Remaining Days in Negril

Day 8 continued...

Of course I was late getting up to see Jacob and Bahar. Started to downpour just as I was ready to leave. No matter, I go slow. Hopped in a cab w/ a rasta w/ a dirty mouth and I was very happy to hop out and see my long lost friends! Reunion @ Donalds w/ spiced rum and of course the cake that I had picked up. Electricity went out and as the sun set everything got dark so we lit candles and had a mellow chat, smoke. Hopped in a cab and went down to 3 Dives. By then the low voltage was back on. But that is very low. Both the lights and us were very, very low. 3 Dives is really really good. Had jerk chicken w/ their good spicy sauce, callaloo, salad, maybe rice? Lots of vodkaTings. An older rasta played acoustic Bob Marley in the candlelit background. Very quiet there on the ocean, romantic. After eating we went back to Donald's for domino. Mandy and Owen pulled up. Us 4 played partner domino. I am still unclear who won what that night but I think my team and Mandy's team broke even. No rematch happened. Next trip. Bahar and Jacob were tired, their luggage still in transit (sign of things to come for me). They crashed. Mandy and Owen left. Donald and I crashed. Sweet dreams.

Now I Realize Something About My Days Are Off????

On Sunday I woke up, gathered my belongings and hopped in a cab from Donald's back down to the beach to spend a day in the country w/ Mandy to visit Busha, Lucy's brother. Cowie drove Owen, Mandy, and I out. Mandy help me here where exactly in the bush were we? Well somewhere about 20 minutes outside of Negril in the mountains with barely paved roads. Uncle Busha/Jah B was shall we say, elated, to see Mandy and meet me. Met a bunch of rastas @ Busha's. And a nice young man named Oden who they call Boy George which is just not right! I refused to call him anything except Oden. He apparantly is related to an infamous guy who likes goats and dogs. It rained hard so we couldn't go on the walk we wanted to. So we drank rum, smoked talked, ate yummy fried fish, rice and pea. Stopped raining, sweat my ass off. It gets seriously steamy up there. Rained some more. I'd never been to this place before so I had to go check it out. A very, very different way of life up there. I am still thinking about how to express my impressions of it. We had to cut our visit short and get home to get ready for J & B's anniversary dinner. Everyone met @ our place for a pre-dinner smoke and Appleton Estate. We walked down the beach to Kuyaba and had an excellent meal. I had the shrimp rundown which is grilled shrimp served in a hollowed out papaya w/ veggies, coconut rice, and papaya sauce. Mandy describes as "orgasmic". I agree. The conch appetizer was great w/ the soy scotchbonnet sauce. Was a lovely dinner and a nice way to celebrate a year of J&B.


Day 9

Woke up @ a respectable 10am and got ready to do some personal and gift shopping. I have only ever brought back hot sauce for myself. Mandy and I set out for the craft market, to which I have never been despite it being rightthere all these times. It was close to the hotel, towards downtown before the roundabout. Took the beach and public beach/park route. The market was a lil hectic. It is slow season there so the shopkeepers are very persistent that you take a look. There are over 50 vendors there selling clothes, towels, wood carvings, usual tourist bs, crocheted stuff. We tried to spread ourselves out as to give business to as many different people as we could. I got a tanktop w/ the flag, a flag towel, anklet, magnet for my generic magnet collection, shell earrings. Was fun to shop and barter but we got hot after an hour and made our way back. Mandy and I headed up to Xtabi to meet B & J for an afternoon of cliff swimming. Drank a few blended yummy drinks and went down to the rock to sun, swim, float. Mandy took some good pics. It was HOT on that rock. I didn't snorkel due to the rougher seas. And I had no fins. But I floated. I realized you could look thru the tube and see the sea underwater clearly and that freaked me out a little. Do I really want to see what is down there? Yes and no. It was my last day to take in the sun. Felt good. Xtabi is a great spot w/ the caves, rock. Neille the bartender asked about you! Mandy left to go to her yard for goodbyes and I went back up w/ B & J to Donalds to have dinner. OOOHHH! What a dinner that was! Jerk fried chicken w/ lime juice, fried fish w/ veggies, a big ol salad. SO good. That chicken was good as hell. So my favorite chicken was ate on the island, 3 Dives, and that cooked by Donald. Running thru my head was "chicken and beer, chicken and beer". Had rum drinks w/ Donald's limeaid, Red Stripe. Fried plantains w/ cinnamon and rum raisin ice cream for dessert. What a feast! We smoked and played domino. I think Donald and I lost. Which meant J & B won? Ha! I felt very low and had to say goodbye to everyone before I got too tired. Bahar and I are so used to the seeyoulaters that it is not heartbreaking to come and go out of each others lives because we always connect later. Harder goodbye w/ Donald. Sigh. Got back to Coral Seas to spend the last hours w/ Mandy and Nigel, Jah Clarity, and Owen. We finished a bottle of rum while listening to Jah Clarity's music and had our own lil verandah private concert thanks to Mandy's speakers, MP3, and my discman. To my dismay, as I was ready to wind down, realized the water was off. The AC that would not turn off for the past 2 days now couldn't be turned on. So I began packing and resolved myself to doing that til the water was back on. Had to have Mandy kill the swarms of red ants and red ants w/ wings that had gathered on the walls surrounding my bed (of course!). Water came on eventually and after a cool shower, smoked, read, fell right asleep.

