1st Trip, First Trip Report

[mjc12771]

1/9 Sunday
Today was another day like the last 2. Sand gravity had kicked in and really didn’t feel like doing much of anything. I know we walked the beach that day and hung out but, that is about it until closer to evening. Opps I forgot on our walk I got a Patty from Niah’s and it was so good. This was the first Patty I had tried this trip. We knew we wanted to go to Ricks just for a very short time to say we did and then eat and see the Packer game at Seastar. The other couple we went with wanted to eat at Sun Beach again. So this is where Jr. our taxi driver, I felt, took advantage of us. We went to Ricks and he waited for us (30 min. tops) then he dropped us of at Seastar and took other couple back to Treehouse where they paid him $40 (with tip). When he picked us up at Seastar a couple hours later and took us to Treehouse he charged me $32 (gave $35). I figured the other couple didn’t pay and I would catch up with them later. Well, I was wrong. So he made $75 off us that night. When it should have been $48 with tip if going off the rates at the hotel of $16 each way. We really like Jr. and he was a safe driver but rates just way to high. I guess the next time I will try to find another driver.

So, we went to Rick’s way, way too crowded but watch the jumpers and then the high one. Enough of that. We went to Seastar and had a blast. Watched the Packer game had dinner. The food was excellent. I had Lobster thermidor and husband had lobster that was sautéed with onions and peppers. Excellent, Excellent and food was served in a timely manner. Their pumpkin soup was also very good. This will be a must do the next time. Met some other Wisconsinites and was a good night.
I went to have the waitress call for Jr. and she said let me check to see if our driver is still here. What??? Yes we offer round trip transportation. Good thing to remember.

Tip: Restaurants on the beach and cliffs have at least one way transportation. Find out which one.

1/10 Monday
Today is a sad day. It is our last full day. So after breakfast and bidding fair well to our family we took on more walk and drinks at yellow bird and spent the rest of the day laying and floating. We decided to eat at Ivan’s for our last night and I called and got reservations at 5:30 with pick-up at 5ish. Our new next story neighbors also had ressies so it was a shared ride but free and return trip was $10. That way beat the price from the night before.

Ivan’s was absolutely beautiful. We had a table by the wall and the sunset was so wonderful. I was so glad to be ending our trip with this meal. So we ordered an appetizer trio, pineapple lobster, grilled lobster, and banana flambé and all was mouthwatering. Between the view and the food it couldn’t be better. Will be returning to this place.

That is about it. Back to room to pack and for a little walk. So the last funny story. We were standing talking to an older local gentleman by Country Country. My husband said I have stuff I need to get rid of and do you want it. Well, of course he’d take. Well, they were engage in conversation and I went to the room (right next door) and got the stuff. Well, I’m walking back and see this young tall Jamaican women walking towards my husband and start talking to him and asking if there is anything she can do to help him out. Light Bulb, Light Bulb. As I walked up she turn quick and said just talking to your husband and hurried off. It was funny because we had heard and seen the male and female prostitution being so available but never been approached as we are always together but as soon as he was alone for 5 min. Someone was there making an offer.

Tip: Ivan’s is worth the price and make your last day memorable.

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[mjc12771]

1/12 Tuesday
Today is our last morning. So I was up early and taking my last walk on the beach by 7:00. I had not walked this early and it was wonderful. It wasn’t to hot yet and was very peaceful.



Then back to room to shower, breakfast and luggage to front lobby for pick-up by 10:00.


Last Tips: Enjoy your time on vacation as it could be a long time before the next. Don’t stress as it usually all works out, enjoy and respect the local people and their culture, your budget can be easily blown if you eat lobster every night. Enjoy.

