back again after a long time... a trip report

Day 2, so I ended day 1 thinking I was actually going to go dancing. I was wrong.
I guess there is something about jet lag, no sleep the previous night, and many cocktails, that
sent me to bed early.
I finally got up and got around to unpacking, and really settling into my room.
What a great room this is. TV, great ac, and a great shower. Although I don't see me spending to
much time in here, its nice that its so comfortable. I still have that nervous little feeling in my stomach,
as to what lies ahead. When I am traveling alone, im always careful to follow my intuition, and gut feeling about things, but im also quite an adventurer, so I guess that's a good combination.
Walking to the restaurant , I run into a great couple from Ohio that I met yesterday. They invite me to join them for breakfast. I try not to be a third wheel to the peple I meet, but they are so fun to meet, so I will
have to be once in awhile. What a great breakfast, bacon,eggs, and homemade banana bread.
After breakfast I'M ready for some beach time.
I see the juice guy and run after him for a bottle (trust me, I never had to run after him again he was
waiting for me every morning, after that.:)
I figure a lot of vitamin c with my alcohol would make it a little healthier...
Right then I noticed my floatie that I had from the day before, all blown up, under a chair, in my spot, with a fresh towel. How great is that. Have to remember to tip the beach attendant. note; since this trip, I
got word from coco that this beach attendant had a house fire, and lost everything, how sad, what a great
guy.)
Im ready to go swimming, and while I took a dip yesterday, it was time to really spend time in this ocean.
I love it, so clean and crisp and cool. After floating, and swimming for a lot of the day, I spent more time visiting, locals and tourists alike, everyone is so nice, I guess there all feeling as good as I am!!
I even recruited some guests from my hotel to join the one love bus crawl, that's something im really
looking forward to.
Although I usually tan very well, and easy, im getting a whole lot of color,, so I think its time to go in
and take a shower. What do I run into on my way to the room, a great looking hot tub.
Well, I know where ill be ending most of my evenings.:)
It was time to venture out and do some more walking. I took a left this time, and this part of the beach
seemed more familiar to me. Obviously the older part. So many vendors, trying to sell their wares,
I wish I could buy from everyone, but obviously cant, so I decide to buy one thing from a different
person every day.
I find my way down to Bar b barn, what a charming place, great bar, check out the menu, yum, pasta,
definitely have to make it back here. I sit down as im fairly tired right about then, and sat at the
great bar, and had a cool beverage. So heres the thing, not really use to drinking rum, hence the
hangover this morning, so I order my old stand by, Smirnoff vodka, yes this will work!
As I sit and just gaze, my thoughts go to my mom, as they did a lot that week,. She brought me here long ago,
would of been happy that I made it back. While sitting, I met a man from Cuba. He was there with family members for a vacation. It was quite interesting trying to have a conversation with someone that spoke
very little English, and myself absolutely no Spanish. He wanted me to go dancing with him that night,
after all I guess you don't have to understand each other to dance, but I passed.
The only romance I'm interested in this week, is the one I'm having with Negril!!

Nice!!! great start!

thanks, but this is 2nd post, I guess I don't quit know how to go forward to another post ,carrying on from the previous, I guess I will figure it out!!

Jojo p nice, you can continue posting in one trip report if you want them all together. I'm glad you made it back just sorry your Mom is not with you.

Just reply to your own post to continue

I am going to have to remember that rum gives a hangover and vodka cures it. Best post all day, and made me laugh put loud :)

thank you, not the brightest with the computer!

I would actually prefer that people writing multiple installment trip reports start a new thread with each installment - it would save me a great deal of time trying to figure out where I left off reading and prevent me from having to re-read other people's comments over and over. Just put a part # in the title.

Please keep writing jojop, you're doing a great job and since I'm considering a solo trip in the near future, I am most interested in how yours goes/went.

CLAP~CLAP~CLAP~ please continue!

