Sunrise ... Sunset. Is there any place better that I could get? Trip Report

[bjritz]

Canoe – Place of Ultimate Excellence

Today’s tale is of a great time had on the way to and from Canoe Beach Bar & Grill.

By way of disclaimer, now that I’ve read most of GerryG123’s monster trip reports, all pictures of various people on this report were asked if their picture could be taken. Any that said no, are not posted. (No one said no) The exception to this was entertainers who were in the midst of their awesomeness and unavailable for asking. (I hope they don’t mind my free and unabashed promotion of their art.) My asking was to ensure they were okay with my possession of their image. I, however, this being my first visit to Negril and my first eva trip report, didn’t ask them if they would like to specifically be in my trip report. (Next time, baby, next time) But, I’m getting ahead of myself.....

The reverie I and you have come to expect from my Jamaican mornings was interrupted slightly by the gentle padding feet of my travel buddy, Ed. This was Ed’s day to go to the airport. He was not completely ready to leave, but his work was calling, not to mention his wife who had been dealing with leaking plumbing in his absence. Dawn was bright and piercing into our room and my eyes, a brilliant sunny day was upon us.

Ed’s Juta ride was coming early, 6 AM, so we hung out at the Xtabi drive waving off countless route taxis after they spotted luggage. The restaurant wasn’t open yet, so no coffee. A delightful sweet lady driver arrived and whisked Ed off in a second. Goodbye my friend who unknowingly was about to enter the jaws of airline hell. Certain national American politicians were going to delay and reroute his flights all day. He didn’t get home until midnight. (But, that will be in his trip report, hah!)

Next up was a leisurely breakfast at Xtabi with those amazing little knotted rolls. My, those are good. Coffee and some much needed sea gazing. I can just sit there on that terrace and soak it in!

There was a delightful young lady from London staying with us at Xtabi. She was traveling solo and we spent some time together chatting and snorkeling in the cove. She stated that she’d seen a ray out there, so in I went to find it. Nope, never did. But, just floating around looking at all the wonder of a sunny morning was so fabulous.

My morning continued in that do nothing much but included a nap and one of those superb snapper sandwiches at the Xtabi bar.

This was the day I ran into Queenie, whom I mentioned in my peeps section. She is the one staying up with Bella Donna who had sold everything to move to Negril. We met in the bar at Xtabi and subsequently walked down to Canoe for Rod’s webcast and Greenie band party.

Queenie was so relaxed and enjoyable to hang with, a true free spirit. She was giving me the ‘what’s up’ on the Negril scene. There was hardly anyone we passed on the road that she didn’t know by name. She talked about how to honor a Rasta Mon, by including the word ‘rasta’ in your conversation or greeting. From that moment on I heard the locals doing this alla time. Good ting, dat.

Upon our arrival at Canoe we met Tina. She is an amazingly sweet and beautiful girl. I was mesmerized by her eyes.



The Greenies (properly known as Green & Steel Drum Band) were already playing on the stage and the music was fantastic. These guys are good. I loved it. What ambiance, the sea, beach, music and cool people just added to the great food and drink. They had Dragon Stouts, cold too!



Some kids were diving off the German Bar dock what a show.



I met these two sweet Polish girls who were in there fourth year of just traveling around the world. They were nice and we had a good conversation. They also framed the sunset at Canoe.