RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

[J-Kay]

Started the trip @ 3:30am, arrive St Louis airport 5am. Check-in thru Apple not bad line went smoothly, security okay & BK stop for croissantwich sandwich before we leave at 7am. Good thing we ate as they only served bag of pretzels on the plane. Arrive MoBay @ 11:25am & as usual, the bus took an hour to get loaded. I much prefer pay $40 & use Osmond (driver)call him cell 876-391-8251 or home 876-918-3460 Savana-La Mar. He's safe reliable driver with nice Toyota van. The new road is only an hour drive but I miss some of the scenic coastline views & going thru the smaller towns now bypassed. We pass the RIU 2 new construction before we arrive, it's huge & @ opposite side of Bloody Bay.
RIU check-in was smooth & Carlene (all the rest too) had smiles & welcome punch for us. Due to RIU points, got upgraded to suite so we were oceanview top floor in last bldg. The walking was good (& dreaded 6 flts steps) because I knew we eat & drink too much. Debbie was impressed with the suite Rm 6317 as it's very large. Living rm w/couch chair tv dresser window etc. Patio dr opens to huge balcony (no real oceanview due to trees) with recliners & tables. It's so wonderful to walk outside & its 80 degrees w/sound of ocean waves crashing & seeing birds in palm trees & blue skies. It was so cold in St Louis, we are tickled pink to be @ RIU. Quick unpack into storage cubes in walkin closet (safe too) & off to grab Ricardo's jerk chicken. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] Boo Hoo it's too late & we have to eat lunch buffet (ok). Stop by to get a drink from Rayon @ poolbar & he's just as friendly & cute as ever w/his light green eyes & big smile. We wander the property & walk the beach so Debbie can experience Bloody Bay for the 1st time. She loves it as I do & we see some my old friends Pepe & Bloom. Setup Bloom to braid 1/2 Deb's hair tomorrow & we head back, get another drink & go to room to take a break before sunset comes. Gorgeous colorful sunset that night @ 5:30 & we dash downstairs to catch it. The sand fleas still attack at twilight so we sprayed after that. It was so relaxing "Magical" to lie in the lounge chair watching the sun drop in 1/2 hour you see amazing oranges, pinks, purple on the blue sky with the golden sun setting.
I'm gonna have to go read how to insert the pics into web as I got great pic of sunset in Bloody Bay Thurs. night. The sand fleas/mosquitos chase us back up the 6 flights of stairs so we can clean up for late dinner at 8:30pm. I prefer the late so you aren't rushed after sunset & you move slower & stay up later than usual while in JA.
I insisted that we have outside seating & finally got my way after telling him it's my 3rd visit & I'm in Suite 6317. There was plenty of open tables outside & in since RIU was only @ 30% occupancy.
How can they support another 600rm resort when they aren't filling 400rm resort? It was nice that it was not packed as you never had to wait @ bar for drink or dinner buffet or water sports etc. We went to the Beach Party 10pm after dinner because I didn't want Debbie to miss it even though we were exhausted & full now. The Beach Party show has added a fire eater & it was fun & RIU band was great. Lasted till 12pm drinking & dancing on beach. Finally we strolled back up beach to our suite so we could sit on our balcony & enjoy the sounds of creatures & ocean & feel the warm breeze. It was SOOOO Nice to be outside in the warmth with stars & almost full moon. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight I'm so happy to be in paradise!
More to come after I figure out how to add pics.

[seathworld]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Well, hello J-kay - didn't know we were such close neighbors - I'm in Springfield! Thanks for the trip report- sounds like you had a good time!

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

[AngieB]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

JKay, wonderful beginning. I hope someone comes along and tell you how to insert pictures. If not, start a thread to QueenB and she will tell you. Can't wait for the pictures....bloody bay is so peaceful and calm. I stayed at Riu last year for a short weekend trip to Jamaica and loved it. I am not the AI type, but the deal was not to be missed and I am glad that I Didn't. The place is beautiful. BTW, how did you enroll in the point system with RIU. They gave me a brochure with the application when I left, but when I opened it, it was already filled out by someone else. I have yet to find a place to resgister.

[ohliz]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

To post pics, you need to first place them online, on a web page, at a photo site, somewhere that you can go there and view them with your web browser.

Once done, right-click on the photo you want to post. Choose PROPERTIES from the menu that pops up.

Highlight and copy ("Copy" on the edit menu or CTRL-C) the address (http:///somethingsomething.jpg or .gif).

Come back here, start a new message.

Click the grey IMAGE button in the UBB COde area.

Paste (edit->paste or CTRL-C) the address and click OK.

Post your message.

[Kathryn]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

HI, everyone! Just wanted to see if I'm following the image instructions right. This was taken at Green Island Primary in Nov. We were being introduced as friends from "farrin".

