OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

[Marilyn]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

Danielle
First of all thank you so much for posting more of your story. With what has been going on lately I would not blame you if you stopped.
Don't try to defend your actions or Dolly's. Don't try to explain the ecomonics of it all. The more you explain, the more some people on this board still will make their own conclusions/ assumptions. I can almost feel them behind their computer screens snickering at your disclaimers.
These are the same people who would not wish you well if you were dating the man next door to you in Canada.
I was in such a "relationship" for three precious years of my life. I say precious because my *** is getting old. I guess I would fit the classic picture of the tourist victim people like to paint. Yes, I spent a many a dollar going to Jamaica....air...hotel...clothes...transportation. ..food...gifts.
Guess what......This little teacher, single mother, mortgage payer does not regret ONE SINGLE DIME, or one emotional roller coaster. Yes, the breakup hurt. I gave it about one month of grieving, as many of you know, then the memories kicked in.
First of all ....he ended it like a gentleman. Came to me...explained his motives,,,,we ended peacefully. Men here in Memphis don't do it like that, they just disappear. You are left wondering what you did. It doesn't feel good.
Then all of a sudden I realized that with or without him I love jerk chicken, rice and peas, Red Stripe, and Beef patties in CoCo bread. I realized that my view from Skycastles was just as pretty the day after we broke up as it was the day before. I realized that the ocean was still blue and the sweet Jamaican breeze carressed my skin where he used to.
I realized that the music still played and there were still people to dance with (he hated dancing, so I always had to find another partner anyway. I LOVE dancing)
I realized that I still haven't been to Mayfield Falls, or to ride the horses in the surf. I haven't been to YS Falls, cockpit country, to Glistening Waters, spent more time in Port Antonia, toured Fern Gulley, or Shaw Park Gardens. I still haven't talked that sculptor in Negril out of that carving I want, bought that Tanzanite ring at Gem Palace, or gotten any Wassi art. I still haven't met the man who makes the tables out of broken mirrors to see how I can ship one home. I still harbor the dream of having property and a house I can rent out.
He stopped none of this. Jamaica still can be mine, even if he can't.
Am I seeking to get into that mess again NO NO NO!!!
But I finally answered my question....was it the man or the country? For a while it was both...now I know Jamaica will always win.
If every woman who got hurt in Jamaica stopped going, I think the economy would hurt somewhat.
Looking back as I approach trip #10, I can truthfully say that I don't regret one penny I spent on trips 1-9.
Was I coming to see him?????? If I was, he certainly was not with me every second of any of my trips. His life went on and I spent a great deal of time with other friends, or alone just enjoying my view.
Dolly will never regret her trips to Jamaica..Paul or no Paul.
Anytime some man becomes more important than Jamaica itself.......

[reneerush]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

Thank you Danielle, for sharing your memories with us. I have really enjoyed every word of your report.

As for the negative comments, do not take them to heart. Take them for what they are...... The ramblings of some very lonely and bored people [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] .

I will be going to Ocho Rios in 28 days, and I am taking my very own Romeo.... My wonderful husband of 5 years.

Please tell Dolly that we are anxious to hear about her trip, also.

Thanks Again Danielle!!!! It has been great so far.

[stargirl911]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

((Marilyn)) hats off to ya...well said

Danielle I enjoyed your report and am happy to know you and Dolly both love JA, along with many others of us [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[Daniellebaby]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

