JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

[Sophie Magoo]

Hi Everyone!
Back from Ja! It's cold, snow on the ground at home.
I have to figure out how to download my pictures and will post a trip report.
I'm already checking airlines!

[ohliz]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Welcome back, looking forward to hearing about it!!

[dream jamaica]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Welcome back and I can't wait to see the pics!

[Nanook]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

WELCOME BACK!


I third that...

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Verallo]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

ALL AROUND THE ISLAND??? sounds interesting [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
Hope you had a great time...!

[stargirl911]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Welcome back Sophie [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] we're here anxiously awaiting dat report and pictas

[Sophie Magoo]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Hi everyone!

I’ve not a good writer but will try. Also I’m in the process of installing a USB port card so I can download pictures from the digital. Will update when I figure out how to post pictures.

Left for JA for my much-awaited vacation on Oct. 18. Spent a night in Toronto and off to MoBay the 19th.
Dollybaby and Olivia arrived the day before and were picking me up.

The flight was jam-packed with farm workers going home. They carried a lot of luggage!
I sat next to a lady who was going on a honeymoon and I had to ask where the husband was. She lives in Canada and husband in England. What a perfect relationship! Chatting helped pass the time. The feature movie was (I think) Pirates of the Caribbean. We chatted the whole time so I did not get to see the movie.

My seat partner was dressed in heavy clothing. When we got off the flight she said that she did not realize it was so HOT! Off to immigration, past the ladies who do the “welcome” thing. Made sure to leave an envelope for them! My partner did not think that was necessary – (I educated her a little bit but still no tip).

Get out of the airport and no girlfriends! I had actually given them a time of 1 hr. later. So I waited and to pass the time, chatted with a cab driver. Out of nowhere, Dolly and Olivia appear. Was so happy to see them!

Olivia was driving, off we go to Negril. We did a pit stop just past Hopewell at DRUM BEACH where we obtained beer and treats at local prices. The scenery was breathtaking even though I’ve lost the count on how many times I’ve travelled the same route!

Arrive at Negril, Dolly had been e-mailing with people at Miss Mary’s but when we got there the place was extremely dirty and uncomfortable, Dolly and I both felt unsafe there so off we go to Roots. In my 20 years of travel I’ve stayed with Ted on numerous occasions but have not been back to Negril for 10 years. Was extremely surprised to see that the Ted and the staff remembered me. We stayed in a room with a bathroom, it was basic and comfortable and very reasonable.

From here on I’ll only speak of my experiences as we (travel companions) did not spent a lot of time together.

It was a very long 2 days for me – so after a walk on the beach and some food it was off to bed for me.

I rise very early and take a walk all the way to the Point. The water is calm and sooo blue, it is so peaceful, very few people (tourists or locals) out and about, makes the time even more special. Took a swim along the way, bought an orange, coffee and walked back. By now, the beach was coming alive and the “do you want” “look at my” begins. I don’t like this part. If something catches my eye I will buy it.

The order of things are jumbled in my mind but this is as close as I can come as I did not take notes.
Back to Roots ordered breakfast. It was awful. Was supposed to be “rundown”. It was way too greasy so I gave it to the dog next door who had puppies under a pile of wood. However, the bartender mixed a very tasty fruit smoothie without any of that sweet syrup that is always added to all their drinks. Chatted with Ted at length about life, his family, my children (the whole family had spent time there) and so on.
There was a couple on their honeymoon (another one) staying at Jah B’s. They were from US. Chatted for a long time about Jamaica and the changes going on. It’s past noon and I’m tired and hungry. I venture to Sweet Spice, it’s a local establishment on the road just past the police station. Wonderful food at local prices. Back to Roots, shower, rest and walk the beach. A lot of Jamaican families at resorts along the way this weekend being Heroes Day. Very few from “foreign”. As I walked the street, I heard a dog howling. Looked and asked a person what happened, he said that the dog's partner got killed on the road and was laying just ahead and this dog was mourning. It was a very soulful cry and being an animal lover very disturbing to me. At my bedtime, the dead dog was still laying on the road.

