed. Seriously. I love her pizza. But by the time we roll in....I'm ready for something to snack on! :)

We get dropped back off a bit after 7:30 and grab some jerk chicken and pork from King Dust across the road. We grabbed a couple beers from Rooms and ate our dinner. Tom and Amy sat by the pool and Brian and I headed over to Sunnyside for a nightcap. Ok, I'm lying. We always say - let's have one more before we go to bed. It never ever works that way. We met a great couple from Maryland who recognized Brian's shirt (from a bar in Ocean City) and sat and chatted the night away. Doug and Jen - if you are reading this - sorry we never met back up. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip! :)

Finally decided to call it a night and headed back to go to bed.

good stuff........looks like you guys have fun:cool:

Indeed, we do, JDd! hahaha

I've never used a route taxi to run errands before. Was it an actual route taxi, or a taxi with a red license plate that you hired? I thought routes were like buses where you "pull the cord" when you want to get off. Versus hiring a driver to take you somewhere, wait, then take you back. Perhaps that's why he seemed annoyed? Perhaps, I'm wrong!

I want to add that I'm asking out of curiosity. I'm still not 100% confident on the route taxis and I try to learn as much as I can so I can make sure I'm "doing it right".

Edited to add, when I get in a route taxi, I have my $200 ready, tell the driver where I'm going and get out when he stops. I never agree on a price because I pay the route price (well, actually a little more as you can see - please no comments on overpaying. It's like $.40 and I don't need the change). So I'm curious why you would use a route taxi as a hired taxi, I guess is what I'm saying... There are taxis that have red plates that aren't "route" taxis, correct? Thanks for the clarification! I'm always learning!

as soon as you set an agreed price.............

You are correct - we chartered him. A gentleman on the road was helping us find a taxi. We offered him an amount to take us to the bank, wait, and bring us back before we got in. He readily agreed. We normally charter a taxi because it's easier with 4 of us. There just were literally none around at that time. We did take a route taxi out to Calico Jacks and back.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jenn

You are correct - we chartered him. A gentleman on the road was helping us find a taxi. We offered him an amount to take us to the bank, wait, and bring us back before we got in. He readily agreed. We normally charter a taxi because it's easier with 4 of us. There just were literally none around at that time. We did take a route taxi out to Calico Jacks and back.

---

super! thank you!

Whew that bus is CROWDED! Loving your report! What's up with the Rings?

The rings....One love rings, right? LOL

One of the girls from White Sands had a bag of them and passed them out after the second stop. We were all sitting in the front with Lenbert. My perch was on his cash box which was quite the topic of conversation. hahaha

Day 4 in Negril:
On all of our trips, we've never had anything but dinner at Canoe. This morning, we decided to grab a taxi and head up to Canoe to have breakfast and hang out for the morning. What was I waiting for? OMG - canoe's french toast has ruined me for life. Seriously. Any other french toast just won't do.

We arrived and this was our view for breakfast.

Attachment 47899

Ordered a pot of french press coffee and just relaxed. Ordered breakfast. Amy and I had the french toast and the guys had Canoe eggs and an american breakfast. Below is my picture of heaven...

Attachment 47900

Everyone enjoyed and we moved out to the beach. I spent a lot of time looking for sea glass. Found some great pieces! Grabbed a couple chairs and wandered in the water. It's a bit rocky in spots, but once you get out a bit, the sand is soft. Lots of waves and I was in my happy place.

Attachment 47901

Attachment 47902

Grabbed a bucket of beers and settled in... and then maybe another bucket.

Attachment 47903

Patty was there and soon her baby boy was there too. Spent some time swimming with him - what a sweet little fish he is!

Tom and Amy headed over to the German bar to check it out and we went and chatted with Patty. Decided to split a grilled cheese and fries. Once they came back - we all had a rum punch and then decided to head back to Rooms.

We headed back down to the beach to jump back in the water. Chatted with a couple of others and eventually, called it a day. In to grab showers and figure out what we were having for dinner. Decided to hang out with Kelvin at Rooms bar. He called a friend of his and he brought us fried chicken and fries from Corner bar. This probably was my favorite meal. LOL Seriously - I don't even like fried chicken...but this was delicious! After Kelvin closed up - we headed next door to Sunnyside. Then off to bed....

Day 5 in Negril:
It was HOT HOT HOT today. Weather was PERFECT until it wasn't...but more about that later.

Got up - walked down to Shamrock for some OJ. Not sure of the time, but we were too early - they weren't open. Walked back towards Rooms and stopped at Sweet Spot market and grabbed an OJ for hubby, soursop for me and a diet coke for the room. I'm a pop drinker at home. Here - not so much. That one diet coke (20 oz bottle) lasted me the rest of my stay.

