Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

**Ochigal** · 01-12-2003, 03:59 AM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Alright Magic...sorry sweets...

The first couple days were heaven. I had left Seattle after a month of HIGH stress at work and the usual stresses of trying to get things together for Christmas as well as get ready for this trip. So I took full advantage of "being on vacation" and did nothing. Babyfather would leave early for work (6:30am) and the kids and I would sleep in....WAY in. Then after a cup of coffee, and a breakfast of toast and fruit...it was down to the pool. I swear Kyle and Sachet could have stayed in the pool 24-7.

I didnt mind...it kept them busy while I did a very important task....VEG! Here are two of my views

**Ochigal** · 01-12-2003, 04:22 AM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

ON monday I did do a few errands, went by my old office, Heave-Ho Charters, to say hi to old coworkers and my old boss. Boss man was off the island...in Oklahoma...poor thing [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Then I took Marilyns advice and went by the digicel office and got myself a cell phone. For $40, I got a great phone with voice mail, call ID and call waiting...as well as J$200 call credit per month for a year. It was well worth the money. Was so nice to be able to be in touch at any point. Especially since babyfathers work schedule changes often. We were able to keep in touch throughout the day to plan for dinner and things like that.

After those few errands...back to the pool. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

The next day was New Years Eve. We were heading to Negril after Bf got off work for the Fireworks and to meet up with board members. We took off about 5:30pm for the drive.

The new highway to Negril is wonderful. the whole drive even with a 45 minute stop in Mobay for dinner took 3 1/2 hours. Less than an hour from Mobay...WOW...thats a change. I guess all those t-shirts that used to say "I survived the drive to Negril" are a bit obsolete now.

Rooms were hard to find...we tried Chippewa, Jah B's, BarBBarn and a few others that I cant remember. Finally, Tree HOuse had a room. The kids thought the swings on the porch were the greatest.

I called HitMiWitMusik to find out where they were. They were heading to Alfreds, told her we would meet them there.

We headed down the beach, what a great night. People everywhere, mostly locals too. As we got closer to Alfreds the crowd got very intense. It was packed! We tried to get into Alfreds but it was just too crowded. So we kept heading down the beach to find Sienna and the Jamaicans.com banner. No luck though. Found out later that they never made it to the beach. Was sorry to miss them.

We watched the fireworks. They were GREAT. AFterwards I found out that BF and Sachet had never seen fireworks. So it was a real treat for them.

We got back to our room some time after two. We all crashed instantly.

The next morning we found out our room included breakfast..so we headed over to the dining room for one of the best buffett breakfasts I had ever had....maybe it was because I was starved and hung over, I dont know...but it didnt matter. Their fried dumplings and brwon stew chicken were heaven. We ate and talked about the fireworks...it was a great way to start the first day of the new year.

Ok ladies...heres the face, now magic can leave you all alone! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Then guess where we headed...thats right...THE BEACH! Well actually Sachet and I first headed to the gift shop to get her a new swim suit and get her and Kyle some floaties to play on...then off to the Beach.

**queenb** · 01-12-2003, 05:35 AM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Ochigal, you have a PM.

**Ochigal** · 01-12-2003, 05:55 AM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Later in the day on New Years, I left BF with the kids on the beach and headed down to Mi Yard to pick up HitMiWitMusik. She wasnt quite ready so I walked over to EasyRock Cyber cafe hoping to get to meet Sue, but she was closed. Good for her...Everyone deserves to have the holidays off.

So I headed back to Mi Yard, hopped on his computer for a few to post a New Years greeting to all my friends on Ja.com. Checked my email, emailed family real quick, then grabbed HitMi and we headed back to Tree HOuse.

After a few guiness and some sun, we all packed into the car and headed back to Ochi. Hitmi was coming with us to spend a day since she hasnt been to Ochi yet.

