Finally - our trip report!

Hi all!

Sorry t0 have taken so long - took us a while to get back into the swing of things here (Negril withdrawl symptoms).

We (8 of us) arrived April 3rd, and made it through customs in about 40 minutes which isn't bad considering 3 flights landed at almost the same time.Attachment 25847

Joe Cool Taxi and Tours (Dean, our driver) was there ready for us. We zipped over to the mega-mart, hoping to get some clamato to make caesars - but no luck. So, we were on our way with the "complimentary" red stripe provided by Joe Cool. Since this is NOT a " single pint" trip - we just HAD to stop and reload!
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We arrived at the Riu Palace through a rain storm (it was actually raining when we arrived - but stopped shortly after) - greeted with a cold drink and checked in quickly!

Next day, sun out - and a gorgeous view from our room!
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We spent our first day on the beach, and who do we meet?
Cigarettes.... cigaaRRRs... its gonna be hot hot hot hot!
Attachment 25846 I did buy a cigar from him, and chatted with him almost every day.

I had brought some spare guitar strings and picks in hopes of meeting up with Donovan Dalrimple - and lo and behold!
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He sure was happy! He came by and played for us every day he saw us on the beach!

Now I think I mentioned that this was my 5th trip to Jamaica (my 2nd time to Negril), and my wife's 3rd (but never to Negril)- everyone else were Jamaican virgins. So, we just HAD to do the catamaran thing to Rick's. It was fun to cruise along the cliffs, and go snorkeling. You've probably all seen "the cannon" - well, here's the anchor:
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As you all know, Rick's is the place you go so you can say you've been there, then you never go back! LOL

We did the pub crawl on the 7th, sad to say that only 3 out of 8 people went. Yes, I suspect it was out of "fear" that one person didn't go (her hubby came with wifie and I), and the rest kinda followed her. (There's more to that story - but I won't post it LOL). We visited 7 places, Swordfish, No Limit, Xtabi, Pushcart, Bella Donna, Archway, and finished at the Firewater Love Nest. This truly was the highlight of the trip for wifie and I (and the one person who joined us!). Just a couple of pics:

Lenbert at Archway
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Last stop - the Firewater Love Nest for the sunset:
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Now, of COURSE during our time at the resort, we did slide over to the ORIGINAL "Office of Nature"! Great guys - we actually popped over there a few times during our stay.
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Wifie and I were pretty much the only ones to venture off the resort - we flagged a route taxi, picked up some gifties for the grandkids, then crossed over through bourbon beach for a walk on long bay. We hit a few little pubs for pint. See if you recognize this one:
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Of course, we hit Margaritaville, just to say we did - but the best part was me getting conch soup at cosmo's!!! Fantastic stuff!
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All in all a great trip - but we did get afternoon rain (for over an hour) pretty much every afternoon. Clouds rolling in about noonish. But, let's face it, you can't pick the weather and a vacation is what you make it!

Ton's more pictures and a great video of Donovan doing the "cigarettes on the beach" song - but I didn't want to bore you with things you've already seen.

Stay Irie my friends!

Bore me; please :p

Looks like you had a great time! When we go in June I'll bring a couple sets of strings ..what type does Donavon use?

I don't think Donavan is all that picky about what brand of strings (I prefer lights so that's what I had and brought). He sure was happy though!

Nice Report!!!! Lovin the pics and lookin forward to more. and if it's not too much trouble can you drag this out at least through this work week? I got Negril on the brain and too much time until D day....

Ok - more pics it is.... LOL

BTW: did I mention that wifie and I had to go to "secondary" screen on our return to Ottawa? It was just a random thing, but we had to open our bags and they customs guy just gave it a quick look, felt around, and sent us on our way.

More pics:

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And the sign at couples:
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We even brought some floaties for the beach:
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This guy tried to sell me insurance!
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At the original office of nature:
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Sign above the entrance at Pushcart during the pubcrawl:
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I'm going to show the better half the photo's..we are so ready for June to come.

Really great! Love it. The floatie pic looks like you captured the whole idea. Thanks.

Thanks TandJ! Lovin' the pics :)

Thanks for all the great pics!

Ahhh. I needed that. Thanks!

Love your post! As far as beach musicians go in Bloody Bay, did you run across Kevin Sterling? He is really really good. Much better than those TV Idol programs! Office of Nature is a great place to chill awhile. Also, did you run into Louie louie Lamoure self proclaimed "King of the beach" ! Crazy Mon' . How bout Paul Sundal the world famous singing bartender at Club Hotel Riu? Check him out on youtube. Also fellow travelers staying at thr Riu. Be sure and buy one of Paul's cds. Tell Paul that the "Rock'n'Roll Farmer sent ya! Bye, please post more pictures.

Hey rochnrollfarmer - didn't meet any of those you mentioned. But, we weren't at the Riu club, we were at the riu palace.

Already thinking of next trip - 14 days next time, instead of a measly ten! LOL

Great pics

I did the Riu Palace five times.I think their buffet is one of the best I ever had at an A/I.

Cool report

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

I did the Riu Palace five times.I think their buffet is one of the best I ever had at an A/I.

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I agree - and I've been all over the carib!

I find it so strange that some TA reviwers would say the food is "so-so" or terrible! I did a review on TA and basically said if you're having a bad time or don't like the food, its you - not the resort!

Thanks for sharing TandJ,love the pictures!!

TandJ ~ I think you might have been directly above us! LOL I'm looking at your pics trying to remember if I saw you all....probably! Did you have a "warning" shirt on one day?

Hi Jenn,

Yes, the "warning" shirts are all mine - courtesy wifie. She bought me 3 of them, and I was getting laughs and comments the whole time!

Great pics and report!!!

My Negril shirt says on the back "CHILL In NEGRIL...Fred Stripe on the front pocket.

TandJ~ We totally laughed at your shirt and made you turn around so my hubby could read it! LOL Dang...and I didn't even know it was you! :(