Tweet
The first thing I can say about our first trip to Jamaica is that it will not be the last! It is an incredibly beautiful island and I found the people to be warm and friendly. I am a frequent solo traveler to the tropics, but took my brother with me this time, as he turned the big 40 and treated himself to this vacation. He was a doll to travel with.
We were in Negril from 5/1 to 5/9. Stayed at Samsara. Many thanks to all who responded on this message board during the months prior to our trip - it proved to be invaluable information.
I have been hooked on a little island off Belize in the Caribbean called Ambergris Caye, just like many of you folks are hooked on Jamaica. Decided to try something new this last venture and glad I did!! Woman lives to tell story. Let me take you on our trip. . .
We left Sacramento late at night on 4/30. It was an overnight flight and we were glad we could examine the inside of our eyeballs for the long journey down. It ended up being longer than we thought - when we arrived at Sacramento airport to depart at 12:30 a.m., all the bars were closed! What? That was definitely a vacation foul. No fear. We had a fifth of Tequila in our carry on, so we proceeded to drink a few to get a good sleep on the plane. It worked. Flights to Dallas and on to Miami were smooth. Then the trouble began.
We got on an AA Airbus in Miami (did not like that jet!), which taxied all the way out to the runway. The pilot then announced that there were computer mechanical problems (minor) and we turned around and went back to the tarmac near the gate. Ever optimistic, I thought it would be a short delay. They ended up keeping us on the plane for almost 4 hours, offering one glass of water. People began to get angry towards the end. Hungry, tired and anxious to arrive at their vacation destinations. They finally figured out a new plane was in order and good thing, because I didn't want to fly on "Air Maybe!" So, a 5 hour delay in arriving at Montego Bay. I had scheduled Dave (Soloman's uncle) to pick us up and we were worried about a ride to Negril. Dave was waiting at the airport for us, bless his heart. That deserved a sizable tip in my mind! He drove us to Negril in record time, but not without stopping to pick us up a case of Red Stripes for the room. What a sweetie!
Arrived at Samsara. They told us they were offering a room with a ceiling fan. Told them nicely that was not going to happen, so of course, we got air conditioning. Samsara is basic, but clean, nice and convenient. Unpacked and made a beeline to the bar for some adult beverages. Their rum punches are tasty and kicked my butt! Saw my first view of the cliffs up close and took that in for a long while. Ended the long day with a cool swim in the hotel pool, with millions of stars overhead. Heaven.
May 2, 2003: Woke up in search of water, aspirin, ice and J dollars, as it seemed our hotel preferred them. Walking down the road, I was happy to discover a store, Choices Restaurant and a cambio just about across the street from our hotel. I loved how everybody honks and waves at you! We spent the morning lying by the cliffs soaking up the sun and jumping into the beautiful Caribbean. After that, headed to 3 Dives for some excellent jerk chicken. After that, we were ready to explore our surroundings.
We ended up doing a pub crawl, walking to every bar from Samsara to LTU. Too much fun. Began with Xtabi, where we explored the caves, Rock House (what a cool place), Ricks (well, had to go there since they claim it is "world famous" - LOL and also was hoping to catch a pic of a diver). No brave souls present while we were there! Ended up at LTU, which I really liked and returned frequently. What a great smell when we walked into the bar! Had some spicy coconut shrimp there. Yum. One rum punch at each place and I was ready to cab it back to hotel. Wow, just in time for Happy Hour, go figure.
Samsara has Happy Hour every day from 4 to 7, 2 for 1 drinks. An early evening swim, followed by dinner at Xtabi, serving me the biggest shrimp I have ever seen. I should have taken a picture. Delicious and hardley anyone there.
May 3: Was rudely awakened by two idiots screaming in the jacuzzi outside our room at 6:30 a.m. I think it was a couple fighting or something. Take it back to the room, please! Had a nice breakfast at Choices and then off with Soloman.
