"I am trying to understand some of your comments about certain things as you said you grew up in Jamaica, did you not ever see or hear any of the things that you experienced in Negril that annoyed you before?"

Actually No. I have heard Jamaican men blow so much hot air, I know some are responsible for global warming:-) I know the game and at my age (almost 50 less a few) I have probably written some of the plays they try to run. I was not prepared for the vibe of "hey sweet dawta since you are here you MUST WANT or NEED something" . There was an arrogance about it and a shock when the answer was no (stronger words) I never FELT the family vibe in Negril, very few families or kids even for the summer. There were tons of singles and couples. Then again I chose places that might not have been very kid friendly such as SATP and time on the cliffs.


Now we are ready to get away from the beach and explore the cliffs. The vibe was different, not many people selling anything, NO solicitation, and the guys blew the usual hot air but gave it up once they knew I am a yardie. We started the mornings snorkeling with Vincent. We had snorkeled in Montego Bay and chose the resort for this reason. Now, came talk of cliff jumping. I am starting to scream, no one is jumping and ruin these few days for me. I am out voted and everyone decided to go jumping. Andrew, demonstrated the right techniques and before long hubby jumped followed by my son and my daughter. Mi can’t swim, mi nah jump. Next we went to explore the cave at the base of the cliff, pretty cool. My kids at 9 and 12 at the time, preferred the cliffs. The question, why didn’t we stay here all the time. Well dears, ‘they’ say the beach was lovely and did not mention anything about much more like: the jet skis, the swearing, the loud music, the solicitation, the busy freeway to cross, and dem fellas. Now leave me alone, you got a few days of ‘paradise’….LOL!

Since we are hanging out at Xtabi we bought a few drinks , tipped nicely but headed a few doors down to Just Natural. The people there reminded of the Jamaica I grew up in. They were GENUINELY friendly. My son was getting grumpy before the food was ready and they offered him a snack form the cupboard or something. Eating out in on the garden patio made the whole experience special. We did this for the last few day and before long the beach was a distant memory. On our way out we stopped by for one last look at the cliffs. I knew Negril was one place I may never return to and would simple enjoy pictures of the cliffs from others.

No, not what it seems. Coming from the west coast as a family, visiting the north coast plus Negril can be very, very expensive and tiring. Our budget does not allow for a repeat vacation above a certain cost. My poor kids have decided they needed a break from summer vacations and asked not to next summer. We are planning a few days at Catcha, Haaa that view!

My take on Negril, IMOP, many (not all) go to enjoy the beach, sun and get a nice tan. If I get any darker there is no chance for anyone to see me in the dark, say cheese. Clearly it will appeal to us differently but the pics capture some of the beauty why we all go to Jamaica. I am happy for those who got the chance to walk the beach undisturbed.

I am bellying aching about a vacation while planning the next. I am blessed and THIS IS WHAT IT SEEMS!