I've got to find my way back, back to summer paradise - Nov 2011 Trip Report

[CherryNorth49]

Love2travelchic – I am sure you will enjoy Rooms. I will post a few more pictures from around the resort and make a few observations when the trip report is done.

PGW – I am honored you've stuck it out this far. I have really enjoyed your trip reports, but we do have a different style. You photograph Red Stripe the way I do sunsets!

2nutx4travel – I was feeling the same way and decided it was my turn to contribute.

Marley – Thank you! That is a great compliment. I am a real fan of both!

Tanfastic – Please do. I highly recommend it; it is a good way to live.

Clarity – You are so sweet. I'm glad to hear I am the not the only one who got a bit lost in the language. I am hoping to have better luck on this next trip. My goal was to keep this report rolling along with the days of the week. More is coming.

Tizzy – Girl, you are making me blush. Thank you

Kevan – I don't think it was the same fellow. This Rasta was a bit grizzled, but his dreads weren't white; he normally hung out down towards Bourbon Beach, he just happened to be up our way that day. I believe his name was Caswell, but I was having language problems with him too. I saw him in the background of a picture on the board about a month ago, but I can't remember the context to search for it.

[CherryNorth49]

We headed back to the room for a bit. Sunshine settled under his personal storm cloud, randomly surfing the TV. I pulled out my book and got comfy.

If you are thinking to yourself that I am getting a raw deal here, let me clarify. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. The only thing that is better than curling up with a good book is curling up someplace awesome with a good book. The only thing that tops that is Sunshine curled up with me. Luckily, Sunshine generally feels the same way. With all the airline weight restrictions, carrying enough books to last us both a week has been a challenge. We have transitioned to e-readers this year. I can't wait to get to the Negril with a whole library in my pocket.

I eventually declared that it was time to venture out and Sunshine grumbled along. Shamrock's OJ, red stripe and snacks for tonight, done. Different guy behind the till, but I didn't understand what he said either.

We walk into Sweet Spot. I figure the chances of our not being recognized are slim. At first glance I confirm that yes, the same lady is serving again tonight. She sees us and her eyebrows shoot straight up; oh goody, she remembers us. Now I am pretty sure she didn't expect we would ever darken the door of her establishment again. For me, that was kind of the point. I just didn't want have this bad feeling every time a walked past the place. It’s a getting back on the horse after the fall kind of thing.

Luckily, this woman already thinks we are slow, so she is talking to us that way as well. This of course means I have some concept of what she is staying.

"Hello," I say, "We were kind of hoping we might get a do-over."

She paused, considering, "A do-over?" Still contemplating, she slowly began to nod her head, said yes and gave us both a big smile, "What will it be tonight?"

We ordered off the board, oxtail in brown stew for me, curried shrimp for Sunshine and a couple of red stripes while we wait.

She starts to write up the bill, pauses and points to it and with a sly smiles asks, "We gonna be good here?"

"We're good here," I assure her.

Our bill paid, she points us over to a table and tells us we can sit down; she will bring the food over when it is ready. We figure we are making progress, as we certainly didn't get offered a seat the last time.

It took a bit of time for our food to be ready. It was good people watching, as there was a steady stream of folks, mostly Jamaican, coming in to order or pick up. A few settled into their meals at the brightly colored tables, but mostly they were getting things to go. Box meals in hand, we headed back to the shelter of Rooms. The oxtail was really good; if you are not sure, yes it really is a stewed tail, bones and all. It was my first go and there were some unfamiliar textures, I'm guessing from the bone marrow. I'd absolutely have it again.

Now I know that breaking Sunshine's funk isn't expressly in my job description, but I do have some experience with them and have developed a few strategies over the years. I was out on the balcony and I could hear the DJ cranking things up practically next door at Roots Bamboo (at least I think that is where it was coming from). With a night club practically in our backyard, I really wanted to head down to the beach to listen to the music. I didn't want to go to the party; I wanted to lurk from next door.

So I started running plays at Sunshine and I could feel some of the clouds slipping away. I almost had him, but I zigged when I should have zagged and the clouds slammed back down into place. Darn. Oh well, I tried. Tomorrow, I will have to bring out the big guns.

Up next, though some might seek a knight in shining armor charging to the rescue, I just want his castle.

[rjonsun]

We have had some funny things with waiters too. One time Bentley sat down and ate his meal with us just after he serverd us. Another time at 3 Dives my wife ordered a chicken breast. The waitress didn't think she understood how much food it was and as she cupped her own breast in her hand said 'You want a whole breast?"

Regards,

Bob

[BR Mon]

You should have just wondered over to Roots alone...The sun shines very bright over there after dark....

[love2travelchic]

I cant stop laughing at "I zigged when I should have zagged"! too funny! Oh my and the picture of the waiter *tears* in my eyes from laughing! I'm loving this lady keep it going!

[bjritz]

That sunset pic above is outstanding! Wow!

Loving this report, so funny...."our waiter" was one of the best ever. I'm glad you are having fun with this and mellowing in the tropical heat. You are drawing us right into your trip in an intimate, but casual way. Great style.

I like that you went back to Sweet Spot and gave it another shot, well played.

She starts to write up the bill, pauses and points to it and with a sly smiles asks, "We gonna be good here?"

"We're good here," I assure her.

Classic!

[nutz4travel]

Love the waiter story Cherry - still laughing You'll love the ereaders, for some reason I read so much more with mine that I did before. So much lighter and smaller than a book. Just don't forget to plug it in at night...

Can't wait for more!

[yetta]

I am so loving this report! Your sense of humor in dealing with "moods" totally crack me up. My personal "sunshine" also has a tendency to slip into them at a drop of a hat. In Negril, I find that a little harder to negotiate. Your term, "settled under his personal storm cloud" is one that I have got to remember. But, as we all know, loving involves the entire package. And learning when to zig and when to zag...LOL Your writing skills are quite good mi lady!

I can totally relate to having an e-reader. I recently purchased a Kindle Fire so I could have plenty of books at my fingertips and be able to not have to turn on a light late night as to not disturb "sunshine's " snoring. This will be my first time traveling with it and I am totally psyched....plus, I can check emails, surf the net if needed, etc. I have never brought my laptop to Jamaica but the size of the Kindle is perfection for travel.

Can't wait to hear more...

[Coco]

What great report! I can't tell you how many times I've zigged when I should've zagged ;-)

[Ktans]

I am so enjoying your report!