Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

**Guest** · 03-30-2003, 09:34 PM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

Part Two

Enough sleep…it’s obvious we don’t want to waste a minute of our time here…we wake up at 4:30 a.m…and laugh at our eagerness to start the day! (a pattern we will repeat every morning…up before the resort workers…waiting for the sky to slowly lighten our view)

Coffee brewing in our room…sitting on the balcony watching the first fishing boats come to the cliffs to check out their traps…marvelling at the view…waves lightly crashing against the rocks …feeling the warmth….so this is what it’s all about!

We spend a few minutes walking the paths around the Rockhouse…I’m like a kid…unapologetically “oohing and ahhing” at everything…it’s impossible to be blasé when you’re in paradise!

Finally decide to head off for Selina’s “world famous” breakfast and board meeting/webcast. Not ready to get into a taxi…we will walk as far as we can down the road…I want to see the sights in slow motion this morning.

OH…there’s the Pickled Parrot…heard so much about this place…deserted at this early hour and since it closed…we imagine the hoards of people perched on those cliffs and we take a closer look at that slide into the water…wish I could try it out…or maybe just watch someone else do it! (heard a rumour later that the Rockhouse might be trying to acquire this property….insulation from the noisy crowds? )

It’s a delight to see the places we only read about in the past few months…Sam Sara…Blue Cave Castle…Home Sweet Home…we divert our walk into each of them and take a short self-tour…(already trying to picture a place for our next visit to Negril)…what a choice of places to stay!

Have to find Pirate at HSH…turns out he’s still asleep…guess that’s something you can afford to do when you wake up to this every day! One of the workers there knocks on his door for us (despite my protest) and he graciously says we really didn’t disturb him. We make our introductions…a fellow Canadian traveller from another island “up north”. Must say…he looks like he belongs here…and I’m sure he’d agree. We’ll come back for breakfast later in the week.

OK…time to grab a cab…thoughts of banana pancakes are starting to make our stomaches grumble.

Wild ride…I’ll get used to it…taxi drivers are the ONLY people in Negril who move fast!

Pull up to Selina’s and another anticipated moment is materializing. So this is what it looks like up close, instead of on my computer screen!

Sit down, order the mandatory coffee and pancakes…ask for Selina and finally get to give her a big hug as we say hello. Then there’s Maggie & Arjay from Niagara Falls…and Carol Ann from Yellow Bird…and the magic continues….Rob & Joe arrive to set up…more introductions and hugs…as we have our first taste of Big Roy’s specialty…and the Overtakers begin to play…someone pinch me!

We get some coffee from Selina to last the week…(go back later for more to take home)…and finally head off to tour Yellow Bird across the street (lovely place and lovely woman manager)…and then our first walk on the beach.

If there’s a more spectacular beach in the world…I can’t imagine it! We walk to Rondel Village and I keep pointing at all the signs…the places that were only pictures in my mind last week.

We had hoped to meet Maggie, who helped us arrange our trip, at the restaurant next to Rondel Village, but she isn’t there this morning…we’ll catch up with her later.

Take a taxi back to Rockhouse…decide it’s time for our first swim in the sea and taste of salt water…and afterwards…we are ready for an afternoon siesta….how easy it is to nap during the day here!

Supper two doors down at Pirate’s Cave…mmmm….delicious red snapper….and a sunset to match.

Back to Rockhouse ….and lo and behold….our luggage has arrived! Only worried about getting our snorkeling gear…now tomorrow is going to be “no problem!”

Laughing at ourselves again…it’s only 8 p.m. and we can’t keep our eyes open…either getting old or admitting that the only reason we’re here is for sunshine…go to sleep so that it comes around again…

To be continued…

**Guest** · 03-30-2003, 09:49 PM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

finally figured out how to insert pictures...
edited the above post...and it worked!

**Guest** · 03-30-2003, 09:51 PM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

trying another picture from pirates cave...toward pickled parrot...

**Guest** · 03-30-2003, 09:53 PM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

lots more pictures to come...now that i have the hang of this! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

**Guest** · 03-30-2003, 09:58 PM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

Part Three

Awake in the dark again…getting better…it’s a bit past 5 a.m…

We’re out on our balcony waiting for the coffee to drip and to say goodmorning to the fellow who walks around putting up all the colourful umbrellas on the cliff patios each morning…he must know it’s our first time here…no one else beats him to greet the sun.

Sea a little calmer today…I’m nervous about my first snorkeling experience later today…but Alan keeps assuring me I’m going to love it…and the water looks just about right now….

