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

**loops** · 03-28-2003, 10:20 AM

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

This is a view of our perch taken from the restaurant. Ours is the one with the ladder reaching into the sea. The snorkeling in this little cove is the BEST!

**loops** · 03-28-2003, 11:48 AM

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

Sammy: We had villa #10.

**Marilyn** · 03-28-2003, 11:53 AM

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

I just told Angie last night as we were discussing your trip report that I hope to be inm Jamaica long enough this time to do nothing a few days.

**Guest** · 03-29-2003, 12:15 PM

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

ok...i'm caught up with you now...waiting for the last few days! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

i saved all FOURTEEN parts of my trip report...but not sure if anyone would want to wade thru all that ... a lot of it is similar to yours...

also could offer to send the link to my photos site (about 120 pictures...many of the rockhouse, as you know) to anyone who would like to take a look...

can't wait for your pros and cons take soon...

much love...
mikell [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

**NeverGoneFromYou** · 03-29-2003, 12:37 PM

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

Loops, I am all caught up in your report! I feel that I am walking in your shoes! I could hardly wait for each installment.... I needed my fix! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Mar

**loops** · 03-30-2003, 03:24 PM

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

Sorry about the delay there…got into a rare domestic mood and had to take advantage of it…I’m back.

Come with me while I relay what is the last bits of our trip to the land of wood and water. When we left off, our intrepid travelers were lounging along the cliffs of the west end…

Around mid afternoon we decided to head down to 3 Dives for our much anticipated lobster feast. We ventured into the shops along the road on the way, chatting with the vendors. Purchased a Bob Marley sarong I will probably decorate our camp with and met a nice young man named Noel. Scott quizzed him about where he might find a domino set up here on the cliffs. Noel, ever the entrepreneur, offered to sell us a set he had at his home. We arranged to meet him on Tuesday to look over the goods. Along the way also, I want to share that there was a particular stall that had some gorgeous carvings of women (other things too, chairs, stools) that were really very nice. Smooth, beautiful, high cheeked African looking carvings. They were a little higher in price, but were of better quality than anything I had seen all week. I didn’t buy, but would recommend these pieces…hang left out of rockhouse, and head towards Joseph’s Cave…it is one of the last stalls on the right. Wish I had at least taken a picture of the stuff.

We arrived at 3 Dives and were served. Ordered a couple stripes to sip while we waited for our meal and puttered around the property taking pictures of the flowers growing there.

We love this little spot, the open air, the casual setting…our kind of restaurant. Before long, our meal comes and it does not disappoint! Paula cooks some fine callaloo, rice and peas and of course that wonderful grilled lobster with a side of garlic butter. We ate every last bite and had another stripe to boot.

**loops** · 03-30-2003, 03:55 PM

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

Stuffed and happy, we returned to our villa to catch the last rays of the day and be entertained by the daily ritual that is the cliff diving tours of the west end. I had packed our binoculars at the last minute before leaving home and they proved to be fun to have while we were staying here. Spotted a parakeet in a tree above our villa…and that, made it all worth lugging them. Plus Scott found them useful to keep tabs on the fishermen that would happen by.

I took this cool photo of us…see me in the reflection? I have a similar one with the room inside and the water reflecting…

Here’s Scott working miracles with the camera…if you look closely in this one, there appears to be cleavage!

So we watched the boats and the sunset and then decided to take a walk to the restaurant to see if we could see any fish in the lights underneath the restaurant…none really, but it was a nice adventure. We stopped by the bar and ordered an appetizer for dinner. Coconut shrimp with mango chutney and they were awesome! Only 6 shrimp but a taste sensation…they went nicely with the papaya daiquiri we ordered with it. And that was the nitecap for the day

**loops** · 03-30-2003, 07:01 PM

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

Boy...I did put you guys to sleep didn't I?

Tuesday March 4th

Our last full day in Jamaica. It’s another early morning and as the sun begins to lighten the sky we discover two fisherman have moored their boat in the cove in front of our villa. They appear to be sleeping in the boat waiting for the sun to rise. We watch as they begin their day, and go about setting nets to snare their catch. Again, the binocs come in handy. It is yet another beautiful day in paradise.

I venture out onto the road to risk my life and see the sites. Go right and walked as far as Kaisers. Could someone please build a sidewalk up here! It was a nice walk, despite the difficulties. I ran into the little NC cliffdiver and her beau on the trip as well. Her photo would later appear in a Negril Today photo with the setting sun that really was stunning.

Found a wicked buy on some Jamaica Joe sunscreen in a little store down this way. 150J!!! I should have bought some for gifts. When I returned to our place, Scott went down to the restaurant to order up some breakfast for out on the verandah. I tried the porridge/banana bread and it was tasty. I still had some shots left on the underwater camera so I smeared some lip balm on and headed into the water to get at it. Scott bird dogged me around the property while I snorkeled about taking photos. The photos came out disappointing but I can not wait to snorkel again next year…I will have to check out the reef now that I’m more comfortable with the whole set up.