As I walk back I realize how much I love Negril. I stayed away much to long, and plan to stay quit busy.
I feel like im really liking the traveling solo. Pretty nice to do what you want to do when you
want to and don't really have to worry about anything else. As I pass by Rondells I notice a couple from
my hotel. They call me over and want to know if I want to do the boat ride with them.
Sounds great so we decide to do the CoCo boat.
Going out on the boat was thrilling. There was just enough waves to make it quite interesting.
Seeing the beach from the water was great. You could really appreciate the beauty of the beach so
much more.
It was time to think about eating, and heard there is a great jerk place called Best in the West. This is the
first time I was going to have jerk chicken, and heard it was great. It was, and I will definitely be going
back.
Its acharming little hut, with a bar and the people are friendly.
Its sunday night and some people are going to Alfreds, I decide to stay close to home,and go to sunbeach
a few resorts down, and listen to a great band on the beach. I cant remember the name, but the singer was a guy named Dollyman, and was pretty entertaining.
It was so fun dancing in the sand. Right then I realized I wouldn't be wearing shoes much :)
Danced all night and when the music finally stopped, I wasn't ready to go back, then I remembered,
ahha, that hot tub.!!!!

DAY 3 Sitting in the hottub was amazing last night.
Not a sound except the tree frogs.Not a sound that is till the security guard came by and asked if I was okay,
Of course I said, Im in Negril, does it get any better than this.
I awoke to the idea I was going to Ys falls, but found out it closed on Monday.
I decided it was time to go to the Hi Lo to get some supplies. I grab a taxi, and as we round the corner in town
I couldn't believe it. A burger king. Yikes, when did that show up, not surprised I guess.
When I got to town I noticed two piers going out to the water. I asked the driver to stop, as supplies will have to wait. Im going to explore.
I walked out on one of the piers and a local man was fishing. How he was fishing was something else. He
had line with a hook wrapped around a plastic water bottle, and bait was shrimp.
I spoke with him and I said really, you catch fish like this and he said yah mon, red snapper and a couple
other different ones. He asked if I wanted to give it a try, and I said why not.
I wish I could say that I caught something but I didn't.
But sitting there on the pier ,fishing, and listening to fishing stories from lovely man was loads of fun.
One of them was about a hammer head shark, which I wont talk about on this frorum. :)
I thanked him when I left and gave him a few dollars to get some more shrimp. Good luck!!!!
I walked off the pier smiling, oh well, wasn't exactly deep sea fishing, but i can say I fished in Negril!!

Sweet! I also like to fish.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jojo p

I walked out on one of the piers and a local man was fishing. How he was fishing was something else. He
had line with a hook wrapped around a plastic water bottle, and bait was shrimp.
I spoke with him and I said really, you catch fish like this and he said yah mon, red snapper and a couple
other different ones. He asked if I wanted to give it a try, and I said why not.
I wish I could say that I caught something but I didn't.
But sitting there on the pier ,fishing, and listening to fishing stories from lovely man was loads of fun.
One of them was about a hammer head shark, which I wont talk about on this frorum. :)
I thanked him when I left and gave him a few dollars to get some more shrimp. Good luck!!!!
I walked off the pier smiling, oh well, wasn't exactly deep sea fishing, but i can say I fished in Negril!!

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It doesn't get better than that! That's my kind of adventure! Enjoying your report!

I've fished off the same little pier, same method. Caught a Banga Mary (?) a white fish with only one bone in it, very tasty, and a few others. Cleaned them, wrapped them in foil with herbs and steamed them over a tea boiler with a side of ramen noodles/veg. One of the best meals I've had!

