Clarity, Markus and Jamar in Negril – Nov 2011 Trip Report: Day 1-3

It's been over a week now since our trip to Negril, so it's time to get started on our trip report.

This is our second trip to Negril. If you want to read about our first experiences, you can find that trip report in the blog section here: http://negril.com/forum/blog.php?127-Clarity

Just like last time I'll be mostly writing this with my husband, Markus. (He's in Germany right now on a business trip, so he's writing this from overseas) Our Best friend, Jamar will also be contributing from time to time to share his impressions of Jamaica. This was his first ever trip.

We tend to ramble, so this will probably be long and wordy but there will lots of pictures once we get to Negril,( for those that like to scroll.) We're also slow as snails, but we'll try to finish this faster than our last trip report. Although.. I can't make any promises. :)

Thank you again everyone for helping us plan this trip. Your advice has been amazing! This is our way of giving back, by taking you along with us and sharing our experiences. Just like you have shared yours with us.

Hopefully, when you're finished, you'll feel like you took another whole vicarious trip to Jamaica.

Jamaica Nov 2011 – Day 0

Where to begin?

It seems so much harder to write this trip report. There is for one the weight of the perceived expectations of those who have already read our last trip report. In my mind everyone is waiting for a trip-report 2.0 and I am not sure I can deliver or write anything that will satisfy.

There are also my own expectations of myself to adequately recall and describe those special moments when everything just clicked and all things all around us seemed to hum in extraordinary concord. Those transcendent moments when life sang in an all pervasive harmony with a vibration that resonated in the deepest place of our being – a mystical universal song with a distinctly Jamaican flavor. Those moments that cause you to know...when you go.

Such expectations are of course extremely UN-Jamaican and must be dismissed with a smile

It doesn't help that right now I am stuck in ice-cold Germany, 5760 miles (or 9126 Kilometers) away from my beloved muse and her stimulating Dirty Bananas. Instead of Berris Hammond I only have the humming of the radiator in my Boss's bare-walled basement with only a little glass table, an I-Pod shaped, white-framed bed and a broken pool table to keep me company.

The abode should be very fitting for a writing project, but I returned from Jamaica with a massive ear infection that since has spread to both ears, and the emptiness of the room only makes my thoughts turn more often to the throbbing pressure in my temples. No noise could be louder than the heart beat pushing past my ear-canal.

Alas! I must find a place to begin.... but where? This trip started so much earlier than conveyed by our travel dates. Some part of it started right after we returned from our last reach or when we were still in Jamaica in April. Another telling of the story might begin with Daisy and her brother sharing a dream 2 years ago. Even earlier than that, our story might begin in the middle of the last century in the cold, old Scottish Highlands.

That latter narration surely would produce the most awe, as it is laden with crowd pleasing coincidence, serendipity or fate, however you might call it. But that story is still in the making and for another person to tell, so I will begin this recollection just before our departure.

Our building is a early 20th century brick structure in the heart of San Francisco with 4 floors and 20 Apartments. Below our apartment is our best friend, Jamar's studio. We decided after a year of meeting weekly for bar trivia, that we would like stop by each others place without the inconvenience of travel. We also like the show “FRIENDS” and thought this might be like creating a few new episodes ourselves...and right we were. :)

The apartment above us for the last 37 years has been occupied by an elder ordained Buddhist monk named Ben, who likes to have me over for instant coffee every so often.

On this day like on many others I found a note on my door. The tell-tale smiley-face signature made the sender immediately obvious: “Dearest hubby-man, please urgently stop by my Apartment before your departure. I will provide Coffee -Ben”, .

It was Monday, the day before “Jamaica Eve”, and I had nothing to do. My boss had given me off, and Daisy had already frantically run around the house on Sunday, throwing all last minute necessary items into the two tiny carry-on suitcases. The note was intriguing as the word urgent was usually not in Ben's vocabulary.

Ben as always greeted me with a big smile in his kind, round little face:” I am glad you came!”. He hugged me tightly and waved me in. Stacks of books and holy pictures are strewn everywhere and it took some rearranging to free a chair. He disappeared into the kitchen, I heard the microwave go “bing” and he reappeared with a cup of instant Joe. “Here!”