Day 10

Lucy and Joann came over this morning to say goodbye. We packed, laughed, rushed around. Passed along to them a few items we weren't taking home. Said final goodbyes. Got a final harrassment from Coral Seas security (FYI security is not secure if the guard tries to hump you goodbye). Jackie picked us up and we were on our way. The drive between Mobay and Negril is great. You can see a lot of life along that road. We polished off the rest of the cake on the drive and I was mesmerized by the green scenery that seemed so overgrown it resembled preserved leafy dinosaurs and other creatures. I slept a lil bit and had pure Jamaican dreams. To my pleasure we got to the airport in just enough time. Busy as hell @ Sangster on a Tuesday afternoon in June! Luggage search line, ticket line, security line, immigration line. We had only enought time for duty free liquor and cig shopping and a final beef and veg pattie before hopping on the plane. Which was delayed for an hour. Barely any cool air on that plane. I slept. Didn't care. Wasn't itching, had water, going home. Connecting flight in Nashville was a lil tight since we were late. They had to delay 4 flights due to that mechanical issue in Mobay. Landed in MSP Int'l a few late. One of my suitcases is still vacationing in Nashville courtesy of US Customs. I hope the officials enjoyed my dirty laundry. Erika and Michael picked us up and we stopped @ Chatterbox for pizza and beer. Now my mind is chanting "pizza and beer, pizza and beer". Denise stopped by for a few. Now I am home. To a letter notifying me that if I want to stay @ the Buckingham my rent will increase $10/month. I'm staying.

Random Thoughts

When we were snorkeling on the island I ate my yummy chicken on the root of a big ol tree happily. Someone mentioned that ants fell from the tree, small ones, and they bite. I thought ' f that! I've been sitting here eating for 15 minutes!' I stand up and gaze about to think about what to do next w/ my plate and my body. I feel a sting in my mouth. An ant had fallen off the tree, onto my face, climbed its way into my mouth, and stung my tongue. How do I know this? I spit the lil f'er out into my hand still alive. They get me from the inside and out!

Something about my day-to-day report is off... I have an extra day in there somewhere. I guess catching everything is the most important - not the order you do it in. Hopefully I will figure it out and reorganize or maybe I won't!

Jamaica is really a precious place. The people there are so wonderful. Everything is in place for you to have the best time possible there regardless if you prefer to travel luxuriously, backpacker style, or anywhere in between. I am comfortable there. I know Negril pretty well by now. It feels nice to have that place - a place I can go to really just relax and spend quality time with others, myself, nature. I am humbled there and know that I am lucky to have spent the time there that I have with so many good people. Staying positive....

Seriously Irie in Negril!

I had to get to the internet today. Mandy and her family are at the beach enjoying the day eating and floating and I MUST wander to find. I am at Sip and Talk past Merrils on the beach. Good place. Cool. Mandy and I took about 20 minutes yesterday to reconstruct our days so here is what I have been up to. ALOT.

Day 1

Jackie picked us up from the airport he was right there waiting. I didn't get my bags searched. Damn should have brought another carton of Camel Ultra Lights! The 1st song I hear in Negril is one that Jackie put on: Sexual Healing. Ha! Nice start. We stopped at a little bar to twist one up and have a few beers. Got to Coral Seas Beach. Room is simple but it has most everything we need. No coffee maker though. TOO HOT here to drink coffee anyways. I've had it once. AC works just fine. Mandy does not need AC and I am certainly jealous of that. Cools the bites. Tonight I will not have AC cuz I am sleeping @ Donalds because Bahar and Jacob arrive today I am excited! I've arranged to have a special cake made to celebrate their anniversary. So back to Day 1. We got into the ocean as soon as we could. Warm clear blue green water. Perfect. Stopped to have a few beers @ Irie on the Beach. Later we hopped in a cab up to the West End to see Donald as the sun was setting (around 7:30 - early - darkness has constantly creeps up on us). Checked out Donalds improved kitchen. SO nice. We went to a local spot in the Cliffs for dinner. Saw Merten out on his bike and said hello. Donald came back to our place and played domino for hours. Donald can talk some serious shit! Makes me laugh constantly.