[limeex2]

Wed 1/6
Today I discovered purple rain

Again up and hit the gym. The Treehouse has a nice new little gym that has weights, treadmill, elliptical and rowing machine. Simply but perfect for my needs. Then shower and breakfast for eggs and fish on the menu again. Today we walked the beach and on the way back it was about 1100 and decided to stop at Marley’s by the Sea at Coco Palms. Tried a purple rain and feel in love with it. This place had the best ones. The most interesting thing though is later in the evening we went to the smaller bar at Coco Palms and the drinks where about $2 less. Either way they make excellent purple rains and dirty bananas. After the drinks it was off to lay on the beach and float in the water until 2:30
At 2:30 we waited in the lobby to hop on the One Love Bus. Well it was close to 3:00 and still no bus. Front desk called and Lenbert was running behind because of an accident and asked if we could meet him at the road. No problem and off to the road we walked. Once on the bus it is just like everyone says very quiet at first and by the 7th bar everyone is best buddies and dancing in the aisle. Well come to find out that there had been a head on collision between 2 motorcycles and as we passed one was being wrapped up and placed in the hearse. We did hear the 2nd was taken to hospital and later passed. Very sad and scary and to hear this is very common. I was told it was the 4th death on a motorcycle in the last month. They just drive so crazy and no helmets.

Ok on to something lighter. This will be an absolute must on every trip. This was a very fun afternoon with many laughs and new friends made. I can’t remember the names of the bars we went to but they all had local flare and one even had pizza and a band playing. Just a great way to spend the afternoon and just enough time at each (about 30min). Couple of spots had children selling things or asking for money but it wasn’t overwhelming. The couple we were with brought little bounce balls and handed them out and the kids loved them. Next time I go I think I will bring little gifts for the kids. It was great seeing them get excited over something so simply.
Once back we decided to walk to Norma’s next to Treehouse for dinner. This was by far the worst meal that we had. I know we had pasta dishes and shrimp meal and it just had really bad tastes. Defiantly would not recommend or return.
Off to bed we went. Pretty sad when it gets to be 9:30-1000pm we are ready for bed.

Tip- Bring little gifts/toys for the kids. This next one is an important one. NEVER EVER GET ON THE BACK OF A MOTORCYLCE IN NEGRIL OR RENT ONE. To dangerous. Now someone will say it is no biggie and I’m sure it isn’t for some but you won’t catch me doing it.

What is a good simple gift to bring? I was thinking of something to bring also. I rent a motorcycle every time I go. Just like driving at home. Assume everyone can kill you and SLOW DOWN. The back country roads are amazing. Great trip report!

[limeex2]

I am so enjoying your report - oh the wonders and pitfalls of Jamaica... but it sure gets under your skin.

Yes it does. And it will remain there. It very well may be incurable...

[mjc12771]

What is a good simple gift to bring? I was thinking of something to bring also. I rent a motorcycle every time I go. Just like driving at home. Assume everyone can kill you and SLOW DOWN. The back country roads are amazing. Great trip report!

They loved bouncy balls, little footballs, those paddles with ball attached, or check dollar stores for ideas.

[TAH]

Nice report, thanks for posting. You guys did get taken advantage of on taxi prices throughout, just fyi. The latest price you paid to get from Ivans back to your hotel is about what you should have been paying all along, even less had you taken route taxi's. Just fyi. Still sounds like you had a nice trip overall though.

[mjc12771]

TAH-I completely agree about being taken advantage of and will know better the next time. I was hoping to find a good/fair driver but maybe I'm better off just walking to road for a ride.

[TAH]

It happens to most everyone their first time. Most definitely just walk to the road, don't use the hotel to arrange your taxi (they always get their pound of flesh), and don't be afraid to negotiate. They're generally willing to accept half of what they give you as an initial price.

[murph]

No different than the airlines really... Everyseat on that plane pays a different amount... In the end it's what that person felt was fair to pay

In hindsight I know I've gotten hosed on airfare in the past- booking too late in peak season.

Anywho, thanks again for a terrific report!!!

[limeex2]

I stayed at Half Moon Beach one trip. Used a person named Dana for transportation from the airport. Tipped him well,got the return trip set up. Never showed up! When I figured he wasn't showing I started hitch hiking. I kept negotiating, but they were not moving from their prices. After an hour I figured I better get my rear in gear.grabbed the next driver and left for the airport. Driver drove like a Formula 1 race car driver. I didnt say a word and just kept smiling. Got to the airport and was the last one boarding the plane. Chalked it up to just being part of the adventure. God, I love road trips!