I took a sip of the extremely hot liquid and tried to get comfortable while attempting to look appropriately holy in his presence. After some rummaging in several rooms he finally held up a book victoriously. “Here it is! I found this in a used book store. You can't have my copy, but this one I want you to keep. It will change your life!”

I took the unassuming paperback entitled “A NEW EARTH” by Eckhard Tolle. “Read this on your travels. I want to know what you think.” I handled the book a little more looking at the back and front flipping a few pages and I thanked him profusely. We chatted a while longer and I went back down stairs to stuff the book into one of the bulging overfilled suitcases.

The next day came and I spent most my day swiveling in excitement in my office chair. Every few minutes Jamar sent me an text saying stuff like:

”DUDE, JAMAICA, DUDE, TODAY!!!!!!!”

I replied:

“DUDE, I KNOW,! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!”

Back to swiveling.

Our cat sitter arrived around noon with her own little suitcase. We had felt really bad for asking her to sit the cats, but she immediately thought that she would love to spent a week in our apartment and so it was settled. I guided her through the idiosyncrasies of our apartment and gave her my computer passwords. Showed her how to feed and medicate my felines.

When we were done she immediately started cleaning. I had really thought that the apartment WAS clean, but she could not be halted, so I stopped trying. We tend to befriend really, really clean people. It's not that we are total pigs, I swear!

Finally Daisy came home from work. I had been dying for that moment all day.

On the day of our flight, I could hardly concentrate at work! I would focus for about a minute, and then my thoughts would drift off to Jamaica. I just kept thinking about the warm sunshine, the crystal clear waters, jerk chicken, dirty bananas...

I couldn't believe that we were going on this trip. That this was actually happening. Another trip to Jamaica? In less than a year? Part of me worried that I might be slightly crazy, but my heart was telling me to do this. Every part of my body was urging me to go back to Jamaica from the moment I left. I had taken vacations before where I had walked away thinking “Well, that was a pleasant experience, now back to every day life” but Jamaica was different. It doesn't let you walk away, it stays with you, permeates your being and doesn't let you go. The memories of the people you meet and the experiences seep into your soul and re-visit you in your dreams.

Not only that, but our last trip to Jamaica was healing for my soul. For the first time, since my brother passed away, I felt at peace. I felt like I hadn't lost him and I knew in my heart he was still here with me. I felt like I was going to be okay.

So I surrendered to the fact that Jamaica was now a part of our lives and always would be. We don't have a lot of money, but when you want something strongly enough.. you can find ways of making it happen and we did.

We started saving a little each day, putting our money into a little box (The Irie box) which we eventually brought to the bank and cashed in for two round trip tickets to Montego Bay. That was August 9th, My birthday and the day we “pushed the button” again. The officially count down began.

*****

At the end of the day, I sprinted out of the office and ran all the way home. I lept up the stairs two at a time and swung open the door to our apartment “Today is the day!!!!”

Markus pulled me close for a hug. Then I started urgently running around making sure we had all the necessary items for our trip and that all of the toiletries were in little quart-sized zip lock bags. Our friend, Leanna was going to be staying at our flat and taking care of our kitties. She was already there Jamar was no where to be seen.

“Where's Jamar??” I asked

“He's downstairs in his apartment... packing his suitcase”

“He just started packing NOW?? Our ride to the airport arrives in an hour!”

Jamar eventually appeared with a huge oversized knapsack, that he dropped on the floor with a loud thud. “I'm ready! Jamaica here we come!!”

We popped open 3 red stripes and chugged them down. Then we ran downstairs to catch our ride to the airport.

Our vacation officially began at the SFO airport bar while we waited for our red eye flight to Atlanta. We sat together and ordered 3 celebratory drinks to help us sleep. A big glass of German beer for Markus, A glass of Pinot Grigio for me and a Stella for Jamar

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...finairport.jpg

I sat in-between my husband and our best friend. We toasted to our future adventures together in Jamaica. We knew this trip was something special that the three of us would remember for the rest of our lives.

The flight to Atlanta was a long one. I spent most of the time bunching up my travel pillow against the airplane window and attempting to sleep. In-between those attempts, Jamar and I spoke about Jamaica in excited whispers... while Markus was absorbed in book he had received from our upstairs neighbor.

