trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen

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Drivah A arrived early. That was fine because I had been ready for about ten minutes.

We stopped at a local place for a chicken meal. I only picked at it. It was good, I just wasn't hungry.



He says it is too early to go to BB so he did a little taxi business. Not on my agenda but I get to ride the road and see night sights for free. Picked up an older man he knew very well. He took him to Sandals. Beautiful place at night. I asked what he did there and was told he's in the band. Been doing it for years all over Westmoreland. His step was vigorous as he exited the taxi and made his way through the front gate security.

"Seems like he enjoys what he does."
"It's a job."

He whipped the car around and we headed back towards town. "You ready to party?" "Yeah."



The bar at Bourbon Beach was packed. No cover at the door was an outstanding idea.





The entertainment for that night was a DJ spinning decent music and three dancers that kicked it on stage non-stop for hours. The girl seemed to have electricity flowing through her veins. She never showed the slightest hint of tiring or slowing down. Song after song after song, she stayed in rhythm without breaking a sweat. Wish I had her energy.

Drivah A was less entertaining. A couple of times I forgot he was sitting next to me. He was really into the movies on the huge screen. I think it was animated Batman and then Cool Runnings. Me, I danced hard. The thick sand felt cool to my bare feet. Although I was having a good time, I wasn't feeling good. I felt like I needed at least four more nights of this undiluted excitement that Negril supplies. But I have to make due with three. I twisted and pumped to whatever the dj played trying to forget time.

Second movie over, Drivah A gives me a big smile then said "I need to take a leak." He waited until I caught on. "Oh...okay, time to go?" I slipped my feet in my flip flops and followed him to the car. I get in, he stands in front and I watch his back until I see his hands do that shaking then up-zip motion. He slides into the driver seat and starts the car.

"Vi, you are really pretty. I think you are nice."
"Thanks." He reaches up to rub my shoulder. "Sweetie, touch me with those hands and I'll crack your wrists." He understood and laid them on them on the steering wheel instead.

Went back to the room and played spider solitaire on my phone until I fell asleep.

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7/19/14 - saturday, day 16

Today is the day everything turned around. I meet Drivah B.

Up and out early. The sunshine met me at the gate and beat down hard on me as I made my way to the corner. Dripping with sweat I knew walking to breakfast was not going to happen. Less than two minutes, a driver swings to my side of the wall.

"I want to go to Out of Town Pastries? Do you know where that is?"
"Yes, it’s past the lighthouse."
"How much to take me there?"
"Two-hundred Jamaican."
"Two dollars, deal!" I hop in and we roll. I tell him I am starving and planning to have breakfast there. Told me they don't have a regular breakfast menu like what I may be seeking. We stop anyway so I can see what they do have. I find out the driver is right and rush back to him. He suggested Just Natural. Sounds perfect.

I go to pay him. "Tell you what, I’ll wait for you to finish and then take you back up the road or to where you want to go after you eat."
"What...really??? How much extra for waiting?"
"Nothing extra. I can visit my friend while I wait for you."
"Cool."





This place is classic! why did it take me so long to seek this out this gem?

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Veggie omelette, toast, fruit, juice and a very amazing marmalade. Everything was delicious. In fact I was so pleased with the food I decided to return for dinner that night.

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After breakfast I walked across the road towards Drivah B's car. He meets me half way. I told him I wanted to hang on the beach at Alfred's. I was like a kid eyeing everything we passed. This is my first westend experience and I was delighted seeing the many different shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions that live there. I recognize the names of a lot of places I see folks talk about on this board. (please pardon the windshield glare)

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"Oh wow, is that On the Rocks?? I partied there a long time ago. I'll never forget that wild night."
"Do you want to check it out?
"Sure!!!"

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I realize a few years have passed and the last time I was here it was in the middle of the night, but this place feels so different. Like it has grown up...no more wild yard parties. A waitress comes out and we both order red stripes and two cups of ice. The ice was to rub on my body and face that were burning up in that heat. Dang I remember how hot it was as I type this part. I'm beginning to sweat now.

e

We talked a lot while sipping the stripes and dripping the ice. I told him how I ended up in Negril and he told me he was sorry I was disappointed but glad for the opportunity for us to meet. That earned him another red stripe!

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The owner came over and introduced himself. "Nice place. Do you still have the parties?"

He said he stopped having the parties so he could spend more time with his family. Now its a restaurant & bar. Lobster dinner specials on Monday nights I believe. The area can be booked out for weddings and other special events, but not parties like in the past.

The place looks fantastic.



The bar.

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We said our goodbyes to the owner and waitress then made our way to the beach.