First, I need some breakfast and yesterday, I saw just the spot I want to go to…passing by Just Natural, down the road, I couldn’t wait to venture into that beautiful oasis off the road and sample their menu.

Not much traffic yet…we’re still getting used to hugging the sides of buildings or stepping into the foliage as the taxis whiz by honking their horns and asking us if we need a ride…Alan thinks they come really close on purpose…trying to discourage us pedestrians…scaring us into taking the ride…but the road, newly paved as it now is, is still very narrow and how two cars going at 50 mph manage to pass each other on those corners is beyond me. I still like the walk for short distances and my smile and “no thanks…we’re allright” seems to do the trick as the taxis speed up past us again…

We step into Just Natural…and it’s like entering a little hideaway in the jungle…the tables are mostly in their own little private spaces, surrounded by flowering shrubs and trees…lizards or chameleons lurking and flitting about…and they’re playing the best music up by the kitchen….

Only one person doing all the serving, it seems…but I’m content to just be there enjoying this morning space and warmth.

I know exactly what I want…The Jamaican Breakfast…all those things I’ve never tasted…I’m the adventurous one…Alan opts for the french toast…something he recognizes!

OH…you have to try this! Ackee and saltfish is a treat for your taste buds…looks like scrambled eggs…I’m surprised to find out it’s a fruit that grows in a tree (I asked the woman who served us to explain everything on my plate…I’m not embarrassed to show my ignorance because after you’ve done it once…you become an expert and can tell others!) Calaloo is like spinach…or maybe more like chard…and I love that too. Then, there’s the fried plantain slices….slightly sweet and buttery…better than bananas. The dumplings are little balls of fried sweet dough….would put Krispy Kreme to shame!

But the very best was the little portion of banana marmalade…my one regret…I didn’t ask to buy some to take home…I’m sure there can’t be anywhere else on the planet that makes this stuff…and it might end up being the very reason I return to Negril!

I’m in no hurry to get up from the table, but it is starting to get hotter out…and thoughts of getting into the water are beginning to appeal….it’s about time to try out that neat little snorkeling set I bought and find out what all the fuss is about (and how it all works!)

To be continued…

**Marilyn** · 03-30-2003, 10:25 PM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

YOur infectious freshness and neophite awe at Jamaica has brought a smile to me this evening. Your writing style denotes one who cannot get the words on the paper fast enough to express a myriad of emotions welling up in your chest. I think we have another one...{singing/...another one bites the dust}

**queenb** · 03-30-2003, 10:29 PM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

I'm loving this!! Great start, waiting for the rest! Didn't you just love my Jamaica? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**Guest** · 03-30-2003, 10:36 PM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

marilyn & queenb...

yes...i fell in love with jamaica...both the people and nature's beauty...i had high expectations before i left...and they were exceeded! thanks for the encouragement to continue posting...

it was because of all the wonderful stories i read on this board and others that i decided to go see what all the "fuss" was about! now it's time to give back and make new converts!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

**Nanook** · 03-31-2003, 12:09 AM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

Thank you Mikell!!

Lovin this, it is so fun to read a first-timer report, like taking a trip back, Thanks again!!

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

PS...welcome to the club, hehehe"

**NeverGoneFromYou** · 03-31-2003, 12:50 AM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

Mikell, I am thoroughly enjoying your trip report as well and making mental notes for my trip in April. Selena's, coffee for the week, Just Natural, Banana Marmalade and early mornings.....aaaahhhh sounds like me....Keep it coming!!!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**dr. bones** · 03-31-2003, 01:32 AM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

I'm really enjoying your report and pictures. There are so many things to take in when in Ja, and it sounds like you had a great experience. Banana marmalade - that's a new one to me, but sounds like something I need to try.

**loops** · 03-31-2003, 08:41 AM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

oh goody goody! So glad you decided to post this! Looking forward to reading it again...with photos...I have yet to see your snorkeling pix. I love it so far...continue on... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**Guest** · 03-31-2003, 10:10 AM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

Part Four

My time of reckoning has come…about to be initiated into the under (water) world! At least my face! I’m not a swimmer but I can float pretty good if I don’t have to put my face in the water….

I know some of you are nodding your heads…you’ve never tried snorkeling and you’re not sure you ever need to…

But…we’re in Negril! ‘nuff said!

Alan takes me to the Rockhouse pool and tells me it’s safe to try out my gear in the shallow end…we are laughing a bit at the sight of me trying to walk into the pool with fins on for the first time.

He says to hold on to the side of the pool and stick my masked face in the water and breath normally…but I’m already feeling foolish enough so I take the plunge and just do it!

