Trip Report - Saying Goodbye and Giving Thanks

My first attempt here at a trip report so bear with me...

This trip came about because of Sam the yellow dog and Tori the weiner. Spiritually, they represented a transitional time for myself and +1 and the beginning of our relationship. I was leaving an emotionally abusive relationship and Tori came with me after the breakup. After +1 and I started dating, he had a lead on a lab. Hesitant to make the commitment, he asked me for advice. I told him, "The mutt can be such a subborn little pain in the arse, but I couldn't imagine my life without her." Sammy came home with +1 and met his new best friend and boss lady, the weiner dog. Many tug of war matches ensued between the two.

The dating years passed then came marriage and two babies in a baby carriage. Fast forward to July 2012. We thought Sammy picked up a bug from the river. A trip to the vet said diabetes and other potentially major issues. Disscussions we had in preparation for this day was that they needed to go together. Every single day those dogs spooned. It only seemed right to send them to the earth that way.

We made the decision then to make it back to Negril. It was a call for our spiritual place to say goodbye and remember how lucky life is.

OY OY. Time to change the subject.

Fast forward to October 19. Check the weather - no hurricanes. Passports? $? Yup. Kiss the kids goodbye and its off to Denver. Typically we fly the red eye to Charlotte. This time it's a 6am through Atlanta. We thought we could get a room at the airport and have a nice relaxing evening until the wake up call at 3am. That was until I had to work until 7pm. By the time we re-group, drive over the hill, get checked in, have dinner and beves we are going to bed at 1am. Seriously??!! Shoulda grabbed a red eye...

+1 is typically the nervous flyer. This time it's me. Anyone have xanax they wanna share?!

We make our way through the Atlanta airport anxiously awaiting to board the flight to MoBay. We are giggling at Shakes, the drug dog wandering around the international terminal. Then suddenly, there he is... A pup in training. A yellow lab. A young Sam dog look alike. I think we both stopped breathing for a minute. Swallow that lump in my throat. Grab the sunglasses as the waterworks flow. Spent the time remembering as we board the plane.

Whoo hooo! There is the rock! We are here! Seas look like glass! Rush to immigration! Its empty! With no checked bags we are gonna breeze through this! +1 opens the side pocket of his luggage for passport and customs card, "F-bomb! I left my ipad on the plane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I freeze with our bags as he sprints off. I am thinking there is NO way he comes back with that iPad. International flight for one. And they never let you back on the plane. Once the cleaning crew is there, forget it. The seconds drag by. Tick Tick tick...it feels like an hour. Sure enough he rounds the corner with the iPad. No freaking way!?! Praise Jah and give thanks.

We make our way through customs, immigration, and the taxi haven. Step outside, whoa, it's HOT! Instantly my skin soaks up the moisture and i've got a thin layer of water covering me from head to toe that doesn't ever go away for 8 days. There's Chicken. High five for +1. Hug for me. Ahhhhh, welcome home.

I hop in the front seat of Chicken's sweet ride. Good tunes are blaring. Chicken's favorite cd at the moment. We chat about a few artists. Daville being one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U9FEwpuYgs

Very nice start. Looking forward to more. I'm glad you survived Sandy :)

Here's another one from that mix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Ox8qHQb6U

The music brings me right back to those moments. Crusing. Chatting. Horns honking. Goats grazing. Wind blowing my hair. Sunglasses so fogged up by humidity I can't see a thing. Mmmmm, life is good.

Thanks, T&A. Sandy was an experience...

Chicken being the gracious host he is, stops at a roadside place for beves as we get closer to Negril. Diane is our bartender. We have a nice chat and meet her pickneys, so cute. I pull out a big chocolate bar for everyone to share.

Back on the road with Chicken and a bigger grin. He is pointing out landmarks along the way. Quizzing me on parishes/capitals. I remember chatting again about music. Dancehall this time. About how much trouble Kartel got himself in admist such a successful time of his life. And about ways we deal with anger. Our choice in that moment can result in such destruction. It takes a strong conscious descision to re-direct that anger in a more productive way. I try to teach my kids to stop and take deep breaths. My daughter's preschool teacher has taught her another way - to "go into your turtle shell" when you feel upset and need some time to think.

