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

[CherryNorth49]

Chapter 5
“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!


We were leaving very early on Saturday morning. Sunshine is one of these people who needs to be at the airport early. If the airline says check in 2 hours before, he will want to be there 2.5 hours before, even though we actually checked in the day before on-line. It is like traveling with my mother, so at least I have had a lifetime to get used to it.

I think our cab picked us up at home at 4:45. The early start didn't really matter though; I hardly slept a wink the night before. To be fair, I hadn't really slept the previous three nights. I was just too excited/anxious/nervous to settle down to sleep.

In case Jamaica was not enough, I had a second reason to be excited to get to the airport. Only one year behind schedule, the new Winnipeg airport was finally open and it was my first chance to get inside. Our old terminal was just that - old. I felt somewhat embarrassed every time I was in there, hoping that first time visitors wouldn't put too much of the airport into forming their impressions of our community. The new terminal felt like a coming out party to me. As a city we were all grown up and putting our best face forward, reflecting the vibrant city we are. I was really impressed.

There was some confusion as people were checking in, since this was a first visit to the new airport for many folks. There was a small army of Westjet agents manning the 'self-serve' kiosks so it was all rather painless. At security, we got selected for special screening (the rub your bags and test for residue kind), but it meant we got to go straight to the head of the long security lines. I wish I could volunteer for that every time. It was a breeze getting through.

As every good Canadian airport does, they were pouring Tim Horton's coffee as fast as it could be brewed. Timmy's breakfast in hand and our duty free secured, we were ready to board.

I have to say I got quite a charge being in my home airport dressed and ready to get off the plane at the beach. I don't care if it is a bit silly, but I've always kind of stared at the folks so obviously heading for paradise with a bit of envy. Now it was my turn!

We get on board and my seating gambit to hopefully get us a row to ourselves has not paid off. Turns out our companion for the trip was a Negril regular who owned a condo in the area. Excellent I thought, I can gather a little local knowledge on the way. I do not have his permission to be in my trip report, so I am going to keep some of the details vague.

I was already wondering just how 'hedonistic' the whole Negril area was going to be. After all, there was a whole resort dedicated to the theme. I had read GerryG123's trip report from May 2011, which led me to believe you didn't need to be at Hedo to have a hedo good time. At the same time, there were reports from folks who I know wouldn't have darkened the doors of many of places GerryG described and they were having a good time too.

So back to our seat mate. We chatted a bit; I asked inane questions and he provided good information. Conversation started trending towards things I wouldn't normally go to with a virtual stranger (of the drugs and eventually sex variety). Whatever, I think folks should do what makes them feel good and I am not easily offended. I can smile and nod with the best of them. Now he's describing his girlfriend, offering to buy drinks and wondering how we are getting to our resort.

Ok, so Sunshine is in the middle seat pretty much ignoring the conversation reading his book as we talk across him. I mean, if I was on my own, I would be sure this guy had more on his mind that just killing time. But my husband is right there, so this is just weird. Wait for it...wait for it...I can be a bit dense. "Holy crap, this guy is trying to pick us both up!!!!" Add another to the list of firsts for the day. I hadn't even thought to put that one on list.

Sometimes body language can say so much more than words and in so much faster and kinder a way. As we approached Cuba, Sunshine had to use the toilet. I had a 'moment' with our seat mate as he pointed something out to me out the window. He leaned in, I leaned out and just like that everyone knew the score. Regardless, if I was wondering what kind of place I had signed us up for before, now I am really questioning things.

It was a bit cloudy over Jamaica when got within sight, but as we broke through the clouds and I caught our first glimpse, I was already in love. I admit I was a bit nervous for our landing. I had seen pictures of the runway to the ocean and I really hoped we didn't miss. I had to capture the moment on video (which I will post, but the tech is working against me right now).

Our seat mate's helpful hints continued and though he did pass on his Negril number I never did see fit to call. As we were negotiating the airport he pointed us towards the right lines and in twenty-minutes we were clear of customs and headed towards our bus transfers.

So we pour out of customs into the hall with all the tour operators. Our vacation included transfers with JTL. We found everyone in the hall very helpful at pointing us in the right direction. There certainly was no shortage of people ready to help and I didn't find people were pushy.

There was a very friendly fellow making sure that only one from each party was in line at JTL, so I headed up with our vouchers and Sunshine cared for our luggage. I am extremely paranoid about taking my eyes of my bags at the airport and after more than a decade of travelling together, Sunshine has learned to play along.

It took only a few minutes to get through the process and then we were out to the buses. There was one to Negril just about ready to go, so we were underway only moments after we got on board.

The bus was older, but functional. The driver kept up a bit of a dialogue of sites as we passed through Montego Bay. I was having a bit of trouble understanding him, but I was so overwhelmed with the sights and sounds that it didn't much matter to me. Reflecting back on that drive, I can recollect very little of the first half of the trip. The whole thing was a bit of a blur.

Just outside of MoBay, the bus pulled in somewhere which gave us all a chance to pick up some beverages. It was time for the first Red Stripes of the trip.

Continuing along, we started the process of dropping off all the AI guests. First stop, Grand Palladium followed by both RIU and Couples or Sandals or Breezes. Sunshine was laughing as we pulled away from the last AI, "I didn't know you could do so many variations on the 'tropical' theme. I am so glad we aren't staying in one of those."

With the AIs done, there are only two other people on the bus and Rooms would be the last stop.