Two seconds and I come up and say….”OK…let’s go…I can do this…no problem, mon!”

I decide to use the life vest we borrow from the pool guy…just a bit of extra security to make me feel more comfortable…we go take the steps down to the rock platform near the restaurant and in seconds, I’m in the water and putting my fins on without any trouble.

Then….I’m there! Swimming with the fishes! I’m breathless…metaphorically speaking (the snorkel is working)…..it’s a beauty I never could have imagined

For those of you who do this all the time…these are too many words. For those who have never tried it…I could never write enough!

For the next hour or so my life changes….my reality is transformed….I am discovering a new world. It is surreal, quiet, everchanging, outrageously beautiful. Flashes of purple, yellow, orange, green, inky black, translucent….and the shimmering sand and turquoise water as the background.

I’m hooked…and also shrivelled up like a prune!

A little cloud cover moves in…the water gets darker…a few raindrops fall…and we decide my first snorkeling adventure should end. Exit the water with the world’s biggest smile….

An afternoon shower in Negril is a good time for an afternoon nap….

To be continued…(more snorkeling pictures from our trip to the reef later...)

**Guest** · 03-31-2003, 10:26 AM

Re: Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

Part Five

I think I dreamt I was a fish….(afternoon napping after snorkeling kind of dream)

Woke up and the rain had stopped and it was almost time for supper…do you notice that when you’re in Negril (or probably any hot climate) you don’t need to eat as much? A big breakfast seems to last all day…the only bad part about this is that there are so many great places to eat and so few days in a week and I’m cutting out one meal a day!

This evening, we’ve decided to go west…walk along the road as far as we can manage before we get too hungry. Actually…I have a destination in mind (thanks to all the great board tips for good eats).

Another great sign adventure…can’t pass up the opportunity to take a picture in front of “Beer Joint & Mushrooms”….won’t the folks back home love that one!

Spot Hallzer’s…not open for dinner yet…but we meet Tall John and have a nice chat with him…singing his praises thanks to all the posts on the board by his partner Alan…and promise to come back for his Big Breakfast soon.

Next, the entrance to Tensing Pen beckons…can it possibly be as lovely as the pictures I’ve seen? We sort of sneak in and pretend we live there (you’re supposed to check in at the main desk to get the official tour) ….just wander down the paths and check out all the pillar houses and little bungalows tucked into the trees…it’s a tropical wonderland…pictures do not do it justice. The ocean edge cliffs are dramatic…seas a little rougher here and the waves are crashing into the rocks and inlets below. The guests look like they’re way too chilled out to be normal…this must be relaxation at it’s peak!

On the way out we get “busted” by security for not checking in…but after explaining that we would consider staying here next trip…they give us a brochure instead of arresting us…(grin)…and we’re on our way…

Can’t miss Rick’s Café…we are obliged to wander in and gawk! It’s noisy and pretty crowded…we make our way to the cliffside bar area and snap a couple of pictures…you know the ones….guys jumping from the trees….pretty amazing and not for the faint hearted. (I hear a story later in the week that despite the way the maniacal taxi drivers race up and down the west end road, there are actually more accidents at Rick’s during Spring Break….several ambulances a night can be seen screaming to the scene of another bunch of drunken kids who have danced off the cliff into the rocks – not water – below…horror stories to be sure…but at least intoxication usually deadens the pain!)

We don’t stay long…figure there is better grub around the bend….

The LTU Pub is a very unassuming little place on another little cliffside cove with a view….not many people here and we get a great table overlooking the sea and setting sun. Feels like fine dining (cloth napkins, table cloths) …but relaxed Jamaican style in the open air and laid back…

I have a hard time with the menu…too many choices…but opt for the Santa Barbara shrimp curry…and Alan gets the skewered jerk chicken…both with fries (which turned out to be about the best fries I’ve ever had!) If you’ve seen my “slide show” the picture of my meal will make your mouth water…and my smile will tell you it’s as good as all that!

And the meal starts with pumpkin soup and a salad…Alan shares a piece of key lime pie with me…(at this point, I’m glad we didn’t have any lunch).

Finally we head back to the Rockhouse…still enjoying the walk…and needing to burn off a few calories.

I didn’t mention that earlier in the afternoon “Famous Vincent” cruised by our cliffside villa and we asked him to pick us up tomorrow for some snorkeling at the reef around 11 a.m…..so we go to sleep with more dreams of fish to follow…

To be continued…

Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

Negril - A First Timers Report ..Snorkeling, Rockhouse, Mayfield Photos

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

ads