There's that dang turtle reference again:cool:

I hear Popcaan got Kartel's girl preggers.

Chicken drops us off at the Seastar around 5pm. We discuss maybe getting together for the Lady Saw show on Saturday night on the beach or maybe a trip to Blue Hole. None of which happened, lol. So it goes. Something I always notice when I am with Chicken. Everyone knows him and he gets nuff respect. And when you show up with him, I think a little rubs off. We are always in good hands. (that sounds like an Allstate commercial)

Easy breezy check in and hit the Bar! It's been a long day of travel and we haven't had much to eat, which is second order of business. +1 has decided in order to avoid the typical red stripe burn out, he will try for a Heineken burn out. So Randy, we will have a red stripe, a heineken and some chicken wings! Keep the beers coming...

I am not feeling the random camera in the face shots, of which +1 is a pro at...

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Things are starting to get a bit fuzzy now with 2 hours of sleep, little food and many beers. But we have one more first night in town must do item on our list before mission mind erase. We hop in Henrys cab from Seastar to DeBESTBar! (thanks Tizzy for that one)

We settle in with Eddie and Trevor and Ronnie around the fire. More beers are consumed. The time floats away. Wait....Trevor, I need chicken ASAP!! Trevor to the rescue.

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Chicken, veg, rice and peas coated in granny sauce. Yummmm. I have been craving this for a long time. Eventually we call it a night. Cab back to Seastar. I am out before my head hits the pillow.

Oooo, great report. Keep it coming. And so sorry about your dogs. At least they are together

Great start to what I'm sure was a killer trip. Please continue......

This is gonna be good!

Can beat Debar always a cool place to hang.

So sorry about your dogs but I totally understand. We have 2 chocolate labs (male and female) and the female is pretty independent but the male is constantly laying on her and is cuddled up to her as I type this and I always think that he won't make it if something would happen to her. We also have a 14 year old Italian Greyhound and I have been trying to prepare myself because I know the inevitable may be here sooner rather than later.

Great report and I can't wait to read more. We also had an incident at the airport. We grabbed the wrong bag and didn't realize it until we were out of customs and immigration. It was the same exact green bag as ours and even had a lime green luggage tag on it. We did end up making the swap with the owners of the bag but it was a stressful way to start off the trip. Definitely won't make that mistake again, lesson learned.

Good stuff.... Keep it coming! :)

Luvmylabs, curious how long ago you retrieved the wrong "green" bag. I had the same thing,same scenario several years back..."green" bag and all...hmmm...

It was just two weeks ago. We figured it out when we got to the transportation area and my husband went back in and talked to someone in the airport that took him back in a room and made some phone calls and I waited outside the customs doors looking at every bag coming out. They ended up tracking down our green bag at the baggage claim and it was somehow communicated to the owners of the green bag that we took that we had their bag so they took our bag from baggage claim and through customs and we exchanged outside of customs. It was probably about a half an hour, but a very stressful half an hour. The owners of the bag that we took were VERY nice about it, thankfully, and we even joked about our Macy's deal. I was so relieved that we figured it out and got everything straightened out before everyone left the airport. Disaster diverted and lesson learned.

Wpyogi! I'm psyched that you're writing a trip report! Awesome!!:D
I'm looking forward to your next update!

Lady Jane - thank you... its a hard decision

Booger - will do

Coco - :) feel free to add whatever, lol

Poolguy - I agree. Eddie and Trevor are de bestest

Luvmylabs - such a tough time to go through. love to you and yours. i luv my labs and i also luv my greyhounds. my sister is a vet and for awhile worked on a vaccine specific to the greyhound world. Airport problems are never welcomed, but as careful as we try to be...disaster always always appears at some point. Good to hear it all worked out. Someone was maybe watching out for you:) Hope your October trip went well!

Garysteph - thanks!!

Clarity - thanks for planting the seed for me to finally write one...

Up next...breakfast at Just Natural!

WPYOGI dang girl you are GOOD! You jumped right on a report. A+!!!!

So sorry about y'alls loss, its a tough one. Glad though that you could get away with +1 for a Negril fix, sure it was greatly needed. Only wish I coulda been there, yall are so much fun. :)

Great first arrival day....glad you 2 have your priorties straight. haha DE Best!!