Took this artsy photo while I was dubbing around in the water.

It being our last afternoon, it is now time to go across the street to do our final bit of shopping. We take another one of those wonderful showers (can’t get enough of that) and head over to hang with the locals. We run into Noel and as promised, he has brought a domino set for us to purchase. I’m not sure what I expected, but I was surprised to find the set came in a little briefcase looking container…like a miniature backgammon set. Really cute and in good shape, the pieces are worn nicely…it’s got character. We are thrilled. But before we purchase, we bargain with Noel for a lesson and a photo.

No problem mon! The deal is done and I leave Scott to his lesson while I continue my shopping along the road there. It doesn’t seem to take long for all the folks to know that my man is getting a domino lesson down the street. I purchase two more sarongs, a rasta flag beach towel and one of these topsy turvy dolls.

They are so colorful and cute…another nice gift. I attempt to purchase a walking stick for Scott’s brother but give up, Scott will have to manage that himself. So two things still remain to be picked up, a walking stick and I haven’t given up on my quest for the Stripe banner.

I eventually return to the scene of the domino lesson where the guys are enjoying some beer and having a good natured game.

Several games were played and we all had a fun time. Feeling the afternoon fading away, we felt it best to make our getaway.

Our last sunset will be soon and we don’t want to miss it. When we return to our villa, we find many boats in the cove. This was the first sign we had seen of an increase in traffic due to spring break and we were happy for the businessmen who so depend on tourism for their income. Earlier in this day, the Hedo cruise had come up and wow! Now that was a sight.

Back at our place, we fondled our new domino game, giddy with our purchase. We enjoyed the bittersweet sunset from our villa and then headed over to Rockhouse to check out the much ballyhooed dinner menu.

**1stTimeGrl** · 03-30-2003, 08:14 PM

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

I'm feeling those end-of-trip blues already!

Love your purchases... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

And many thanks for all the tips! They'll definitely come in handy when we're there next month. You (and Mikell) have really helped me with my planning via your wonderful posts. I just wrote Sala for a quote for the Mayfield falls trip.

**loops** · 03-31-2003, 09:33 AM

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

Dinner at Rockhouse is everything you have heard about. Earlybirds that we are, we are seated at a nice table overlooking the cove. It really is a lovely atmosphere and having not eaten since this AM, we have no problem finding something on the menu to suit us. Scott orders coconut chicken and I, the grilled snapper. We are well buzzed already and imagine our surprise when the papaya daiquiris we ordered come to the table times two!!! It’s two for one, and in Jamaica, when there are two people that means four drinks…of course, this is not a huge problem for us. We ordered another coconut shrimp appetizer while we wait and just as last night, it goes very well with the toddies. The meal arrived promptly and it was a fantastic meal which we devoured…it was all perfect.

We went back to the villa and grabbed a motivator to take with us across the street. We wanted to just hang with the guys for a while and take in the vibe…no shopping…no photos…

Scott picked up some Stripes for the evening and we visited with our domino buddy and his pals for a few hours. I mentioned the only thing I still did not have was the the illusive Stripe banner. Noel suggests he needs more time to “arrange” for one. They are everywhere…and I can’t imagine it would be hard to find one but, apparently just helping yourself is not the way to go about it. Things are starting to look bleak in the banner quest. We enjoy our evening with the guys. One of them, whose name I cannot recall, points out the music that is playing from a tape player I cannot see. It is a taped radio broadcast of a Bob Marley tribute played during his birthday. I inquire about a copy of it (apparently, I’m not done shopping) and we arrange to buy one tomorrow morning before we leave. At some point here, Scott and one of the fellas goes over to the store and returns with more beer and a package of salted fish which they pass around and each take a gnaw off…yech!!! It is at this point, that I recognized that if we stay any longer, I may be crippled tomorrow and unable to fly. We wisely head home and crash. Who knows what time it is…but it was a great last night!!!

**loops** · 03-31-2003, 10:16 AM

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

We wake mercifully refreshed and ready to face a day of travel. Scott is anxious to see our dog at this point so I guess the time has come for us to head home. 9 nights have been just about right…we haven’t killed each other…yet…and we were able to get a flavor of both the cliffs and the beach…we have had an absolutely fabulous time! We start the day with another Rockhouse Special for breakfast and it is so good, along with that wonderful coffee that they brew super strong in the restaurant.

Back at the villa, I start to ponder how I’m going to fit all this stuff in these bags! I send Scott over to the store for 10 of those little bottles of rum cream that everyone will be expecting from me. He returns and I go to work rolling each one in my dirty laundry and stuffing them into the nooks and crannies of our luggage. I send Scott back out across the street to give away the small cooler we brought along with our beach tote, some candles and citronella coils which we never used. He returns with a very nice walking stick for his brother. Now where am I going to put that! From behind his back he pulls one of my most favorite momentos of this trip…the Red Stripe banner! Yes!!!!! I can’t wait to find a spot at our camp to display this!