We drove along the town, and Pete pointed out all the local attractions and sights. I was still feeling guilty, wondering what Pete was thinking with the whole Anthony situation. He asked me if I was OK. I said I was.
He joked around with me saying "That guy" looked kind of young and that he would report me to the authories, saying I was seducing a minor. He said "That way I could get you arrested here, and you would have to stay in Jamaica with me"
I gave him a bit of a smile, but inside I was a little nervous, what if Pete was a little crazy, would he do such a thing to keep me here??
We drove down to Margaritaville and he parked the car and said we'd hang out there a bit. He opened my door and took my hand. We went up to the bar entrance and he talked to the lady at the door and he payed our entrance fees. We went into the bar and he ordered me a drink. We sat down and watched the football game for a bit, then went for a walk to the beach. It was such a nice night. Even though it was still damp outside, it was beautiful.
We sat down at a table on the sand and talked.
He told me he couldn't figure me out. He said I play it too cool and he thought he was cool and smooth, but I topped him...I thought that was funny, so I smiled.
I just told him straight forward how I had no intentions on becoming attached in any way to any one I met out here, including him. I told him I liked him and that he was a nice guy and I was glad I met him and spent time with him, but that was it. He thanked me for spending time with him and went on to say how hard it was to find a "good woman, who has a good head on her shoulders" He went on to talk about his past relationships and everything. He had been hurt before, just like everyone else. He told me how he spent time in the US going to school and had met all sorts of people, etc. He told me about his family, his brothers and sisters, his friends.
We talked for quite a while about everything, anything.
He told me he was planning to keep in touch with me, and how he wanted me to come back to see him.
He said he would take care of everything, my plane ticket, everything.
I wasn't sure whether or not to believe eveything he said, so I nodded to him, but really didn't give him a reply yes or no.
We talked for a while, the place was pretty quiet, not much was happening, so he said "Let's go."
I wasn't sure where we were going, but got up with him.
We went back to his car and drove around some more.
He drove into some kind of drive up drink shop and asked me what I wanted. I wasn't even sure what this place was, I said I was OK. I just wanted some water. He looked at me and said he had water at home.
I paused for a minute, I guess that's where we were going. To his house. I was a little nervous, but was a bit anxious to see his place.
We drove for a bit until we came to his house. He said "well here's where I live"
We walked inside. It was nice. He told me to make myself at home, and he dissappeared.
I looked around and walked out onto his balcony. It was beautiful. He had an amazing view of the ocean. I though he must be the luckiest man alive to live on such a beautiful island, in such a nice house with an amazing view. I could stand out here forever.
He came back a few minutes later in a t-shirt and shorts, saying he wanted to be "comfortable" he hoped I didn't mind. I shook my head and told him he looked "cute". We stayed on the balcony for a few more minutes, and he asked me what I thought of his place. He said "It's not much, but it's home, could you see yourself here? I could use a woman's touch, don't you think?"
I just smiled at him and told him I thought his place was really nice.
I walked back inside from the balcony and sat down on his sofa. He followed me back and sat down beside me and turned the tv on. He asked what I'd like to watch, and started flipping the channels.
We decided on a movie and cuddled together on the couch. I was enjoying this and felt pretty comfortable with him. It's too bad I had to leave tomorrow. I wished I had met him earlier and was able to spend more time with him.
We were pretty relaxed on the couch and before I knew it he was breathing on my neck. I started to get "that" feeling again.
We started kissing and one thing led to another and there we were making love under the moon in the warm breeze. I felt completely safe with him and enjoyed every minute.
After he held me and told me he wasn't going to let me go. At that moment, I didn't want to leave. I really wanted to spend the night with him. It felt so right.
If I didn't have to catch the shuttle back to Montego bay early that next morning I would've stayed with him. I lay there beside him, as he held me close and we talked. He told me he really enjoyed the time we spent together and that he didn't want to let me go. He said we had a lot in common, liked the same things, and he was waiting to meet a woman like me. He said it was unfortunate that he met the "perfect woman" and that he couldn't be with me.
He said I could stay with him. I could live here, there was enough room. I knew that there was no way I could stay. I had a life at home, a career, etc.
He was drifting off to sleep. I wish I could fall asleep too beside him, but I was afraid if I did, I would miss my bus in the morning.
I watched him sleep. Every so often he would open his eyes and smile at me. He kept saying "Stay with me" and pulled me to him.
After a while I woke him up and said I had to go. It was the middle of the night, and I needed to get back.
He sat up and hugged me. He again said he wished I could stay.
He went into the other room and got out some paper. I asked him what he was doing. He wrote down his name, address phone number, work number, cell number, and email and gave it to me. He said "Now you have no excuse at all for not keeping in touch with me. Make sure you call." He asked me for my address and phone number.
I just gave him my email and number. I wasn't sure why, but I did.
He said if he didn't see me back in a few months, he was going to come see me. He said to call him, and he would send me a ticket anytime.
He was looking forward to our next meeting.
I just smiled and nodded.
He said "I mean it, so don't think I am not serious."
I said "OK"
We walked out to his car and he drove me back to my resort. We said our good-byes. He told me he would be waiting for my call. I kissed him and left. He drove away.
At that moment, I must admit I felt a little sad.
I walked back to the elevator and back to my room.
I wasn't sure how I felt. I kept telling myself that this was it. I was done. My fling in Jamaica was over. That was all there was to it.
I walked into our room to find Dolly and Olivia sleeping.
I got ready for bed and went to sleep, re-playing that evenings events in my mind. I feel asleep dreaming of him.