Markus has a really hard time sleeping on planes and he gets restless leg syndrome during flights so he needs the aisle seat. His eyes were wide open and red with exhaustion by the time we reached Atlanta. We had a 3 hour layover which was mostly spent in the “death room” as Tizzy aptly named it. Lol. You inhale the equivalent of 5 cigarettes with every breathe taken in there and you have to leave every 15 minutes coughing and gasping for air.

The flight from Atlanta to Montego bay was much shorter. I spent the entire time staring at this screen in front of me.. mesmerized.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...2/01flight.jpg

We received a message from the pilot that we would be landing soon and I turned to Markus in excitement.

Oddly enough, he was out cold. He had passed out from sheer exhaustion.. his chin on his chest.. book had slipped off his lap.

“Would you look at that! Now he falls asleep!! Just before we land.” Jamar started laughing.

I shook Markus's shoulder gently.. “We're almost there, honey... look out the window”

He opened one blood-shot eye and then both of them. The three of us leaned together towards the tiny airplane window to take in the view.

It was a long Journey but finally we sank out of the clouds and familiar shapes came into view. I don't remember how many times I have flown into Frankfurt, Tampa, Miami or Newark. But I have never fallen in love with or felt so much excitement at the sight of an aerial landscape.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...rstglimpse.jpg

The lush majestic mountains rose from the blue-green ocean, like a mythical coral Shangri La. The clouds gently covered the inside of the Island, veiling it like a bride on her wedding day. “Here we come! We are back! I told you it wouldn't be long!”

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...stglimpse2.jpg

Jamar was smiling. His eyes looked a little bewildered and groggy, but with some energy left to express great anticipation.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...stglimpse3.jpg

Customs - a breeze, you know it. And we soon had our luggage in hand and dived through the glass doors into the thickness of the hot air, all the while scanning the crowds of omnipresent drivers for our man, “Chicken”.

Daisy spotted a large mass of a man and pointed towards him. He held up a small sign that read “Chicken's Magic Bus” and was scanning the crowd. When he saw her running towards him, he smiled widely. She flung her arms wide open as if to greet an old friend and yelled “Chicken, Chicken!” The figure became alive and slowly moved towards her to respond to the gesture. They hugged while Jamar and I stood in line to give a greeting.

Jamar almost tripped himself in excitement for his first interaction, but had to postpone as Chicken explained, he was going to get the car.

While we stood at the curb waiting, familiar smells of allspice, turmeric and burning fires filled my nostrils. Incessant honking was all around us and we jumped every few seconds convinced that we must be the reason for the noise. We were immediately enveloped in insane chaos, noises and sensations.

I remembered my first time and imagined how confused Jamar must feel, while I, for some odd reason, felt like I had just come home.

To be continued...

very pumped up for this ....

YAY! Now THIS is what I have been waiting for, and just like that.....you have me hooked already
There I was reading along, smiling, almost crying, laughing, sighing.....and then you did it!
The worst three words of all time...........
To......Be........Continued......

LOL
Daisy and Markus......I am loving it already! More! More!

Nice read so far.:) It's nice to read a trip report soon after you return yourself and be able to instantly relate to the sensations felt by others. ATL I'm guessing Delta, who I flew as well. Did coach this time and could not sleep, at all! Also noticed everyone is raving about Chicken now. I'm going to refresh my screen ever so often to catch the next bit......

tag-teaming...nice. Can't wait for Jamar to chime in.... Love your reports and looking forward to more!!
T

Oh GOODY, I was just wondering how long we were going to have to wait for this....

lol

Ya'll are off to such a great start!!! I'm so excited you'd think I just landed in Mobay myself!

Oh and Daisy...if its not too much trouble could you have some more posted by... oh...say...9:00 am (my time)? haha

Yeah nice so far. Markus hope your ears get better before you get back on a plane to come home to SF. We are waiting for more.

i'm pumped - love the pictures - love the words - love your love!

go babies go!

write on!

So good already, can't wait for more....

Clarity, I was the same, travelled alot over the years and enjoyed each and every trip, but....the second I stepped off the plane on my first trip to Jamaica, I knew there was something different happening to me...wasnt sure what, but knew it was good! I too booked another trip within a few months and have be hooked ever since, twice a year mimimum and lucky enough to have stayed for a couple of months at a time. I often wonder if I am crazy too!!!

