Whaagwaan....Would you be interested in reading my trip report? Respect.
Printable View
Whaagwaan....Would you be interested in reading my trip report? Respect.
Yes please!!!
No need to ask man, post away to your heart's content!Quote:
Originally Posted by rocknrollfarmer
Wow, what a tease
It's been a while since I've done a trip report....so here it goes. I'll just write in segments, as to keep you all sitting on the edge of your seats, anticipating the next segment. {insert "Smiley" face} This reach is mine {our} 23rd Negril trip. Been tinking about trying the reggae marathon for a couple years, and decided to look into it. Also, my high school classmate from 1979 {Clinton, Mn}, Jorgy had been tinking about it as well. Well, we asked our dear wives if this would be possible for the two of us to go to Negril together, with the goal of doing the reggae marathon. Jorgy and I have known each each other for 50 years. He has been to Negril close to 40 times??? Proposed to his wife there. Let's go to Negril. I am going down early alone, with Jorgy joining me later. Drove to Minneapolis {4 hours] Friday Nov. 24. Stayed at Jorgy's place in Golden Valley. He took me to the MSP airport in the morning for the Delta 8:55 Sat. flight non-stop to MBJ.. Evryting went well. 20 degrees in Mpls. No snow, or any de-icing of the de plane. Flight arrives a half hour early in Mobay. Yeah!! Airport very busy. Lines of folks coming in on both sides. Got a ride to Negril with Rambo. Good guy. Destination Whistling Bird resort on de beach. {The soup and porridge place} Great location. Great timing, as I made it to the beach before sunset. Started running into some of the amazing staff at Whistling Bird. Kevin, Aaron, Renika, Barbara, Shorty, Wayne, Ryan, Milton. Dale, Chef Brown, Miss G. Wayne, Radcliff, Garwood, Sherrie, Natalie, Chin. {We've stayed here before}. The fellas are busy building a new cabin on the property, and they are on a mission to complete the cabin quickly, as new guests arrive...soon come mon'. It is Saturday, and that means Jungle night club night. Boom boom boom music time. WB is directly across from The Jungle. Staying in, hopefully get some needed sleep. Sunday Nov. 26: Up early at sunrise. Can always tell when sunrise, soon come, when the traffic starts on the beach road, especially the big trucks, with the jake brakes and what not. Didn't get much sleep, as I swear the music at The Jungle went til about 3:30?? Went for a swim right away, talked with Damian in the water from Woodstock, as he likes to exercise in front of WB. Nice swim, dried off with a cup of coffee on de beach. Skip and Ernie are here, they are a staple down here, as the beach walkers, beer drinkers, and as the locals call them "Tall one. short one". My next door neighbors, who came down on the same flight, are from Minnesota as well. A nice couple, been to Negril before, and are quite familiar wit evryting. They have a scooter here to get around. Must be nice to them , for if I need a quick ride somewhere. {it's good to know people right??} Time for breakfast here at WB. Chef Kevin, nice young man, made me a fantastic callaloo, cheese omelette, with hash browns and bacon plus toast. Must eat callaloo often, it does a body good!!! Need to get advance tickets for Luciano concert at Blue Skies resort. Jorgy will be arriving that night {Tuesday}. Got the tickets and the grand tour of Blue Skies. Very new everything. Nice and clean. I bought a ticket for Chef Kevin, as he had not seen Luciano before. This will be my 4th time. Kevin really hoped to get his picture with Luciano. It's till Sunday, alot of Jamaicans take the day off, so some places not open. Drifter's has music today. Talked with Kenroy , as he's playing guitar today. He's a great guy. Said Hi to Mama Monica, back in the kitchen. It is her birthday today, Gave her a pair of homemade Minnesota shell earrings. She loved them. Had a nice chat with a fella named "Biblical" he makes all those handbags on the back wall at Drifters. Plus, hung with Raymond {Luddy's right hand man} Didn't stick around at Drifter's very long, Crystal wasn't there. She's so good!!! Went over to a shop at Times square for a couple things. Adrian at shop#10 wasn't there. Ran into Skip. Ernie wasn't on the island as of yet. Went for another swim. Then time for a bite to eat. It is getting late. Colletta's and Miss Sonia's seem like the only places open. Colletta's was busy, so I opted for a vegetable patti at Miss Sonia's. Had it back in the room. Excellent. Did I mention that there is no TV here in our room at WB? {or hot water lol}. Perfect!!! For real mon'. It's not ice cold, you just get used to it. Refreshing! Time for bed. Hope to get some needed sleep. Tomorrrow's another day mon'. Oh, and by the way, I have been walking and jogging, in training for the reggae marathon remember? Good night.
