Just fabulous pics and reporting vi....I am more than excited for our November excursion. You really got around...and you did pique my interest about the missing sneakers. I too love getting shots of buildings like that,,,and the little things like the shoes...do tell a story.
Good job...
Great report and photos! The last time I was in Port Antonio/Portland was almost 30 years ago - stayed at the historic DeMontevin Lodge which I absolutely loved. Your report has inspired me and I will make the trek to from Negril to PA again in the next couple years. Thanks again1
Thank you so much Vince. I’m so glad you are still hanging in.
Yes JeannieB, take tons of pictures and come back and post them all!!! I’m really looking forward to re-visiting PA through your experience.
Sprat you are a sweetheart. I do wish I had taken a picture of the house minus the shoes. But like I said, it bought on a sadness as I equated that to myself being gone from a familiar place (Port Antonio). Like JeannieB, I’m eagerly anticipating your photos from your upcoming visit. I know neither of you will disappoint us.
Hi there BCBud! Welcome to the ride and thank you so much for the kind words. 30 years away from Port Antonio is way too long darling. You got to get back and check out the changes and eat some jerk chicken till you bust!!!!
Moore Town (continued)
As we sat on the kindly gentleman’s verandah, listening to his memories of growing up in Moore Town I was jolted into the moment. Suddenly I realized this man doesn’t know me and I don’t know him, yet our lives connected from across the seas and here I am, chillin at his home as if I were a dear family friend. He, like the others we met, is warm and hospitable.
Every now and then, his eyes would pause in my direction. I wondered if during his silence he was remembering something that was too tender to speak about.
I found myself staring at him and not really hearing, but listening with my eyes. So much life behind that smile as he spoke freely about his work, his family and his beloved wife who was in the states at the time visiting relatives. “I miss her, but she soon come back” he says as he switches the compact, pink & silver cell phone from one hand to the other.
My trance is broken when he announced “You favor my daughter.”
I smile because it feels like a compliment.
“Would you like to see her photo?”
“Yes, I would like that very much.”
We are escorted into his home.
As we exit the corridor leading back out to the verandah it was like I was seeing the outside for the first time. The landscape seemed to have expanded since I arrived. The different shades of green seem to go on forever and the mountains gave birth to more flowers adorned in bright playful colors. I became speechless with awe at that view. Trust me, these photos don't even come close to the beauty I gazed upon that day.
“It’s not finished as yet. A little more work to complete it.”
The 3-bedroom home is beautifully furnished. I just wanted to lie across the bed in the guest room and sleep until morning because it look soooo comfortable. The only thing I could see that still needed to be done is an unpainted wall or two. I love how the floor-length white lace curtains wave easily from the breeze blowing through all the many open windows.
He couldn’t find the photo of his daughter, but presented one of his granddaughter who had graduated from high school last year. How proud he is of her. He walked us through the rest of his lovely home proudly pointing out furnishings he made with his own hands.
“Would you like a cool drink?”
We both said “no thank you.” As we felt like this unexpected visit was enough of an imposition.
I turn to him…
”ohmygoodness, this is what you see every day!”
“Yes, me and Mrs. are blessed.”
Reading about the history of Nanny, the Maroons, the Colonel and Moore Town is what prodded my interest to visit this part of Jamaica. Seeing what I saw and meeting who I met today infused my heart with the sure desire to stay.
We’ve taken up enough of our host’s time so we gave thanks for the hospitality and bid our goodbyes.
I take one more look upon the vastness from the arched opening enclosing the verandah before turning to head down the 4 concrete steps leading to the yard.
“You like it here?”
“No, sir. I want to live here.”
His smiles lets me know he understands.
“When you return to Jamaica, come back to visit again. I want you to meet my wife. She will be happy to talk to you.”
“I promise, I’ll be back.”
The walk to the car was slow as I try to take in as much of the natural beauty that flourishes in Moore Town Jamaica.
God willing…I’ll be back…
Last edited by *vi*; 09-09-2011 at 03:35 PM.
Live in the moment, Vi….Remember, babydoll, live in the moment….Now, don’t forget to live in the moment..
“Live in the Moment.”
I wrote those words at the top of each page of my journal. That line along with the journal was a gift from my sistafriend, Sammy. Prior to this visit, she would remind me almost daily to not hold back from enjoying “me” in Jamaica. You see, sometimes I talk myself out of new ventures…avoid taking chances because I wallow in the “what if’s” too long instead of just doing it.
Complying with her gentle orders motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and follow my heart to explore without over analyzing and then creating an imaginary devastating outcome. Yep, I did the dyam thing every chance I got!!!!
So THANK YOU, my dear sistafriend…this shot is for you.
p.s....Port Antonio misses you, sweets...
shame me darlin.
Originally Posted by *vi*
Live in the moment, Vi….Remember, babydoll, live in the moment….Now, don’t forget to live in the moment..
“Live in the Moment.”
I wrote those words at the top of each page of my journal. That line along with the journal was a gift from my sistafriend, Sammy. Prior to this visit, she would remind me almost daily to not hold back from enjoying “me” in Jamaica. You see, sometimes I talk myself out of new ventures…avoid taking chances because I wallow in the “what if’s” too long instead of just doing it.
Complying with her gentle orders motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and follow my heart to explore without over analyzing and then creating an imaginary devastating outcome. Yep, I did the dyam thing every chance I got!!!!
So THANK YOU, my dear sistafriend…this shot is for you.
p.s....Port Antonio misses you, sweets...
ohhh Vi, I'm speechless............
We all need to remember that very thing every day while in arms of Beloved, because it's much too easy to get "caught up"
Thank you for my BEAUTIFUL flower. blushing
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