Fun report.
Fun report.
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Great report so far! Love the food pics ....
Tuesday morning, got up and did the morning walk. I was really proud of myself by now – I had only missed one morning all week! We discussed how this was the last year of their 25 year contract for the timeshare and they were deciding whether or not to come back next year. I am alarmed at the possibility of them not being here next April and know that Negril won’t be the same for me without them and I’ve only known them for 2 reaches.
Since it is JD’s last day she wants to go do a little shopping at Bloody Bay where we have some friends who are vendors. JD, JY and I ride over and the girl’s do some shopping while I confirm with my local friends that I will be “borrowing” their teen girls for a pool/hotel day on Wednesday (this is a tradition that has been going on since they were very little.) I’m not sure who loves it more, us or them. It’s probably a toss-up.
We head back “home” and I drop off the JD and JY and jump on the motorbike with Steve and Kia and head up to see the Guest House (Jah Freedom) he has on Westland Mountain Road. What a cool place, I obviously didn’t stay there, but the grounds were beautiful and the house was very nice. It’s kind of a B & B set-up. I took some awesome pictures here. I couldn’t believe the vegetable garden on the property – they grow everything you’d ever want to eat there. We headed back and I have to admit it was pretty funny watching people’s reactions when they see Kia riding the motorbike.
That night we had one of the best sunsets of the trip. I also managed to get pictures of this! Now I have multiple reasons to be proud of myself today. The 4 roomies head off to Swordfish for JD’s final dinner. Another local friend joins us for dinner and I even got pictures of our food this evening – Snapper, shrimp, lobster mac & cheese, and chicken. I did miss a picture of the garlic cheese bread – delicious but very garlicky! (who cares – I’m not kissing anybody here!) Now I know I am setting myself for a huge failure the rest of the trip with all my picture taking today…
It was another typical evening but tonight we enjoyed the beautiful full moon on our porch and JK felt well enough to try the new hot tub. Unfortunately it wasn’t working yet but all was not lost - she just got into the other one at the pool. Another after midnight bedtime. I’m turning into quite a night owl myself these days.
Sorry about the double pictures in two places - I didn't add them twice so i'm not sure what happened???
the views from Jah Freedom look awesome- Ill have to check that place out!
And that feeesh... oh man that looks SO good!!!
Wednesday morning – Marv and JD’s last morning! Before my walk - I see Marv off and after my walk (yes-made it again!) all of us roomies had our final breakfast together and hung out for a while. One last group shot of the 4 roomies and JD is off to the airport.
Also this morning, our neighbor’s next door move out and they start doing an upgrade to the kitchenette in that Suite! Boy, did I have refrigerator envy! The new cabinet unit was gorgeous and I had to ask Ms. Jackson when “my” unit would be getting the same treatment. She assured me it was coming soon. This seemed like a sign that I should book an August trip in Ste “B”! Sometimes my “signs” are a little questionable but, please, just go with it. I see Cynthia in Reservations (wonderful, professional lady) on the way out.
I get a taxi and head off to Bloody Bay to get the girls for our day together. They are so happy to see me! Unfortunately, the little brother of one wasn’t old enough to understand the concept of a girl’s day but old enough to realize he wasn’t going and no matter how many treats I gave him, he knew he was being ditched for the day. Poor little guy. We promised to bring him more treats when we returned but still left with him crying and chasing after us.
We returned to the Treehouse and everyone is always so wonderful about making the girl’s feel special and remembered from year to year. Moses just cracks me up with the kids. He tries to be such a tough guy all the time but as soon as you seem him with children you see how big his heart really is. We ordered food for everyone from the restaurant – the girls are a huge fan of the chicken fingers and fries and I had a Chef salad that was very good. We all swam in the pool and hung out all day. The girls decided about a half an hour before it was time to head home that they wanted to jump on the trampoline at Margaritaville. I had to be the bad guy and say no for this trip but promises were made for the next trip so remember if I do a TR next time and I DO go to Margaritaville – you know that it was a long-held promise that drove me there! I ran the girl’s back to Bloody Bay (a little late as it was brutal dragging them out of the pool – Moses finally came over and ordered them out – LOL.) Again, Gesla had arrived for a visit so he ended up doing me the favor and running us down there.
