Rumpolephoreskin's Existential Wanderings in and Around Negril

[Rum-polephoreskin]

Day 10

Our day 10 was that day in the trip everyone dreads, the day before you leave. You are compelled to count up funds that seem to have dwindled like a snow bank under the warm March sun. Wait a minute, I know I brought a pile of green, where is it now that I have to buy souvenirs?

Yeah, I know, boo-frickin’-hoo, at least you’re in Jamaica. Think of your family at home with chill blains and chapped lips, they deserve at least a T-shirt (or something).

Next time I’m buying my souvenirs early,
um,
yeah right.

Regardless we walked down to Sun Island Outlet (cheapest and some would say pleasantest of the souvenir shops). The shop lived up to its reputation, pleasant staff and no pressure. If you’re unfamiliar with this shop, it’s across the road from Canoe (bar).

While Mrs. Peel went inside into the air-conditioning, in an attempt to whittle down her daughters’ wish lists. I chose to stand outside in the sun. I can’t say why I didn’t go in but I’m glad I didn’t. I was standing there aimlessly beside the road, when I saw a woman approaching. Again I can’t say why, but she captured my imagination at first site.

There was a self-assuredness in her stride, self-assuredness in the way she wore her clothing, these signals, vague, yet perceptible, filtered into my brain. I unconsciously jumped to the conclusion that she wasn’t a tourist. I’m stumped as to why I thought that but it turned out to be true and the closer she got the more certain I became. I’m sure if you asked her she’d say, “ Maybe it wasn’t just a coincidence.”