T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

**J'canGirl** · 03-29-2002, 04:48 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Come on Magic...

You're killin me here...it's a lo-ong, loooong week end here in Jamaica..and I need something interesting to read.

Magic..where's the rest of the report???

We all know you're good, but there's no need to leave us droolin for so long...

**Q3210** · 03-30-2002, 11:24 AM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Magic and All, I drove to Pt. Antonio from Kingston and booked in at Scotia House for 2 nights.
Thanks for reccomending the place, Magic.
By virtue of living in Jamaica, all we had to do was carry along some canned food, coffee, sugar, bread and a couple plastic containers and a thermos for keeping hot water. This was mainly for breakfast.
The room out on the front verandah was quite cozy and secluded for any night noises that might have occurred within, not wanting the house to know of the games people play.
Ahem!
It was Friday afternoon. We locked the door and decided to head for Winifred Beach. Down the dirt road off the A3 as Magic calls it, we descended unto Winnifred.
A diminutive `dread` came up to the car and said 100 dollars for entry.
To which we replied, "Eh heh?"
"Dis is a public beach."
He immediately softened up and said, " Ah truth dat, but yu nuh, wi rake up, keep de place clean and de water inna de pipe to wash off when yu done swim."
And said, "Gi mi 50 dolla."
We replied, "When we coming out, we`ll give yu."
To which he said, "Everyting cris."
No hostility whatsoever, just a likkle bargaining, for using a relatively well kept beach.
Lots of overhanging almond trees that drop lots of leaves. We could see the small piles of leaves that were raked at various points.
So, it was the first time at that beach for us and it was vey nice. Actually a cove as all beaches in Portland in that area are.
We on previous occasions had been to San San Beach, Frenchman`s Cove and Blue Lagoon, all with a price tag of over J$100, all private beaches.
Talk about some taxis, thiefing the Govt. like you said in Mobay.
The Govt. by way of the UDC (Urban Development Corporation) wants to control the Winnifreds Beach. But the folks like the `Dread` will have none of it.
I hear that they have expressed great hostility to the Govt. wanting to come dictate terms on their beach.
When we left, we were surely seen off by the `Dread and his other keepers` and we surely gave him the 50 bucks, and told him without being serious, "When we come back tomorrow wi nah give yu nuh more."
To which he calmly said, " Everyting cris."

We developed an appetite and decided that, Boston here we come.
It took just 3 minutes drive to the east to get there.
Ted, Miss Ivy`s son beckoned us to patronize his jerked pork.
With a couple beers we devoured 1/2 pound of the delicacy.
We sat in one of the bars, where the latest TV news was on, where the interest was on the video footage of the terrorist Kingston gang, led by Joel Andem, called the Andem Gang was being highlighted.
This video was confiscated from a member of the gang when captured by the police a few days previously. It showed women and men with guns and it was like a party being taped in its little family way. God knows why they being outlaws, would allow evidence so clear to be so easily taken by the cops and to be shown on national television.

Forgetting that this is peaceful, Portland like tha majority of Jamaica, peaceful.
This piece of Jamaica to the north-east of the island is great eco- visitor attractive.
Green vegetation, majestic mountains rise up in to the center of the island where it`s called the Blue Mountain Range. People are not as dense as in Negril, Mobay and Ochi.
Crime is almost non-existent apart from the inevitable domestic quarell that might spill over into something more. But as Magic said, with a little common sense we 3rd parties can always keep out of trouble as long as you don`t trouble, trouble.

By night, we started to head back to Scotia House and were tucked in by 10.

Saturday, by 5am we were up. I hate to get up when the sun is all blaring.
We took a walk around the Titchfield peninsular then down the hill to where a new, second mariner is being constructed in the west harbour of the twin harbours of Pt. Antonio.

Oh! Forgot to say that the Bermuda Regiment was in town and they had a camp down the road near to the Tichfield High School. From time to time they and other visiting regiments come to that part of the world for camp and mountain training.

The Norwegian construction company, PIHL has been in Kingston and now in Port Antonio doing rehabilitation work on the marine infrastructures like the jettys and dock, and the new dock for yachts expanding facilities for mariners from all over the world.

On our last evening, we went over to the old Pt.Antonio Mariner. Red Stripe for $60, Heineken and Real Rock for $70 each. Dinner for $180.
In middle town at the restaurant, lunch is for $100- $120 a plate. Oxtail being the most expensive and fried chicken the least.