I had mentioned to him earlier that day that Ms. Jackson had said that the Farmer’s Market was today because of the Easter holiday and how I had always wanted to go. So, after dropping the kids off we were off to the Market. See pictures. I loved the smell as you walked up – a combination of garlic and onion and every other vegetable imaginable. All the people and colorful wares were a sight to see. We only bought a few ears of corn (and Gesla was offered a decent price – so he says - for me from this old Rasta, lol!) and we left. I was so glad we had stopped by there.
By the time we made it back it was starting to get late. Met a group of 4 from Wisconsin who were telling me how awful the weather was STILL back home (Detroit had gotten snow the night before!) As I got cleaned up for sunset, this information just made me more grateful to be in Negril. Tonight it was cloudy so not much of a sunset but at least we weren’t in Detroit! We headed off to Best in the West for dinner. This is always a favorite and we really like the new seating area and menu with side dishes. The drink menu always brings a giggle. Chicken was as great as I remembered. Kia is going to be happy tomorrow with these leftovers! Also, it was very nice to visit Mikey’s shop next door (in front of Green Leaf). He looked great – is working out and is transformed. Way to go Mikey! I’m very proud of him for making such healthy changes. If you are staying at or near CoCo LePalm or are eating at Best in the West, stop by and get supplies at his little shop. He always has a smile for everyone. We walk back to the hotel and have our usual party.
As a side note, JK had reported the hot tub not working this morning and there was a repairman working on it off and on all day long.
Thursday I’m up for my walk and, as usual, I decide to pretend like it’s not my last day – really just ignore the whole situation entirely. Breakfast as usual, beach as usual.
Kia and Steve visit and we laughed at JK trying to wash Kia off in the poolside shower (see picture!) As soon as she was washed she would just run over and roll in the sand on the concrete near our porch (Kia not JK.). JK was getting more than a little frustrated.
Just another day in paradise. Someone please tell me why I don’t do this full-time? No – please don’t tell me – I’m not ready for reality to come rushing back. We relax all day, doing as little as possible. I did call a driver I know to help the WI foursome get some provisions from Hi-Lo but beyond that, I don’t even think I ate lunch today. It seems like we snacked all day trying to get rid of all the food we had accumulated. We hung out in front of the neighbor’s porch in the afternoon, enjoying the shade that the tree near their room provides. Kia got lots of snacks and attention from everyone today. We KNOW we are going to miss her (and her owner!)
A lovely sunset, one of the best, this evening and then we called the shuttle for Push Cart.
On the way to catch the shuttle we witnessed one of the sweetest scenes ever. It was one Treehouse’s longest employees 72nd Birthday and Ms. Jackson had a cake for her and was fussing over her and making her feel special on her big day. We found the Birthday Tiara and Boa from JD’s birthday and “crowned” her the Birthday Queen! You can see in the picture how surprised she was that everyone was making such a big deal out of her Day. What a couple of beautiful ladies!
Off to Push Cart. This was my first visit there and the setting was very nice. Gary waited on us and was very professional. He even warned one of our party when he ordered the fried chicken that it takes about ½ an hour to get it. This is so much better than just sitting and wondering why it is taking so long. Everyone enjoyed their food and I would say the standouts were the Curry Conch and the sweet potato “fries”. The appetizer shrimp were pretty small (compared to other places nearby) and were very spicy. The shuttle driver who had been arranged by Push Cart to deliver us had agreed to bring us back and he was right on time. There was a charge for the way home but it was around 250J a person so that seemed reasonable. Of course we tipped the courteous, punctual driver (think he was from Kenny’s Tours.)
We got back to the room and it seemed everyone came over for our last night. Epic dance party. We must have looked crazy to anyone walking by on the beach and if you dared come too close, we managed to suck you in. A combination laser light show (well, that was minimal) and Pharell’s song “Happy” proved to be all it takes to get even the non-dancers, up and dancing. It was with much regret that I turned off our party/x-mas lights for the last time and I headed to bed a little after midnight. I remembered that I wanted to check the hot tub AFTER I had already gotten my pajamas on so I still don’t know for sure if they got it fixed (I’m sure it is.)
nice trip report
Great to hear about Mikey. Now that you mention it I think he did look smaller in November, can't wait to see him again next week.
After Alfred Barrett's untimely passing, Mikey became the person I have know longest in Jamaica.
I'm so jealous you will see him again so soon! I've known him about 13 years and have never seen him look so fit! Tell him Michelle from San Diego was talking on the web about how handsome and fit he is looking these days! You know he will love it! Have a great reach and don't forget to tell all of us about it!!!!Originally Posted by davevols
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