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Originally Posted by TizzyATX

WPYOGI dang girl you are GOOD! You jumped right on a report. A+!!!!

So sorry about y'alls loss, its a tough one. Glad though that you could get away with +1 for a Negril fix, sure it was greatly needed. Only wish I coulda been there, yall are so much fun. :)

Great first arrival day....glad you 2 have your priorties straight. haha DE Best!!

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I gotta write it quick before i forget, LOL!

I KNOW we will be seeing you in april...

A quick aside from the TR. This transition back to the other world is NOT going well. My daughter didn't feel well this morning and I jumped at the chance to stay home with her. I just don't feel like I can converse with anyone here about anything....it feels so foreign! I want to stay in bed all day and reminisce...

I woke up in the middle of the night with a pounding headache. Stumble around, make lots of noise and find the advil. Fall back into bed.

I got up around 7 feeling great! Grabbed a cup of coffee and brought it back to the room. Took a shower and went out on the veranda with my ipod to swing in the hammock and listen to Damian Marley. +1 was still crashed and I wanted to let him rest. Around 9, he got up and we decided to head to Just Natural for breakfast. I had some solar powered multi-colored lights for their new (old) garden.

When we arrived, Emile showed us around the place. We picked a table towards the back of the garden next to a...massage table? We didn't even need to look a menu. Fruit plate for me. Breakfast burrito for +1. Green juice and coffee to go around.

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I had my first sweet sop...YUMMY!!

Beres Hammond was playing. One of my particular favorites played twice. Thats something else I love about Jamaica. Hey, if you like it play it twice. Twice is always nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJEQnmDnIq8

Some pictures around the garden...

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We had another interesting conversation about dealing with anger with Christine. I won't go into details, but she said she takes out her emotions in her garden. And it shows. What a beautiful place.

I am looking forward to checking out the new Just Natural this coming Feb. Nice pics of the new place.

As I mentioned, we brought some solar powered lights for the place. I got the tip from the Just Natural facebook group. Christine was extatic when I gave them to her. Later on, Theresa came over and said that Christine would like to give us complimentary foot massages if we would accept. We tend to be the kind of people who don't accept gifts very graciously - kind of a I would rather give than receive kind of thing. I am thinking she wants to do something nice as a thank you... +1 was very hesitant, but i said yes. After breakfast, Christine set up the table and asked, "is the boss first?" +1 continued to decline, so i offered to go first to show him that she wouldn't bite, lol. Wow, Christine works some magic. I almost fell asleep. Finally, we got +1 up on that table and i used the time to wander around the garden and chat with Theresa and Emile. I also picked up a pretty little beaded anklet.

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Awhile later they were finished and we sat for some time and talked with Christine. She fessed up with +1 about the real reason why she offered the massages. When we arrived, she noticed +1's feet/ankles/legs were quite swollen and she was concerned about his circulation. Of course, she couldn't say, "wow, you look really messed up....let me fix it", lol. We would have probably run away thinking "she's nuts", lol.

I had been wanting to have a conversation with her about alternative meds ever since I saw their recent video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r1HtPzqQQE&feature=youtu.be

+1 has borderline hypertension and refuses to take pharmaceuticals. I have been making him teas for hypertension with Ayurvedic herbs, but I really wanted to pick Christine's brain as well. So I took this opportunity to ask. She gave me a wealth of information, of which i wrote down, including some very personal stories of her own.

The conversation took a turn. Are we talking about our relationship now? Christine is talking about how we should give each other foot massages every day. About how we should show our love in small little ways. About how lucky we are to have our lives and each other and our family. About being thankful everyday. It appears she is directing the conversation towards me. I keep thinking how I know all of this, but how I can do it better...

Our conversation with Christine ends and we say our goodbyes. +1 and I start to take the stroll down Hylton Ave towards the west end road. It's such a beautiful neighborhood. Goats strolling about. +1 strikes up a chat.

"So...........Christine told me that you worry about me."

"yeah, sure. i worry about you."

"No...............she told me that you worry about me not being around. That you have been scared I will die soon and how your life will go on."

i stopped dead in my tracks. these are thoughts i have had in the last six months or so, and have never mentioned them to +1 or anyone. "yes, actually i have had those thoughts off and on for about six months."

