Simply Portland...Utterly Devine

[*vi*]

I visited Boston Beach again during this reach. It was earlier in the day and much livelier. I’ll post pictures from that day also later in the report. That was a great day. But for now…it’s all about being mellow and easing into Portland; reconnecting with places I’ve painfully missed while away.



Beach is now just about empty. I got the hint it was time for me to leave when the batteries in the speaker gave out. I didn’t like the silence…sure it was evening, but way too early for complete stillness.

[Sam I Am]

I have to say that may be the most beautifully cut pineapple I have ever seen .... mouth-watering!

[*vi*]

LOL SamIA, it was just as sweet as it looked. Nothing like having a fresh pineapple peeled and sliced right before your eyes and nose.

[*vi*]

“What happened to the music, Vi?”
“Batteries dead and I don’t have any with me.”

I take the player and speaker off the dash and slip them into my bag.

“I never knew you to come out and not carry extra battrees.”
“It’s alright. I won’t forget to pack more from now on.”

He begins to fumble with the white envelopes over the visor.

“ummm don’t even THINK about putting on that Kenny Rogers cd.”

He laughs…”How was the sausage?”
“Excellent. I’m surprised it was so juicy considering how late we are getting it.”
“You going to eat the breadfruit?”
“Breadfruit?? Where??”

He unwraps the tan paper from around the small helping of breadfruit. I break off a small piece. It’s still warm, still moist. I close my eyes and slip it into my mouth. Mmmmm so good. Use the last two swallows of my red stripe to wash it down.

Ah yes, I’m back.

“I going to do a likkel work. I will come for you at 10:00.”
“10:00 for what??”
“Tonight is Thursday. You forget??? de roadblock party.”

“THURSDAY NIGHT ROADBLOCK!!!!”

[rachel]

Always enjoy your reports - love the picture of the guy stringing the beads with the waves in the background and, I agree, that is the most beautifully cut pineapple I've ever seen too. Portland is one of the most beautiful areas in Jamaica, in my opinion anyway.

[goldilocks]

You mean a street dance? or are they really gonna do a roadblock?

[*vi*]

Thanks for stopping in rachel. Glad you are enjoying the report. I see you understand why I love Portland so. Well I have a lot more to share so don't go far.

Goldilock...check below

[*vi*]

“THURSDAY NIGHT ROAD BLOCK!!!!”



I know...terrible shot, but it was post happyhour and into party mode!

Road Block is the name of the bar. Every Thursday night they take the party outside and onto West Street in downtown Port Antonio. Starting at 9:00 reggae music takes over the entire block (and beyond with thundering sound) while folks come out to dance & party until 2:00 AM. And of course like any party in Jamaica it starts of with a slow whine then gradually shifts into a frenzy of stepping, jiggling, humping, bumping and griiiiiiiiiinding!.

The sound system was fabulously LOUD and the music selection had me sweating up a storm from dancing. Couldn’t believe they played “Housecall” by Maxi Priest & Shabba Ranks. Wasn’t expecting that blast from my wild past at all.

“Let my caresses take you places where you’ve never gone before….” I learned how to whine proper to this song, actually Maxi's sensuous voice. ooooweeee what that man's voice does to moi!

I also appreciated how the DJ didn’t do a lot of talking or “PULLLUP!!!” start a song, stop it then start it again.

Didn’t get many pictures because my hands were busy…one had to hold my drink while the other held MY OTHER DRINK!!!

Now the roadway isn’t blocked, traffic still comes through, but it’s sparse and the drivers coast slowly. My dance stage was the sidewalk where I could see everything and not be bothered moving for the cars. Didn’t get around to checking out the inside, but I will next visit. I had a good workout that night. Got me ready for tomorrow’s relax time on the beach.

There were a couple of food vendors out selling jerk chicken, but no soup. I left around 12:45 to search for soup just as the party was heating up the night with dancehall. Wanted to stay but I NEEDED a hot cup of soup. It’s the only thing that keeps the hangover madness away.

[Summer]

Loving this report, the pics. and especially the humanitarian side of it. I am a foodie so loving the pineapple and the mangoes. I never knew mangoes could taste so good until I had some in Jamaica. Vi you really capture the beauty of Portland in your pics. I am thinking about framing one (with your permission of course)my school bredrin does a beautiful job with matting and 3D he is into framing his little gig for making money for school. Thanks again tagging along as time allows.

Ciao

[goldilocks]

OK, that's my kind of party! Love me some Shabba with his nasty naughty self. I met Maxi Priest at a Payless shoe store on Cape Cod, got his autograph and the entire entourage's and then went to the show that night at the Cape Cod Melody Tent - ended up on stage and in the hospitality suite after, just partying. That was a good night!