Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

**sunshinechic2002** · 03-24-2003, 06:10 PM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

wonderful report, loops!!! i'm hooked...MORE, MORE, MORE [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**Wadadli** · 03-24-2003, 09:30 PM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Originally posted by loops:
[qb] Friday, February 28th

So I now have the stash of "green gold" back in our room. [/qb]

Great way to describe callaloo- esp when you have not had it for a while

**AngieB** · 03-24-2003, 10:43 PM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

I am so enjoying this Loops....maybe another installment tonight....please, please, please.

**loops** · 03-25-2003, 09:08 AM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

The sunrise this morning...

Back at the room, I take a minute to whip up a jug of rum punch using the recipe I had printed from someone else’s trip report. It’s an easy recipe to remember so I share it with you now.

1 part sour (fresh squeezed lime or lemon)
2 parts sweet (oj and strawberry syrup or grenadine)
3 part strong (Appleton or overproof or a mix of both)
4 parts weak (water)

Not only is this an easy recipe…it is tasty and could set you on your butt if you’re not careful. I highly recommend it, in fact, I think this will replace margaritas as our drink for the summer of 03.

That done, we head streetside to check out the little liquor store beside Best of the West. The prices are right, so we pick up a few tings, ginger beer and of course, more stripes! The dude in the store and some kids outside are all engrossed in watching a cricket game on tv. The kids are watching through the window. Judging by the interest, I gather it is a “playoff” game of some sort. I take a minute to watch a little and am amazed by the windup on the pitchers. Interesting game.

Zavien (Smiley) arrives on cue just after 5 for Scott’s fishing trip. A note about Smiley. When he was visiting the other night he attempted to open a beer bottle with my rasta carving…chipping a rather large chunk out of it. I managed to find the chip and saved it to glue back on when I get home. So when Scott offers him a beer this time, he immediately reaches for the rasta man! Whoa there pally…you would think he would remember the damages from the other day….but not! The rasta man is put in the closet, away from Smiley’s reach from here on out. Scott is quite impressed with my rum punch so he offers some to Smiley. Being a bartender, we are eager to see what he thinks. He sips, smiles…”it’s great…I love you guys!!!” Now I can’t tell if he likes it or us better. Next thing, he pours the beer in with the punch and raises his glass to toast how much he loves us…yikes…what a character.

Scott explains to him that since I won’t be joining them, that he is only willing to pay him half what they negotiated. That’s fine with Smiley as long as we pay him for arranging the whole thing. We all head down to the beach to await the boat. I am beyond relieved when the boat arrives and actually is painted with the words Tuna Fishing on the side of it. I hate that they are going to be out after dark, but am relieved that the whole thing is on the up and up. So away they go, as much as I have been worried about this adventure…I am pleased to have a little time to myself. I spend the time walking the beach, chatting with the vendors and watching the sunset.

I go back to the room and heat up some patties and callaloo for dinner while I read a little in my book and listen to Irie FM…I love the radio here! Scott returns sometime after 7. Apparently when they got back to the beach, the captain had issues with his pay, Scott explains to him that he was clear with Smiley what he was willing to pay, they eventually settle up and Scott gives Smiley 10 for arranging the trip. No fish were caught but Scott at least got to see how they fish here…with homemade downriggers. Being a diehard fisherman himself, he appreciated the education. So as much as I enjoyed the bit of time alone…I am thrilled my honey has returned safe and sound and it’s still early. We take the time to walk down the beach as far as Margaritaville. We have a beer at a little bar I think that is near Chances on the way back and then call it a night. Tomorrow is our last full day at the beach and I am prepared to make my art purchases.

**loops** · 03-25-2003, 10:06 AM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Saturday March 1

We walk to Alfred’s and back this morning….beach walking before the rest of the world is up is just the best way to start the day. The water is calm and with few people on the beach…very enjoyable.