So after all these really good trip reports lately I am going to bring a pen and small notebook with me, as I never remember enough to make a decent report.( this will be my frist crack at homework, somehow made it all the way through grade school and highschool without ever doing homework or reading a complete book.lol

Thanks guys! :)

Unfortunately Markus's ear infection has gotten a lot worse and he woke up this morning with Pink eye! He had to see a urgent care doctor in Germany today. I'm worried sick about him. It's hard being so far away from him when I know he's not doing well. He has to travel to Nuremburg this weekend for work and I don't know how he's going to do that in the shape that he's in.

Will update again when he's back on his feet and we'll continue the trip report then.

Clarity, after such a wonderful vacation. I'm sorry to hear about Markus not feeling well. I hope he gets better soon. Always say a prayer!

Clarity, Wishing Markus a speedy recovery and a safe trip back to the states.

clarity, i hope Marcus' ear gets well soon ... weirdest thing, I, too, had an ear problem in Negril a couple of trips prior -- but it was from the airplane. Damn ears got clogged and never popped for two or three days later.

After holding my breath for days and days I can finally exhale. Loving the report. Hope Marcus is feeling better soon. Not fun to fly with ear infections.

Lovin' the report your words flow so well...sorry to hear about Markus hoping he get's good meds and is on the mend soonest!

Clarity I know how you must feel being so far from you sweetie when he is so sick...I hope he feels better soon.....sending white light...

Oh No! Sorry to hear about Markus. Those ear infections can be terrible, I hope they get him on something to clear it up. I once had a sinus infection that got so bad it went to my eye also and it looked horrible but then they gave me drops and it cleared up pretty quickly. So I hope Markus got some help at the urgent care and hopefully he is on the way to a quick recovery!
I know how you must feel being worried about him and not close enough to help. I am hoping you both get some relief soon!

Only thing worse about an ear infection on ground is the anticipation of having to be 33,000 feet in the air with one. I'm sure Marcus will get the necessary antibiotics to get that on the mend.
I must say that when I came down for Happy Hour to the Seastar Bar on the Saturday before the show that I did witness the love and friendship. Now Daisy was not around at the time but Marcus and Jamar were in the pool sitting on their side of the bar. I have never seen such happiness expressed on those two faces of two guys sitting together with Marcus giving Jamar the biggest hug. It was so special that I couldn't even interrupt it with "Hey - you must be Marcus and Jamar" - I just enjoyed the moment and let them enjoy theirs. Wish I could of taken a picture though - it was a kodak moment!
At least I did manage to get over later in the evening to introduce myself and meet the infamous trio!

Totally loving your trip report and photos. Hope Marcus' ear infection gets better soon. Those can be so painful and hard to heal up, especially with all the time he has spent on an airplane.

Thank you so much everyone for your well wishes and positive vibes for Markus.
We chatted on Skype this morning and he's doing so much better! The antibiotic drops got rid of his pink eye and his ear infection is slowly clearing up. He's definitely on the mend. I'm so relieved.
It's really hard being apart like this..I wish I could just fast forward through the next two weeks...:(


IrieAlways - it was so great meeting you at Seastar! Oh and I have a snapshot of that scene you described at the swim up bar :) - just before I left them to take a nap, I'll post it later. Yes, They were so happy that night!

Now Jamar is going to step up to the bat, get this trip report moving again...! :D
Then I'll have a go
and Markus is fast asleep in Germany, so he will be updating tomorrow.

Over to you, Jamar...

So finally I get the chance to sit down and write about my experiences in Jamaica!

First off I want to apologize to everyone that’s been eagerly anticipating my response to such an interesting trip. To start things off, the night before our departure for Jamaica, I was feeling very nervous. So nervous that I couldn’t sleep I was putting more into this trip than I ever have a trip before. I’ve been to numerous places around the globe, from Paris all the way to Thailand,
but somehow I thought this trip was going to be just a little bit different because this was the first country for me that is predominately a Black Country…. Not to make this about race but I was thinking how this trip was going to affect me considering that the faces I’ll be staring at would be almost like looking at your own reflection in a mirror. How are these people going to perceive me?
Will they like me? Will they look at me with envy due to the fact that I’m coming from America (“Land of opportunity and immense wealth”- at least in their minds ) These were the thoughts that were running through my head even before I could set foot on the plane to begin my adventures. I was afraid by what I was going to see… you read often in the news or see on TV about the poverty in these countries, but I was going to be seeing this up close and personal...