My companions went out and I finished my day at Roots and to bed. (I’m doing chemo and my energy is very limited).
I wake and the copanions are not in. They arrive shortly after with a lot of adventure. I’m sure Dollybaby will fill you all in. Later, we are hungry, so we go to Sweet Spice. It’s been raining for a few hours. We get to the street by the police station and it’s knee-deep in water with debris, barrels, boxes from food and whatever else was in the way rolling around. The water is rushing towards the low point and it’s moving fast! The car is wet inside but we keep driving. Finally are able to find a spot, I leave my shoes in the car and hike up my dress, I’m knee-deep in water – go into the restaurant and it’s also knee-deep in very fast moving water! But they’re still serving!I get food for all of us and we are very glad to be back.

We are leaving today for Treasure Beach. One of my more favorite spots. I re-confirm to myself what I already knew before – that I do not like spending time in Negril. On the way out of town we stop at the bank and get some drinks at the store. In the centre, there were a few people begging. One woman looked very, very ill, was VERY thin and was hanging on to the car, we could not move so we gave her the food stuff we had in the car and some money. It was very disturbing to see the woman so ill. As we know, there are really no services available.

[ohliz]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Thanks...looking forward to the TB installment...

[Sophie Magoo]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

We are off to Treasure Beach, lovely day, even better scenery, we stop at a little spot that has patties and we are off.
We arrive. It's a ghost town. We stop at Natural Vibes. I stayed at Coconut Cottage across the road the last time I was there so that was a good place to stop and give out the pictures I took the year before. As we are chatting and relaxing and I’m asking Bobby about this and that person, out of the side yard comes Quest. He’s the resident dread carver who always carries his latest piece in his hand so he never begs for anything but will give you his “latest” piece. Quest and I catch up on things and we are off.

We decide to stay with Jackie at Golden Sands, my favorite room that faces the ocean is empty as is the one next door. We take them. Get settled in, meet a man from Germany who is in the 3rd room. I go on the road and settle to eat at Diner’s Delight. I like Angie’s food. While there, I chat with Angie and Woody the carver and a couple of other local people who remember me. Treasure Beach is deserted. Beside the German tourist I do not see anyone else. The view is breathtaking from our veranda. The sea is calm, the breeze just right. I venture out to chat with Cliff who has moved his little shack from the road to the beach. The companions go out and I go to bed. About 2:00 a.m. I hear someone calling my name, open my door to see my friend Bouser (Kenrick) standing on the other side of the wall. I had got to know him a little on my last trip. We sent someone out for beer and we chat about life in general. Bouser said that times are very tough, the tourists are scarce. I invite him to breakfast at Trans Love and go back to bed. In the morning, we check out and go to Trans Love. My friend never showed up. The German tourist is there also and he is going to ride with us to Portland. He’s backpacking.

NEXT: ZION COUNTRY, PORTLAND

[Verallo]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Originally posted by Sophie Magoo:
[qb]NEXT: ZION COUNTRY, PORTLAND [/qb]

Interesting... I was thinking about going to that place too, but eventually booked elsewhere.. It is run by a Dutchman called Free-I right?... still I am curious about your experience there.

[Nateabb]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Originally posted by Sophie Magoo:
[qb]

Off to immigration, past the ladies who do the “welcome” thing. Made sure to leave an envelope for them! My partner did not think that was necessary – (I educated her a little bit but still no tip).

[/qb]

I am going to Jamaica at Thanksgiving for the first time. What are the welcome ladies? Should they be tipped? Thanks

[ohliz]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

ReggaeV, that's the place - Sophie I can't wait to hear how you liked it.

Nate, there is a group of singers at the airport when you are heding to immigration, they certainly would welcome tips but it is not required. A $1 or so is nice though [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Sophie Magoo]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Good Morning Everyone!

Sorry for the delay. The last two days have been spent with a computer expert trying to install USB port card for my digital - with no success. So as of yet, no pictures!

Reggae Veralla: Yes, Zion Country is owned by Free I - He's a Dutch Man. I've been one of his earliest clients and keep going back. It's a breathtaking yard, the whole acre has been stripped and re-built, it's full of wonderful flowers, fruit bearing trees, you name it and it's there. And of course, it's ocean front property. A lovely, comfortable community. There are two cottages on the property, each with two separate rooms and a large veranda with a part roof. The shower is on the level of the cottages. However, the bathroom is on the street level 44 huge steps up. I absolutely love the place, steps and all. There is also a "shop" where you eat breakfast and dinner if you're staying in. There are three male dogs in the yard that are beautiful! Free-I's personal home is off limits unless invited, and the view from his place is unbelievable. Definitely a place that calls me.