Sala arrives sometime between 10 and 11. I have had to guess what time it is since we got here. At one point earlier in the week, Juicy at Idle had stepped into the sun and looked to the sky and given me his take on the time of the day using that method…worked for me all week…but now…we sadly must get back into the “reality” mode….what a drag! I sadly put on the first pair of slacks and socks I have worn since February 24th. I go to the office to check out and leave a nice thank you for Jean, our maid, who was cute and bubbly and deserving of a little something extra. I also left some stuff in the room for her…cough syrup, shampoo, sunglasses, pepto…I came prepared! One last motivator and we are pulling out of Rockhouse. As we pull onto the cliff road our friend is waiting with the Marley cassette in hand. He tries to get twenty bucks out of me, I offer ten and he accepts. Sala throws the tape in the player and we now have entertainment for the ride to the airport. One stop at 3 Dives for some of that spicy granny sauce that is sssoooo good! We are running late, and Sala offers to drop off the school supplies I‘ve brought at the Treehouse where they will be distributed. So many places we did not get to visit as we head out down Manley Blvd towards Mobay. Oh well, next time…or the next time…or the next…we are so hooked and will be back!

The tape is so cool. Bob Marley is interviewed on it. Who knows what he is saying, but I will listen to it over and over til I figure it out! There are songs that aren’t mainstream Bob and some of it is just medleys but it is fun to listen to. Sala seemed to enjoy it on the way to the airport…and clearly understands all that is being discussed in the interview…as evidenced by his chuckling at certain points along the way. I’m thrilled that I have a tape with patois on it to play for my friends at home. Last year, we had purchased a Peter Tosh tape at the mausoleum and now this year a Bob tape…my collection of memorabilia is growing…and my interest in reggae music!

With little time to spare, Sala drops us at the airport. We so enjoy his company, we feel like we’re leaving an old friend. We say our farewells and promise to contact him again next year. We hurry into the airport to purchase our rum varieties for our anticipated summer of rum punch…totally forgot to buy any coffee…bummer!

With little time wasted, we are on the plane lifting off over Jamaica. An interesting side trip for us on the way home as we are scheduled to fly into Kingston. Fascinating flight over the island I love to the city of Kingston. It was a beautiful clear day so we could see everything out the window as we looked down over the Blue Mountains and then the city. It was a quick stop and then we were on our way back to reality…Boo hoo!!! Sob Sob Sob!
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
I regret that I never ate at Selina’s or never met Sue at the Easy Rock. I love Sue’s story…I never made it to the Bar B Barn and I wanted to check out that end of the beach. I wanted to shop at Countryside but where would I have put all the stuff? Never made it to LTU, Jus Natural, Mi Yard or Pirate’s Cave…oh well looks like a return trip will be necessary….

Until then…I think I need a support group.

Hi…My name is Loops and I’m a Jamaicaholic….

**1stTimeGrl** · 03-31-2003, 12:24 PM

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

Loops!!

This has been great! Many, many thanks from a newbie who's gotten obsessed by reading the reports from you and Mikell.

Can't wait to return the favor with a report & photos of my own (23 days & counting!)

Celia

**loops** · 03-31-2003, 07:29 PM

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

thanks 1st timer, where will you be staying? You're going to have a wonderful time...I guarantee it! We'll be looking for your travelog when you return!!!!

**AngieB** · 04-01-2003, 12:14 AM

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

Loops,such a wonderful report. I enjoyed every line of it and cannot wait until my visit in July.

Mikell, please post your trip report and by all means, post those pictures. If you decide not to, please send me the link to your pictures and the report. I'll read it on my own.

**1stTimeGrl** · 04-01-2003, 01:47 AM

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

Loops,

We're staying at the Rockhouse in a studio... our friends are in a standard room... we'll report back on whether these rooms affect the Rockhouse experience... and we're hoping Sala can help us with a Mayfield trip... wrote him yesterday.

We've loved your reports SO much, partly because of the Rockhouse/Mayfield connection...

Both are things that were on my list before I read your (and Mikell's -- btw, to everybody who reads this thread -- check out Mickell too! it's so fun reading the parellel reports!) report, and I can't describe how enthused I was about your pictures and stories... definitely made my mind up about how to spend my time in JA.

I hope that all of our paths will cross someday -- can't believe I'm already looking at the possibility of the October FOJ bashment (any chance you're tempted?)... when I haven't even been to JA for the 1st time!!... really, I'm getting a little nutty as THIS trip is a huge extravagance... but, there are so many places/experiences/people I'm curious about from reading the boards that I know we'll miss our first time there...

ah, well, dream big, and then find the way to make it happen!

Thanks again for taking the time to share!

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

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