TRAIL OF ASHES TOUR: The adventure continues as Gerry G returns to Negril

[gerryg123]

So by now it was late afternoon. I was making my out towards the main road from Seastar Inn with Jodie, and who do we run into but the great Brassi from New York ... We make plans to have dinner together in a bit at Bentley's Crab House -- a recommendation from boardie Marko, who has become a close friend through the months (he is right behind me, scheduled to arrive at Seastar Inn in two weeks).

I had made prior arrangements with Bentley -- great guy, BTW -- for a FEAST to include lobster, a large stack of crab cakes and like four different side dishes. I dashed down the hill to give me 50 dollars cause we had never met, and I wanted Bentley to know it was all good and he had no worries because biz is slow in Negril these days -- especially for Bentley cause he is off the main road on Pee Wee Lane near Samsara, about a quarter mile up, so it's hard to find.

Meanwhile, Jodie said she wanted to visit Bantons, and frankly so did I cause I have missed him on the two or three times I tried to visit over the past few days. This time, he was there, so did the whole fist bump thing and smoked up -- he says he wants to be in my trip report (Rob says I should get permission if I use real names, so I have been doing so).

Keith, my friend from Philly, joined us, and there also was a young kid, maybe 7 years old, who reeled off some DJ rap lyrics and was quite impressive! I told him he was going to be famous one day ......

Well, the sun was setting, and I knew I had to hook up with Brasi down the road and eat at Bentley's, so I dropped Jodie off, and descended on Seastar Inn. Brasi did not want to ride on the scooter with me -- understandable, especially considering it had begun to rain -- so we cabbed it to Bentleys, where we had a truly incredible meal that included great conversation and good vibes, as we had the second-floor restaurant all to ourselves.

There, I met an American who was Bentley's good friend. His name was Andy, and he wants to be in the report. He is a spear fisherman, and had got a lionfish that day that he ate raw like sushi! True story~~~

He says he will take me spear fishing with him later in the week -- an incredible stroke of luck, as I had put a post up a month ago or so about wanting to try spear fishing~!

It was still wet when we returned, so Brasi and I hung out until the wee hours drinking mixed cocktails and talking about our lives -- it was a nice time, though here we are back to the present, and I am bit hungover.

[Vince]

Great story!!!!!!!

[rastagirl777]

Look. I know everyone vacations differently here – and I have no judgements about what people do while they are here. What goes on in Negril kind of stays in Negril, no? But you did the fear and loathing thing last time…and you claim to know “the runnings” yet based on what I’m reading you still have a lot to learn - as you should as you are a relatively new visitor here. I’ve had my time here of partying, watching the sun come up, the moon set, dancing on tables at all hours at MiYard – but that was many years ago. When I first started coming here in my 20’s I did not have the benefit of boards such as this that dispensed invaluable advice – Over the past 30 years I have made true friends that have guided me, I’ve watched and learned…and knock wood I’ve never been pick-pocketed or robbed or even threatened. But I also use my guts and instinct to remove myself from what could be dicey situations.

“truly disappointed to think someone would actually do this to me. Call me a fool, but the whole thing kind of put a chink in my faith in humanity.”

Do this to you?? What makes you a different tourist than anyone else? You put yourself in a tenuous position, setting yourself up for something like this – or worse. A chink in your faith in humanity? Look - like it or not you are not in Disneyland - you are in a desperately impoverished third world country. Not saying what happened was OK – I detest the crime that goes on here. BUT – you were the only white boy amongst a group of locals at what appeared to be a private party at a STRIP CLUB.

I’m surprised you hadn’t been pick-pocketed before and despite all warnings from this board you still carry around hundreds of dollars. Good thing you didn’t that night. You take chances late at night at dubious places so this was bound to happen sooner than later. Sorry if I’m talking like a mother hen – but maybe you should rethink your behavior at that time of night and stop trying to be something you are not. You are LUCKY all that happened was that $20 was plucked from your pocket. Those same boys could have followed you out on your “scooter” and done much more to you. Good thing you didn’t punch that kid in the head – cause that kids has brothers, cousins, uncles – could have been ugly. You may think you are tough but young thugs with guns and knives are NOT unusual in Negril. Step back – you have kids. You have nothing to prove. Cap’s advice is excellent and I’ll add to it. Jamaica is a magical place if you allow yourself the time to PAY ATTENTION. I know there are many tourists who feel they have to party their asses off, get ridiculously and stupidly drunk and stoned and feel they have something to prove by going to local spots and trying to “look cool and in the know". These kids had your number. While the one kid was apologizing, the other was taking that $20. Stay AWARE. Stay SAFE.

