Let me start by saying I'm not much of a trip report writer. I love love love reading others, but not sure that I have to offer what the rest of you do. But I'll give it my best. If you want more, let me know...if not, that's ok too. To those of you who report and write while in Jamaica ~ you amaze me. I so appreciate it! It's hard to find the time most days.

Ok, so I started this report earlier, but a quick recap. It was pouring in Michigan when we left and cold cold cold! Flew from Michigan to Atlanta and then on to Mo Bay. Flights were on time and even a bit early. Good stuff. We made it through customs and immigration in record time. Seriously, 15 minutes through Sangster. A record for us for sure! Welcome to Jamaica...yeah, I'm home! Our daughter and her soon to be hubby arrived before us and were waiting outside customs for us. Is there anything like that first wall of heat that blasts you as you walk through the doors to the taxi area? The heat, the smells, and the sounds of patios....it is a healing balm for my soul. I stop to take the moment in and just breathe. For the first time in a few months, I am relaxed. Kenny Salmon was our driver (huge shout out to him!! kennyjamaica@ gmail.com) although because there were so many of us coming in at different times, we rode with Everton whom he sent for us. As soon as we pulled away from the curb, Kenny was on the phone with me to check in.

This trip, as most of you know, was for our daughter's wedding. It was a trip of 25 people, 19 of which had never been to Jamaica. One of those 19 is our 13 year old son. He has always wanted to go with, but as of yet, it just hadn't worked that way. As much as I was anticipating our trip, so was he. He said several times before we left how excited he was, even though I knew he didn't really know what exactly to be excited about. Going through the week, watching him explore, learn, and fall in love with Jamaica was the absolute best. He loves it like we do. More on his experiences to come.

We head out and stop at Jerkies to grab some jerk and some cold beers/Tings for the trip to Negril. Again...just yum. The drive to Negril is one of my favorite parts. It gives me time to clear my mind and just absorb the beauty of the island. I found myself quiet during the drive, even though there were 9 of us in the van. The road to Negril gives me time to wind down...I never mind the drive. There was lots of rain on the way and before I knew it we pulling up to the Riu Palace.

We started our trips to Negril at Point Village and loved it there. Our last trip was to Rooms and our first trip not AI. I have loved all of my trips, each a bit different and for different reasons. I didn't choose Riu Palace, the kids did as that's where they wanted to be married. I know lots of you aren't huge fans of the AIs, especially the RIUs, but let me tell you, it was the perfect place to indoctrinate all of these newbies. It's really a great hotel, however, I'm not sure I would stay there again at least for the whole trip. The staff were fabulous, the food was good, the drinks were delicious, and the vendors and musicians on the beach were my favorite. The reason I might not return? We just felt we aren't AI people any more....I like the freedom we had at Rooms, but for what we needed this trip ~ RPTB was perfect.

The first couple of days were mostly beach days. Lazy days of laying on the beach, greeting the people arriving each day, and a couple of meetings. Thursday we went up and met with Patty at Canoe to make sure we were all set for Saturday night. Had a few beers/dirty bananas and then just hung out for a bit. Only my hubby and I went. It was nice to have a bit of time by ourselves as more and more people were arriving each day! I can't say enough great things about Patty and Canoe in general. Just love her. I love the location. I love the shabby chic of it all. God, I wish I were there right now.

Back to the hotel, more people arriving and then to the beach. Today was a beautiful day ~ great sun with a few clouds to make it from being too hot. Perfection. More to come later.