For spring break, I have not found there to be that many people on the beach even in the daytime. I wonder what it’s like around here in August. It is obvious that it can be hard to make a living in these environs.

The Ya Ya’s are up and getting their last doses of sunshine. They leave tomorrow too, but they are headed home. I secretly pat myself on the back for having planned to stay longer. One of the ya-ya’s and myself are interested in the same pieces of art…fortunately the craft lady has several similar pieces! We tell her we don’t plan to purchase til the end of the day, knowing we are interested, she sets our art pieces aside.

Scott hates to eat out and I have chided him for ordering room service the other night…like it would have killed him to sit at the Idle restaurant to eat. I have heard great things about the food at Sun Beach so I convince Scott that it would be nice to have lunch there. ..he weakens and agrees…so we stroll down the beach for an afternoon snack. I order pineapple chicken and scott, the roast fish which comes on a bed of callaloo with rice and peas. We share each other’s meal and I must say that fish was very very good! As I am paying for our meal, Scott and the grill cook get into a game of pool. I hang for a bit but am restless so decide to leave him there and head back up the beach. I make sure Scott realizes he has no money before I leave.

When I get back to Idle…I order a rum punch from the bar to compare to my own concoction back at the room. WoW! Much rum in there! Scott returns to Idle suspiciously grinding his jaw…I try not to notice…but after a while ask him who won the pool game and my suspicions are confirmed…this guy…do you see what I mean about him being a challenge? I make a note to myself to increase his life insurance before we go on vacation next year.

Chisty is at his usual post and inquires about the little pot he gave us yesterday. I tell him I will clean and return it…and he kindly offers to fill it again when I do. He has clearly taken a liking to us as he asks if he can offer us a gift…not wanting to insult, we offer to join him in the shade to partake. He’s got a nice little hangout here under the sea grapes. The birds are flitting about and it’s nice and cool with a little breeze. We chat for a while about life and such and later we score yet another pot of callaloo for the evening. I so wanted to take a picture of him but something about him tells me he would not care to participate…so I resist. here's the view fom his hangout...

As I bring our greens back to the room, Scott scores some patties and coco bread from the patty man on the beach. That's him with the bike and red cooler.

Later, we do a little beach shopping down by the Treehouse and I still say some of the best deals are down here. We purchase a new tropical shirt for scott and a small piece of art for myself. Then it’s back to Idle to make our final purchases from the sweet lady who has been patiently waiting for us to part with our money. I pile up my wonderful art piece, one of those little coconut shell purses and a doll that I must have and negotiate a price we both think is fair. Check out this piece I bought…I love it!!!

We have a wonderful last evening at Idle hanging there on the verandah, eating our patties and callaloo, listening to the tree frogs and enjoying each other’s company. Tomorrow, we go to The Rockhouse! For those of you who are by now bored to tears...our days are now dwindling.

**Tami** · 03-25-2003, 10:22 AM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Bored to tears??? Are you kidding me?? I am loving your report. Keep it coming, it helps to pass the 19 days that we have left until we are home again

**stargirl911** · 03-25-2003, 11:08 AM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

((Loops)) bored to tears couldn't be farther from the truth [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] I love your wonderful report and the pictures are just beautiful!! Tanks for sharing your trip [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] As for the sun "sickness"...I've got the same thing and can never get enough of that sun [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

**NYer** · 03-25-2003, 11:22 AM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

I love that painting! Is the woman you bought it from at Idle or near?

**Marilyn** · 03-25-2003, 01:12 PM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Loops
Angie told me to read your report and I am so glad I did. This is a wonderful trip report. I want to go way back to the beginning when you mentioned the vibe you felt from the people at one of the AI's. I stopped by Legends on my first trip to Negril to do a little investigating for GF tours. I gota complete chill from the people who were staying there, not the staff, the guests. I know that these changes from time to time, but all I could think is I was so glad I was not staying there.

