The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

[Adam Kita]

Well, I just needed to get away from the snow and cold on New Jersey so I made plans 1 week in advance of our trip. We decided that Jamaica would be just what the doctor ordered so I made plans for my eldest son and daughter to stay with friends while my wife, my little guy (4) and myself got ready for the trip. Since we had the little guy with us, we decided to stay at an AI (Sunset Beach Resort and Spa) for the amenities available. I must say that we probably spent more time off of the resort than on it but we’ll get to that later. We flew out of Newark Liberty International Airport on a 7:15 flight with Air Jamaica.The dates were March 4th through the 7th.



The flight was uneventful and the food was typical of any airline food. They gave you a choice between pancakes or cheese omelet with hash brown, a fruit cup side and a bun….a VERY dry bun.



Their VCR was broke so I had to find something else to occupy my time on the way to Montego Bay so….



What else better than enjoying a couple or more of Red Stripes? Well, after a few hours in the air, the coast of Jamaica came into sight and we knew we were almost in paradise.



Finally on the ground and into the airport. Whisked through customs and made it to the part of the airport that let’s you know that you are in Jamaica.



Next it was off to the shuttle but before that, I had to get my 1st bottle of Red Stripe (tastes better than the cans on the plane). The airport parking lot is the place to go.



We exit the airport and even though the entire sign doesn’t fit into the frame, I know where I am at!



After about a 20 minute drive, we arrived at Sunset Beach and my little guy decides to try out the oversized couches in the lobby. He approved of them.



Since they only allow 8 pictures in a post, I will continue the report on the next one. Soon come.

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

Since we got there a little after 11:00 AM, we had to wait for our room to be cleaned. I asked for a room on a high floor in tower B. They have 2 towers and some garden rooms at the resort. I like the view of the sunsets from tower B as opposed to the others. In the meantime, we met with our tour representative from Liberty Travel. Her name is Marvena and she is the sweetest person you want to know. We explained that we already had a tour guide (my sister LeeAnne aka Trelawnysmall) and she understood.



We made it up to our room and the first site we saw was a couple of sailboats on the water. Ah yes! This is much better than snow and freezing temperatures.



Looking down at a small section of the beach and the pool, you get a feeling of the beauty of the resort.



Here is a view of 2 of the 3 pools on the resort as well as the Jacuzzi just above the tip of the Palapa. There is a swim up bar at both of these pools as well as a walk down section.



Here is a shot of the mountains where they kiss the water. This is where the sunsets will be taking place. Absolutely beautiful.



Next it was off to meet LeeAnne. I was so excited because I love her sooooooo much. She made arrangements to get my wife’s hair braided by someone she knew, in Montego Bay, at a price that was far far less than you can get at any resort. I will say, we were in downtown MoBay and there is just a certain majesty to this place. Even rundown houses have a certain charm to them. Here are a few pictures that I thought were just wonderful.





Here’s a couple of young guys mugging for the camera. I made sure to ask if I can take anyone’s picture before I did. There were a couple of people who declined during my stay but that was cool. I respect that.



Soon come.

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

Diane was the wonderful woman who was going to do Brenda’s hair. I must say that she did a magnificent job of it. The braids were tight and plentiful.





In between the whole hair thing, I met up with a few of the most BEAUTIFUL children in the world. And that is the truth!!!



Needless to say, my little guy loved his new friends!I have to give props to this organization. It’s called the Creation Liberation Centre. There is a lot of potential for the building they are in. I hope to be a part of making that dream come true.



This gentleman and I had a very deep spiritual conversation about life in general. It was a most pleasant conversation and even though we did not agree with all of our particular issues, we managed to agree to disagree. I must say it was very enlightening.



She's gonna kill me but this is LeeAnne. My camera does not do her justice in this shot because she is one of the most beautiful women that I have laid eyes on. You will see what I mean when she is shown on a picture I will post later.



I decided to go out to get some dinner and I came across this young man. For some reason, he just looked like he would make a great picture for me so I asked him if I can snap a picture. He said sure so this is a guy who was on our way to the Chinese place.



