I reunited with Bentley, the great chef with whom I' ve enjoyed many meals in the past, though he has been battling some health problems, so he is not up and running as usual.

But he was in good spirits, and Bentley is trying to bring the business back. He hugged me like a brother, and we caught up on things. He is skinny now, but he seemed happy. He has had his ups and downs through the years -- big time -- and Bentley will always have a special place in my heart. He is big on sauces and large portions, and so am I. It's a natural bond. And his tales of early Negril put him in class by himself, especially the way he tells them. He is just a fun guy to hang out with.

Check-in at Pure Garden went well. I had talked to Carie-ann beforehand to confirm my reservation, and by the time I arrived the place was soldout. There is a good vibe there, very quiet and safe-feeling with security upfront. I had an upstairs room w cold AC -- same kind as Seastar Inn, nice AC -- and after giving the doorman/security guy 500j to help tote my luggage and kind of set my ground, it later occured to me that he never fulfilled his promise to bring towels. So I had no towels and no blanket, either, just a sheet on a sheet, but I managed OK.

The hot water and shower pressure worked well -- that's an automatic bonus in my book if you know Negril -- but there was no in-room safe, and that put me in a quandry. Do I trust the office safe? Will someone maybe steal my money and stuff if I leave it in the room? Or should I just bite the bullet and carry ALL my cash and cell phones and credit cards and bank cards ON ME until I get to Seastar Inn, where I know I will be secure?