Had breakfast and finally got out our floats. Floated for awhile and what do you know? Here comes my favorite waiter - Brian! Carrying out a round of RS Light. Overall - it was a lazy morning of floating and enjoying the sites. I swear to God - people watching in Negril is the best. I love that no matter where you come from or what you look like - everyone is comfortable in their own skin when in Negril.
Bought some gizzadas for a quick snack to share and back in the sun.

Awhile later - they others decide to walk down to the market by the round about. We were still feeling lazy....so we opted not to go. However, after a bit...we decided it wouldn't kill us to get up and go for a walk. We headed north. Stopped and had a beer at the Boat Bar and saw the tiniest sweetest puppy! AHH - he was so sweet and so little! Kept on walking up to Wavz. Hmmm...I had read about Dru's on here and FB, so what the heck - let's stop! 2 for 1 drinks - she was making pina coladas - ok - we'll have that too. They were too sweet for me...but I suffered through it. ;) As we arrived, we noticed a power company (big) truck stuck in the sand over by the ladies that have shops. They were working hard to get it unstuck with not a lot of luck. Decided to split a chicken patty. The truck was still being worked on - they had to take the tent down as they were backing up the truck, an inch at a time. Then, it started to rain. It was a chilly rain - but it felt great! Patty was served. Oh. My. God. Dru's patty's are fabulous! Holy cow! It was raining a little harder and hitting me in the back. Clearly, I didn't care. I just stood up to eat. So we sat in the rain and watched the world scurry out of the liquid sunshine.

Meanwhile - the truck is still stuck - so they took a cable stretch line and hooked it around a tree behind the bar. Uh...maybe we'll move. It stopped raining - and we moved over by the side. It snapped. They tried it a couple more times - by this time, we decided to head back down the beach. Chatted a bit with Dru, paid our bill, and off we went. If you haven't been to Dru's stop by. His prices are low, the food is great, and drinks are cold.

Attachment 47904

Attachment 47905

Attachment 47906

Day 5 continued:
The rain had stopped and we had our fill of patties and watching them try to unstick the truck *when we left, it was still in the process of getting unstuck*. Just sat and chilled for a bit on the beach when what do we hear? The ice cream man! Hmm...that sounds good. Brian and I split a cookies and cream and continued to just hang out on the beach.

Walked over to talk with Maureen a bit and have a drink. I was super sleepy at this time. It was like 3. WTH? Tom and Amy eventually got back from the market. Chilled a little while longer and then off to get ready.

Our plan was to go to Swordfish for dinner. We grabbed a cab and headed up there. Well...they were closed. Not sure why at this point, but on the fly decided to give LTU another try. We haven't eaten there in probably 10 years. We used to go every reach, but the last time we did, the food wasn't great and the service was ridiculously slow. Too many other places to try - so it sort of fell off our list.

We arrived before sunset and were hoping to sit near the wall. We sat down...it started to rain again, so we moved in a few tables. The rain cleared for a gorgeous sunset.

Attachment 47907

Attachment 47908

Attachment 47909

We ordered some drinks and soon after ordered dinner. Chicken lola was fantastic! Brian had lobster (which was great!) and Tom had the Santa Barbara shrimp (also great!) The service was fantastic and the pumpkin soup was as great as I remembered! Every bit of LTU was great - with the exception of one rude person. However, he wasn't going to kill my vibe - so whatever. Hung out for awhile and then back to the hotel. A nightcap and off to bed. Tomorrow we are finally heading to Calico Jacks. I'm so excited!

Day 6 in Negril:
Again with the sleeping in...up at 7. Every other trip, I'm up early early. Usually - before the sun comes up. This trip we are up around 7 ish. Maybe it's because we are fighting colds. Either way....no worries...I'm on vacation. :) Had breakfast and spent an hour or so on the beach. Had our stuff ready and headed out to the road to find a taxi to take us to Calico Jacks. Grabbed a route taxi and away we went! Get dropped off and wait for the group in front of us to get checked in. She escorts them down to the beach and comes back for us. Paid for our entrance fee and boat ride. Tom and Amy got snorkels and fins. Down to the beach. Simply beautiful.

Attachment 47910

Attachment 47911

Attachment 47912

If anyone is still reading this...sorry for it being drawn out. If you're interested - I'll work on finishing it up today.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jenn

If anyone is still reading this...sorry for it being drawn out. If you're interested - I'll work on finishing it up today.

---

Still reading...get to that writing, lady... :o

Great trip report Jenn! Come on, give us more!!!!!!!