The old mariner had yachts docked and registered in Vancouver B.C. Southampton England and Michigan USA to identify a few.
At the bar we engaged in lively discussion about Jamaica`s history with a wide group of varied nationals.

We went to the Blue Lagoon earlier that day after the town walk and had lunch and a swim in the waters reported to be 180 ft. deep a few feet away from the shore-line.
A combination of lamb, pork, chicken and fish with okra, carrots and festival was what we had for our dish. Quite un-Jamaican but good to say the least.

We hope to make it to Pt. Antonio again before my 3 weeks vacation is up.

**Rose** · 03-30-2002, 01:28 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

It sounds like you had a very nice trip Q! Thanks for making me feel like I tagged along. Each trip, I hope to make it to Port Antonio...one of these days.. The beaches sound intriguing. Those little coves are so enjoyable to explore.

Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

**Motown** · 03-30-2002, 01:52 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Nice work Magic!
I'm heading to Negril for the first time in about a month.
My son and I are staying in Negril...not sure where yet...and I can't wait to hear your stories about it. I don't think our first trip will be quite as adventurous as yours but at least it will plant a few ideas!
ps...we are both amateur (single engine)
pilots!
Waiting patiently....

**Q3210** · 03-30-2002, 01:53 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Yes Rose, you just got to make it to Port Antonio. It`s the missing piece of Jamaica you need to be at.

Capt. Magic, forgive me for this but I can`t let you get away with it. Where you mentioned on the menu whilst in Pt. Antonio at the eatery you said you had `fried bananas`.
If you said that in my face, I think you`d have to shovel me up in order to stand up again

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
There is a larger variety that looks like a banana, but it`s called a `plantain`. That`s the one that is either fried, boiled, or roasted. Plantains can be done in its green-ripe state or in its fully ripened state.
Something tells me that you already know plantains. Forgive me for bringing it up if you do.
I`ll eat my words...er...my plantains for any indiscretion. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

**gmarieggers** · 03-30-2002, 04:28 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Magic,

Re-read your lastest post. I love to fly - just started about 10 years ago. Love the take off,
turbulance (not too rough, though), and landing.

I hear you about conditions of cars and some of those crazy crazy drivers. There are days when I feel like I have a target on the car and they are all heading for it. Last night it was 3 deers,
thanks to my guardian angel I saw them in time and
got stopped about 4 car lengths away from em.

Guess knowing the plane has to be in tip top shape
(some of them pretty old) and the re-training you pilots of the skys have to go through, and the traffic controllers you have I've always felt safer in the air than driving on land.

Plz keep the words coming and when you have the time your Negril trip report will be grand I'm sure! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] Waiting patiently.

Murry [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

**Magician** · 03-30-2002, 11:43 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Hey Q.
You're making me jelous talking about Port Antonio and the Beach. I'm glad you like it there as much as I do. I think we stayed in the same room as you. Where are you headed next?

Rose, you've got to visit PA on the next trip.

**Magician** · 03-30-2002, 11:57 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Originally posted by Motown:
[qb]!
ps...we are both amateur (single engine)
pilots!
[/qb]

Hey
Glad to have some fellow pilots on the board. Wouldn't you love to rent an airplane in JA and go flying over the cockpit coutry? That would be a lot of fun. I wonder how much that would cost and if our US licences would be acceptible.

**Magician** · 03-31-2002, 12:00 AM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Thanks Murry. I'm glad you like flying too. You have to join me in my campin to convince some of our board members that flying is safe and fun.

Motown, are you guys from Detroit? If so how do you like it? I'll be moving there this year.

**Magician** · 03-31-2002, 12:08 AM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Originally posted by Q3210:
[qb]Capt. Magic, forgive me for this but I can`t let you get away with it. Where you mentioned on the menu whilst in Pt. Antonio at the eatery you said you had `fried bananas`.
If you said that in my face, I think you`d have to shovel me up in order to stand up again

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
There is a larger variety that looks like a banana, but it`s called a `plantain`. That`s the one that is either fried, boiled, or roasted. Plantains can be done in its green-ripe state or in its fully ripened state.
Something tells me that you already know plantains. Forgive me for bringing it up if you do.
I`ll eat my words...er...my plantains for any indiscretion. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [/qb]

Good catch Q!
No you don't have to eat your words or plantains, that is unless you have a taste for them.