Did Mayfield Falls river walk. Stopped along the way at Soloman's house and got to see the construction. Should be nice when finished. Picked up his brother and off we went. Little London, Sa La Mar and up into the hills. The jungle was breathtaking. Everything is so lush and green.
The waterfalls, caves, natural jacuzzi and massage from the powerful waterfall (my back and neck were in heaven)at Mayfield were out of this world. Our guide was entertaining and kept hooting the entire trip. I laughed so hard.
Soloman stopped to visit along the roadway with some friends and we took some pics. Apparently, we had to head out on a different road than usual to get to Mayfield as there was a town demonstration and the road through town was closed. Soloman explained to us that a very sad, unfortunate thing happened the night before. A 14 year old Jamaican boy was shot and killed by police because he was throwing rocks at a fruit vendor, who complained. It was an accident, but the town locals were angry (understandably). Demonstrators shattered windows, set fires and threw firebombs into buildings. When the road opened up the next day, we got to see the damage, but it was cleaned up very quickly. A day or two later, you wouldn't know what happened.
Rockhouse for dinner that evening. Very nice. Dan had curry shrimp and I had the snapper. To die for! Shopped at the vendors along the roadway. No pressure felt. Everybody just wanted to show me what they had for sale.
May 4: Took the shuttle down to the beach to explore. Dropped off at Legends and found a place to park our stuff, then headed out on "beach patrol". The weather so far was absolutely perfect. I was happy I chose the cliffs, as I prefer a quieter, more laid back location, but the beach is great as well. Ended up at Margaritaville because I love Jimmy Buffett's music. Ordered the original cheeseburger in paradise, with a dill pickle and cold draft beer - just as the song says! Raided the gift shop, buying Tshirts and other things.
Went back to our spot and caught some rays and met Moses, arranging for a snorkeling trip. Partied with other hotel guests, who were a hoot and snorkeled up to Xtabi. Saw some neat fish.
The evening was spent back on the beach at Alfreds, listening to a live reggae band, which was an event not to be missed by me. Danced and carried on until late. We missed George and are sorry about that. Thought we may run into him, but being newbies, were not very familiar with the location of his hotel.
To be continued. . .
We were in Negril from 5/1 to 5/9. Stayed at Samsara. Many thanks to all who responded on this message board during the months prior to our trip - it proved to be invaluable information.
I have been hooked on a little island off Belize in the Caribbean called Ambergris Caye, just like many of you folks are hooked on Jamaica. Decided to try something new this last venture and glad I did!! Woman lives to tell story. Let me take you on our trip. . .
We left Sacramento late at night on 4/30. It was an overnight flight and we were glad we could examine the inside of our eyeballs for the long journey down. It ended up being longer than we thought - when we arrived at Sacramento airport to depart at 12:30 a.m., all the bars were closed! What? That was definitely a vacation foul. No fear. We had a fifth of Tequila in our carry on, so we proceeded to drink a few to get a good sleep on the plane. It worked. Flights to Dallas and on to Miami were smooth. Then the trouble began.
We got on an AA Airbus in Miami (did not like that jet!), which taxied all the way out to the runway. The pilot then announced that there were computer mechanical problems (minor) and we turned around and went back to the tarmac near the gate. Ever optimistic, I thought it would be a short delay. They ended up keeping us on the plane for almost 4 hours, offering one glass of water. People began to get angry towards the end. Hungry, tired and anxious to arrive at their vacation destinations. They finally figured out a new plane was in order and good thing, because I didn't want to fly on "Air Maybe!" So, a 5 hour delay in arriving at Montego Bay. I had scheduled Dave (Soloman's uncle) to pick us up and we were worried about a ride to Negril. Dave was waiting at the airport for us, bless his heart. That deserved a sizable tip in my mind! He drove us to Negril in record time, but not without stopping to pick us up a case of Red Stripes for the room. What a sweetie!