"Why haven't you mentioned it?"

"because it's just silly worrysome thoughts, not reality. i just wonder if i would have enough support in Winter Park to stay, or if i would need to move closer to family for support if you were gone."

We kind of left the conversation at that point. Really heavy stuff that needed to sink in. It's still sinking in.

Thank you Christine, Theresa and Emile for being you, for your wisdom, for your nourishment.

Yay, happy you're doing a report and fast!! ;)

Glad you could get away for some soul healing, I understand the need to get back sooner than later now...Hugs to you both!

I can't wait to check out the new Just Natural location...I will miss having them next door though! Love spending time with them. Christine's insight is incredible. She's surprised me on a couple of occasions, knowing what I'm feeling/thinking...special lady.

Looking forward to more!! :)

What a magnificent post!! The magic of Jamaica is always present if we open ourselves up. Magical time at Just Natural with some great folks. So loved the video. I am patiently waiting to return..and just seeing the familiar faces and listening to their stories gave me a true joy today. I thank you for that....as we are waiting to see what this storm brings, having a warm heart within...gives one strength. Blessings sent...

I loved this entry. It really moved me. I can relate. Jamaica really brings out your truest self and I find that I've had some of the deepest, most profound conversations with Markus during our trips. There is so much knowledge to be gained and so many things to discover when you open up your heart to everyone around you.
That breakfast at Just Natural looks amazing! I look forward to visiting their new location next time I'm able to go back to Jamaica.
Beautiful pictures and great video too!

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Originally Posted by clarity

i loved this entry. It really moved me. I can relate. Jamaica really brings out your truest self and i find that i've had some of the deepest, most profound conversations with markus during our trips. There is so much knowledge to be gained and so many things to discover when you open up your heart to everyone around you.
That breakfast at just natural looks amazing! i look forward to visiting their new location next time i'm able to go back to jamaica.
beautiful pictures and great video too!

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​lol!

I am wondering what the green juice on the table is?

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I am looking forward to checking out the new Just Natural this coming Feb. Nice pics of the new place.

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It really is beautiful. I could spend hours there and not even see 1/2 of the little treasures in the garden.

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Yay, happy you're doing a report and fast!!

Glad you could get away for some soul healing, I understand the need to get back sooner than later now...Hugs to you both!

I can't wait to check out the new Just Natural location...I will miss having them next door though! Love spending time with them. Christine's insight is incredible. She's surprised me on a couple of occasions, knowing what I'm feeling/thinking...special lady.

Looking forward to more!!

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Yup, we were eager beavers to get back before the end of 2012. The new JN is obviously not as convienent as walking across the street, but its just a short cab ride away. I wish we would have been able to go again this trip but Sandy kind of screwed things up. And yes. Wow. Christine.

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What a magnificent post!! The magic of Jamaica is always present if we open ourselves up. Magical time at Just Natural with some great folks. So loved the video. I am patiently waiting to return..and just seeing the familiar faces and listening to their stories gave me a true joy today. I thank you for that....as we are waiting to see what this storm brings, having a warm heart within...gives one strength. Blessings sent...

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Thank you, Yetta! I agree completely. That is what sets Jamaica apart and what I try to express to people when I get the....you are going there again? question. I don't go to lay on the beach and sip pina coladas all day every day. I go for the magic:) Stay safe through the storm. Blessings back.

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I loved this entry. It really moved me. I can relate. Jamaica really brings out your truest self and I find that I've had some of the deepest, most profound conversations with Markus during our trips. There is so much knowledge to be gained and so many things to discover when you open up your heart to everyone around you.
That breakfast at Just Natural looks amazing! I look forward to visiting their new location next time I'm able to go back to Jamaica.
Beautiful pictures and great video too!

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Thanks, Clarity! That means a lot coming from you...queen bee of amazing, moving trip reports:) +1 and I really connected on a completely different level this trip. Every experience in Jamaica can be like drinking from the fire hose...its a real challenge to stay open and in tune with every moment to really absorb the juicy stuff

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I am wondering what the green juice on the table is?

