Days 13 & 14
Just as our visit was winding down we met a wonderful couple on the beach on their 2nd day. It is their first trip to Jamaica. They are not shy to experience what is available, and yet there is a sort of naiveté that surrounded them. But their approach is to have an open mind, a good heart and a smile. That works. Here is what we learned from them…
Day 1
• Cliff jumping at Rick’s – injured shoulder
• Ate the WHOLE brownie (had no idea what-so-ever). A waitress from some restaurant brings them back to White Sands many, many hours later.
Day 2
• Still stoned from the brownie
• Bought the “pineapple” weed
• Overpaid for a fishing trip that consisted of a 90 minute tour around the bay – at 5:00am!
These folks are not new travellers. They have been to Central America and a few other places. Why did I describe them as “wonderful”? Because they saw the humour in their misadventures and were more than willing to share those misadventures with us. There was no anger or embarrassment – just some good laughs. Thank you!
Our days were spent on the beach (why do you want to be anywhere else?) enjoying the sights and sounds, and the two for one drink special of the day. I am thinking of donating my liver to the National Museum of Medical Oddities as I am certain that the fact that it still functions (my eyes are not yellow) defies sound medical logic.
On our last evening we went over to the office to settle up. While there, Francis introduced us to the newest addition to his macaw family – Dude. We too made the effort to teach him the phrase “Leafs Suck”. The financials taken care of we bid Francis, Valerie, Henry and Judy farewell. Back to the White Sands Beach Bar, Bistro and All Around Great Place To Be for a nightcap or 4 with Tony, Patrick, Henry, Marvin and Power.
I never pack the night before leaving. I guess it’s my way of hanging in until the last moment. Too soon we go.
It’s hard to accept but our time in paradise came to an end on Saturday, 20/Apr. By noon we were taxiing down the apron at MBJ for takeoff to Ottawa. The noise from the shifting of the rum bottles in the overhead compartments was the last sound of Jamaica as we took flight.
The Summary
Our stay gets better and better every time (this was the 4th – we are rookies compared to so many). From the moment that you step into the warm humid air in the jetway upon arrival, to the very last ray of sunshine during the short walk between the van/car and the departures entrance at MBJ– nothing compares to the experience that is Jamaica, and Negril in particular. An experience like no other is there for all if you have an open mind, a good heart and a smile. We come back home wanting to both get more of and give more to the people that we have come to know.
My intention is not to profess some sort “spiritual” connection with Negril. I am simply attempting to describe the one place on this earth that we have found in all of our life’s journeys, where who we are, is brought out of us by where we are.
We make few plans for our visits now. Our youngest daughter and her husband joined us for a week this trip. They have never been to Jamaica, and they flew down with us. They had plans – parasailing, Dolphin Cove, YS Falls, snorkelling, cliff jump at Rick’s… all the stuff that tourism is made of. By the time we had reached White Sands (noonish) after being picked up by Carleton (Irie Routes) at the airport our daughter had a snoot full (a mickey/pint of Coco Mania and Pineapple Juice) – welcome to Jamaica honey. You’re on her time. They did one 2 hour tour which included a stop at Rick’s so Peter could leap the leap.
The balance of their week was spent taking it in.
After a week of being absorbed by the “flow” they sadly departed for home. Bev and I were on our own.
During our 2nd week we did what you are supposed to do:
1.) Hang out on the beach,
2.) Drink copious amounts to stay hydrated,
3.) Eat,
4.) Drink copious amounts to aid digestion,
5.) Meet new and old friends,
6.) Drink copious amounts to appear interesting and interested to new and old friends,
7.) Watch the sunset at 6:30pm, and drink to stay hydrated
8.) Eat,
9.) Drink copious amounts to aid digestion,
10.) Hang out at bar, drinking until bar closes
11.) Wake up next day, go to step 1.)
A few pics… (we aren’t picture takers; can you tell?)
From the eating/patio area – with the palm tree (from last year)
From the eating area/patio… no longer a palm on the right (lost to a storm).
The hole
The lifeguard stand in the build cycle
Two of the regulars (who won’t arrest you!) taken with an iPhone at night
Sunset (every sunset is a picture)
A few of other views…
We have made our reservations for next April. It’s going to be a long wait – but a worthwhile wait. Our 2nd grandson is due to arrive mid-July and our first grandson will be 2 in October.
Oh Yez… life is good.
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Originally Posted by Sam I Am