Excellent start! Thank you for sharing!
Enjoying your trip report! Thanks for sharing! :encouragement:
:eagerness:
Happy Monday, ya'll...The reggae marathon is Sunday Dec. 3. Before coming to Negril, I had been working out back on the frozen tundra of western Minnesota. The Buffalo ridge area. I can see South Dakota from my house. Well, didn't get good sleep again, {so I think?? Ever wonder?} Up at sunrise, out the door for a long walk/jog down to CSA. Came back, had a nice swim. Swimming is really good exercise, but ya just gotta DO IT!! Time for breakfast. Another Callaloo/cheese omelette is in order, made exclusively by Chef Kevin. New chef starting today, a rasta fella named Dale. Nice guy. After breakfast, decided to go to the grocery store by Tree House. The Hi-Lo. Kinda cool to look at all the different stuff. Ran into George Henry a.k.a. "Pinky Dread". Such a good singer, Our favorite. On the way back, stopped at Rayon Hotel to say hi to Pansy. She wasn't there. Then stopped at White Sands to confirm our reservation for February. It's getting really hot dis morn'. Have you ever thought about the White Sands hotel "front desk"??? The front desk is ALL THE WAY to the BACK of the property!!. It's a long walk, especially when it's hot out. It is what it is. Maybe overtink tings mon' ? Got the reservation confirmed with Michelle, she's a cousin to Garwood at WB. Kept walking down to Times Square to see Adrian at Shop #10. Changed some money. Real hot mon' Hung out on the beach at WB. A large family from Wisconsin are here, and are leaving the next day. Fun to watch them play beach volleyball. This 63 year old Minnesota farmer opted out of playing, but I turned into the un-biased totally fair referee. Getting to really like the cold showers back in the room. This cottage we have is called Tody. Or simply "Family House". There are 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, 2 full bathrooms. {one with a au natural shower outside}. Wait til the wife finds out about this??? Full refrigerator. full kitchen wares, hot plate, blender. etc. Could live here. Going to the Boat Bar for afternoon live music. Crystal, Tish Brown and Otis are scheduled. to perform. Frank will probably be there. Nice crowd. Raymond from Drifter's was there. Hung out with him, and bought him a couple rum cokes. We had a lot of fun! Skip and Ernie showed up. They seem to boost the party atmosphere for a bit. Crystal was just on fire! Just nailing all those Tina Turner songs! Everybody was dancing. The boss Angie was really having alot of fun dancing. Then Otis melts all the women's hearts with his love songs. Frank was there. Time to venture back, said goodbye to Raymond. Time to eat as well. Coletta's it is. I really like to have at least one Tuna sandwich, when in Negril, so, I ordered up the sandwich with French Fries. {They take longer}, but so worth it! With Grace ketchup! The Minnesota Vikings are playing The Chicago Bears tonight for Monday Night Football. The Vikings lost, didn't watch it anyway. Time for bed. Nice long day. I must learn how to post pictures here. Golly, so much to learn. Good night. Tuesday...soon come.
We always enjoy the Boat Bar! So much fun! Yeah you got to throw some photos up! :encouragement:
https://i.postimg.cc/RZFfHwpq/IMG-5071.jpg My view from 38,000 feet.
https://i.postimg.cc/9ffhVQf6/IMG-5086.jpg
This is on the beach road. Very cool walk to the the ocean.