They were plantains of course. But I have to admit that I am practicaly illiterate when it comes to plants, vegetables, fruits, trees, and flowers. So sometimes I use generic terms for such objects when I can't remember the proper term. So all flora are narrowed down to apples and bananas, roses and carnations, and palms and oaks. Oh and all trees with needles are pines regardles of what they are.

I guess I slept through that semester in elementary school.

I owe you a Stripe for pointing it out though. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

P.S. I was in Miami yesterday and Jersey for the weekend but when I go home to Memphis Monday I'll finish the whole trip report thing. So til then, hang tight.

**Sinco01** · 04-02-2002, 02:27 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Magic...dis trip has me heart a flutter.
De excitement is building...
Hope you give us another fix soon..

to wait dis long is ....

**Q3210** · 04-03-2002, 11:47 AM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Was hoping to re-track back to Pt. Antonio over the Easter Week end but the place was over-run with local tourists and couldn`t get a room. That is visitors from other parishes mailny the corporate area, who flock to Winnifred`s, San San, Folly and Frenchman`s Cove.
We are heading either up to Whitfield Hall and the Peak or to our old haunt at Calabash Bay next door to Billy`s Bay otherwise called Bill Evan`s Bay. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
When you go in that area next time around, I reccomend Mayday Cottage on the other side of the beach road. The prices are like Scotia`s. But let them know that you are a Jamaican and not a tourist [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

**Magician** · 04-03-2002, 12:41 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Thanks for teh tip Q. Glad you're having fun. Write some more when you get a chance.

**Magician** · 04-03-2002, 01:17 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

We entered through the gate of Whistling Bird Resort. The path to the reception and beach leads through the densely vegetated garden with Palms, shrubs, and all kinds of other plants that I'm sure have names but I just never learned. I introduced myself and the lady gave me the key courtesy of Negril Resorts Association of which Whistling Bird is a member. I've stayed here in August and loved it so when Negril RA asked if it would be all right if I stayed at Whistling Bird again this time, I readily agreed.

This time I stayed in a smaller room on the second floor. It turned out later I got that room in error, but I don't know what they were talking about because it was great. A single bedroom and a bathroom with a huge shower with hot water!! There was also a table with two chairs with a mosquito repellent coil that you're supposed to burn. Didn't use that. My blood must be salty or something because things hardly ever bite me. They always bite my friend though, but that's because he wears shorts to the beach during sunset with sandals! That's just asking to be bitten. You don't trouble trouble, trouble doesn't trouble you.

There is a certain routing which must be followed upon arrival in Negril. It's very simple, really. After dumping stuff in the room, one must change into swim gear and run barefoot through the garden onto the beach and without a pause run into the water and dive in. Making sure that there's a lot of splashing involved, especially if the other party is doing the "slow approach". Then follows rolling in the water, swimming on front and back, splashing, diving and great content, that I'm finally back. Even though it's been only 5 month since the last time, it might just as well have been an eternity. The sun plummeted into the water with a display of reds, yellows, and oranges and it was time for step two.

Next step involved walking the beach. Changed and got the wallet since we were hungry after the swim and proceeded down the beach in a random direction. Had to see what's changed and what's going on as far as beach parties are concerned.

One thing that I noticed that alarmed me, was how much farther the water now come on the beach during high tide. Beach erosion has been a problem in Negril for some time now, but it was really evident this time. Especially when we got to Alfred's. I remember dancing there last summer with plenty of room for everyone to do their thing. Now half the dance space is under 2 feet of water. I read an article in today's Gleaner about the situation. The reporter says that what's causing the problem is the lack of vegetation on the beach which roots help to keep the sand in place during storms. The developers built their properties too close to the waterline thus elimination the root system that prevented the sand from being washed away. Hopefully they will do something before the situation gets worse.

My friend insisted that we go eat at Roots Bamboo since that's where he had delicious Pineapple Chicken last year. I tried to cook it that way at home, but it's just not the same. I bet the cook must have left out some secret ingredient when I asked him how to make it.

(To Be Continued...)

**Ackee** · 04-03-2002, 03:00 PM

Re: T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

Majic your description of driving in Jamaica and the mini-bus scene is so hilarious tears are running donw my face [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Man you certainly have a storyteller knack of making the mundane interesting. I really enjoy your report. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Hey Q,I was part of the throng in Ochi over the Easter weekend...darn soca. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

T R I P R E P O R T : Ochi, Port Antoni, Kingston, MoBay, Negril

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