Right now I'm covered in bites, bruises, scrapes and fully tanned. I couldn't be happier! We just had the time of our lives in Jamaica! I can't erase this perma-grin and I think I'll be feeling the Post-Negril afterglow for a while. I hope this feeling never goes away.
8 months ago we started dreaming about traveling to Jamaica to bring in the New Years. We honestly didn't think it was in the stars for us. Even a month leading up to this trip, we were not sure if we were going to be able to make it happen. I didn't even write about our tentative plans on the board because I didn't want to get myself too psyched about something that might not pan out.
In the end, we DID make it happen! We found affordable tickets (2 one way tickets – 2 different airlines through Travelocity and Priceline) and booked accommodations in various different hotels. My vacation days were all approved and finalized only 48 hours before we rushed to the airport. Our packing was haphazard, everything was so hectic. I was in a daze, going through these motions on autopilot but not fully digesting it all. I was at the office working until 3 hours before our flight left. It didn't fully hit me that this trip was a reality until we stepped out of the Airport in Montego Bay and felt the warm caribbean air hit our faces. We saw Rocky's familiar smile and he waved his sign. I felt this rush of excitement “This is REALLY happening!!”
Best feeling in the entire world!
This was our first time traveling to Jamaica during Peak Season, First time experiencing the holidays in Negril. We didn't know what to expect. I was worried about the weather being chilly and the ocean being too cold to swim in. I was concerned about crowds and beach erosion. I had moments of doubts and questioning our sanity. “Another trip to JA, have we lost our minds??”
It turns out I had nothing to worry about. Jamaica is just as beautiful and as warm the winter time. It was paradise! The water was crystal clear and calm. It only rained one day and only for a few minutes at a time. Everyone was there! I reunited with my friends and family, I met new boardies for the very first time! It was more fun then I could have ever imagined it to be. I feel so blessed and grateful that we were able to experience New Years in Negril for the first time in our lives.
Every minute of this trip was a dream come true for us.
I'm still decompressing from our travels and busy catching up with my 500 missed emails at work. Trip report coming soon, but here are a few pictures.
We stayed at only 4 different hotels this time around..
1. Catcha Gardens
I didn't have high expectations because it's so affordable. I anticipated the most basic of accommodations but It was A LOT more beautiful then I ever expected. I loved it!
2. Catcha Falling Star
No words needed. We stayed at the Gatehouse cottage this time for a few days and it was wonderful!!