Day 2

Woke up went to the beach with a floatie and floated. Finally we went to Mandy's yard. Her house here is pimp. All red, gold, green. Big inside too with veranda outside. We continue down the road a bit and I met the whole family. I do believe I now have a 2nd family here too. At least 20 new friends. We sat outside and talked and ate some corn (love!). Everyone was incredibly happy to see her and it was really a beautiful thing to both watch and be a part of. Smiles all around. We stayed a little late and picked up some fried chicken at a little spot downtown by Juicy J's.

Day 3

Woke up and went to Alfreds for Jamaican breakfast: salt fish and ackee (like an egg but not) and callaloo (love!) and dumpling. Cheap and tasty! Of course we swam in the sea for a few hours. We wandered up to Donalds to try and get his spare cell phone - needed for Mandy to make plans. So much for forgetting about the cell ringing. But Donald not home. We wandered back down his road puddle jumping - it has rained a little almost every afternoon but the sun blazes all morning. Rain feels good and cool. Went to LTU for dinner. Mandy had not been there before and I must agree with her that the food was just OK (although better than the last time I was there). We had coconut shrimp, VodkaTings many many VodkaTings, I had the Chicken Lola which is breaded chicken filled with cheese and callaloo. Caught a cab back down to the beach for a show @ Burbon Beach. The first singer sounded like Tina Turner. Loved her. The rest of the music was OK. But there were a lot of white girls dancing on the stage kinda cheesy. I also got hit on nonstop there and it gets exhausting saying 'no thanks I have a man HERE' - to which they say 'then where is he?'. Donald was not with us. We missed each other as he was playing domino down the road. But we did meet Jah Clarity there who was in Negril to shoot a video. He was very nice and sweet. Invited him back to our spot for some domino.

Day 4

Ladies beach day. The ladies from the yard took us to 23/7 a very chill bar on the beach. More sun, floating, lounging. Mandy took us all out for lunch at Alfreds a few spots down the beach. I had a big ol American breakfast: eggs, bread, sausage (nasty), hash browns, banana pancakes, papaya, pineapple, and mango. And the 1 coffee which made me so hot I had to immediately go into the sea to cool off. Later on Alex (Mandy's friend) came over to hang out. He is very chill. And sweet. Brought me a bracelet gift today. Donald came down too. Turns out they know each other because they are both from Kendall in Hanover. Donald recognizes him from since he was a boy. Donald also knows Jackie. Not a big island! Small world. We went to Juicy (behind the plaza downtown) for dinner and I had BBQ chicken. Donald and Alex came home with us and we played partner domino for a while. Went for a nekked swim in the sea in the dark. Usually I am skerd of swimming @ night but I was feeling nice. I paid for it though with 5 sand flea bites that itch like hell.

Day 5

Teddy and Duane stopped by and we spent some time on the beach until it started to downpour seriously. So we drank coconut rum and pineapple juice and played domino for hours. Took a long nap and by the time we finally woke up all places to eat on the beach were closed. So we had a few beers @ the 100J Red Stripe spot next to CocoLaPalm. I have seen the sun come up more than once drinking @ this spot on prior trips. They are open all night long. We found a guy selling some jerk chicken and got that to eat on the beach. 1/2 was totally funky and nasty. The other half was good. With bread. Nigel found us and he was quite entertaining as he had been drinking all day. He is on a 2 week break/vacation from his job so he is maximizing his fun. Nigel is good shit. He likes experiences, let's just say that. However I am not the one to give that experience because I am TOTALLY happy with Donald. I will be sad to leave him I know that already. No other men for me here (although I do look don't get me wrong). We stopped by Irie on the Beach again and drank more. There was a wedding party there and girls were dancing on the bar all crazay. The music drew us in though - the party people had hooked up their Ipod to the bar's stereo and were bumping Matisyahu, Gorrilaz, BEP's, Jack Johnson. A crab with a body the size of my fist ran by our door and Nigel caught it and messed with its mind. Dropped it. Shell didn't crack we think. But the next day we saw a big ol crab in pieces in the road and I could not help but feel a little bad - like that was THAT crab.

