Reminiscing on crazy times in Negril

[JohnNYC]

When I reminisce, I don't know if I laugh at what actually happened, or how stupid I realize I actually was. It's amazing I survived this long! Now my Negril days start with an early morning walk, and end earlier than they used to start back then!

My 2nd best story is also an excursion on the motorcycles. This time in the day, and with women we brought with us. We hired a "guide" to bring us up to the ganja fields. We traveled up to what I came to know was roaring river. We went into a cave where a few locals did tricks and entertained for tips. When we came out, a few guys with machetes surrounded the bikes saying they were security, and they wanted tips. Being raised in NYC, I told them I didn't give a **** about the bike since it was rented, and they could go to hell. The two guys with me from Boston backed me up. As we argued we got onto the bikes. I started the bike and took off heading for the guy with the biggest mouth. They jumped out of the way and off we were.
Since I now knew my way up to roaring river, each time I was in JA I would find guys with bikes to take a daily ride into the hills. They would go into the cave and give tips etc. after a few trips the guys up there said, "hey, you keep bringing guys up, why don't we work together". They offered me 10% of the tips. Since this wasn't much for me I turned it down. Since that day we became good friends. They would feed me each time I came up, give me buds and mushrooms, wash my bike, and once even offered me a night with his sister! Eventually I told them of the time they tried to shake me down, and we all had a huge laugh. We were friends for years. I would send packages from home and visit every reach. Unfortunately over the years we've lost touch, but just as well. I don't ride much anymore, and lead a much more relaxed life. As crazy as those times were, and how I would never do those things again, I cherish the memories and can still feel the adrenaline I had running through my veins so long ago. Since then Negril has slowly gone through a transformation. As much as I happy for Negril and the locals who depend on the tourist industry it provides, a piece of me is sad for seeing the rustic, basic days of Negril go.