July Trip Photos - Negril Beach

[Jewelbeemon]

WONDERFUL trip - stayed at Rondel which was very, very comfortable and convenient. Out of roughly a dozen trips to Jamaica over the past 19 years, this was my first visit outside of an AI.
In addition to becoming one with the sand, we did get out to snorkel (saw lots of sea life including a HUGE Manta Ray) and enjoyed a one-tank dive with Negril Adventure Divers - see our Dive Master in the photo.
Ivan's for dinner one evening, and Push-Cart on another, also Sweet Spot and Margaritaville. We ate dinner right at Rondell three times! All meals were delicious.
One of the most interesting and informative parts of the vacation was a Thursday evening Rotary meeting at Escape. Great group of people doing a ton of good for the area, with a major focus on enriching the lives of as many Negril children as possible.
My fella got to jam onstage at Roots Bamboo and at Drifters! He loved the experience and earned the nickname, "Bob Marley!" He picked up some hand-carved guitar picks on the beach from TJ, and some cornrows from Patty. The braiding was fun - sat with some of Patty's compadres and watched an impromptu game of volleyball backed up by a spectacular sunset.
I think he's hooked on Negril...I know I am.

[stonyplainclint]

Great pix! Pretty cool to experience Negril and all her people. Our buddy Ozzy runs the 420 Blvd just the the left of Rondel. Always hang with him and Gregory for some red stripes when there.

Was it busy while you were there. Can't wait till December when we are back.

Clint

[NRV]

Jewelbeemon - Nice pics! Rondel is one of our favorites. Great choice! Was Delroy working at the bar? The gentleman in the 2nd pic, is his name Pablo? His shop is on the edge of Rondel 's property - very nice guy!

[Jewelbeemon]

It was very quiet for the week we were there. We LOVED it, but know the vendors would fare better with larger crowds. There was plenty to be purchased at the beach, however, fruit, guitar picks, things we wanted and needed, in addition to non-essentials like bracelets, hats, flags, etc. I can only imagine what it's like there during the main tourism season. I've only ever traveled to Negril in July -- a few trips in April. That was a long time ago so the beach was a bit different. And I was always down at the Hedo end.
Pablo - yes! That was just next to Rondel's property. I bought some cute, carved cats from him to give to my cat-sitter. He didn't mind posing for the picture so we snapped a few. He was super nice. He was painting the wooden sculptures and talked to me about how the dye is made and what they are carved out of. Dye is from tree bark and shoe polish is used as a colorant and sealant.
A few people have asked about Delroy at Rondel's bar. When I frequented Hedo, Delroy and Scumba were the bartenders there - is it the same Delroy? I was not at the Rondel bar, but did eat in the restaurant so could see the bartender. He did not look familiar.
I'm wondering what Negril is like, now, in the "on" season - the people watching must be spectacular! The only place that was relatively busy while we were there (July 2-8) was Push Cart and Roots Bamboo - we were at both in the evening, rather late, so that must be the regular time to be out for some music, food and drink. I was incredibly bummed that Boat Bar was closed during out visit - had hoped for some musicians nearby with whom Drew could jam. He did okay finding bands willing to let him join, however, and then enjoyed walking the beach while playing! He is always happy to accommodate requests for a tune. Lots of locals request Bob Dylan, incidentally. One fella explained that Jamaicans can relate to the lyrics.
I'm still riding the wave of serotonin from the entire experience.
After former trips we called the wistfulness and withdrawl "Dreaded Island Fever." I've seen a different term on this message board - what was it again?
A few more pix:

[NRV]

Yes, Delroy worked at Hedo years ago - great guy!

[JohnNYC]

We're you thinking Withdrawals from Negrilitis?

[Jewelbeemon]

NRV - Oh, my gosh! Not too many people named Delroy, I guess, but I just figured it couldn't be the same person I remembered! I wish I had seen him but it was so quiet last week I'm thinking he had time off. The times I glanced into the bar it was definitely not Delroy. He sure has a lot of friends! And many people miss him at Hedo, from what I've heard.
JohnNYC - Yes, Negrilitis! DREADED ISLAND FEVER! Thank goodness for this message board.
I think I have to go back this summer. I can't wait another year.

[Jaherring]

Great photos!!