[goldilocks]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

Wild applause for Marilyn!!!! (and the rest of us ladies who are not afraid to venture out on our own to see what is around the next corner!) [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Daniellebaby]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

Marilyn,
You are such a sweetheart. I am sorry to hear you were hurt, but life does that, we've all been there. Life goes on and it's how you deal with what you get dealt that determines your future. You are a strong woman, and yes, things happen, but you go on.
Hat's off to you, and I am so glad you continue to enjoy Jamaica and what it has to offer. It is a beautiful place and there is so much to enjoy and explore there!! May you continue to enjoy life, have a great time when you go again!! I will be thinking of you and your adventures...I wish I could join you!!
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Daniellebaby]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

I awake early Monday morning and wonder if the whole night before was all a dream. Dolly and Olivia tell of their evening with their men and how they ended up hanging out together going to some hotels and stuff.
I tell them of my crazy encounter with Anthony. They are shocked!! Only I would have that kind of luck!!!
I scramble to pack, since I wasn't able to last night. Before I know it, it is time to catch the bus.
Paul calls Dolly to say good-bye.
She hangs up the phone and is truly sad. I ask her if she plans to keep in touch with him. She tells me it probably isin't a good idea, but she does have his phone number.
I wonder if Pete will call. I am a bit jealous of Dolly, since her man called her to say good-bye.
No call. Oh well.
We go down to the lobby. Deep inside I think maybe Pete will come and see me off. It would be nice (and sweet) of him to come see me one last time.
I get on the bus and look out the window. No Pete. I sigh. He is probably at work now. I guess this is it. Good-bye Jamaica, good-bye sun, good-bye ocean, good-bye crazy adventures, good-bye Pete.
We drive off.
The trip back to the airport doesn't seem to be as long as the ride there. Funny how that is.
When we get to the airport, we buy some last minute alcohol to take back and remember our lazy days drinking on the beach.
We check our luggage in and go to the little restaraunt on the roof.
We sit down at a table and get drinks.
We all talk about the night before and of all the things that happened during our stay.
A rasta man comes up to us and sits at our table with us. He starts up a conversation with us and tells us he likes us. I find him pretty funny.
I can't remember what we were talking about, but for some reason, he starts telling us how he would like to come to Canada and be a stripper. I almost laugh. If you could have seen this guy...he was not much to look at.
He was totally serious. We tell him there is a big industry for that type of work for men, we also tell him we were surprised there were no stip clubs here for men.
We joked around about opening up a male strip club here next time we came back to Jamaica.
Dolly and I convinced him we were entrepreneurs that would do this in the future. He told us he would work for us...yeah right!!!
The rasta man stands up. I look at him, he is wearing an old t-shirt, with ratty cut of jean shorts. That's whenI noticed it. His "man part" was hanging out of his jean shorts!!
OH MY GOD!!! I couldn't believe it!! I was wearing dark sunglasses, so I hoped it wasn't noticeable that I was looking there.
I looked at Dolly and Olivia, and wondered if they noticed this. I mean how could they NOT???
I tapped Dolly and whispered to her when the rastsa man was talking to Olivia. She giggled. It was hard not to.
We walked down to our gate, and MR. Rasta man gives me a piece of paper with his name, number and address, telling me when I open up a dance strip club for men, he would be an employee. That was too funny!!
I took it, so he wouldn't think I was rude.
Well, it was time for me and Dolly to board our plane. We said good-bye to Olivia (she was taking a different flight) We asked her if she'd be OK when we left her with nasty Rasta man...she just laughed and said she was going straight to her gate.
I remember the exact moment I walked up the stairs to board the plane.
It was a very sad moment. I knew I would miss this place. Not just Pete and the time I spent with him, I would miss Jamaica.
I sat down and looked out the window.
The plane took off.
I wasn't in Jamaica anymore.
Good-bye.

[Marilyn]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

I have to go cry now. Thank you for putting yourself out there for us...Call Pete.

[SeanPaulGyal]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

man I am glad my *Pete* is outta there [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[msrob846]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

Great trip report and the ending is sad. It's always so hard to leave Jamaica especially knowing you have to go back to work [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] But you have your memories until you go back again!!!