As long as I am in town, I figured I might as well go to Ricks. Lets see how it changed from long ago.
It was crowded and I noticed it had quite the same feel it had last time. Theres a pool now, bigger bar, but the cliffs and all that look the same. And yes the divers were diving ,so I found a comfortable seat and watched.
It was rough that day, so they weren't letting any tourists jump. Not that I was going to. I needed to make it to HiLo for supplies, so I grab a taxi and head there.
Lets see, Vodka, snacks, water, bottle opener, and bug spray. (nobody warned me!)I got back to the resort,
and it was time to hit the hotel bar for happy hour. I really got to meet a lot of people when I went there.
I got my 2 for 1 and spotted the lifeguard stand, on the beach. I climbed up there about six thirty and watched the sunset. Thus began a ritual almost every night to watch one beautiful sunset after the other.
As people would walk by, I would say I'm the lifeguard , it is safe to swim and I will save you.
99.9 percent of them thought that was funny! Negril brings out the little girl in me. :)
After a big day, I went back to my room, grabbed a cold red stripe,and sat out on my balcony, thinking about another great day in Negril.
Day 4
As I write this I remember how swiftly time passes there. I now see ten days is a must.....
Going across the strret to Mikeys store, the front gate security guard stops me and we chat like we do daily,
see laughed and said do you ever slow down, and I smiled back and said I don't have time to slow down!
Todays going to be a great all day beach day. I head out and theres my floatie waiting for me on my chair with a fresh towel. I love it here at CoCo. I already know Im coming back in February and I will be coming back here. The day is beautiful and Im getting very tan, it feels so good to just swim, float and people watch. I love the little groups that stop by and sing, it's so Negril!! I call over the juice guy and he asks where ive been,
I guess I better buy two bottles. Decided to take a break from the sun and walked over to a place called the wild parrot. Great food, finally found the clubhouse I have been looking for. Besides Jerk, im not really
to adventurous to try much authentic Jamaican food.
So the jetski guys have been relentless with me so I finally give in.and decide to try. So much fun
30 minutes turned into an hour.Jetskinig on the ocean is very cool. The salt water spray in the face is all the reminder you need that you are in the ocean. Having been in the water pretty much all day it was time to go
back in the room, but first, time to climb up on the lifeguard stand, and watch another stunning sunset.
Tonight I'm going to Alfreds . Its time to see what everyone is talking about. We decide to walk there on the beach, and listen to the AOP band. What a great time, again dancing in the sand. Itsone of the moments of my trip that really sticks with me.
Did not stay out to late, as tomorrow is Wednesday and time for the One Love bus crawl. I have been looking forward to this.!!!!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jojo p

I feel like im really liking the traveling solo. Pretty nice to do what you want to do when you
want to and don't really have to worry about anything else.

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Solo traveling is the Best my first experience was Jan this yr. 2nd experience will be Nov don't want to invite anyting 1...lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jojo p

Sitting in the hottub was amazing last night.

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I love CCLP hottub one of my fav spots surrounded with all the beautiful gardens just a perfect spot for relaxation.

I'm really enjoying your report keep it coming!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by qwerty

I would actually prefer that people writing multiple installment trip reports start a new thread with each installment - it would save me a great deal of time trying to figure out where I left off reading and prevent me from having to re-read other people's comments over and over. Just put a part # in the title.

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Qwerty...if you've been reading or opened a thread on this forum...there's an icon that places itself at the beginning (left hand side) of each thread title that you may click on when you choose to open that thread again...(if you mouse over it...it says "go to first new post").
This will take you to the newest post that was made from the last time you were reading or had opened the thread....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bnewb

Qwerty...if you've been reading or opened a thread on this forum...there's an icon that places itself at the beginning (left hand side) of each thread title that you may click on when you choose to open that thread again...(if you mouse over it...it says "go to first new post").
This will take you to the newest post that was made from the last time you were reading or had opened the thread....

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Thanks, bnewb. I tried it out but it only works if you've logged in. Since I rarely post, I rarely bother to log in. I guess if I get interested in a trip report I'll have to remember to log in.

