Saturday.
We packed our gear up and bade farewell to the lovely staff and our cosy cottage and by midday, were checked in at Idle Awhile. We had really been looking forward to staying here, as we had checked the place out on our last trip and decided it would be ideal for our beach stay and room 204, was the one we wanted. So 10/10 so far.
By the time we were unpacked and had met the bar staff, it was time to start getting ready for the Luciano gig at Seastar. We were both really looking forward to this as it would be the first time we would meet up with Bob and Cindy and we would also meet with our new boardie mates. We arrived at Seastar early, (as we do) and were shown to a table next to Rob and Lisa with the webcast gear, who immediately remembered us from before and we chatted about what a trip this could be. Soon we saw Bob and Cindy walk through the gate. The holiday had started. The lovely thing about making friends in Negril, is that no matter how long it will be between trips, friendships made, stay strong. And so, after loads of hugs and kisses (and that was just me and Bob)
Bob steered us toward Rasta Stan for an introduction and he gracefully invited us all to sit at his table next to the bar.
The concert and evening was great. The Seastar Drummers, the local singers and Luciano himself, gradually raised the temperature of the crowd to standing only. For me, being back in Negril and at a live gig means I can dance. I love bouncing about and don’t get much opportunity at home any more to do the ‘Travolta’, so with Cindy in full flight, the band going great and the crowd up for it, it was great to let go and get down in Negril!
During the evening we met almost everyone. You all know who you are, so no need to run the names here, so we kinda knew that the next week or so was going to be so much fun.
Sunday
Today was our first full beach day since we arrived in Negril and after the dancing, drinking and partying till late in the night at Seastar, we looked forward to a restful day just chillin’. We woke to a windy day, the sea was making waves, but the sky was blue and the sand looked inviting.
After breakfast, we were on the sunbeds by 9.30 and settled down for an hour or two bronzing. The sea was fun, the waves cresting about 4-5 feet and those in the water were being bowled over by the weight of the water. Couldn’t miss that, so 20 minutes of being battered by the sea, was swiftly followed by several beers, to wash out the salty mouth!!
Before lunchtime, Bob comes strolling down the beach, having checked in at Crystal Waters just up the way. Stripes all round, shared some chat and we agreed to meet up at Sunsplash that afternoon for the sunset webcast.
We decided to do our first beach walks and went up as far as the Barry’s Bar tree. Interesting to see how the beach has moved since our last visit. After lunch, we walked the other way, but couldn’t get any further than the Italian restaurant due to the waves crashing up against the walls. First time ever I can remember the beach actually being split into two parts due to the sea.
On the beach we met Michael, who made Jacky a bracelet while we watched. He was a nice guy and it’s good to know that there are some genuine traders still doing business on the sands.
So, after a restful day, we wandered down to Seasplash, met up with Bob and Cindy, met Jim and some of the team from the night before, drank loads, was subbed a lot and decided to wander back to Idle Awhile around 9 pm. It had been a fine day and a good way to begin the second part of the holiday.