The Italian patties at Miss Sonia’s are so good
Tuesday Nov. 28. Up at sunrise. {Jorgy arrives sometime tonight}. Luciano concert tonight. Went for a great swim. Swam by Damian from Woodstock. Interesting guy. Quick shower. Gonna jog/walk downtown to find Blossum's restaurant as previously discovered by Bob in his restaurant reviews post. That Bob and his wife are such trailblazers. Adventuruers {sp}. Nice folks, . Take off down the road & sidewalk, man, it's getting hotter and hotter. But, workin' on de suntan mon'. The beach road is real busy. I did have to ask about Blossums location. At the gas station. The lady said just up a likkle bit from the Negril Fire station. Felt good that the Fire Station is right by the gas filling station. Found Blossums. One other fella was in there. I met Blossum, asked her what was for breakfast, she rattled off a couple things, and Franks & Beans for breakfast sounded good, with a side of callaloo. Didn't take long, and out came Blossum with the plate of franks & beans, callaloo, plus boiled and fried dumplings, cooked green bananas, yam and sweet potato!!! Quite a feast for breakfast, But, I was hungry, and almost finished it all. Fantastic meal. Healthy . Cheap $700 ja. A nice tip followed, and said goodbye to Blossum.
https://i.postimg.cc/K8n7z54L/IMG-5092.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/wBgXsssr/IMG-5093.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/Jhxb34Nz/IMG-5094.jpg
Walked further on up the road, up to Red Dragon. Spoke briefly with Gardo, but the beer truck was there, with a big delivery. Then down to Collette's . She's so nice.
https://i.postimg.cc/W4Dxy3nX/IMG-5100.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/nzBgHPNm/IMG-5101.jpg
Then , it was a long jog/walk back to WB, and man, it's getting HOT HOT HOT!!! It's only about noon. Still have plans for the rest of the day. Vinnie's is supposed to have music today with Chicago Joe. Isax too maybe? Should lay down for a bit. That was a long haul. Like the REO Speedwagon song..."Keep Pushin' Keep pushin"
Blossom fills your plate cheap. Glad the farmer found this spot.
Regards,
Bob
Great pics! That food looks delicious!
Remember, when I said, "it's good to know people". I asked my neighbor Shay, {that nice couple from Minnesota} If he could give me a ride on his new motor scooter up to Lenbert's place up Bella Donna Lane. So yeah, off we go. All is well. He drops me off, Lenbert is replacing the water pump on his car. After that was done, he gave me a ride to Vinnie's in his BMW. Now, you all know what that stands for?? Bob Marley/Wailers. Yamon'. There was no music at Vinnie's. Chicago Joe couldn't make it, I guess. Next music will be on Sunday, So, Lenbert had lunch there. Then gave me a ride back to WB. Took another walk to the Hi-Lo. Got some stuff. Gonna go to Blue Skies at 7:30 or so. Jorgy got in at 7:30. so the 3 of us walk down the beach. {Chef Kevin was excited}. Nice crowd at Blue Skies. It worked. Marvelous and Mark Irie performed with Allan Ranks as MC. Luciano came on about 12:15. I was really tired, after a very long fun-filled day. I left after seeing Luciano for about a half hour. Jorgy and Kevin stayed. I heard Jorgy come crashing into the room about 2:15??
https://i.postimg.cc/NM88frTm/IMG-5116.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/wM6XtTcP/IMG-5117.jpg
Kevin is glad he got his picture taken with Luciano. Tuesday comes to a close.
We once went to a show at Bella Donna's to see Gregory Isaacs. Miss Bella's yard was a great venue and Indika Band was good as always but when we left at about 2:30 a.m. there was still no Gregory. The next day I heard Gregory showed up around 6:30 after everybody had left and Miss Bella was so angry that she made him sleep it off on a table in the yard. At least Luciano made it to his show (lol).
