It's day 8, 8 in the morning and the beach is vacant for the most part. Mike is swimming out to get his glass bottom boat. Our daughter Marley and son-in-law Peter are headed to the airport as I write this. Glad that they had the opportunity to come. No doubt they will be back.
I suppose I have set the tone for days 6 and 7... people have to leave and go back to their busy lives.
On Day 6 we lost Dane and Karen. Dane and Karen were civil enough to book return flights for the morning so that the rest of us didn't have to put up with them until the afternoon. Actually, they will be sorely missed until we get together again next year.
On the upside I found Rasta Stan, Betty and Danap. We shared a drink and a few brief stories at the White Sands Beach Bar, Bistro and All Around Good Place to Be on a sunny day in Negril. We kicked back for the rest of the day (I mean really - what else would you do?). The rays have been quite busy all week. They've been cruising the beach in greater numbers than past years. And they seem to be in much closer - within a foot or two of the "trough".
There were a couple of new arrivals, but they seemed stuck in the Day 1 ritual of getting "faced".
Don't know if you have had a meal at Idle Awhile. Dave, Sue, Bev and I went for a late bite. Although they had sold out of a few items there were still some great choices. The food was fantastic. We bemoaned the loss of Dane and Karen's presence - and then promptly forgot about them and got on with being here. If I remember correctly, the evening ended at the bar with Paul and few of the regulars. If that is not a correct recollection then I definitely was influenced by the local herb.
On Day 7 our numbers continue to decline. Dave and Sue headed back to Illinois. I'm getting concerned that we may not be able to repel an assault on the bar by the people staying next door at Nirvana (too much of a Walking Dead reference?).
After bidding adieu (that's French - we're Canadian) to Dave and Sue (and throw in a rhyme as well - heck I'm on a roll here) we wandered the 50 metres back to the beach. Breakfast was in order. I know that there are a number of great places for breakfast. For me the best place is the closest. Breakfast at the White Sands Beach Bar, Bistro and All Around Good Place to Be is as good a breakfast as any. Coffee, followed by an appropriate amount of grease for the drinkers, fruit for the health-nuts and any combination thereof for the rest of us. Service is ALWAYS on Jamaica time. It is my understanding that the eggs are the freshest anywhere because they induce the chickens only after you order.
Our afternoon was consumed by relaxation, conversation and the odd dip in the sea. I only do odd dips. The even ones just don't do it for me. If you pay close attention to the people walking the beachl, and I'm certain about this, you will not be looking at 100% tourists. I'm convinced that some of those folks are in the witness protection program. You know the ones - you see them too.
Decided upon a nap around 4:00pm or so. Next thing I know - welcome to today, Day 8.
Oh... just heard the chicken - breakfast will be ready soon. Have a great day all.