Finally after a fairly short flight (I felt it was shorter than what I imagined, but maybe because of the anxiousness I felt) we land in Jamaica!!!

Upon arriving into Montego Bay, the one emotion that hit me the most was Insecurity! I felt this sense of insecurity come over me as many of the locals were staring at me! We’re they staring at me with disgust? We’re they staring at me because they were intrigued by me (Seeing as how I looked the quintessential foreigner)? That was the thoughts I was experiencing as I was trying to look and act excited when talking with my friends Markus and Daisy.

So we find our driver… His name is Chicken- it’s so funny because that’s his nickname! I noticed that everyone in Jamaica has nickname that they’re called. In my family it’s the same way (You never get called by your real name but by a nickname based on your personality or behavior from start of birth- Don’t laugh, but my family calls me “SCOOP”- not really sure why, I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m greedy and eat all the time)

Anyway, digressed a little there, so when I met Chicken, I felt a little more at ease and he put me there, we had such a great conversation on the road to Negril, we talked about similarities in the Jamaican culture and the African American culture and based from talking with him, I could see that there were a lot more similarities than differences. We stopped along the way to have a quick beer and chatted some more…

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...ickenstop1.jpg
Bar we stopped at.

Based from talking to Chicken, the first Jamaican I spoke to by the way, I was starting to feel a little at ease, but was I still feeling insecure?

Oh Hell YES!!!!!!!

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So Chicken stopped us by Bigga’s for some Jerk Chicken, my first jerk chicken ever experienced…
Markus and Daisy told me about Bigga and his famous chicken so I was eagerly excited to try it…

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...rivebiggas.jpg
Biggas.

So we ordered and Bigga sprinkles that Jerk Sauce on…. Let me tell you,
it was the hottest hot sauce I ever experienced… I’m sure many of you that are reading this are probably scoffing at this or laughing deep down inside… but for me, who hates anything really spicy or don’t have a knack for the flavor, this was HOT!!!!!! So I had to resort to mixing it with some Ketchup but all in all it was real good and enjoyed it very much!

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...ivebiggas4.jpg
Me, Markus and Chicken at Biggas

More coming soon

I have to agree with Jamar, Bigga's Jerk chicken sauce is crazy spicy!

This was also my first visit to Bigga's – We had heard so much about him from everyone else on the board, we had to try it! The only jerk chicken I've ever had before that was from “Best of the West” and “Jerky's” - both places have very mild sauce.

I noticed the color of Bigga's jerk sauce was different from what I was used to seeing. It's a kind of light brownish hue which perplexed me. The smells were intoxicating though so I lunged in full force and shoved a big piece of chicken soaked in Jerk sauce straight into my mouth. I gasped after my first bite, causing Bigga to glance at me with a slightly confused expression. My lips were burning and I reached for my pineapple drink. I began to gulp it down frantically.

“Th-That's so hot” I whispered. Jamar nodded at me and his eyes were watering. Markus meanwhile was joyfully scarfing it down.

Mixing it with Ketchup helps cool down the sauce and once I found the perfect mixture, I was in heaven. The chicken is soft, falling off the bone and completely delicious. Bigga knows what he's doing.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...ebiggas2-1.jpg

Jamar and Markus were both in good spirits, joking and laughing with Chicken.

I noticed that when Jamar first arrived in Jamaica, he looked overwhelmed, insecure and on edge. Not his usual self at all. His smiles didn't reach his eyes and he was glancing around nervously. I was a little worried...what if he feels uneasy like this during the whole trip and leaves Jamaica with mixed emotions? What if he has a bad time?

I remembered how much there was for me to digest on my first trip, how INTENSE it all was... this time I was coming in so much more relaxed and prepared. I tried to put his mind at ease, but I also understood where he was coming from.