Babyfather drops us off and decides that since he has to be to work extra early the next day that he will stay at his place that night. So HitMi and the kids and I head to the room. The kids want to go to the pool to swim, they loved swimming at night...and Hitmi says she is going to hop in the shower. She heads into the bathroom and within a minute or two she is back out with a "look" on her face....Uhh, Ochigal...theres no hot water...

OOPS, I forgot, most people arent used to the cold showers that I grew to love when I lived in JA. Hot showers in JA just dont work for me. So I turned on the hot water heater and told her to give it 10 minutes. Poor thing... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

The next morning I call the Heave-Ho office to see if Hitmi, the kids and I can go out on one of their cruises. They didnt have any so I checked with 5 Star Watersports manager who is also a good friend and she said we could go on their noon cruise to Dunns River Falls FOR FREE! Cant beat that.

So we head down to the pier around noon and here comes their new boat...and the two captians used to work for ME at Heave-Ho, so this was a double treat. This is Cool Runnings II it is licensed to hold 250 people...WOW!

Here is Captain Kirk, one of my former coworkers...I had to sneak this pic, cause he is very shy.

The boat stopped for snorkelling, which HitMi had been wanting to do...so in she goes...heres a pic of the snorkellers...shes out there somewhere...

We ride the boat to Dunns River but get off there cause we realize that if we wait for the tourists to climb the falls (which we were not interested in) and ride the boat back to Ochi, HitMi wont make it to her scheduled flight from Boscobel back to Negril. So I have one of the crew call a taxi for us...it ends up being one of Babyfathers old coworkers that I havent seen in years that comes to drive us back...It was great to see him.

**schultz** · 01-12-2003, 09:02 AM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Ochigal, your son is so cute! and the photo's you posted are so clear and pretty. Did your son get to spend a lot of time with his father? How long did it take him to warm up after not seeing him for 2 years?

Now I put all this together...you lived in Jamaica for 8 or 9 years, right? What made you move back to the US?

Great report...keep in coming! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

**Rose** · 01-12-2003, 10:23 AM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Great report and pictures Ochigal! Thank you for putting in the ones of Chrisanns. It looks even better in your pictures than the ones on their website.

Kyle is adorable!

**breggae** · 01-12-2003, 02:09 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Great pictures and report Ochi! Your son is absolutely adorable, as is Sachet! Keep 'em comin!

**libbyT** · 01-12-2003, 02:37 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

nice pics & report OG...waiting for 'honey' like everyone else!!! the resort looks lovely, I pass it on the way to Ochi but never been in, looks a nice place to stay...
Now please put Queen out of her misery & give her some pics [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**Ochigal** · 01-12-2003, 03:34 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Thanks guys, Its helping to relive it by writing this. I am already forgetting what it felt like to be there...I HATE THAT!

Schultz,
the reasons for leaving were many...Yes, I lived there for close to 8 years. We left when Kyle was almost 2. Babyfather was to join us...but that didnt happen...long story, better suited for Dear K [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] There was alot of anger on my part at first, but after 5 years we have gotten past that and are friends again. Best of friends in fact. It was quite refreshing to be together in that light. We had our arguements this trip but the difference now is that without the "love dynamics" involved...we were able to argue, discuss then agree, or agree to disagree...It was nice. We really do like each other, even love each other due to all our history. But our only focus now is to do our best to come together to the best of our ability for KYles sake.

I would guess it took Kyle a good 48 hours to fully warm up to his dad...then it was like they had never been apart. I did find though that if Dad had to scold him...he took it alot harder than if I did.

Someone else in an email mentioned a bit of confusion as to Sachets relationship...She is 9 and Babyfathers daughter from a relatioinship prior to him and I meeting. I had been in JA for several years before him and I met. She was 1 when we met and even lived with us breifly when her mother was going through a rough time. Her mother and I are close so it makes it nice for the kids to stay connected.

