I leave for Negril on Feb. 26th and this trip is going to be a little bittersweet. Last year the warden (aka my wife) and I did 2 weeks and had an amazing time. We went to Mayfield falls which was just amazing, the Pelican bar which is beyond words and a couple of runs to Half-moon beach for some quiet time together. We also went up to Ivan’s, and Three Dives and drinks at Xtabi. All of these excursions had one thing in common, Alfred our driver. Alfred had become our friend over the last 6 years to the point where we used him exclusively and he never disappointed.
Whether it was history of the island, knowing all of the plants on both sides of the road from Negril to Savana la Mar, or just a hearty “My God!” when we’d say something he found funny Alfred was a great ambassador. When he dropped us off at the airport for the flight home we said our good buy’s and the traditional “see ya’ next year”. Three days later while reading the board still basking in the glow of the trip we heard the tragic news that Alfred’s life had been tragically cut short. This made me sad and angry and I told my wife I didn't want to go back.
Quietly a few months later she made reservations for us for this year in the hopes that I would change my mind. Boy does she know me. When fall rolled around my sadness and anger had subsided and I broached the subject of going back and she smiled and said “Alfred wouldn't want us to stop visiting his beautiful island”. No truer words have been said.
This reach we’ll be getting taken care of by Michael from Michaels on Time Taxi, Alfred’s former right hand man and look forward to making new friends and memories.
…..Bittersweet.
Originally Posted by bigbamboo
