Hey Johng,Originally Posted by johng
By the early 80's Negril still hadn't grown too much, still not too many hotels and very few all inclusive hotels other than Negril Beach Village / Hedonism. There were still many Mom & Pops and you could still pitch a tent if so inclined. I didn't visit Negril between 1987 and 1997 and was surprised when I did return to see the rapid growth and development. Significant beach erosion, beach water wasn't nearly as clean and traffic was like I-95. Back in the early 80's you had a Supermarket at the Villas and a couple of grocery stores (Wharf Club Store) and that was it. Plenty of small shops to have a beer and food. Back then it was a rather inexpensive vacation where the exchange rate was still pretty even between USD & JD. Unfortunately times change but Negril will always be a special place. When did the A-Frame at Miss Gloria's finally come down??? That was a landmark!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwzvTJBC-c0
You are right about the beach being pretty sparse..... Hedonism,The Tree House, Alfreds, BarBBarn, Miss G's and of course the Negril Beach Club and the T Water where we were married in 87. Did not get back to Negril until '95 and not again until 2012 and then this year with our three kids 24,20 and 16. What a blast to see it through there eyes. We sat back and laughed a lot throughout the week as they got hustled, bartered and made there way through the week. We had a very good friend stay with us as their unofficial Jamaican godfather, a true rasta we have remained close with for 30 some odd years, so they had a slight advantage over us back in the day with him at their side. He is actually in the pic from '84 at the hammock park and we call him our brother from another mother!! As for the A Frame coming down, will have to leave that one to another boardie to answer....no idea! Our friends stayed in it, Kimbo and Marlene, and she said the thatched roof came alive at night with roaches tho!!! Yikes