Ok JoJo did you make it back from the One Love Bus Crawl? LOL

Day 5 ( Okay IRIE CHIC, this is for you, lol.)
It's Wednesday, the day for the one love bus crawl. I have been very excited for this, after
all the reviews I have read.
Its also the first day where I am feeling pretty wiped out from drinking,sun,walking, water, fresh air,
all the good stuff.!!!
So thought it was a good morning to just stay in and relax a little till it was time to meet the bus.
This is where a great tv, with cable comes in real handy. Also took advantage of the room service for the first
and only time. Lenbert said to be out at the front at 2:30, of course I was there 1:30, I was not going
to miss out. As I waited in the front, two of the three couples that I had told about this tour showed up.
I was happy about this as I already had people I knew on the bus.
Exactly at 2:35, up drives the green and yellow bus, I was very excited. As we all 5 jumped on, Lenbert
said '' hey, I only had 1 signed up, ooops,guess I forgot to tell the others to call. '' He said no problem, and
all squished to the back, It was time to sit on laps!!
I love the music he was playing, Shaggy, one of my favorites. Things were starting off great.
Our first stop was Mi Yard. What a charming place, with very friendly, some locals, and a beautiful
view of the ocean. What a great vibe it was to sit on the deck, and watch everyone go by.
The next stop, No Limit Bar, which I took literally, and managed to have two cocktails there.:)
Its amazing how time flew by on this trip. Soaking in so much of the culture, and busy meeting so
many new people from all over, made for a quick afternoon, to quick.
I can't remember the name of the next stop, but it was actually someones house. We sat in the yard,
and they had a little buffet of food, which a lot of people enjoyed.
After that it was one I'll never forget. Xtabi. Wow, how beautiful. I climbed down with others where there
is a slippery when wet sign, and while I was warning others, went down myself, unbelievable !!!
A few went swimming, but I was content to just sit on the ledge and take it all in.
I was disappointed when Lenbert said it was time to go, here I could of stayed for awhile.
Lenbert directed us all with an actual stop sign to cross the street.
It was then that I thought, what a perfect man to do this tour. Such a gentleman, and a professional,
and wanted everyone to have the best time ,safely.
The last two stops the names escape me, but one was a small lighthouse. I don't know what came over me,
but decided I was going to jump. There were two small boys already jumping, so up I go on the
ladder. One of the boys explained to me how to properly jump, guess I should of
listened closer, because I smacked my leg pretty good, but it was all good. I guess I started
something because people started jumping, and all the while the sun was setting.
On to our last stop, I think it was called seastar. As wa all piled into the bar, there was a couple
sitting there, they must of been staying there. They were telling me that its a fun place, and there is
Karoke some nights. Finally something I won't do in Negril. :)
It was time to head back, and the whole bus was singing till one by one we started dropping people off.
It was sad saying good bye to all the good people I met on this day.
I got dropped off and as the bus took off, I waved to everyone. I definitely will do that again.
It was off to the hotel bar, happy hour is done, but plenty of people still sitting around the bar.
I was still a little wet, pretty buzzed, but had a huge smile on my face.
"So what have you been up to ? " they all asked, "well, let me tell you.!!! "

Happy you tried the bus and liked it! We enjoyed it too.

JoJo just for you I take my hat off to you jumping I love it...great report keep it coming!

Attachment 30897

"Finally something I won't do in Negril"..... That is pretty funny! Great TR so far!

Lovin' it :) So glad you enjoyed the crawl - Lenbert is an amazing host and takes what he does very seriously. The bar with the small lighthouse was most likely Negril Escape - hat's off to you for jumping!

Day 6. As usually, upon awaking , im excited, T his morning I'm heading to Ys Falls.
Its going to be hard to beat the fun I had on the One Love Bus yesterday.
While yesterday was was definitely about meeting new people, and seeing all sorts of great place,
this day was just going to be with myself, and the driver I hired to take me away for the day. The
driver had told me to out in the front at 8:00, so I went to have breakfast early.
A highlight of some of my days that I actually woke up early enough for breakfast,
was sitting at my table, and watch the beach attendant rake the beach, put the chairs out, and ready
the resort for the day.
Also watch the early walkers and joggers go by. Its that small space of time on the beach that is so
peaceful. The water is at its clearest its going to be that day, the sounds are as quiet its going to be.
Negril waking up, its the best.
It was time to go to the front to meet my driver,and to my delight, he was already there, early.
A huge smile on his face, and I could feel not only did I hire the right driver, but I had a great
feeling for the day.
I had asked my driver ahead of time, was there a time limit at the falls, could I stop anywhere I wanted,
when I wanted and I was assured I could, and although this was my going to an expensive
day, I didn't care, it was my splurge day.
The thought of the adventure was overwhelming as we pulled out of the driveway. I thought does
it get any better.
Just then my driver opens the cooler, and hands me my Red Stripe. Okay, now it's better.:)
I loved as we left the town and started driving through an area I had never seen , and was ready
to suck it all in. I had heard from other people the drive was bumpy and long, but I found it went
so fast. Learning so much about Jamaica from my driver who was more than happy to answer any
of my questions made the time go quick.
Arriving at the falls was unique from the start. Jumping on a wagon pulled buy a tractor,
going through some great scenery, then finally the pool area and falls.
I immediately changed, and was ready to hit the falls. No time for pools.!!!! What really caught me
by surprise was all the lush, deep green surrounding the whole area. Although I am a good swimmer,
navigating the falls by myself seemed a bit scary, that is till one of the guides came to my rescue
and helped me along ever step of the way. I can't express how cool this guy was, in everything
from literally swimming with me, taking pictures, and taking breaks with me.
I will have to say, it was nice to have a break from the constant "hustle" from the men and had
a guide that was really making sure that I was safe, and having a great time.
Swimming in the Falls felt exotic, obviously because of all the surroundings.
After quite awhile, it was time to sit by the pool, and just relax with a few beverages and just
observe everything.
I was sitting next to some people who were getting ready to leave when I heard them say that there
tour time was up, and they had to leave, but didn't want to.
I thought, man I am so glad I got a private driver.!!!!!!
After quite along time,it was time to go. I had to say good bye to my guide who had been so great.
Of course tipped him. I felt sad leaving, I know its a cliché, but I felt that real Jamaica vibe, especially
when the sidn "no ganga smoking" was all over the place. :)
On the way home, I had my driver stop at fruit stands, and bought fruit from the folks, even though
I knew I probably wouldn't eat it. We sopped at a place for lunch, another for a cold one.
As we were nering town and I knew we would be back soon, I realized just how great this little gem
of an Island is.
Total cost of YS Fall ; including driver, admission, drinks, a souvenior, tips, 250.00
The lunch and drinks on the way back, 60.00.
The feeling inside after getting dropped off and hugging my driver good bye..........priceless.

