Whisked to the airport at 4:30 and flight from Austin to Houston just a blip. Off to my gate – I love this moment when I see all the other people also going to Jamaica….this times lots of 11.11 honeymooners…..we all smile at each other knowing that we are all headed for sunshine and sand.
This time no body pat down in Austin YEA!!!! Ladies a tip – last two times I have worn ankle length dress and had to be patted down both times…..this time leggings and no search….
Only mid-morning but free cocktails so order up a Bloody Mary (I don’t really drink but what the heck let my hair down right?). Moments later the stewardess says we are about to take off and I have the “finish” my drink, huh? I just got it. So I sucked it down which I immediately regretted. I have fear of flying…..its a control thing lol…..always want to ask to step out on the patio (lol). I was doing OK because I had Direct TV to watch HGTV to divert my attention. Then lunch came which was delicious by the way (Cold shrimp salad, corn chowder, fresh fruit, warm roll) along with a glass of Chardonnay. Didn’t realize I was still toasty from the vodka and got really flushed lol. About 45 mins from JA I started getting over anxious and panic set in – this is embarrassing but something I deal with – I tell the stewardess How Far? I am feeling claustrophobic…….OK breathe, meditate, fill out my form, pray………and then I see the water below and the island approaching. I am gonna LIVE lol. Take bunch of photos in awe of nature. Coming in over the wata, then decent touch down and I let out a scream, holler, whistle, clapping and realize I am the only one cheering in the whole plane LOL OMG…..all the honeymooners will get it AFTER their first visit ha!
No lines at the Immigration so 5 mins in and out. Handsome gentleman asks me questions….where will you be staying (even though its on the paper lol)…….how long you stay?......are you bringing things for other people?.......I see him flipping thru my passport seeing its my third trip this yr….he said When you here last? I said July but I had to return home early because my Dad was sick and then passed away….I well up with tears even tho tryin to keep it together and he stamp and says I am sorry. Advice for newbies: always be obedient and respectfully at the JA airport….they take their job serious and don’t play trus mi. I don’t go until I am told, I don question, I say yes ma’am/sir, I stand where they say, etc. Get a cart and collect my luggage (5 bags total yikes) and off to Customs – nice lady ask me what I have to sell or for Jamaicans – I say only some color book and dog collars/leashes and some business cards for a friend that drives a taxi – firsttime ever she marked me for a search – back from the line and next place over in the middle. This lady was not playin around – she made me open all my bags on the huge table (regretting the overindulgence of luggage this trip). She made me follow her and not touch my things as she asked about everything in all the cases. Luckily this time I only had what I claimed – usually have TONS of gifts and tings trus mi. She saw all was in order and did not charge me for any of my items. The next man across was Jamaican and she was bein hard on him….he did not stand in the right place…..he did not follow her instructions well and she was harsh but he got with the program (lol).
Ahhh hit the sweet Jamaica sea air and there is Clive’s ready to roll with a cold drink and cell phone for me. Full van this time – 12 people kids, parents all going to Riu – have to say did not enjoy the ride like usual, not sure why – I sat in front with the driva and he called me his co-pilot and told everyone we would be switching half way and I could drive (lol). But we drop them and off I go down West End way……ahhhhhhh home again.
