Simply Portland...Utterly Devine

[*vi*]

Yes it is Goldilocks Please try to see it for yourself one day soon

[*vi*]

On the road again and I was hungry now and wanted a LOT of food. I searched my bag for a purse to see how much I had to spend. Wasn’t sure if I had the big meal money or change for snacks.

Discovered I had the journal with me which I rarely take out of the room. I like to write updates in the morning…in between ventures…then late at night if I don’t pass out first. Don’t like to take it out because once a half full journal ended up getting rained on. I was devastated. These are the special gifts I’ve been getting from Sammy since 2005. I treasure them even before I rip the padded envelope to shreds getting at it. Then it becomes like gold by the end of the reach. Filled with new memories that I can reflect on.

Well anyway, I had it with me and decided to open it and read what I’ve done so far as we traveled along. A couple of bills dropped out as I was flipping through the pages. I forgot I put them in the journal…bookmarks.

“What?!?! Is that a 20 dolla?”
“Yeah and a 2 dollar bill also.”
“Where you find them?”



I told him how they found me. Right before I was to come to Jamaica for the Independence celebrations in August of 2012, a co-worker said she had some Jamaican money she knows she’ll never use so they’re mine if I want. Sure!

When I saw the denominations I knew I would never spend them but I didn’t discover just how special the 2 dollar bill was until I got to Port Antonio that reach and overheard a couple of people talk about the image. The same image from the 2J was used on all currency printed for the 50th year independence.

[*vi*]

He told me that not all of Jamaica thought it was a good idea to change the image. This is because some relied on the “image” to tell the difference between the denomination rather then the numbers on the currency. Often the 100J and 1,000J were mixed up. You use a 100J when payment was more, the vendor or recipient made you aware of your mistake so you went digging for the 1000J. But if the mistake was reversed, sometimes you were SOL!

I still think it’s cool to have such a special piece of history that will come with me on every visit.

And (((Sammy))), thanks bunches for the beautiful journal for this reach.

[*vi*]

Back to travels…



“Long Bay Beach coming up. You want to stop?”
“Yes…but briefly because I’m ready to eat something.”
“What about de potato sticks?”
“They’ve been long gone.”
“oh…”

We pulled in and all I could do was say “Oh my goodness” when I saw the restaurant/bar once called “Chill Out”.

[Schuttzie]

How cool about the 2J bill. I had to go look at our stash of J money and the lowest paper bill I have is a 50J. I have the 2J coin and much more so the 2J bill with the great image is so neat!

[*vi*]

Schuttzie, I was happy to get the bills since I've never saw those denominations before, but felt like I won a prize when I found out about the image.

[*vi*]

“What happened?”
“Hurricane mash it up. No owner fe repair it.”

I quickly slipped the journal back into my bag and jumped out the car to get a closer look.





Sad yes, but hopeful that someone will soon come along to give this place life again.

I was glad to see that the beach itself was still in goos condition.

[sammyb]

Vi, The journals are really for my pleasure.....I get to read your thoughts via a trip report The money images are KOOL!

Long Bay coming up........Lawd help me!

Excuse me while I exit your report.......can't return until I have a ticket in hand, maybe then I can bear seeing Long Bay.......SIGH

[*vi*]

Well….lol…you KNOW, Sammy, I can’t report ALL that’s written in the journals…some of the recollections shock me and I was there!!!! The first three from Negril are locked in a safe!! Bet Zane would pay a little something to get those stories.

Now a questions about that ticket…WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?????? These pictures don’t do Long Bay or any other beach in Portland the justice these oasis deserve. You know as well as I do…being there is the only true sensation. So don't go anywhere...just Get That Ticket!!!

[*vi*]

I love all the beaches in Portland. I honestly don’t have a favorite. Each beach has its own style and character so I get different pleasures from each one. One who frequents the beaches can identify the location just by seeing a shot of a corner or small area. They are just that individual.

Long Bay Beach is spacious and always invitingly quiet. I feel it’s the perfect beach for picnicking or chilling with a good book. I admit I daydream about having my wedding here IF the man of my dreams should ever materialize.

The area residents keep it clean by coming in groups to rake fallen leaves and sticks.



You won’t see a lot of children at this beach because the undertow is strong so most parents won’t allow their little ones to swim here. I’ve waded in the water and can testify regarding the strong tide even during calm flow. But the boldness of these waters makes it so invigorating.

Oh, the ocean floor is sandy, no rocks or shell chips to worry your feet. But I would wear watershoes for support and balance.

Today there was a bit of agitation within the waves so not even going to go calf deep. Just let the toes and ankles get wet then leave out with sand covered feet.