DAY 5 PART 1
We woke up early because we wanted to be down in Black River to catch the first tour going out around 9am. It’s strange because
normally when on vacation I’m not out of bed until noon but I find I haven’t been drinking as much on a nightly basis as I might get
completely wasted at an AI. I think moving around and being a passenger to Andre’s driving sort of sobers me up. But I’m awake it’s
7am we do our morning routine shower toothpaste clothes coffee and we’re out the door.
We take our trek down the mountain again and I’m starting to realize that I’m getting familiar with the roads and where to turn which
is kind of nice, and Andre is pretty impressed that I’ve been paying attention.
“I want you to feel comfortable enough that you can get up and grab a drink at a local bar yourself and not shy
that I have to do it for you.”
“I’m getting very comfortable. Did you notice that Barber and Jacko talk directly to me if they want to ask me
something instead of asking you first?”
He laughs, “Ya I did and good because why bother asking me when you’re sitting right there.”
“I really like Jacko, he just comes across as a very genuine person to me. He’s really cool. Barber is nice too but there
is just something very real about Jacko. “
”It’s funny you say that because Jacko told me last night that you are part of the family now and that he likes your vibe that
you’re chill and easy to get along with. And I think it’s a good thing you know someone else other than me because what if I was to take sick or
there was an accident it’s important for me that you have someone you know that you can call and trust to rely on. “
I’m smiling.. I’m part of the family but unfortunately it is my last night on the mountain and tomorrow I’ll have to say goodbye to my new friends.
We arrive at the dock just in time as everyone is getting on the boat for the tour and the wonderful lady at the desk charges us less than
what was quoted the day before. It’s beautiful out and we take a seat at the back of the boat next to the guide.
As soon as we’re on the boat directly across as if showing off there is a crocodile right in front of the Safari sign. How is that for advertising?
The tour is great.. the Mangrove trees are wonderful we have a great tour guide who points out the mountains one of which was the Santa Cruz
Mountain we just came off of and it looks huge and far it’s still strange to me that the time coming down the mountain doesn’t seem to add up with
how far it looks from where we are at. He explains that Lover’s Leap is up there and that it’s the Jamaican version of Romeo n Juliet.
I learn that the Black River is a mix of fresh and salt water and I didn’t realize that Crocodiles could live in a mixed water body like that but then
again I know nothing about Crocodiles in the first place. The guide keeps calling “come, come, come” in certain areas and explains that
Crocodiles are very territorial and that they keep to their areas in the river with a radius of 100 feet and that if another Crocodile enters it they
tend to fight. The tour was great, it was informative we got to see Crocodiles, the Mangrove trees ;both kinds the white and the red I believe
it was and I even informed Andre that those “branches” were really like roots that they feed from the bottom of the River.
Black River looks like any lake water I’ve seen most places but I’m surprised when the guide tells us that this water is actually crystal clear.
How is that when it’s dark and I can’t see down to the bottom? He tells us that it is so clear that the reflection of the moss on the bottom of the
River gives a reflection that makes the water look this sort of opaque greenish brown color. But to my surprise he takes a clear water bottle and
scoops up the water and low and behold crystal clear water. Pretty cool.
After we finish up with the Black River Safari I’m starving but I’ve had chicken every night I’ve been here except for the lobster Thermidore
so I want something different.
“Andre I want a patty!”
“Oh ya babes! You haven’t even had a patty yet, they’re so good”
So we make a stop at Tasty’s for some beef patties. When Andre returns the car fills with the smell of flaky pastry goodness.
I look at Andre he’s got coco bread.. I look at mine.. No coco bread. What the hell is this!
“Andre where is myyy coco bread?”
“You didn’t ask for Coco Bread.”
“Fine”
I reach over and rip off a piece of his coco bread and pull my hand back just fast enough to
miss him from smack it away.
We’re both starving but I notice Andre hasn’t touched his yet and I’m accustomed to waiting for others to eat.
“Andre I’m hungry would you eat already”
“I would suggest you wait.”
“I can’t I’m starving.”
I take one bite and I swear to you I nearly choked and there was a flurry
of yellow pastry flakes flying around the car in front of my eyes, it felt like I was in a patty pastry snow globe.
“Omg omg omg that’s hot! I think I just burnt my taste buds and the roof of my mouth completely.”
“I told you to wait”, Andre says while laughing at me.
But it’s so good I can’t help but try and continue to eat it although at a much more cautious speed. This is the first time I’ve eaten “lunch”
while I’ve been in Jamaica and it was perfect! Now I would suggest that if you are trying to impress someone that maybe skip on the patty
especially while in a car because by the time I’m done I’m covered in flakes of pastry they are stuck to my face in my hair down my shirt
on my lap. I mean everywhere.
I still dream about those patties I swear to you.
Originally Posted by jasperpso