Your pictures are gorgeous. My favorite two are the sea through the two big palm leaves, and the parting shot from Mayfield Falls. I LOVE your choice of art work and I plan to look for something similar when I am there in July.
Now you get to writing. I am loving this report.

**loops** · 03-25-2003, 08:14 PM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Thanks so much you guys...I needed that motivation to finish this up...can't believe what this has turned in to! Up to 12 pages on a word doc...and I've still got lots to say yet. I'll try to keep it concise.

Anyhoo...some answers for you all...

NYer: The art is from a woman set up in between Charela and Idle in front of a pink massage booth (on the beach). She was there on thursday and saturday...probably another day too and I just didn't notice cause I wasn't into shopping. She had several like this...one of the Ya Ya's bought one too.

Tami, Murry and Ohliz: Have an awesome time...QueenB would hate you but she's going too...you lucky wenches! And Murry! Hanging out with Libby and Chef...I hope to do that someday.

JKay: We kinda checked out Office of Nature but I couldn't tell the difference between the crafts and the actual eating place...didn't occur to me to ask. I was in AI mode...
Regards the snoring...yep tried the nose strips, the ear plugs...even bought a king size bed...but what I find works best is moving to another venue...we know where to find each other when we need to. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Sue from Maine: Jamaica at Christmas sounds wonderful...someday I hope to do that...would be so nice to get away from all the ******** and I can't think of a better place to do it.

Marilyn: I was wondering when you'd get on and add your comments...I'm so glad you like what I've got to blather about...means a lot to me.

Did I cover it all? Will try to post more tonight...but will likely not get to it til the morning...

**gmarieggers** · 03-25-2003, 11:49 PM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Loops,

So, glad I logged in tonight and found this. Just love your trip! So, glad you pointed out the paddy guy, I've seen him on the beach but this time I'll keep an eye out for him. Believe it or not I have yet to eat a paddy! Treehouse is where we usually stay - glad to hear you got up that way.

Can't wait for the remainder of your report, the shots of the beach - just like being there! I will be in just a short 23 days! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**queenb** · 03-26-2003, 12:17 AM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Originally posted by Murry:
[qb] Loops,

So, glad I logged in tonight and found this. Just love your trip! So, glad you pointed out the paddy guy, I've seen him on the beach but this time I'll keep an eye out for him. Believe it or not I have yet to eat a paddy! Treehouse is where we usually stay - glad to hear you got up that way.

Can't wait for the remainder of your report, the shots of the beach - just like being there! I will be in just a short 23 days! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [/qb]

Try the veggie patty! They are awesome, and Nevil, the patty man is a great guy.
WooooHooooooooooo!!! Less than 23 days to go!!MI JAMAICA CRAAAAAAAAAZZZZZEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

**loops** · 03-26-2003, 08:41 AM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Sunday, March 26, 2003

I would hate packing right now except, ….we’re not leaving!!!! We are just moving to the west end. We have never stayed up there so this will be fun. Sala had taken us to 3 Dives on our Treasure Beach day last year and that was our only real experience on the cliffs…other than Couples bus trip to Rick’s. I am really looking forward to this stay at Rockhouse as Mikell has described it wonderfully. Looking forward to trying out some snorkeling…something I’ve never done.

I have to take a minute here to see if I can relay yesterday’s fiasco with the Cig man. Scott had harkened him over to make a purchase…he gave him some money and the cig man threw an extra pack at him and went on his way. We looked at each other and wondered why. I asked Scott how much he gave him and he said 5 bucks. Not long after this, cig man returns (sans silly hat) and asks for Scott’s ss#. Scott makes a number up (hopefully not any of yours) and cig guy leaves. Again, we wonder why? I take a dip and when I return the cig man is back and in a heated conversation with Scott, seems he has given the man Two Hundred Fifty dollars in travelers checks which he had mistaken for J’s. Cig man is telling him how (they-the man?) took all his stuff and his hat when he tried to cash one of them…somehow this is Scott’s problem. After much discussion, we get our travelers checks back and Scott pays him double for one pack and the cig man goes on his way. I hope he managed to get his stuff back and can totally see how the temptation to just cash them was there. I’m left just shaking my head…Seems you can take the man out of the country but you cannot take the country out of my man!!!