Arrived at Samsara. They told us they were offering a room with a ceiling fan. Told them nicely that was not going to happen, so of course, we got air conditioning. Samsara is basic, but clean, nice and convenient. Unpacked and made a beeline to the bar for some adult beverages. Their rum punches are tasty and kicked my butt! Saw my first view of the cliffs up close and took that in for a long while. Ended the long day with a cool swim in the hotel pool, with millions of stars overhead. Heaven.
May 2, 2003: Woke up in search of water, aspirin, ice and J dollars, as it seemed our hotel preferred them. Walking down the road, I was happy to discover a store, Choices Restaurant and a cambio just about across the street from our hotel. I loved how everybody honks and waves at you! We spent the morning lying by the cliffs soaking up the sun and jumping into the beautiful Caribbean. After that, headed to 3 Dives for some excellent jerk chicken. After that, we were ready to explore our surroundings.
We ended up doing a pub crawl, walking to every bar from Samsara to LTU. Too much fun. Began with Xtabi, where we explored the caves, Rock House (what a cool place), Ricks (well, had to go there since they claim it is "world famous" - LOL and also was hoping to catch a pic of a diver). No brave souls present while we were there! Ended up at LTU, which I really liked and returned frequently. What a great smell when we walked into the bar! Had some spicy coconut shrimp there. Yum. One rum punch at each place and I was ready to cab it back to hotel. Wow, just in time for Happy Hour, go figure.
Samsara has Happy Hour every day from 4 to 7, 2 for 1 drinks. An early evening swim, followed by dinner at Xtabi, serving me the biggest shrimp I have ever seen. I should have taken a picture. Delicious and hardley anyone there.
May 3: Was rudely awakened by two idiots screaming in the jacuzzi outside our room at 6:30 a.m. I think it was a couple fighting or something. Take it back to the room, please! Had a nice breakfast at Choices and then off with Soloman.
Did Mayfield Falls river walk. Stopped along the way at Soloman's house and got to see the construction. Should be nice when finished. Picked up his brother and off we went. Little London, Sa La Mar and up into the hills. The jungle was breathtaking. Everything is so lush and green.
The waterfalls, caves, natural jacuzzi and massage from the powerful waterfall (my back and neck were in heaven)at Mayfield were out of this world. Our guide was entertaining and kept hooting the entire trip. I laughed so hard.
Soloman stopped to visit along the roadway with some friends and we took some pics. Apparently, we had to head out on a different road than usual to get to Mayfield as there was a town demonstration and the road through town was closed. Soloman explained to us that a very sad, unfortunate thing happened the night before. A 14 year old Jamaican boy was shot and killed by police because he was throwing rocks at a fruit vendor, who complained. It was an accident, but the town locals were angry (understandably). Demonstrators shattered windows, set fires and threw firebombs into buildings. When the road opened up the next day, we got to see the damage, but it was cleaned up very quickly. A day or two later, you wouldn't know what happened.
Rockhouse for dinner that evening. Very nice. Dan had curry shrimp and I had the snapper. To die for! Shopped at the vendors along the roadway. No pressure felt. Everybody just wanted to show me what they had for sale.
May 4: Took the shuttle down to the beach to explore. Dropped off at Legends and found a place to park our stuff, then headed out on "beach patrol". The weather so far was absolutely perfect. I was happy I chose the cliffs, as I prefer a quieter, more laid back location, but the beach is great as well. Ended up at Margaritaville because I love Jimmy Buffett's music. Ordered the original cheeseburger in paradise, with a dill pickle and cold draft beer - just as the song says! Raided the gift shop, buying Tshirts and other things.
Went back to our spot and caught some rays and met Moses, arranging for a snorkeling trip. Partied with other hotel guests, who were a hoot and snorkeled up to Xtabi. Saw some neat fish.
The evening was spent back on the beach at Alfreds, listening to a live reggae band, which was an event not to be missed by me. Danced and carried on until late. We missed George and are sorry about that. Thought we may run into him, but being newbies, were not very familiar with the location of his hotel.
To be continued. . .
Comment