Awe and Splendor: a Trip Report

[nicole.edith]

Hope hubby is feeling better and you don't get the flu!

So far I've only been really tired (and luckily with the little one at preschool and me not starting school yet, I have been able to nap!), but my poor hubby is still plagued by this evil flu. I may as well buy stock in Airborne at this point...

[nicole.edith]

Great start, and thanks for taking the time to share your experiences!

I'm wondering if this trip report will include a little shock and awe vs the "awe and splendor" that we all experienced as newbies. It seems like no matter how much you plan, how much you think you know or how many times you have been, there is always that moment where you realize you're no yardie and you still have a lot to learn. I always love hearing what caught first-time visitors off guard, as well as all the things they loved about Jamaica.

A few things surprised us, indeed, as I've tried to note, but not much outright shock. I think my favorite thing, although not shocking, but surprising because it actually lived up to expectations, was the level of hospitality, warmness, and genuine pride in their country the locals felt and showed toward us. Oftentimes expectations and reality are in opposition, but not on this trip, which is what was so amazing. It lived up to and exceeded my expectations - a tall order.

[JitterBug]

thank you for posting . . .i love hearing about jamaica from newbies . . . puts it more into perspective at times . . .

[Melody]

Thank you for sharing so eloquently. What was your hubby's response to your awe and splendor afterglow? I can't help but wonder how long (or short) it will take you to find a way to return. I'm coming up to my 4th trip in less than 2 years...and I can't afford it...but Negril puts a spell on you and just lures you back. How many times did Jamaicans ask you when you're coming back?

[Lorax2]

Since you begged...

Nicole-Edith...Thank you. :-)
Love the report and the pictures
I know it takes a bit of effort to put things together, so thanks.
We have 7 months to go until we get to go back and and trip reports like yours help to pass the time...

[nicole.edith]

Thank you for sharing so eloquently. What was your hubby's response to your awe and splendor afterglow? I can't help but wonder how long (or short) it will take you to find a way to return. I'm coming up to my 4th trip in less than 2 years...and I can't afford it...but Negril puts a spell on you and just lures you back. How many times did Jamaicans ask you when you're coming back?

I'm really not sure - within two years, I hope. We have been trying, trying, trying to erase credit card debt, sell a house we don't live in (we rent it out) in a town we don't live in, and buy a house in the area we now live and work. This trip was paid for by my feverish selling of all of my son's cloth diapers and wool (I made over $700!) and I'm out of stuff to sell for another trip, so we'll have to save up, get new jobs that pay us better (ha.ha.) or hope for a lottery win, I guess.

My husband enjoyed hearing my stories and seeing the pics - he is a bit hesitant for us to visit again because he likes the idea of discovering a place together, but I think I'll talk him into it. My friend also wants to bring her husband and we have another couple who we'd like to bring as well - the more the merrier!

We were asked endlessly about when we were coming back! I am seriously considering finding a summer job next year to potentially finance another trip...but it's hard to do when you have a lovely little and husband to spend the summer with - and my summer is already truncated next year because of the building project (the reason we had a late start this year). We'll see...fingers crossed for the lottery, but then again, you gotta play to win.

[nutz4travel]

Thank you nicole.edith! Loving every minute, you write so nicely, it's a joy to read. Looking forward to more

[Melody]

I'm really not sure - within two years, I hope. We have been trying, trying, trying to erase credit card debt, sell a house we don't live in (we rent it out) in a town we don't live in, and buy a house in the area we now live and work. This trip was paid for by my feverish selling of all of my son's cloth diapers and wool (I made over $700!) and I'm out of stuff to sell for another trip, so we'll have to save up, get new jobs that pay us better (ha.ha.) or hope for a lottery win, I guess.

My husband enjoyed hearing my stories and seeing the pics - he is a bit hesitant for us to visit again because he likes the idea of discovering a place together, but I think I'll talk him into it. My friend also wants to bring her husband and we have another couple who we'd like to bring as well - the more the merrier!

We were asked endlessly about when we were coming back! I am seriously considering finding a summer job next year to potentially finance another trip...but it's hard to do when you have a lovely little and husband to spend the summer with - and my summer is already truncated next year because of the building project (the reason we had a late start this year). We'll see...fingers crossed for the lottery, but then again, you gotta play to win.

You'll FIND a way!

[NKY]

A few things surprised us, indeed, as I've tried to note, but not much outright shock. I think my favorite thing, although not shocking, but surprising because it actually lived up to expectations, was the level of hospitality, warmness, andgenuine pride in their country the locals felt and showed toward us. Oftentimes expectations and reality are in opposition, but not on this trip, which is what was so amazing. It lived up to and exceeded my expectations - a tall order.

Wasn't really hoping to hear about anything that was unpleasantly shocking, but more of a play on words....

I am happy to hear that you were surprised in the best way possible, and your expectations were exceeded!

As far as finding money for another trip, if you've caught the bug you will find a way. My wife and I have gone through about three rounds of "do we use it, no, lets sell it" to fund past trips.

[Caught]

One of my biggest regrets is thinking, for 30 or so years, that we couldn't afford Jamaica. Once we finally went, we've found a way every year since.