Wow - day 6 already. Here goes...
Day 3 was Monday wasn't it? The day began dramatically different than Day 2. I wasn't suffering from Day 1. Does anybody else do the "I'm so glad to be here, to see my friends, drink my face off Day 1?" What about the "sun and heat doesn't affect me" mantra? Combining the two makes for a very quiet Day 2. So Day 3 came along on Monday.
We were ready and rarin' to get going. GROUNDHOG DAY. We made it as far as the beach (that's a hike of almost 50 metres) from our room. I have noticed that in the correct conditions I can do absolutely nothing and think about absolutely nothing while on the beach. Now that may not be a big deal for some, but for me it is. I'm always doing something (breathing for example) and thinking about something (I wonder if I'm breathing). Of all the places in this world, I am convinced that this place and only this place gets you to a state complete and utter absence. If it doesn't, then you're trying too hard. Just let it wash over you - start with the rhythm of the waves. Feel the breeze - I mean really feel the breeze. It caresses and wraps itself around you...
We spent the day on the beach doing nothing. This is where I should explain that our daughter and son-in-law joined on this trip. And we also meet some very dear friends here, who we only see when we are here. They took us in on our first visit and have treated us as if we have been friends forever. You've likely seen them over the years.
Niah's for lunch. Sunset on the beach. Rainbow Arch for a light supper. Night caps all around.
Day 4 was a special day. Last year we were able to convince one of the staff here, Patrick, to cook a traditional Jamaican feast. Patrick is no slouch in the kitchen. Cooking is in the family for sure - his sister runs the Rainbow Arch restaurant next door. We spent the day consuming copious amounts of refreshing liquids while anticipating the meal to come later in the evening.
Bev and Sue went into the Hi-Lo and if I'm not mistaken, they purchased all of the Pinot Grigio on the shelf. (Author's Note: It's Day 6 - there is no Pinot Grigio left.)After their return Bev, Marley and Peter took a boat tour for a couple of hours. Peter did the Cliff thing at Rick's. They also went into the caves - thought it was cool. Arrangements for the day were made by Everton - the Director of Recreation and other such stuff (but not that stuff) here on the beach at White Sands.
The one thing we did notice was compared to years past, there seems to be less traffic on the beach. There is no question that the numbers are down a bit. The local constabulary has been more visible this year too for some reason.
The meal that Patrick served up was spectacular. All fresh - fish, chicken, veg, rice, sweet potatoes and more. Fortunately he made enough so we could share with the staff.
Day 5 was Dane and Karen's 14th anniversary (two of the great people who took us under their wing when we first came to Negril). They were married here at White Sands, up on the deck, and have been here almost every year since. Both are one-of-kind folks with hearts of gold.
The day was lazy (who knew that was going to happen). It was a nothing day. I'm really good at nothing days. It was so uneventful that I'm not sure it even occurred.
Supper was at Charela. 11 of us celebrated Dane and Karen's anniversary with a good food and great service. We have taken a number of pictures, just haven't posted them. We'll get to it.
It's Day 6 - let's see what's to come!