This next guy wanted me to give him $2.00 to take his picture. I laughed and told him I would make him famous on the internet. So, if you are in Montego Bay and see this guy selling toilet bowl cleaner with a box on his head, please buy one from him and tell him the internet guy sent you.



Soon Come

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

This is Mr. Chow. He is the owner of the Phoenix Restaurant in MoBay. I am going on record as saying that Mr. Chow makes the FINEST, SCRUMPTIOUS, MOST DILECTABLE FRIED CHICKEN I have ever had in my life. I ordered Sweet and Sour chicken and the serving was enough to feed an army!!!!. PHOENIX RESTAURANT (YOU DIG?)



Jabari and Asher enjoying Mr. Chow’s (Phoenix Restaurant) Chicken.



The hair is finally done.



Back at the resort, here is my favorite bartender (on the right) Dwight!



Here is the front desk at Sunset Beach.



The casino on the property is fun.



Here is a plate of food that was available. BBQ chicken, Callilou Quiche, Shepherds Pie and broccoli. Sweet!



Here’s a cool shot. The local catamarans bring the tourists off of our beach because it has a reef right there, and let them snorkel during their time.

[BoundBrook]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

more more more more more more more p [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] lease!

[libbyT]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

nice trip report JD...thanks for some beautiful pics as well..

[dr. bones]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

I am loving all of these pics. I can't believe how big those couches at the resort are. Your son looks so teeny sitting on one. Oh and BTW, the guy in the blue hat is a cutie. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[gmarieggers]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

Beautiful shots and report - so good to see LeAnne again!

Waiting for more.

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

This picture is just an example of how beautifully maintained the grounds are at Sunset Beach.



These next couple of pictures explain why the resort was named Sunset Beach. I live for these moments. Cold drink, good cigar, my wife and a beautiful breeze (not necessarily in that order of course).







That evening, I invited LeeAnne to spend some time with us on the resort. She wasn't used to getting pampered that way but she said she could get used to it. Anyway, we spent some quality time together talking, drinking, swimming and enjoying a nice dinner. They set tables up right on the beach and it was very crowded. But not to fear, LeeAnne went into her businesswoman mode and found the most wonderful table just to the right of the stage where we enjoyed the sounds of these guys.



Here is a picture of my beautiful wife (she really isn't that pale, it was the flash on the stupid camera that made her appear that way) my little guy and LeeAnne (see, I told you she was pretty didn't I?) enjoying dinner on the beach.



This is just a sampling of the salad and fruit bar they had set up for the guests. They also had stations with steamed veggies, potatoes, steak, porkchops, chicken and a lot of other things.



And, of course, so many desserts to choose from.



Soon come.

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

The next morning we were heading out to the outskirts of MoBay where Rasta Patrick owns some land. It was Ash Wednesday so a lot of things were closed. The day was going to be spent with a small community and the children were going to play games, dance and all around have a great time. Rasta Patrick organizes this once in awhile so the children have something to do. I could see in the children's eyes that day that they were happy for this opportunity. I must say that Rasta Patrick has an overwhelming love for children and they share that love back. After speaking with him at length, I am honored to call him my friend. Anyway, before we left, this sign in the resort caught my eye. I suppose if you are accompanying your children, it is OK if they smoke!



The Carnival ship was in port as we left the resort. I kind of felt sorry for most of those folks as they will probably never get to see the “real” Jamaica.



This is part of the community where Rasta Patrick lives. I’m taking the picture from an open field where a clubhouse is located. This is the field where the children will play the games and run the races.



Little did the little one know that he was soon going to be dinner for us!



This is a picture of a house on the hill. I do not know who owns it but I am taking the picture from Rasta Patrick’s garden. This is a very special place for me because Patrick planted a coconut tree in honor of my son . It is special because the tree was planted on Ash Wednesday and my little guys name is Asher. We now have something to go back to check on when we visit.



