Plan was to stay in Ocho Rios that first night to visit with friends. Between the delayed arrival and the wait/ride on JUTA, I didn’t get to Ocho Rios until close to 6pm instead of the expected 1:00. The visits didn’t happen.

After settling in the room, I decided to walk to the corner store for bun & cheese to fill my tummy and a bottle of rum to fill my night. Store closed at 6pm. Back to the hotel I asked Paul to walk me to the nearest store so I could get rum and something to eat. He told me his friend runs the restaurant at the hotel so I should eat there. We head down the street in search for rum. Wonderful thing that one can buy alcohol in just about any store or cook shop or fruit stand in Jamaica. Forget the market; my beverage purchase or a pint of rum and two red stripes, was made at the corner gas station.

On the way back Paul asked me for money for his children. Hadn’t changed my currency yet, I gave him what I could spare…7US, a red stripe and a couple of miniature Three Musketeers candy bars.

Back to the room I take out my phone to call momz. That’s when I discovered it didn't worked. Just sat there with a lit, blank screen. Possible I could have dropped it or something. Phone-less my first night isn’t a big problem, but I’m going to need one tomorrow.

The restaurant is owned by Miss Marie. She’s only been there for three months. Really nice lady and the place looks good. We chatted for about 15 before the growling from my stomach drowned out our voices. I promised her I would be back for breakfast.

Dinner...my first meal in Jamaica…fried chicken, rice & peas, and salad...delish.


A little tv, a little more rum and I drift off to sleep.