Volunteering at St. Anthony's is one of the highlights of our vacations now! The people! I can't say enough! It helps to put things into perspective, and you will realize how lucky you are to be on such a luxurious vacation in a tropical paradise, no matter how strict your budget! Just don't let Fr. Jim take you scuba diving. I hear he is a bit like Dorry in Finding Nemo! (Sorry Fr. Jim - mea culpa! Forgive me! You know I love you!!!). Check out this board for suggestions of stuff to bring - you spend $10 at your local buck store for items that make a Million Dollar world of difference for the people who give their time St. Anthony's year round - pot scrubbers .... there's a host of things.

That said, I have never had a bad meal, nor a bad time anywhere in Negril! Canoe is fabulous (best rum punch ever BTW, and I am a connesieur), Best in the West, Catcha Falling Star (after 5 only, and tad pricey, but worth every penny for the view, the location, the ambience!). 3 Dives, Sunset After Dark, Da Bar, Ciao Jamaica (Italian), Angela's (Italian), Rockhouse, Pushcart, Connies C&D, Mi Yard (24 hrs) - the list is endless. Everyone has their faves. Plural. Many of my Negrilaholic friends swear by Swordfish (on my list), Chicken Lavish,

Entertainment - check out the signs. Bourbon Beach. Alfred's Ocean Paradise, Roots Bamboo - awesome shows! BUT! Know that Jamaican shows are different. You don't arrive at 7, have 2 warm up acts and then the main event and it's all done by 10! Noooooo .... the main event is rarely before 11! At least when we went. Seastar Inn has a great Reggae show with African drummers and an excellent buffet every Sat. nite. Look at the signs in the shops and such for what's happening, or check out the main page of Negril.com for what's coming up.

For stuff to do ... Blue Hole at Roaring River is awesome! What a place! I will need other boardies to help me out here, but there is a nature reserve where you can see the Royal West Indian Palm (only place it grows?) (on my list for next trip), Pelican Bar (a full day trip I hear, but on my list too).

Cliff or beach, you're gonna have a great time. Check the roll call for when you are going and meet up with some boardies. Stalk Rob and Lisa for webcasts (ALWAYS a good time!).

I am impressed! Renting a car! Wow. Did that once and my kids prayed before I took the wheel. They must've prayed for a soccer field, because that's where we ended up. Back in the day. We were aiming .. sorry, one should never "aim" a car - we were headed for Ocho Rios and it sure looked like a road to somehwere. The ref red-carded me!

Enjoy your trip. When you going, BTW? We are headed back 22 Jun to 06 Jul. Would love to meet up for rum punch (well, for me anyway .. you have what you want ...)! We are in our 'old 50's, and adore Negril and do more there than at home!

Cool runnings!

P.S. to Fr. Jim - I am a proud supporter of St. Anthony's, but it's long to type! Can I say St. Anthony's at the start of reply, and then say St. Tony's? My fingers would love it!