So when Sala arrives to move us, I can’t resist telling him this little tale. He finds the whole story quite funny. That, on top of the peeling Scott has taking place from 4 inches ABOVE his eyebrows BACK…is fodder for our conversation for the morning.

So, I’ve completed a few thank you cards to give the people I appreciated during our stay at Idle. We thank Juicy and Corona our housekeeper. I left Corona a few matchbox cars to give to someone who might have fun with them, some perfume and some hair things…along with some cash. She was sweet and repays us with a warm hug. I go down to the beach to give Chisty his card and say good bye…fortunately he is busy working so I slip it to him without a big production…I hate good byes. We leave a card with Marcia at the desk for Romeo the night watchman. Romeo? She says…who dat? So now I am wondering if I’ve been calling him by the wrong name all week. Fortunately, one of the ya ya’s is in the office at the time and says “he told us his name was Romeo too!”. Well I leave the card but am wondering who will end up getting it…I guess he was more interested in letting us know he considered himself a ladies man, rather than getting a nice xtra tip…I think his real name is Ron.

Scottie quizzes Soloman about purchasing a set of dominoes while I semi-pack our belongings for the move. Soloman tells us we need to look for the REAL dominoes, and that they can be found in many of the stores in town. Sala has been great to us, bringing us Aloe during the week and picking up some callaloo seeds for us. Speaking of callaloo, I never got to get my cooking lesson, but did pick Chisty’s brain about growing, harvesting and preparing it for cooking. I’m sure I can find a recipe somewhere on the board so I’m good. I have no red stripe banner either…but the trip is not over. There is a whole section of beach I have not seen (the Queen’s beach down past Alfred’s) so this gives us good reason to return to Negril next year. Idle was wonderful…with some small hitches that I will cover when I list my pros and cons at the end of my report…I would definitely return. And we’re off to The Rockhouse!!!!

Our room is not ready when we arrive so we head down to the pool bar to wait.

Sala joins us for a stripe. It is wicked hot down there on the concrete and we order some lunch to pass the time…along with another stripe. I look over the outside of the room block and even though I never see the inside, I’m sure I could be happy there…the price is MUCH better than renting the villas. I make a mental note to consider this during another stay.

So lunch is prepared on a grill down at the pool, apparently only on weekends…but it was awesome. Scott had a burger, Sala, a veggie burger and I had grilled snapper. All three sandwiches served on yummy coco bread...absolutely delicious! The heat is really getting to me down here so I take a dip in the cool horizon pool they have there. It’s a rough day on the water, with white caps and a strong breeze. Occasionally, a wave hits the cliff, splashing water into the pool. This place is just so different from the beach…the lack of sand everywhere is a nice change…can’t help but notice that topless is more prevalent up here as well. I think Scott is going to like it here. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

**loops** · 03-26-2003, 10:12 AM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Our room is finally ready and Sala helps us to settle in and then is on his way. The next time we see him, it will be to depart…

The room is great, not fancy but very nice furniture. All stone villa with an outside verandah overlooking Pristine Cove. The bed is draped with mosquito netting and bouganvillia petals are scattered on the spread.

Very pretty. The shower is outside off the bathroom and is just so cool. The acoustics back there when the CD player is on are something else. We sit on the verandah for a while and soak up the peace and quiet while we christen the place properly.

I step down to one of the sunning decks to dip in the cove and it is lovely. The water is just so pretty here…we’re in awe. We decide we will check out our surroundings but before that, we need to try the shower out. It is, as expected, unbelievable.

**Marilyn** · 03-26-2003, 05:27 PM

Re: Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Ok I'm officially jealous

Negril - Idle Awhile Mayfield Falls/Rockhouse Trip #2:

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

ads