Chicken quickly made Jamar feel comfortable as soon as we got in the car. Immediately Jamar and Chicken started talking easily with each other and cracking up. (I love Chicken's laugh!) He's a great guide, pointing out all the different locations and sharing information about Jamaica. I could see Jamar's shoulders relaxing and he totally was getting into the Island vibe. Chicken started teaching us Patois and the conversation was lively, relaxed and fun.

Markus was all smiles during the ride, we were sitting together in the back and squeezing each others hands in excitement.

Chickens magic bus – He didn't bring out the bus because there was only three of us, but I a lot of magic. I highly recommend him. It was such a great ride. (Thanks Shauna and Raul!)

At one point about 20 minutes from Negril, Chicken turned on some Peter Tosh and we all just took in the views around us. It was so peaceful... the passing landscape, dotted with goats on one side and then the turquoise water on the other. The warm breeze from the open windows and a ice cold red stripe in my hands.

Best feeling in the world.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...ckendrive3.jpg

It was around 2:45 when we arrived in Negril and pulled into the Grand Pineapple. We had originally planned on joining the love shuttle bar crawl at 3pm, but realized we wouldn't have enough time to get checked in and settled by then so we had to abandon that plan.

We said our goodbye's to Chicken. He told us he'd be parked right across the street if we needed anything. That's his spot, if anyone in Negril is looking for him.

We were immediately greeted by familiar faces once we entered the grand pineapple. First person was Tayshaun from the reception area.

“Oh my god! Daisy, Markus! You're back! I thought you were reserved for April?!”

“Well.. we changed the reservations because we couldn't wait that long...”

“Welcome back!!”

She hugged me and Markus. We introduced her to Jamar.

We checked in and received our wristbands..

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We asked about Ralston, our favorite security guard in the world...

“He's not here anymore. He moved to our sister property, “Beaches”

I was disappointed to hear that. I had been hoping he'd be there to take Jamar under his wing, the way he had done with us. The rest of the Grand Pineapple crew was all there.. and it felt like coming home to family.

It's off-season, so they upgraded all of us from our economy priced Manor rooms to a beach side cottages. That was a dream come true! I had looked at the beach side cottages longingly during our last trip but they were out of our price range. I never imagined we'd end up there.

Jamar was taken to his cottage (room 31) bottom floor and literally steps from the beach. Markus and I were taken to our cottage (Room 50) at little further in the property and second floor. We walked past the familiar strutting Peacocks and the lush grounds.

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http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...iewbalcony.jpg

I felt kind of dazed as though I was in a dream state, My excitement was masking my exhaustion.. it all felt kind of surreal.

Once we were alone in the room, Markus started walking around running his hands through his hair and taking it all in while shaking his head in disbelief.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...pineapple2.jpg

“I can't believe we're here.. I can't believe we're here...I can't believe they upgraded us.. this is.. just...”

Meanwhile I tore open my suitcase and pulled out one of my bikini's. I had one thought and one thought only:.

BEACH.

No unpacking, no re-arranging toiletries – Who has time for that? I needed to get into the water.

Markus got changed into his bathing suit too and sat on the balcony with a smile. He had this kind of drugged look like that boy that had just gotten his teeth pulled out in that famous you tube video “Is this real life?”

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...applesmile.jpg

I was feeling the exact same way.

Daisy-so glad to hear Markus is on the mend!

Jamar- I am loving reading your point of view already, and really loving seeing the pics of you and Chicken and Markus. He is a great friend and I knew he would take real good care of you guys.
Can't wait to hear more about your take on Jamaica and your experiences......can't wait to hear more about all of it!

Mmmmmmm Biggas!

Oh I love this!
Daisy- how cool that the upgraded you that is awesome! Markus looks so happy.
And I am so glad you all loved Chicken. He is just the best guy. I always recommend him, because I trust him to take good care of anyone I send his way. He just has a way about him, making you feel at ease and like he can help you with anything, and he does. Every time I have ever needed anything, I just ask Chicken, and he can either get it for me, or take you me the person who can. And if anyone tried to take advantage of us or anything goes wrong, he ALWAYS reminds me to just "Call him"
Gotta love Chicken!

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...pineapple3.jpg

Meanwhile Jamar was at the bar grabbing a round of dirty bananas for all of us and came up the steps to join us on our balcony. This was his first experience at an all inclusive, unlimited drinks!... I could see he would be taking full advantage of it. He already knew what to order too.