**Ochigal** · 01-12-2003, 03:47 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Ok...back to the trip...

After the boat ride it was time for HitMiWitMusik to head to her flight from Boscobel. she had mentioined that she hadnt ever driven in JA yet and really wanted to but her boyfriend hadnt let her this trip. So on the way to the airport, we stopped at a gas station near Rio Nuevo and switch drivers. As we started to pull out of the station I reminded her which side to be on and off she went....HOOLLLLYYY CRRAAAPPP... (can I say crap here? if not mods please let me know.)

The girl was crazy...driving full speed, which I do too but I have been driving there alot longer. I am sure MY first time I took my time...OH NO not HitMi...and LOVE THE HORN...she honked it just to honk it.... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] We hadnt gone half a mile when she decides to overtake a slower driver...beeping the horn as she goes by...she had this glow on her face...like she had found a new toy! I never laughed so much. There were a few close calls with cars on the side of the road...her judgement of distance wasnt quite as sharp on the left hand side of the road apparently. I swear she was inches from swiping them as she passed...but maybe I am just a nervous passenger. (NO COMMENT REQUESTED HitMi... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] )

Well we make it to the Boscobel Airport with no events...well not quite anyway...as we pull up to park BAMMMM! She forgets to stop and just runs right into the chain link fence and bends the post....HAHAHAHAHAA....thankfully my rental car doesnt show any sign of this...but we quietly sneak into the airport before anyone is wiser. NO WONDER her boyfriend wouldnt let her drive... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] Still love ya HitMi!

**Englan Girl** · 01-12-2003, 04:24 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Ochi, love the reports. Son is a darling but BF is absolutely scrummy!!! Get him cloned and Fedexed to me pdq, my birthday is in a few weeks [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

I can't believe I spent 2 weeks in JA and have to come back to London and on a cold winter's Sunday evening get to see a JA man with muscles [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] and I can't believe you managed to get a better phone deal than me. I only managed to get $100 and change monthly credit on mine [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

*tapping foot waiting for next instalment*

**Ochigal** · 01-12-2003, 04:32 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Actually Englan Girl...after GCT, the J$200 phone credit ended up being J$167. So probably the same deal. And I only got to use one months worth before I left...but I left the phone w/ BF so he could use it occassionally and keep my number active.

I will get to work on the cloning thing [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] ...I just talked to BF and told him he was the hot topic on the board...he just laughed nervously...dont think he quite gets the concept of this place.

**Englan Girl** · 01-12-2003, 04:57 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Originally posted by Ochigal:
[qb]Actually Englan Girl...after GCT, the J$200 phone credit ended up being J$167. So probably the same deal. I will get to work on the cloning thing [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] ...I just talked to BF and told him he was the hot topic on the board...he just laughed nervously...dont think he quite gets the concept of this place.[/qb]

Re the phone that's all right then as mine is the same rate. I left mine with the parents with strict instructions to use it at least twice a month to keep it active. Mind you, me and 2 of my brothers are talking about flying out in Feb so I'll let you know sometime this week exactly when I need to have the BF clone by [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**BND1999** · 01-12-2003, 05:00 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Nice Nice Ochigal... I can see Hitmiwitmusik tearing through the streets.. atleast she wanted to.. havn't got the courage yet.. but meanwhile I drive like the best of the cabbies in NYC.. maybe sometime..

I didn't like Ochi my first time there but I am anxious to explore it and the outskirts on another journey....

sounds like a nice reunion..

**schultz** · 01-12-2003, 05:48 PM

Re: Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

Ochigal, for some reason...and I don't know why but I always thought that you were a native Jamaican (maybe because of your little brown babyface) on your little icon. I guess I just didn't read close enough.

It's good that you guys are able to be friends and have a good relationship now. Is it hard to come back to the states now after you go to Jamaica or do you just come back home and never miss a beat?

At some point I want to go to Jamaica for extended periods of time and do volunteer work with the schools & kids but I'm waiting on my retirement funds...I'm too much of a sissy to scrimp and scrape for rent & food....cause I know its not easy getting by there.

I'm really enjoying the report....give us some more pictures, please? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Ochi -Ochigals Trip Report Dec. 27-Jan. 8

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