Have you ever watched a sunset and seen a green flash? Have you ever watched the sunrise and taken in the multitude of colors and drama that goes on in the sky during that time? Have you ever just sat and stared at the ocean for hours watching the gentle waves when all of a sudden you catch a pod of dolphins playing off in the distance? Or fish jumping through the sea?
Its amazing the life lessons you can learn by doing simple things like that.

“Anyway, I am cruising back, near Banton's, and I hear the strumming guitar and the lovely singing of someone playing an acoustic version of "Touch of Gray" by Grateful Dead. Surprise, surprise, it's Rastagirl777, who used to tour around with Grateful Dead ...... Ha ha, just kidding. I just wanted to see if you'all were still reading -- there was NO rastagirl777 sighting!”

Chances you will not have a Rastagirl sighting the entire time you are here. Our paths may cross (MAY) but I doubt we'll know or acknowledge each other, we just roll differently and with different people. At 5:00am on Saturday I was no where in your world, that’s for sure and if there was Grateful Dead playing it was not from my house. Plus, I am not some “character” to be included in yours or anyone’s “trip report” to see if they were “still reading”. Who cares if you saw me???? Please respect the fact that some of us live here, full or part time, do our day to day and have nothing of interest to offer you or your story. If you want to include someone in your writings ASK their permission FIRST.

“Frankly, I would have liked some information about why Donovan is no longer there since he's been an Xtabi fixture for like 18 years.”
Unsolicited advice #2: NEVER ask ANYONE – owner or manager or co-worker about their personal business. You don’t “know” the owner of Xtabi. You met him for one minute at a bar. Why would it even cross your mind to ask such a thing? Would you do that at home? I hope not. Its none of your business. Donovan was not your friend. He was your bartender. If he was your friend you’d know why he’s not there anymore. Seen?

Again, I’m sorry if it seems like I’m laying into you here I really don’t mean to and I hope you take this in the spirit in which it is being given. Live it, learn it – and pay attention. You have too much to lose by doing something stupid on a tropical island and risking not seeing your kids or starting law school or jeopardizing your life at home. It’s a vacation. Not a live action movie.

Please enjoy the rest of it and stay safe.

[brasi]

I will attest to that feast being ridiculously good. Unbelievable food. You must believe me...thanks to Gerry...via Marko. Not sure I have ever tasted anything as delicious as the crabcakes with the "magic sauce."

[booger]

Keep it coming Gerry! I have to admit that I appreciate your carefree attitude and as long as no one else is getting hurt all is good. Don't let the detractors put a damper on your fun. Life is short and every day should be lived to the fullest. For some that would entail walking down the beach with their honey, someone else that might include jamming with their friends, and for some it's the endless party. Regardless, we all tick differently and I appreciate your honesty.
Good advise from Rob on asking folks before posting about them on here. I don't even talk about Jamaica at work due to assumptions some people have, or should I say ignorance.

Party on and continue to report in please. I know myself and many others are eagerly awaiting the next installment.

[Lola]

NEVER ask ANYONE – owner or manager or co-worker about their personal business. You don’t “know” the owner of Xtabi. You met him for one minute at a bar. Why would it even cross your mind to ask such a thing? Would you do that at home? I hope not. Its none of your business. Donovan was not your friend. He was your bartender. If he was your friend you’d know why he’s not there anymore.

Hmmm, folks ask all the time where so-and-so went, etc.; its a tourist town and the people working/serving have a lot to do with folks' experiences during their trips, so it makes sense that people would be asked about when not seen.

I have learned to use discretion as to when and of whom i ask questions, but have never felt its not my place to ask ANY questions about or of someone. Heck, the locals don't have any problem asking ME a bunch of personal questions, LOL.

Gerry is on vacation, I'm sure he's not the only repeat Xtabi customer that has asked about this particular Donovan.

[Manda81]

I thought Gerry said he was going to ask or rather wanted to but decided not to as to not cause any problems...

[Rum-polephoreskin]

Just a side note about "sharing wisdom".
My daughter, as well I, is a devotee of Negril.
Obviously, she's younger than me and quite into partying (I'm more the walking down the beach with my sweetheart kind of tourist).

I never pressed as to exactly why, but she came away from this board feeling admonished, and like an outsider.
That is not my experience, just the opposite, but you never know how folks are going to take things.

[irie luv]

Lets take it easy on ole Gerry G. We all know his style and Rob seems to be doing his monitering pretty well and he has given Gerry some good advice. We all know the rules on if you don't like a report...
Negativity no good.

[meinvancouver]

Gerry keep up the good work and its always good to let newbies know all of the scams and ways tourists get had. Some people are just no fun and probably need to get out more, so don't worry about them.

Party on Dude