lol @ Burger King!

thanks for sharing!

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Originally Posted by Seveen

lol @ Burger King!

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My longest trip 8days I discovered Burger King on the 6th day and fell in love all ova again as I realized 5days is my limit eating JA food I was missing American food so bad and up comes BK perfect timing...lol

Jojo - All my times to Negril I've never been to YS Falls but after reading your experience my next reach in Apr. I will may it my point to go...loving the report Thanks!

Day 7 Last day... :(

I can't believe it's the last day.
My brother has a favorite saying, "don't let you Mondays ruin your Sundays."
So I was not let the fact that I had to leave in the morning and head back to
snow in Minnesota get me down. Iv'e been pretty active all week, and decided
to stick around the hotel, and enjoy the beach, and visit with the great people
I met throughout the week.
Staying at CCLP has been such a treat. The staff was amazing, and it will actually
be difficult to say goodbye.
One last breakfast with the amazing view.
One last swim in the ocean.
One last bottle of juice to buy, oh let me stop, this is sounding like a song :)
One last...... okay a few more Red Stripes.
After a great afternoon, while checking out the sunsetting , I notice
a band setting up. "how great is that I thought. One more chance to
listen to some great music and I don't have to leave the resort. One more final
time to say, It doesn't get any better than this.!!!!
I made it out the next morning with only shedding a couple tears, that's when I hugged goodbye
my favorite waitress.

IRIE CHIC... I know we will be at COCO different times this year, but we need to get it lined
up right sometime, I need to hang with you. Leave some beer for me,will ya :)

Jim and Donna.... You guys seem like the coolest,happiest couple. Would love to meet up with
you folks on the beach sometime!!!!

qwerty....Defintely take that solo trip, your never alone in Negril.

Hussyband....I stuck with Vodka the rest of the week, left the rum alone, it's a good thing. lol

Marko.... Happy B day early. Lucky you that your spending it on the beach, cool runnings.

Jimnkim and Angel..... Thank you for helping me figure out how to properly write my TR.

And thanks to all that took time to read my TR. it was fun and brought me right back to Negril.
I can't wait to get back, and hopefully meet some of you one day!!!!

Thanks for sharing your story!

It has been great following your trip reports,thanks for sharing with us!!

Thank you! Enjoyed every minute!

CLAP~CLAP~CLAP~ done so soon!

Great trip report Jojo. I was solo in Jamaica for a year at the age of 21. How i changed. Did a lot of growing up there. Thanks again Jojo!

The last day is always a hassle for me and I try so hard to make the most of it...ending it with a live band - - awesome...
JoJo this was a great refreshing trip report of a Soloist enjoyed every minute Thanks for sharing your experience!

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Originally Posted by jojo p

IRIE CHIC... I know we will be at COCO different times this year, but we need to get it lined
up right sometime, I need to hang with you. Leave some beer for me,will ya :)

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Yea man I agree would love to hang out witcha let me know your next reach(s) for 2014 and I will see if mi can meet ya there!
And I'll have ALL the beer for you (I don't drink it) I'm a vodka girl tehe!:D

Yes,a week is like a tease when you go. I try to do 10 nights. I can tell you need more time because you "remember" too much stuff? Folks are waving to me and saying "Hiya" in the morning and I wave back and ask my wife "who was that?"