I woke up this morning thinking I was still in Jamaica with a smile on my face. I sat up with excitement and shook Markus... then I looked around and realized I wasn't in the Gemini cottage anymore. I couldn't hear the waves crashing on the cliffs or bob marley's voice drifting from Ivans bar.
I realized we were back in San Francisco.
My smile didn't fade though because I'm still feeling that post-Jamaica after glow... My skin is still tanned from the sun and tingling with energy. the memory of the music, the food and the people still so fresh in my mind.
I had the best vacation in my life.
Hands down. No contest.
It was better than our first trip to Negril and I honestly didn't think that could be possible. Maybe it was because we were so much more relaxed this time and more adventurous.
Jamar had a great time too, As a first timer... it was all very intense for him and I think he needs a few days to digest it all. He's going to share his experiences too.
We traveled to Mayfield falls, partied at The Jungle, XXX and a wild beach party Sunday night (the beach bar).. The Luciano concert and celebrated Maureen's birthday at her new Sunnyside bar with Bea. We swam at the beach and off the cliffs. We stayed in three different hotels. Grand pineapple on the beach first, then Seastar inn on the cliffs. On Sunday, Jamar went to the Blue Cave Castle while Markus and I moved over to Catcha falling star as the grand finale... I can't believe we squeezed all of this into six nights. We definitely made the most of every single minute in Jamaica.
(Catcha was so beautiful, that it made me cry.. Not just the stunning views, the amazing lush tropical grounds.. but also all the people working there touched my heart, from Maureen, Andrea, Carol to Kevin, Ty, the entire kitchen staff.. just everyone! - Including gentle sweet Ben, who became our surrogate pet )
We met so many awesome boardies, Bella Bea & her mom, Irie Always, Blandy1 & Andy, Jennn, Meinvancouver & his wife Dolly, Southcoast Girl, Jcx2, Lola, Negrilaholic...and more!
and Of course, FINALLY Rob & Lisa
I also met someone that made me realize that my ties to Jamaica are deeper than I realized and my brother's desire to travel here was for more than just a vacation. This trip was life changing.
We took over 800 pictures, so a trip report is coming. I just need a few days to decompress catch up with work and help Markus pack for his upcoming business trip in Europe.
In the meantime, I know a lot of you are leaving for Jamaica in the next few days, so here are just a few pictures to enjoy before your trip.
More pictures and stories, soon come
and of course, we pulled out the "Irie Box" and put the first five dollar bill inside. Time to start saving for the next trip....
and there will be a next one.
Love,
Daisy
(Jamar's first ride on a Jetski)