Then he disappeared again, said he'd meet us on the beach.

****

Stepping onto the soft sand again and seeing the beach caused that same feeling of awe to wash over me. I closed my eyes and breathed in. I listened to the waves.. inhaled the sea air... This was the moment I had been waiting for.

I found Jamar already chilling on the hammock... Markus ,of course, had to mess with him. Boys will be boys.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...marhammock.jpg

Jamar disappeared again. I looked around confused and then found him at the spa area

He was getting his complimentary massage...

But when I looked back 5 minutes later, he was gone from there too.

“Where's Jamar?” - little did I know, I'd be asking that question a lot during this trip.

Markus pointed out to the beach.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...amardealer.jpg

Uh oh...

One vendor...
Two vendors...
Suddenly he was surrounded
I wondered what was going on and how he was going to handle it.

I've done the Ketchup trick several times myself -- the jerk at Bourbon Beach is crazy spicy, too -- and it works out cause I love ketchup anyway, especially Jamaican.

Keep it up, Clarity. Good details, can't wait to see more of the report.

Will def have to try Bigga's this time. We have been to Negril 7 or 8 times now and have never stopped anywhere to eat before arriving in Negril, not sure why but am excited to try something new and hubby and I both enjoy our Jerk HOT!. Love the trip report and am anxiously awaiting another!

Ok, I must be hungry because my mouth was watering while reading about the chicken at Bigga's! I have never made the stop there...maybe next trip since I get in at like 9am...Looking forward to reading more...you guys are great.

Glad that Markus is on the mend, it would suck to get on a plane with an ear infection. Jamar nice you are writing your part too. Hoping that you got settled in and will want to go back.

Hey Guys,

I was recently engaged viewing your photoposts of your recent 2nd trip and started reading this trip report (what is written so far anyway). I enjoyed what I had seen so far and decided to click on your link to your first trip report that I had not seen. I had no idea what I got myself into, that report is a beast! Great job, it also makes me anticipate the rest of the 2nd trip report.

You see, we leave in less than a week, next Fri (11/25) from New Orleans to Negril for our 3rd trip to Jamaica and 2nd to Negril (we were married there in '08, 2nd trip was to Runaway Bay). Like many others, I am scouring the internet and this board in anticipation of our trip. So I'm up REALLY LATE Friday night (Sat morning really) when I decide to start on your first trip report. What a mistake... Once I started reading, there was no way I was not going to finish it all at once. So thanks alot:p, it was 9am when I finally finished.

I really enjoyed viewing the photos of Coco Lapalm, your room & the pix of the wedding you witnessed. That is where we were married 3 years ago and we stayed in that exact same honeymoon suite. So it brought back a lot of great memories. Here are the pix of our wedding:

https://picasaweb.google.com/stephan...scarStephanie#

Here are some other pics of our CCLP stay:

https://picasaweb.google.com/stephan...er/CocoLapalm#

If at all interested, here's the link to my first trip report on this board that included the stay in your room at CCLP:

http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...rd-Part-1-to-6

2nd Runaway Bay trip:

http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...uperFun-Resort

Well, I wish you guys the best. Thank you for your efforts into your reporting, I look forward to the rest. I promise to write something up after our upcoming trip to Xtabi to pay it forward.

Oscar

hi Nola, the links do not work!

i was in one of those beach side rooms when I stayed there, walk out right to the bar and right on to the beach!

OK, the links are now fixed... Thankd Gerry for pointing it out...

Great report so far.. I know the best is yet to come..

Shauna and I got Biggas that one day we too the scooters down to half moon bay (which you know if you read her trip report) and I think I sampled the sauce and my mouth was on fire the entire way back to Catcha. But then again I like that.

@Clarity I'm surprised you guys haven't searched out a Jerk Place in SF, there has to be one there. They are few and far between down here in the TPA, which is why I call on the DNA code stored from my JA grandparents to make my own. Shauna likes it and that's all that matters :) I do have to remember not to make it too hot(for her).

Yeah right.....whatever!
You didnt hear me complaining about Biggas all the way back, did you?
lol
I like the hot too :)
well ok, sometimes you do kill me a bit with your spiciness! hahaha