Nateabb: yes, the ladies should be tipped, but it's not mandatory.

Soon come, Lucija

[Sophie Magoo]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

We are driving the new road past Mandeville and the scenery is breathtaking. Stop along the way to get patties.

As we reach Kingston, somehow, we take the wrong turn and we end up in the Orange Street area I think. It’s past noon and the place is busy. It took a good hour to get out of Kingston and on the way to Zion Country, close to Long Bay.

We get to the yard and honk, (it’s not a yard that you just walk in to) - Owen comes to greet us.

As you walk in the yard, the street level looks lovely but it’s the view beyond that’s incredible. The property dips down to the sea level, it’s very steep (44 very deep steps to be exact) and it’s beautifully treed (breadfruit, coconut trees, oranges, june plums, and whatever else) and flowered. The two cottages (two rooms to a cottage) and a very large veranda with rain shelter overhead and shower area are on sea level. All plants are labeled as to what they are. The butterflies are the size of your palm. There are lighting lanterns hanging from the trees, it’s very much like Jake’s but much more intimate, without the hords of tourists around! The whole property is fenced and there is a very private beach that Free-I has worked on over the years. The shop (where breakfast and dinner are served if you’re staying in) is on the street level opposite his home. There are dominos, some sort of Dutch game (I’ve forgotten the name), reading material and the whole shop has pictures of how the property looked before and as it was being built up. I’ve spent many days just relaxing and chatting on the patio! When I’m there I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven!

The community is pretty prosperous, I have walked the 5 mile radius either way, it's within walking distance to Reach Falls. Free-I drives his guests up and you can walk down or take a route taxi for 20J. I prefer to walk down, it's so lush with every kind of vegetation growing from trees. Spectacular view! There is a shop within a minute walk where you can buy food around noon (whatever they cook that day) and of course fully stocked with everything you need. There is no night life in the community. Just couple of rum shops. For night life you have to travel for 10 minutes to Long Bay.

Owen is Free-I’s main man, he lived in Canada for a few years and is now back at home. We are happy to see each other. I introduce Dolly and Olivia and we go into the yard. The three dogs, Power, Promises, Little One seem to remember me well. I head for the bathroom, by the time I’m out, my companions are in Free-I’s private area. They did not realize his rules of no guests in his private quarters. Oh well, we are sitting in his private living/dining room overlooking his property (picture to come) and catch up on all the news of the people we both have in common. Had a cold drink, took in the breathtaking scenery (overlooks a bay) I promise the next I’m in JA I will stay and really relax (I have some printing for ZionCountry that I forgot to bring, so I better go back real soon). The German tourist loves the place. We say our good byes and we are off.

We stop at Chill Out in Long Bay. I'm wanting to check on my German woman friend Martina and her Jamaican husband Dudley. As we leave the car I see Dudley. We chat, Olivia ends up watching a soccer match and Dolly chatting with locals. Martina has moved out so I don't get to see her. I inquire about the family that owned the place previously only to learn that they've gone back to the US. Long Bay is about 1 1/2 miles long and deserted. There are a few places on the beach, reminds me of Negril in the early 80's.

We leave and move towards Port Antonio. We planned to spend a night there. Stop in Boston Bay and buy Festival. By now, I've had enough travelling around in a car and just want to sit somewhere. Libby (I've stayed with her this past Jan.) from Sea Lawn comes to my rescue. Yes, I can stay for a few days. We make the decision to drive straight through to Sea Lawn which is about a mile past Port Maria about 2 hrs. from Port Antonio. It's dark and raining off and on. Olivia is doing a great job driving (she's a little heavy on the gas pedal and I'm sure by now is tired of me asking her to slow down.) We stop in Port Antonio, Olivia hits up a bank machine and we are off.

NEXT: SEA LAWN (Libby and Chef’s place) [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Guidance,
Lucija

[loops]

Re: JA - BACK FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND TRIP

Zion Country has a website? Could someone post the link please...sounds lovely.