Trip Report - Portland 2017

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The tour was very interesting and I’m glad I finally got to see what’s inside those blinding white walls. I don’t like castles. I see them as cold, uninhabitable lifeless rooms and hidden chambers. Yeah, story book impressions. However, although the Trident does have that “castle” feel, the sunshine streaming though the many windows, the tasteful furnishings and kindhearted staff gave this place the warmth I didn’t think existed in castles.

I enjoyed listening to Mr. Lester share facts about its history. Now that I’m writing about that visit I wished I had my notes about Mr. Lester. I do remember he was there before Mr. Chin took ownership. So between the two owners he has seen/met a lot of famous people. Both he and the rep were extremely patient and considerate. They made sure I was aware of where I was stepping if the area was shadowed or if levels changed. They never hurried the tour, instead allowed me to linger to take pictures or enjoy “ahh” moments. Unfortunately I wasn’t extended the same treatment when I went to the hotel & restaurant.

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The plan was to tour the castle then the hotel. After the hotel tour, I was to have dinner. Mr. Walker and I took pictures of our host & hostess and each other. We said our goodbyes and drove to the hotel. I didn’t want to eat alone but Mr. Walker had business to look about so he dropped me off at the door. I would call him when I’m ready to leave.

Well the front desk rep greeted me.

“Good evening, Miss Vi”
“Good evening.”

She informed me a group will be there soon and had to check them in. She escorted me to the pool and said she would come for me to begin the tour when she’s done. That brief interaction was cordial but not friendly. So different from the greeting I received at the castle. I felt like I was a task on her to-do list she didn’t want to deal with but can’t avoid. Surely this can’t be the same sweet, social voice that called to set up the visit.

The bartender came out to take my drink order. I requested a glass of water. We chatted a bit.

"Yes, it’s slow right now. We have two guests and more aren’t arriving until Friday."
"Friday? That’s nice…"
"Yes, it’s going to be quiet until then. Would you like to see the menu?"
"Oh, no thank you. Not yet. After the tour…maybe.”

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He went back to the restaurant and I sat thinking about what he just said. Thank goodness I have my music with me. Thank goodness I have my flask. Thank goodness I have the view of the ocean.



An hour later she still hasn’t come for me. It’s getting dark and my flask is empty. I concluded she forgot about me. That was a big disappointment not to mention unprofessional. And to think I complimented her crooked eye brows. I'm out!

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I walked back to the lobby. She was standing behind the desk tapping on the computer. Clearly no signs of the arrival of guests.



Her reaction upon seeing me confirmed she did push my presence out of her mind. She half-heartedly apologized and grabbed the log book so I could reschedule the tour. I declined. Having toured the castle satisfied my original curiosity about the Trident property. She didn’t say another word to me during the 15 minute wait for my ride. I was going to write a letter to management, but honestly after including the experience in this post I can put it behind me. After all, the good experiences always outweigh the bad in Jamaica.

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Frenchman’s Cove



This is the first time I walked to the beach from the road. I didn’t think I could do it because in a car it feels longer. But it was fine. I survived and will most likely always walk down and back in order to enjoy and appreciate the scenery. The road branches off, just remember to stay to the right.

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This is what you see before even reaching the beach. Absolutely beautiful.

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Frenchman’s Cove should also be on a visitor’s “must do” list. The last two times I was here I got lunch and it was delicious both times. They give you enough food for two. And the prices are reasonable. I’ve always been curious about the rooms. While the beach grounds are immaculate, the reviews I’ve been finding express the complete opposite regarding the units. At an average of $79US/nite, that’s not good. If anyone has stayed there lately, please post your experience here. I would love to your opinion.

[agregory]

Ahhhh, lovely pictures *vi*

We loved our visit to Frenchman's and it was even a bit gray and gloomy out when we were there. I appreciate your sunny, blue sky pictures! I agree that it is a must visit for the area, along with hiking/wading/swimming up Reach Falls and bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande!

Thanks for your trip report! Only 6 sleeps until we land on the rock