[c18ottawa]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

Originally posted by Marilyn:
[qb] Men here in Memphis don't do it like that, they just disappear. [/qb]

Hmmmm...look who's making generalizations now?

Danielle: What a great story! What an adventure! You're a great writer! I sure hope you return to Jamaica and soon because it is a truly wonderful place.

The winter has been so long here in Ottawa and not knowing where you are in Canada, I'd venture to guess that it hasn't been great there either! So a trip to Jamaica would do us all some good!

[Tropiq]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

Just to let you know, I enjoyed your trip report.

I havent been to Ochi in years.

Ask your friends who toured the hotels if the club at the Shaw Park Hotel is still there.
Is that hotel still there too.

[SeanPaulGyal]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

great trip report. An honest one, for a change.

If you get negative feedback, do not worry bout what a few losers say negative bout your report and how you spend your time in JA. Ignore them. They ignorant.

Most of us respect your honesty and thank you for sharing a real trip report.

Hope you have many many more fun trips to JA.

I felt so jealous reading your report cuz I used to have that kind of fun and romance in JA but now that I have married, my trips to JA are quite different. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

again, thanks for sharing. I am sure that we will see many more exciting trip reports from you.

[Daniellebaby]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

While we were on the plane Dolly and I talk about how we didn't listen to "The Bible" (The Jamaican travellers guide)
We spoke of how everything in that book was true and how never, ever did we think we would experience Jamaica the way we did.
I remember landing back home and getting into Dolly's car, I pulled out the CD I got from Anthony and stuck it in the CD player.
We heard familiar music and were reminiscing. That's when I heard the song I could have sworn Anthony wrote. The lyrics said "Girl, give me something, Just don't leave me here, like this in the rain"
"you don't have to be so cold, treating me like this, making me look foolish"
I almost choked...could he have planned this song? It was almost too weird!!!
For everyone..Please listen to the song..it's called It's on tonight by Daville.
You will know what I mean when you hear it.
It descibes my encounter with Anthony PERFECTLY.

Anyways, just to let everyone know, when I got home, I did think of Pete.
Dolly and I vowed to keep "that what happened in Jamaica, stays in Jamaica."
So it was over, right?
Well, I really thought I wouldn't hear from Pete, but to my surprise, he called a few days later.
I amswered the phone, not expecting it to be him.
He said "Hello Danielle"
I almost melted. It was him. I could not help but smile. I Said "Hi"
He asked me if I knew who it was calling.
I said "Of course"
He said he was calling just to make sure I made it home safe, and to tell me he was missing me.
He said he was expecting me to come see him in a few months, he would send me a ticket. He said if I didn't come there by March, he was coming to see me.
I said "we'll see"
We talked for a bit.
I remember him saying "bye baby, love ya"
I said "good-bye"
What was I doing??
I went on with my everyday life, and I do think of him from time to time.
He called me to wish me a merry christmas.
I called him back once.
We email eachother regularly.
When Dolly went down in January he emailed me that he saw her.
I ended up calling him at that time and chatting with him for a while.
He continues to ask me to visit him and still insists on paying my way.
He says I really have no excuse not to come and see him. I seem to make up a lot of excuses.
I have not decided whether or not to continue any relationship with him.
I am not naive, I don't know what he does with his spare time, or if he has a dozen other "Girlfriends" and I wouldn't be surprised if he did.
I had a great time there when I was with him, and I do not have any regrets. I guess I'll just leave it at that. He will be forever in my memories, and I think that is fine.
So as of yet, I haven't returned to Jamaica.
I enjoyed my time with him, and like to talk to him from time to time, however I know that it is pretty hard to be in a long distance realtionship, so I have chosen just to keep things the way they are.
I mean, sure I could take him up on his offer and go see him, but I don't want to get attached, and then hurt. I think I will leave things the way they are.
That's my choice, and for me I think it works.
Maybe I will change my mind one day and visit him, and maybe not.
Time will tell.
I hope eveyone enjoyed reading my experiences and I thank everyone for sharing their comments, etc. with me.
It's been fun remembering my time in Jamaica.
It was one trip I will NEVER forget!!
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Tropiq]

Re: OchoRios - Danielle's trip report

But you will visit Jamaica again, right?
You cant go only once [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

At least you will know someone there [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]