Great report and photos!
More please!!
Enjoy,
VVHT aka Happy
Wednesday: Up at the crack of dawn again. {We know a plumber, and his name is Don}...I'm gettin' ready to head out, brushing my teeth etc. and Jorgy gets up, heads to the bathroom, we say our "good mornings". He's peeing away, and then , it's total silence. Well. that's a little strange. I call out "Jorgy"..I look in his bedroom, not there, I go down to our 2nd bathroom {with the au natural shower}. He's not there either. Hmmmm... then I walk past my bedroom, and boom, there he is faced down spread eagle on MY BED!!! No big deal...I'm leaving anyway. He might of had a few Red Stripes last night. Took a walk/jog down to CSA. It's hot already. I'm on a mission to see Colleen at CSA. She works there. Her mother Camesha wanted Ladies "roll-on" deodorant and pain-pills aspirin. That was my mission completed for Camesha. Colleen is pregant, and is due soon. Soon come mon'. Went to Hi-Lo again. Getting to be a habit. Bought a couple bananas. Headed back down, stopped by Firefly for the great appetizers from 12 to 2. Ordered the fish fritters. The dude from "Toke n Tour was there. We've talked about doing his tour for years now. Just a matter of me coughing up the 80 bucks!! But, we do have some cool discussions about randum stuff. It's hot hot hot. Jorgy is up, and is a likkle hung over mon' . He admitted that he did the first "dumb" thing to happen between the two of us. We hung out on the beach with a guy named Peter. A Jamaican , who lives in New York City. He has lots of stories. And we've got lots of questions. Then Jorgy is joined by his friend Ikon. New phone for Ikon. Then we walked down to the Boat Bar. Music today. Otis is scheduled. I brought some "special" trumpet oil for Frank. Nothin' but de best for Frank! It was a so-so crowd. Where's Skip and Ernie??? I was bored, already put in quite a day. Walk back down the beach, with my left over fish fritters from Firefly. You get a lot. They are so good and rich. I have all good intentions of re-heating the fritters tomorrow, along with a left-over patti, cheese, sugar cane. Left over Ital stew etc. Remember, we got a big fridge. I walked back to WB. Hung out in the room, read some more in a new Bob Marley book. Paperback, easy to take on the plane. Jorgy and ikon came back. Jorgy 's havin' a few beers. Then we walk over to Coletta's for a snack. I had the Red Peas & chicken soup. {Big Bowl}. Ikon & Jorgy have the fried chicken.. Always great food at Coletta's. There are lots of Canadian folks here in Negril. God bless you good folks from Canada EH??? Sorry, just had too. Then, I always ask the guy. "How many times have you seen RUSH?" They always seem to know, the correct amount of times. Just like I know the amount of times we've been to Negril. Roots Bamboo has live music tonight. Nah, just can't do it mon" It's been a heckofa long day, and it was really HOT HOT HOT. Jorgy and Ikon went down there, I think.
https://i.postimg.cc/wvzSpWmD/IMG-5141.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/7PmjFnYT/IMG-5157.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/d3HXGwS9/IMG-5160.jpg
Peter, from New York.
Continuing on....Thursday..Up at sunrise, Beach walk/jog right away. Went down to NBBC. That's where Skip is holed up.... Found him, Skip made coffee. He didn't know a whole heck of a lot of stuff, so said goodbyes. Went back for a great swim. Later, this afternoon Jorgy and I go to Clive n Judith's cold beer joint just past Likkle London. Went for another walk/jog down to the grocery store. It's hot again mon'. Bought bananas & juice. Trying to eat healthy for the marathon. Time to go to Clive & Judy's. Roundy is our taxi guy, then we go to pick up Misti Memphis to go along as a guest . Nice ride to Likkle London, Arrive at the cold beer joint. Looks like a nice gathering. Lovely family {have been here many times before}. Jorgy has a long history with Clive n Judy, as they used to sell beer on the beach out of a cooler. Long time ago. They are Jorgy's Jamaican family. They have four wonderful kids. Stacy [who lives in Minneapolis}. Shelly, Mickey and Prince. Judy's 80 year old mother was there. She remembers everything! Clive is a great cook, and fed us All the curried chicken & rice & peas. a nice time. If you are on your way to Sav, be sure and stop by Clive n Judith's cold beer joint. Right before the bridge, left hand side of the road. Got back about 7:30, went over to Woodstock, as they have live music tonight.. Stayed til about 11;30. Late night, time to turn in. Jorgy stayed. Full full day.
