Jamaica Return - 2011 (Soon Come)

[Accompong]

Thank you TiCtOc, Jeannieb, Blandy1 and Jitterbug.

I appreciate the good words of encouragement. I feel a little daunted by the prospects of walking on mountainsides but, at the same time, continue to feel I am ready to give it a try! My spirit is soaring today as Marshall called last night to tell me he has constructed some concrete steps from the road up to the house. A treacherous trek on a bauxite/clay hillside after even a light rain.

Jitterbug, you know how I truly respect how you flex. I have rarely met a fellow traveler over these years that can match your adventurous spirit and uncommon wisdom. You can bet that if we are near to one another; we will meet up again. Blandy1.. our paths may cross as well on this trip.

I will be flying on Caribbean Air and I just can't believe what I am able to take without paying extra! Two checked bags up to 50# each, a carry on bag up to 22#, a laptop bag and a walker too! I love the walker part as I can use it to get supplies up to the house like my own personal donkey cart! After 60+ trips you can bet there won't be an inch of unused space or a half pound to go wasted!

I have some incredible travel plans in the works while on the island and plan to take digital pictures, digital movie shorts and otherwise document to share some of these hidden gems. I will also be going to schools around the island and distributing soccer balls with Don Brideau of "Bounce Across Jamaica". http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bounce...a/269592098856
If you have never experienced this I highly recommend you give it a try. Few experiences over the years have given me the pure joy that doing this great service to Jamaica's youth can bring! Here is a short clip for those not familiar with Bounce Across Jamaica!

Peace and Guidance

[bbcamp2]

Enjoy your trip, Bill!

[MoFromMonroe]

Love all your stories from the past and can't wait for those yet to come. So very excited for you after being away from Jamaica for so long. Walk Good!

[Angel]

Accompong have a wonderful trip/adventures, glad you get to go back. Enjoy!

[Marko]

Walk Good Accompong!

Cool Runnings, Marko

[Elvino]

I'm looking forward to the stories already! Safe journeys Accompong!

Peace
Elvino

[Sweetness]

Accompang - as your first post began - tears rolled down my cheeks (sorry - it doesn't take much lol). Your words allow us to share in your joy at returning to the land you are so connected to. I too have loved your past stories of your adventures with Marshall your brother. All I can say is thank you for your inspiring determination (I am feeling grateful for my health today) and thank you for taking us along with you. Blessed love Bill from my heart.

[Accompong]

I talked to Marshall yesterday and I have nevva no im to be so chattymout! I think he is looking forward to my return even more than I am returning to Jamaica....as if that were possible. He was going on and on about tiling the floors and rendering the walls etc. and I could feel his pride for all he has accomplished in a few months since I told him of my impending return.

Anyways, to get to the point. He told me he was planning an "open house" party over the January 6th Celebration. He is planning on putting a fire pit on the concrete roof that overlooks the valley containing Appleton and says that anyone who comes to Accompong on that day can crash somewhere in the house. May be nothing fancy but in out of the weather and secure.

I have a few old friends who will be meeting me and staying there but a few more will be accomodated somehow. To those who have never experienced the January 6th Celebration or even those who have in past years; I think it is something every traveler should experience.

Dress warm and wear walking shoes as this town is 3000' up in the mountains and his house is where the road ends leaving twenty or more miles of virtually unexplored Cockpits out his back door. A hike to the Peace Cave or to many other caves containing underground rivers and springs can be arranged.

If you have never truly experienced "country" in Jamaica, this is the ultimate "country" experience!

Peace and Guidance

[Accompong]

I had been waffling between Digicel and Claro for my Internet Service while in Jamaica as I had already decided on a cheap Digicel Phone purchase (cause I am not a big phone talker)! I had read awhile back that Digicel has now acquired Claro so I guess the answer is Digicel for that as well.

Looking for advice here. Is there a store/outlet in Negril where I can purchase both the cheap cell phone AND the Internet service or do I have to get the Internet Service in Sav or MoBay? The reason is that I need it on my first day so if I have to get it elsewhere then I have to plan to stop on the way to Negril.

Can anyone give me the location of the store in Negril? (I seem to remember it was somewhere around Juicy Patties but maybe my recollection is wrong). Also, if I can get both phone and Internet service there.

Thanks for any help.

Peace and Guidance

[Gabrielle]

Accompong, just go to the Digicel store across the street from Scotiabank and you can buy a broadband there. thai is what I did and keep it in my place there and top it up when I am going to the island. It gives me internet access very well.......There are different types you can purchase depending on the model you use. You can get info on their website. Hope this h elps.