Day 6

We arranged for a glass bottom boat (Teddy's) snorkel trip out to the island and got all this chicken, fish, pear (a unique type of avocado that is HUGE and a lil sweet and yummy). And of course Appleton and juice. We invited 2 sisters that we had met the previous day: Dorrie and Paulette. They have been coming here for 25 years so they know whats up. Proven by the special cake they brought which was so nice to my body. Put me in utter relaxation all day. Unfortunately Teddy did not get gas. We ran out of gas at least 12 times. He went to go buy more twice but never got enough. Had to beg gas off other boats. We will not be seeing Teddy again. It was very inexpensive for me because I refused to pay him full price for his f'd up services. On the island we chilled on the sandbar and drank and laughed and got sunburned. I busted out my virgin snorkel set and went out. There were sea urchins everywhere so you had to really watch where you put your feet. I saw tons of colorful fish. Very peaceful. Good workout too. I went out farther. I realize there are jellyfish everywhere. Everywhere. Freaked me out but I calmly (thanks cake!) made my way back to shore. Would have like to have snorkeled more but we were running out of time. Nigel and Duane cooked us up possibly the best chicken I've ever ate. SO good. Belly full and could not eat the fish. As we finished eating it started to rain. Hard. It was nice cuz it was hot out there. But yeah the boat continues to run out of gas. Stranded in the ocean (although some could swim that far, I could w/ fins). After about 30 minutes the rain lightens up and we tell him to get to shore NOW. Got real old running out of gas. Chilled at home for a little bit. Donald suggested Tasty Delight for dinner downtown in the back of the plaza. Had curried goat for the 1st time. It was good. Lil chewy. Also fresh carrot juice, rice, beans, salad. The whole meal for all 4 of us was I think 1100J. What a deal. Then onto Jungle for ladies night. While I did get real drunk I was not lively due to the cake. Was just chill. Mandy danced some. Good music. But not enough dancehall. Mandy and I stayed up til sunrise talking just her and I.

Day 7

I slept til 3pm. Motivated to go to the bank. Took Lucy and Joann to Burger King. I was seriously craving a whopper with cheese. It is the 1st whole hamburger I've had in 6 months. It was so good I ate the whole thing. I've never been to Burger King here on any past trips so I don't feel so guilty. Brought some other food and drink to the yard and hung out w/ the ladies. Mandy walked me to Mr. Harrison the bush doctor (they say the best on the whole island) to get something for my bites. The ones on my arms swell to the size of a silver dollar and itch horribly. Although not as bad as past trips. I wear no perfume, try to stay off the sand after 4:30, citronella candles, ALWAYS use repellent. But still have now about 20 bites that vary in degrees of itching. But Mr. Harrison hooked me up with a tonic to sooth them. It is working well. I also got his repellant. Smells a lil stinky but also seems to work. Only 150J. I gave him 200 though. He bent down on his knee and kissed my hand when he met me. Sweet man. Mandy says he does theater in his yard. I can see him being an actor that is for sure! We went down a lil farther to Grandma's shop to chat and give her business. She is such a lovely woman! She is 79 I think I remember her saying. Wise. We got cooking supplies to bring back to our room (has a stove and a few dishes but if we need we ask the staff). Jackie drove us home and we got ready. The plan was for Joann and Lucy to take us to XXX. At XXX they usually have a midget/small man put on a show with 3 ladies and get seriously freaky. The real deal. They say he has one as long as your arm no joke. I had to see it. HAD TO. The strip clubs here are hardcore and anything goes. Not my taste but man, I had to see it. Donald came over and we met the ladies @ Alfreds where there was live music. It was good, better than Bourbon Beach the other day. We had many many drinks and then hopped in a car to XXX. The small man was not there. But we went in anyways. It wasn't all that. True, more hardcore than anything in Mpls. but there wasn't anything real kinky. Then again no one was really tipping the girls. I was afraid to because I was scared of what they might do! Had more drinks and ran into SeaStarChris there. Hopped in a cab and went back to my place to pick up a few things and spent the night @ Donalds. Slept in the room w/ AC that is to be Bahar and Jacobs tonight. Ah!

Day 8

I sleep til noon. Donald and I go to the store. He gets me in a cab back to Coral Seas. The family is at the beach. I gots to get the hell outta this spot because I need some sun and to get ready to see Bahar and Jacob! I want to be @ Donalds when they arrive w/ Sparrow. Can't wait.

