Old Negril Photos

[johng]

Hi Mike,

I remember one time I was returning to JFK from Mobay and I had a handmade gift with me (unused) in my hand luggage and three customs guys at JFK questioned me as to what it was. I told them it was a flower vase, Ha Ha. Seemingly they had no idea what it was. If you go to Negril soon and have any buddies there ask them to make one for you. Cut a section of bamboo the diameter and length you want and cut a hole in the top and bottom front where the bowl (a smaller piece of bamboo section) connects. when you get back home take a candle and melt wax around where the bowl joins the body to ensure an airtight seal. There has got to be somebody around town who knows how to make one. Just be prepared to lose it at Customs as the agent probably needs one to smoke all the confiscated materials.

The photos remind me of all the fun times I had over the years.

[original spanky]

negril villas-- Johng. seems like you stayed yup at negril villas. i did also till they went down the tubes. would spend the first part in red ground and then the villas. do you remember Mr. Cook. he was the owner and some sort of politican. he ran a tight ship so he and i were always getting into it.

[johng]

Original Spanky,
Yes the Villas Negril was one of my favorite spots. Great pool, close to everything (Red Ground) decent rooms with AC and great view from the second floor balcony. I remember they used to have a Managers Happy Hour Open Bar, man!!!! I understand that the place changed hands a few times before being closed up. Too bad. Never knew the owner Mr. Cook. I never had a problem there. Used to bring a Coleman cooler down with me and a blender and juicer. Go to the Supermarket down below and buy a case of Red Stripe, a bottle of Appleton, some oranges, banana's, grapefruit, pineapple. Non stop Irie fixings. Those were the days!!!

[captaind]

Original Spanky,
Yes the Villas Negril was one of my favorite spots. Great pool, close to everything (Red Ground) decent rooms with AC and great view from the second floor balcony. I remember they used to have a Managers Happy Hour Open Bar, man!!!! I understand that the place changed hands a few times before being closed up. Too bad. Never knew the owner Mr. Cook. I never had a problem there. Used to bring a Coleman cooler down with me and a blender and juicer. Go to the Supermarket down below and buy a case of Red Stripe, a bottle of Appleton, some oranges, banana's, grapefruit, pineapple. Non stop Irie fixings. Those were the days!!!

Do you remember a band there on Sat nights in the early 80s called "The Mighty Studs"?

[johng]

Hi Captaind,

Can't say that I remember any bands playing at the Villas Negril while I was there. I stopped going to Jamaica in 1982 until 1998 due to work and family, was overseas so maybe it was during that time frame you're referring to. The Villas was always a great spot even when I was staying on the beach I was allowed pool privileges which I thought was pretty Irie. Buy a couple of drinks chat with the staff and guests and be able to hang out at the pool which was never crowded. A short walk to the Bread Basket for Coco Bread or patties. Man life was great. Brimsley was one of the bartenders at the Villas, another guy I can't remember his name but he was really cool too. Show respect get respect.

[Red Dragon]

I stayed at Villas Negril in 1981. It seems to me there was a band there every night. There was an American guy with dreadlocks who sang with them. He was very good. Brimsley was a great bartender. I remember a drink he made called 'Top me up again man' which would blow your socks off.

[johng]

Yes Dragon,

Brimsley was a great mixer not to forget a true and upright mon. We developed a drink called the Irie Dread together, one part fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, two parts fresh squeezed pineapple juice, three parts fresh squeezed orange juice, then depending on the leg strength of the consumer either 5 parts overproof or 5 parts Appleton Special (lightweight version). The importance of the mix was the layering of the juices in a tall glass with three ice cubes. The rum was poured first followed by the grapefruit, pineapple and then OJ. By the time you got to the bottom you already had the Irie and then the Dread. Mixed just right and with fresh juices it is my favorite of all time. Put it in a blender it becomes an Icy Dread, pretty good too!!!!

[johng]

Hey Spanky,
Just came across some pics at the Villa's. Hope it brings back positive vibrations.

[johng]

Captaind,
After looking at some old pics of the Villas and seeing the bandstand of course I remember bands playing at Poolside but I honestly don't remember The Mighty Studs. I'm sure they put on a good show.

[davevols]

Wow some great quality pics johng.

I didn't discover home till 2006, but love seeing the way it was.