Trying one last time:

[Kathryn]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Hmmm...guess not. Sorry.

[queenb]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Originally posted by Kathryn:
[qb]Hmmm...guess not. Sorry.[/qb]

Kathryn, you've used the "URL" button instead of the "IMAGE" button to try to insert your picture. Go back in to "edit your post" (the little paper & pencil above the post), delete the code for the image, then reinsert it using the proper button.

[BravesFan]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Where did the pictures go that were here earlier J-Kay? Hubby wants to see the new Riu.

[BravesFan]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Jeez...never mind...there with Rasta Stan's report! SSOOORRRYY...Glad you enjoyed your trip! Thanks for the email w/the info! I've got Rayon's stuff boxed up and ready to go... Can't wait to see your picts!!

[J-Kay]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

<A HREF="http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290834227"><IMG SRC="http://www.imagestation.com/images/is/community/this_album_button.gif" BORDER="0"></A>

Here's a link to my first 36 pictures from RIU trip. Some RIU suite pictures, & some of your favorite RIU employees, Bloody Bay beach which is great, Office of Nature & Mayfield Falls.

This is my first attempt at sharing an album, hope it works & I'll do more & add lots more pictures for everyone to vicariously enjoy my Negril escape. As always, a memory that brings a smile to my face everytime I look at our pictures.
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[queenb]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Originally posted by J-Kay:
[qb]<A HREF="http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290834227"><IMG SRC="http://www.imagestation.com/images/is/community/this_album_button.gif" BORDER="0"></A>

Here's a link to my first 36 pictures from RIU trip. Some RIU suite pictures, & some of your favorite RIU employees, Bloody Bay beach which is great, Office of Nature & Mayfield Falls.

This is my first attempt at sharing an album, hope it works & I'll do more & add lots more pictures for everyone to vicariously enjoy my Negril escape. As always, a memory that brings a smile to my face everytime I look at our pictures.
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [/qb]

album

Here you go! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Just FYI, this bulletin board has html not enabled, so you have to use the URL button below the post box.

[J-Kay]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Thanks for the assistance with my album, I'm learning slowly.
Thought I'd continue the story with day 2 Friday. We got up early cause Pauline my previous maid came by to say Hi. Leisurely get ready to go down & have breakfast. The fresh made fruit smoothies are excellent. Then get Chef Kelvin to make you one of his famous omelets, he's the best. He also makes French Toast Croissants rolled in brown sugar that are to die for. The breakfast buffet is excellent everyday & worth getting up for. Best time to get sun in early morning so we walk Bloody Bay beach around to see RIU 2 construction site. We pass few vendors & look for Christmas man but he's not on beach this early. Office of Nature is in business & lots of locals hanging out playing dominoes or enjoying the music. We keep on going since we know later we'll party there. Naked couple is lying on beach & we sneak a photo of them. This new hotel will ruin Bloody Bay making it too populated & ruin the nude beach area :-( as will be too many people.
Several workers @ RIU2 come talk with us & gave us shells. We met George the security guard & he makes sure no one hassles us as we stroll back to RIU (think he likes Deb). Bloom braids Debbie's hair this morning & she's so happy to have gone native. It looks cute & seems to have liberated her. Talked with Pepe, Tete & Vincent by Office of Nature but Christmas not there. We are really relaxing & enjoying the warm sunshine while we wade thru the ocean walking up the beach back to RIU. Say Hi to Mudslide as we go by the Scuba Centre @ RIU because Kim made me promise I would. Back to see Rayon & have a cocktail at the poolbar. He's just as cute & flirtatious as ever & makes us Rayon Special Pina Coladas. We decided to hang out in the water side of poolbar & then we ran (unbeknownst to us) into the "Naked Couple". They recognized us & told us to send them a copy of the picture but we didn't get their email. We all laughed & they said we should have ask them to turn over, they would have & would be same place tomorrow! We went to craft mkt next day so we missed them but later they told us they waited for us Ha Ha Ha!
Since we've gotten buzzed from the drinks & we smell Ricardo's jerk chicken, we say goodby to Rayon & we're off to have lunch. DO NOT MISS EATING from the JERK HUT at RIU, Ricardo makes the BEST JERK CHICKEN you have ever tasted. It's moist, flavorful & if you like your mouth to be on fire ladle on the Jerk Sauce. The buffet food is okay but little picked over today. Of course they have delicious desserts so I'm happy & even eat some healthy fresh pineapple, watermelon & canteloupe. The afternoon clouds come in so we take a break in our room, later we realize this is part of afternoon ritual where clouds coming in for another colorful sunset across Bloody Bay. The sand fleas are vicious at twilight so bring bug spray & use it. It had been very rainy in December so lots of mosquitos this yr too. We have late sitting 8:30 for dinner so there's no rush to get ready & Debbie goes for stroll on the beach with George. Dinner & desserts were good & we wander over to Bloody Bay bar to watch the evening entertainment. White & Jacenth are bartending & make our evening very pleasureable. RIU show of skits was lame but we were tired today so we wander back to our room gazing at the stars as we go. I love to sit outside on our balcony w/music playing, listening to waves crashing & absorbing the island experience! We went to bed about 12:30am & then the phone rings at 12:45am It's Osmond my driver friend. We set up for Osmond to drive us to craft market tomorrow at 11am. Say goodnight to Osmond & fade back to sleep. Another day in paradise tomorrow to look forward to!