When Patrick took over the land, he cleaned it up quite a bit. Before he cleaned it, people used to dispose of trash and also any unwanted animal carcasses. These skulls are of dogs who have since passed on. A grim reminder of how a lot of wildlife is treated in Jamaica but still part of Jamaican life.



Soon to be another part of lunch.



We had to go into town for a few more supplies before the festivities started. Potatoes, soda, ice, buns, over proof rum, smokes and a few other items. While visiting the market, I looked across the street and what did I see? None other than The Phoenix Restaurant. That was the place where we got the best fried chicken in the entire world. Make sure you stop there. Tell him the internet guy with the camera sent you. You will not be sorry.



Soon come.

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

OK, so now we are back at the community field and clubhouse. Some of the local children started to gather and they absolutely loved that they can see what pictures I took of them. They all wanted to touch the camera and I happily obliged. The next few images speak for themselves.







One of the things my wife insisted we bring was the bubble paper that I packed the toys in that we brought for prizes for the kids. I told her she was crazy and that no one would want to play with stupid bubble paper. Boy, was I ever wrong. The bubble paper was more popular than the toys!





I even spied the resident grandmother of the community and a visitor from Florida popping bubbles!



Did I mention that Diane was going to cook for us also? Here is the start of the cooking with the peeling of the ackee along with some fresh vegetables.



How about a little bit of FRESH pineapple? Talk about SWEET!!!

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

I just love the following picture. It shows friends walking towards the cooking area with the clubhouse in the background. This should be in a travel guide somewhere.



The cook and the helpers hard at work while the Rasta meditates.



A shot of the ackee after it was boiled.



Here is the chicken marinating in spices while the chicken feet are being prepared to go into the pot with the red beans.



Meanwhile, the DJ for the day, gets some jammin reggae tunes blastin out of his setup.



Rasta Patrick hears a song he likes and grabs a partner much to her surprise!



Meanwhile, outside the children are logged into a book and set themselves up for the first of many races to determine who will get the toy prizes we brought.



I cannot remember her name but this was the girl who was THE ORGANIZER! She took all of the children’s names down and organized the events they were participating in. I would certainly want her on my team. Not to mention she is a real cutie!



Soon come.

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

Time for lunch folks. Ackee and saltfish, dumplings and boiled bananas! You don't get this at the resorts! Eat your heart out!!!



It’s time for a bun eating contest. Contestants, let’s get ready to EAT!!!





And the winner is…..you’re not going to believe it but it is the girl on the left in the red.



Well, during this time my little guy was getting overheated and I was out of 3 ½ inch floppy discs (my film) so I asked Patrick to take us back to the resort. I dropped my wife and Asher off at the hotel, grabbed some more discs and headed back to the community center. On that drive, I decided to grab a few more shots of MoBay. Here they are.







I got back to the center and had a fresh load of film so I started clicking away.



Soon come.

[jamaicaboo]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

awesome report. I met your sister in the summer she is wonderful .Hope she is well.
So glad to see you enjoyed yourself in JA. The place is wonderful and i have about 29 hours to go. Getting so close I can almost feel the heat!

[Adam Kita]

Re: The Make You Hungry and Homesick Trip Report

If any of my pictures should be in a travel guide, this is the one that I would choose. This little guy was so cool, I mean he was as cool as the other side of a pillow when you are sleeping. He had the rhythm of a master and was a true ladies man. Anyway, here he is!



Ah yes. Remember the little goat from a previous picture????????? (in my best Homer Simpson voice….UUUUMMMMMMM GOOOOOAAAATTTTTTTT)



UUUUMMMMMMMMM CHICKENNNNNN!!!!!



These are the sautéed spices that will be added to the curry goat. You can plainly see that cast iron cookware is gold in Jamaica!



Here are the chicken feet and red beans. Hey, don’t knock it until you try it. You may be pleasantly surprised!



Here is the proud cook stirrin those chicken feet and red beans!



Here is the curried goat with all the trimmings including the fresh potatoes!



I told you this is the “Make you HUNGRY and homesick thread”!



Soon come.