https://i.postimg.cc/2yTXHzww/IMG-5083.jpg
Just a random pic.
As a retired wastewater operator I am always on the lookout for the guys servicing the pump stations and talk to them. Here is a 10 year old post about the sewer plant in Negril.
https://negril.com/forum/showthread....ment-in-Negril
Regards,
Bob
rjonsun,
Very interesting thread from 10 years ago and some very interesting photos. You mentioned somewhere in the narrative about workers reporting rather large fish contained in the pans. Do you have any idea what species of fish they might be out of curiosity ?? Snook?? Tarpon?? Thanks
Friday morning... Slept in til 8:00. Kinda stiff and sore Went for a beach walk/jog. Ran into Skip. He didn't know nuttin' . Went for a swim. It's real hot mon' . Jorgy agrees. Late morning by now, I go to Coletta's. Not too hungry for some reason. I ordered just the Cornmeal porridge. It was real good. Walked out on the sidewalk. Blistering hot. It's only noon. Got back to room. Went to bed. Didn't leave the room for the next 30 some hours. Uh oh.....
Rock,
You okay?
VVHT aka Happy
Saturday, Still in bed. Could of been the heat? Very weak. Jorgy kept checking in on me. He recommended a massage with Rosie here at WB. Booked a massage for later. Was able to have a cup of pumpkin soup. Nothin' else. Massage was nice and relaxing. Back to bed. Jorgy's friends Nevlin, Paul & Ikon came over . Sure is a long stretch of being in bed. No energy. Good night. Tomorrow is the reggae marathon. We'll see.
4:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Time for the reggae marathon!! Not for me. Still way too weak. It is what it is. Jorgy left at 4:00. I walked out to the road at 6:30, as the Bob Marley music was REALLY loud comin' from the vehicle across da road.. I watched the participants for a while, and went back to bed. Maybe try some French Toast for breakfast. Jorgy made it back to the room, he was kinda disappointed, as he said it was hard. Different than running in Minneapolis. He finished the 10K,just longer than what he thought.He got a medal & all the fame & fortune and fans!!! About noon, I started feeling better, and a little later, went for a walk. Vinnie's has music today. should try to go as today is our last day. Jorgy's fans are all here to help him celebrate his running in the marathon. There's Clive n Judith, Mickey, Prince, Shelly, Ikon, Paul, Nevlin. They are all going up to Vinnie's for the music, and to eat. I was feeling pretty damn good, so I decided to walk up to Vinnie's. Almost feelin' like a brand new man! Chicago Joe, Michelle, Isax and Clarkie are kicking out the jams! Nice crowd. This is a great venue. Lots of room, the view, the food, the great staff. I had the jerk chicken. Got a ride back to Whistling bird. Chill awhile, we fly out in the morning. Seen the last sunset. Said goodbyes. Leave at 6:00 a.m. with Roundy Taxi service. We did the Club Mobay. Good food. Just hang. Onto the plane, off to Charlotte. NC, then to Mpls. St. Paul. No snowstorms!!! Jorgy and I pulled it off. Nice trip, considering. One love. Thanks for reading.
https://i.postimg.cc/KYXvNW6Z/IMG-5163.jpg
Isax.
Sucks that you missed the marathon and were under the weather your last couple days. On the bright side... I'd rather be sick in Negril than anywhere else.