[BravesFan]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Hope we don't have to wait a week for another installment! Pics are great....make a person homesick though.

[J-Kay]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

3rd day of RIU trip Sat. 12/14/02
We both woke early but rolled back over to sleep till later (vacations are so nice). I couldn't waste anymore time inside by 8:30 & got up to enjoy my balcony, blue skies, listen to some reggae (so loud I woke up Debbie) & being in JA.
Chef Kelvin makes fabulous Ham/Bacon/Tomato omelet w/lots of cheese, yummmmy! Some fried potatoes, hot donuts,fruit,fresh juice etc. it's all good!
Osmond was late to drive us to town so we grabbed a ride with Seymour down to Times Square Mini Mall with a/c. Since it was so warm that day, we decided to shop big craft mkt another day. You have to watch these shop people, they will rip you off on exchange rate if you don't pay attn. (it happened twice). We did buy lots of souvenoirs to bring back for friends & before you know it's getting late for lunch & don't want to miss Ricardo's jerk chicken so back to RIU. Seymour charged us $10 total for round trip to mall & back. Osmond had tried to reach us & left message so we arranged to see him later when he came to pickup Donna @ Grand Lido after her day was done there.
Late lunch was great & here come the afternoon clouds again around 3 pm. We head back to beach to watch couples frolicking in the ocean (yes some people get busy in ocean). Before you know it's sunset time again so we get set for our favorite afternoon past time. Get bug spray, camera with 2 rolls film & drink from Rayon, towel from Emerson & we recline in our chairs to relax & enjoy another beautiful sunset.
Walked the beach after sunset then went to our room & cleaned up for dinner. Stopped by Bloody Bay bar to have a before dinner drink & it starts to rain. We lucked out that our outside dining table was under the canopy so we sat outside while it rained enjoying a delicious dinner. New waiter tonite is Leroy, he's very attentive & entertaining. Very cool to sit outside dining while the rain comes down. Sat. is only night it rained in evening. We head over to have after dinner drink (White is bartending) & watch show where they got 4 couples from crowd competing in silly contests (sexually provocative). Donovan the bar mgr is working tonite & he juggles bottles & amazes the guests with his talents & beautiful smile. The rain finally stops so we wander back to our suite. Another fabulous fun day in JA. paradise! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[J-Kay]

Re: RIU Tropical Bay-Negril trip rpt Dec 2002

Sunday 12/15/2002 the Jamaican adventure continues.
I woke up 6:30am but the sun wasn't up yet. Took my music, journal & went outside to watch the sunrise over the mtns. By 7am it's blazing brite above the mtns so I relax back in my chaise lounge chair listening to my music, the waves crashing below, birds chirping while I scratch the hell out of my bites. My legs are covered in sand flea or mosquito bites & they're itching me to death. Finally Deb gets up so we leisurely get ready for breakfast. I tried saltfish & ackee (YECH) it tastes like sardines & partially cooked scrambled eggs (well at least I tried it). Kelvin's omelets & french toast croissants can't be beat so why eat anything else!
After breakfast we headed down to "JamaiKay beach" (beach in front of 6000 bldg by Couples) to build our Sand/SnowMan/Woman creation. Little did we know when we started this project that it would take us all morning & I burned my buns/back while we packed & carved sand. Debbie did a sand/snow angel in the sand to finish off our creation & create next years Xmas picture. Click on "ALBUM" link above within QueenB's reply to view some of my pictures & see our project. It was fun but a lot of work lugging wet packed sand so Debbie could have the Snowman she envisioned. Unfortunately sand does not pack or stay firm like snow does so we have a very rotund snowman.
This is another one of those things we take for granted in the states "SNOW". I tried to explain snow to Kadie of how it feels & looks but when you're never experienced cold, it's hard to explain snow. St Louis had a White Christmas this year for the first time in years so I took lots of pictures to send to my island friends. They all want to see snow but I don't think islanders would enjoy the cold, I know I don't. Oh to be warm all the time! The island calls me back.... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]