OVERALL:

I am in love with this place. Everything and anything you want to do you can do. Everything. It is so beautiful and lush. The sea has me in a trance. I have met so many amazing people this trip and have caught up with old friends. Anyone who has not been here is missing out. Seriously. And this 1.5 hours on the internet has cost 360J. Expensive but worth it!

PACKING FOR NEGRIL

I pack too much. Every trip I do this. Yes I take out 1/2... The items I don't use are always the extra contacts (they only rip at home ; ), medicines, condoms, toilet seat covers, Shout wipes. However one would hate to get themselves into a situation where those things were needed and you didn't have them. I now bring 2 suitcases (checked. they are old and crappy so i don't fear checking baggage) and my big ol REI backpack (carry-on, also used for day trips). If the airlines allow it, I am bringing all I can. For so long I just brought 1 suitcase and stressed overpacking it. Mentally 2 suitcases is just easier. I am bringing some items/gifts for friends and to give away: clothes, toiletries. People in Jamaica appreciate donations - especially school stuff for the kids. Wages there are insanely low. Third World Country - although I cringe using that term. After all, we are all in the same world and it is a matter of opinion who really is 1st, 2nd, and last. I can get a list of places/names of organizations if anyone is interested in learning more about how you can help those in need in JA. The January 2008 trip will involve donations/fundraising on a bigger level than what I am prepared for this trip.

Stuff I'm bringing unique to this location:

small spray bottle to fill w/ ice water for the beach
Lonely Planet Jamaica 2006 - a must for any traveller believe me
Wicked - easy beach reading
big citronella candle, coils for patio, hopefully not needed in room (yes only with ventilation)
2 types of repellent WITH DEET! Skeeters and sand fleas love me
SPF 30 and aloe - sun is intense and you will burn w/o protection
snorkel set - nothing fancy $20 @ Target
floaties - rings and air mattress with cup holder for the ocean ahhhhh
cards (Mandy's bringing the dominos) - travel games are good to pass the time in case of rain
casual gear: NOTHING fancy about Negril - flipflops, Tevas, non-valuable jewelry

Other good things that I SHOULD have but don't:

clothesline/rope to dry clothes - dental floss always works too
clothes soap bar for sink washing yer undies, bathing suits

www.travelindependent.info is an awesome website to help you pack for almost anywhere in the world and gives the lowdown about specific countries: what not to miss, what you should miss, drinking/drug laws and accessibility, local culture - see for yourself. Found this link through Mike's awesome website: www.unrealtravels.com

Since I remembered - another great website to find accomodations of all types in JA is www.negrilonestop.com

Travel Plans:

Leaving for Negril, Jamaica in 5 more sleeps! I have a few $, bug worries but for the most part am ready to get the freakin hell outta Mpls. I really need to slow down, relax, sleep. I can't wait to parasail, get massages, reggae EVERYWHERE, play dominos, meet new people from all over the world (menmenmen especially I won't lie), read Wicked. And of course see Jacob and Bahar and celebrate their 1st Anniversary. I miss those 2 like crazay! This is I believe my 4th (maybe 5th have to check the passport) time to Negril and will not be my last - I am sure. Already planning a return trip in January 2008 w/ Luke and whoever else can make it as a goodbyesolong before the Peace Corps. Good websites about JA:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g147309-Jamaica-Vacations.html

www.negrilinfo.com

Other travel plans include: Lynn and I, 2 weeks in Greece next year for our 30th birthdays. I will hopefully stay in Europe 2 additional weeks and tour Spain and Portugal. After all I speak Mexican Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese so why not give peninsular Spanish and Portuguese a go? Yes that feels initimidating at this point since I am out of practice with both languages but with the help of the wonderful community ed classes @ Jefferson I will refresh my skills by then. Link to community ed classes in Mpls:

https://minneapolis.registryinsight.com/ittrium/servlet/visit?path=A1x3acx1x8e

Sticking closer to home summer plans include 2 separate weekends @ Apple River of Sommerset, WI for...... THE BLACK CROWES! And then Damien Marley and Ben Harper. Floating down that river twice in a summer will set a personal record - is that even a good thing? In September Harvest Fest @ Harmony Park. I can now see where the music and travel blog will overlap and I will try to keep them separate.

Christmas in Chicago w/ Momma.

I saved the 3 emails I sent to everyone when I was in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico January 2005 so I hope to post those on here at some point so I don't accidentally erase them.

So welcome to my travel blog! Cinday #2 keepin it reeeall!