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I am not completely sure of their recipe but it's delish and sooooo good for you. I make a lot of it at home. It's usually cucumber, celery, dark leafy greens (callaloo in the Jamaica case), sometimes herbs and ginger. They had some garlic and onion in theirs as well. Its always a staple on their menu as well as many other fruit juices.

I think its worth the trip far westend to try that green juice!

Thanks for posting the video. I had never seen this before and it was nice to be back in the garden. I actually like the tranquility of the new place and look forward to spending more time there on our next visit. Great people, chill vibe, and very affordable....

Good stuff, very moving as well!

We hopped in a route at the end of Hylton and hopped out at Wise Choice. Needed to grab a few neccessities like overproof, sorrel juice and a fresh pear. We milled about the market. I had to point out the "Cock Soup" mix to +1, lol. Eventually, we made our way back to Seastar to switch bags and head TO DA BEACH! First stop. Kuyaba. DJ was working the bar. Order up 2 OPs and Ting and a pepper shrimp.

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Two more OPs and Ting to wash down the spice and we hit the beach. Not alot of foot traffic, but there's a fair amount of beach loungers. Second stop. Sunnyside! Maureen was working. She gives me a big hug over the bar. Robert and Maureen have made lots of improvements to the bar including extending the roof and padding the seats. Check it out!

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Time to sloooooooowwww down on the overproof. No need to continue with operation mind erase again so soon. It's still day time for petes sake!

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The rain comes but we stay dry and happy with Maureen.

HA!! I finally figured out this multi quote thing! Rob tried to learn me but it took awhile...(grin)

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Originally Posted by poolguywindsor

I think its worth the trip far westend to try that green juice!

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It surely is!!

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Originally Posted by booger

Thanks for posting the video. I had never seen this before and it was nice to be back in the garden. I actually like the tranquility of the new place and look forward to spending more time there on our next visit. Great people, chill vibe, and very affordable....

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I love that video, and it does take you back:)

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Originally Posted by Tanfastic

Good stuff, very moving as well!

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Thank you. I need to pick up my humor though to keep up with you;), LOL

Hey there Cool Chick (and Mr. Doppelganger)! What a great Trip Report and like everyone I'm so happy you're doing it quickly. I've been wondering about how you fared since some of your crazy picture posts at Catcha. Capital VIBE from the get, eh? Nothing like riding in with Chicken, then SeaStar and Eddie's before hitting the pillow? Well done. Went to Just Natural after the Boardie Bash because my ankles were cankles. Theresa detoxed me with an aloe shot and some celery juice. Then after we chatted for a while she insisted on giving me a foot massage. "On the house!" she insisted when I hedged about time and so forth. She fixed me up right, of course I wasn't going to accept it gratis. Throw in a memorable and completely comfortable and natural sex talk and you have one of those truly unique Jamaican experiences. Very special ladies. Please continue...

Wpyogi, thanks for the tour of the new Hylton site of Just Natural. I only walked across the street from Xtabi and never made it up to that spot yet. They are the most welcoming pleasant people to be with and share their natural wonders.

Loved your rain dribbling off the roof shot at Sunnyside, great composition. Just makes me feel warm and refreshed looking out at the beach.

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Throw in a memorable and completely comfortable and natural sex talk

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Guirigay, I know you're solid, but this just about knocked me out of my cubicle laughing!

Just Natural was one of my favorites of the entire trip. Great meal served by great people.

Ok, I was off the board for a few days and this was the first post I read today and so glad I did!
I am loving this
You have me through all the emotions again. I am so glad you and +1 went on this trip, it sounds (at least so far) like it was everything it needed to be for you both! I remember you telling me back in the summer of the loss of your dogs. That is so hard, they are truly like family.
And I have to admit, just reading your story at Just Natural brought tears to my eyes

Keep it coming....loving this so far
P.S. Chicken is the man! So happy you got to spend time with him again and you said something about him that I always find to be true as well. Everywhere you go people know and respect him and you get treated that way as well. I remember that was one of the first things I ever noticed about him. I came out of the airport once and all of the taxi guys started yelling "Hey need taxi?" and I just said Chicken and then they all stopped and turned and said "Oh, Chicken is right over here I will show you"

Anyways, continue on, love the report, love the photos! Can't wait to see you guys again in April!