Gerry G's TRAIL OF ASHES TOUR Final Chapter -- The Mighty Californian's return

[nicollet]

Wake me up when the real Gerryg123 arrives......

[JandMinJA]

After a week of reading during downtime at work (ok let's face it, my to-do list was on hold until I finished), I have read every word of the trail of ashes and am now current on the "final" chapter. Glad it's not really final. I've had my no memes where I thought it would be my last visit, but it never lasts long. GerryG, I've taken meticulous notes and can't wait until my reach so I can put those notes to good use. Thanks for all the laughs, the tears, the warm fuzzy feelings, and that love of Negril that is conveyed with every post. Would love an update on Bentley. He was at the top of my list for visits this reach until I got current and learned of his illness. I hope he's recovering. It breaks my heart to think I may not meet him after all. Looking forward to the next installment.

[gerryg123]

I jumped into the pool at Seastar Inn, closed my eyes and just kind of faded out the world. Then a familiar “ya mon” with an East Coast accent, and I looked up and there was Marko staring down at me as I floated along.

The legendary Negril aficionado popped in for a surprise visit with another friend, Mike from Memphis, with whom I formed an instant bond, as we would spend a lot of time together over the coming days.

We made our hellos with plans to meet up at Roots later that night.

Meantime, I made the usual rounds, checking in at Rick’s Café before rushing off to Debars to eat the lobster and fish with Bobo; the meal was supposed to be done at 630 p.m. after already being delayed a couple of times.

Well, for a moment I forgot I was in Negril – on “island time” – and it took a lot longer than expected to finally get the food cooked. But it was worth it. I did everything in my power to pin down an exact time when it would be ready, then I would make Eddie swear the time was correct, then I would call just before arriving or stop by, only to be delayed again. First it was lunch, then early dinner, than 6, then 6:30, then 7, then 7:30. Then 8, etc. But yes it did get done, finally.

I know the root of impatience supposedly is selfishness, but god I hate waiting for ANYthing, especially in Negril. I am always on the go-go-go, and that will never change. I work my tushy off in Los Angeles to be in Negril two to three times a year -- often putting in 18-hour days for weeks on end -- so when I do unwind, I really want to unwind. I don't want any excuses from anyone, just want to be pampered and coddled and serviced with a smile, period.

Just keepin' it real. I approach these trip reports with a sense or pure honesty, and I know for sure such a practice does not always show me in the best light, but, as the great Charlie Tattoo would say, it is what it is.

Anyway, I shared the lobster platter with Bobo, a rare treat for the great carver whose shop is just up the road from Debars, and we had a great time, laughing and toasting and submerging chunks of lobster in butter as we savored every moment.

[groove16]

I'm with ya, bro, It is what it is....

[DConkle]

Ah and just like that, he's back.

[murph]

Coddle on gerryg!!!

[gerryg123]

My first full day in Negril.

It rained on and off through most of the evening on Wednesday, so I hosted a little private party in Room 12 at Seastar Inn, enjoying the company of friends while indulging in rum punch and other things Jamaicans like to do.

The rain helped wash all my troubles away. It's been a tough past six months, a hard stretch for me, and oh how I have missed Negril, my home away from home. The magnificent island in the Caribbean breaks my heart some times, but there is so much that keeps me coming back.

Soon the night was still. It was close to midnight when a few of us made our way to Roots cafe, where just as expected there was a big batch of jerk-chicken guys and party girls who met us at the entrance. Marko and Mike from Memphis were there, both with a drinky smile on their faces and beautiful girls on their arms. I bumped into lots of friends from the past including Rochelle and the utterly beautiful Nicky, whose almond eyes, light skin and cheerleader-type body make her look like a model from South Beach more than a tightly-dressed hopeful at a late-night club.

The music was blaring and there was no admission charge, and rightfully so because the streets are SO quiet with SO FEW tourists this month; in fact, many business like Hungry Lion have signs reading "closed for the summer" or are simply boarded up this time of year.

Nicky wanted a ride home. She wanted more of course, but me, I was in such a chill mood and so utterly relaxed -- and a little buzzed -- that I promised her a ride home and that's it. Like a perfect gentleman, I motored my way up the hill, as we laughed and reminisced together about times past. For now I had vowed to be a perfect gentleman, and that's just what I did.

Marko and I had chilled together for nearly an hour in front of Roots, just enjoying the hustle and bustle and trying to hail down a route taxi for another friend, who was trying to make it all the way home past Green Island.

At Roots, Nicky was all alone at the end of the night, caught in numbers crunch with about 100 girls and 50 guys at the club. Eventually, she asked for a ride home. I dropped Nicky off halfway up the hill, where she has an apartment just down the road from Seastar Inn, and gave her a little hug goodnight. I did not want a thing from anyone. I just wanted to be nice.

[Lola]

Nice Gerry, I enjoy your reports. But don't name where locals stay. Just like you had the driver rep block out your last name of the welcome sign photo for your own privacy.

[gerryg123]

I had the Mobay VIP rep block my name for HER protection, not mine, lol.

[negril#1fan]

you be nice and you end up getting nothing but scolded..... Nice is good....