MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Marilyn, always happy to see u sistah! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Ooh sorry bout your puter woes. You feel handicapped when you can’t log on. Mine has been acting strange lately, come to find out my son has been fartin around on it, which is forbidden! I think he’s been downloading music or burning cd’s again. Tonight when I get home I’m going to let him have it. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

And let dem tears flow. They are tears of joy and we ladies don’t get to cry those too often these days. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Sugar Shug]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Vi-its Friday.
I'll keep checking every 30 minutes for more of your wonderful story. Why are ya making me wait-Your fans are dying for moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Day 10: Thursday – August 15 – My last full day

My last full day in Jamaica. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I wake up to bright yellow sunshine and dim blue eyes. I am so sad at the thought of leaving tomorrow that my attempt to hold back the tears was unsuccessful. I couldn’t even get out of bed. I just turned on my side and cried like a baby. This is no way to start a day in Jamaica.

I forced myself out of bed, showered, dressed and prepared myself for whatever this day may bring.

Agee called from work to tell me that she would pick me up after she leaves for the day. I will be spending the night at her home. I was really looking forward to this so it perked me up a tad. I hadn’t been to her house yet and with three children, I was concerned about space and me being an inconvenience. She and her husband both assured me that it would be no inconvenience, but an honor for me to spend the night with them. I told her I would be waiting in the lobby when she arrives.

Check out is 11:00am, which gives me time to get breakfast. I slipped on my headphones and headed on my way in search of something to eat.

I am so ashamed to say that I ended up having my breakfast at Burger King! NEVER AGAIN! I won’t add insult to this by discussing what I had so I will move on.

Some of the sites I am painfully leaving...







I made my way back to the hotel and along the way I was offered ganja, a massage, blow, to have my hair re-braided and the best souvenir bargains to be found in MoBay..all within a 15 minute period. I politely responded with a “no thank you” and the offers stopped..simple as that.

I checked out. The hotel attendant told me I could bring my suitcases into the office area to hold until I am ready to leave. All the girls that worked there were very kind to me.

I went back to the room to call Air Jamaica to find out if there were any cancellations for Monday. The answer was a very disappointing “no”, everything was still booked solid. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

The hotel maid, I don’t remember her name, was such an up-beat person that I instantly cheered up when she came in. I had a few loose items that I just didn’t feel like cramming in the bag. I asked her if she would like them and she said yes.

After dragging my bags upstairs, I got my music and a magazine and found a comfortable seat in the lobby of the hotel. The lobby isn't air conditioned, but the breeze that flows it through made the heat bearable.

Some of the guys I met the day before were sitting outside chatting and every once in a while I would glance up and listen to bits and pieces of their conversation, but for the most part I just read. I didn’t know exactly how long I would have to wait for Agee, but all is criss. And the wait is relaxing.

[Sugar Shug]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Thanks Vi!!!!!!!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Originally posted by Sugar Shug:
[qb] Vi-its Friday.
I'll keep checking every 30 minutes for more of your wonderful story. Why are ya making me wait-Your fans are dying for moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
[/qb]

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
Hey Sugar Shug…good to see u sweet one! As promised the finale is coming.

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

One of the attendants at the front desk told me I had a call. It was Schultz!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

We had tried a couple of times to get together during this trip, but due to schedule differences we couldn’t work it out. I was so happy to hear her voice. She told me that she was going to be in MoBay for about an hour or so and was coming by to visit with me. I was excited about finally seeing her.

Schultz arrived, just as she promised. She is absolutely breathtaking. We’ve spoken on the phone many times and exchanged a multitude of emails prior to this trip so basically we already knew each other. Her love for Jamaica and all that she shared with me over the months convinced me that I made the perfect choice to come here. Thanks to her input, tips, dos don’ts; my first trip has been a successful one.

The group of guys hanging around outside are as excited as I am when she arrived. All eyes were on her as he gracefully floated pass them and entered the lobby in search of me. The looks on their faces was hilarious. DOWN BOYS!

She, being the lady she is, was oblivious to the attention she had drawn. I suggested we go somewhere away from peering eyes, sonar ears and drooling tongues.

We sat by the pool, ordered something refreshing to drink and briefly exchanged stories of our adventurous trip. We regretted that we couldn’t spend more time together and made a vow to coordinate a trip together in the near future.

To anyone who has not had the pleasure of meeting Schultz, she is not only beautiful and intelligent, but truly a wonderful, caring person. I couldn’t wait to tell her about the variety of men I came in contact with. She just laughed.

Our visit came to an end way too soon. Her ride back to Negril had arrived and she had to leave. After a few pictures, good-bye hugs, she was off. I hated to see her go. I so regret not back going to Negril.

This is the back area of the Glorianna. Sorry it's the only shot of the hotel that I have.

I continued waiting in the lobby while listening to my sweet Maxi and reading an old Ebony magazine I brought with me. Only then could I take a minute to face the awful fact that I will be leaving tomorrow. I was trying so hard to keep myself together and not break down and cry again. Time passed slowly as I reminisce about the past 9 days. Each memory began with a smile and ended with a tear. I did not want to leave.

Agee arrived around 5:15 to take me to her home. Just the diversion I needed, spending my last night in Jamaica with my new family. She and her husband have three beautiful children. Two precious little girls and one very handsome son. To them, I am Auntie Vi.

They have a beautiful home. I felt comfortable the moment I walked through the doorway. Dinner was ready, fried fish, rice, salad and drink. Everything was perfect. We all gobbled our food down and got together to bond. Agee showed me pictures of their wedding. They were such a cute couple that have become an inseparable example of a loving pair.

We snacked on sweet fresh mangos and talked about everything. Soon it was time for rest. We all said good night and I retired to my king-size bed. Aahhh…my last night in Montego Bay Jamaica.

The sound of the tree frogs singing outside my window told me I was welcomed to return as often as I wish. I drifted off to sleep.

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Day 11: Friday - August 16 - Good Breakfast, Good Beach and Good Byes

I was awaken today by an unfamiliar smell. As I lay in bed I tried to figure out what it could be. I glanced at the clock and saw it was 8:05am. Agee is probably at work and the baby sitter is cooking breakfast for the children. Oh well, I’ll just lay here for a few more minutes before I rise to shower. Just then there was a tiny tap at the bedroom door.

“Yes, come in.” It was Agee’s oldest daughter.
“Aunti Vi?”
“Yes sweetheart?”
“Come please. breakfast is ready.”
“Okay, I’m on my way.”

After slipping on shorts and a top, I freshened up a little and entered the kitchen where Agee was busy shuffling pots and pans. I saw this odd looking round green thing on the stove BURNING!!
“What is that?” I asked, eyes still glued on this thing looking and smelling like it was about to burst into flames at any moment.
“This is breadfruit. We picked it the other night remember?”
“Oh that’s what your husband knocked from the tree!”
“Yes. This is how we cook it.”
I couldn’t wait to taste it. The table was set beautifully set.

My very first “real” home-cooked Jamaican breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, sliced tomatoes, sausage, sliced mangos, hot tea, and of course roasted breadfruit. Everything was absolutely delicious.

The children joined me while Agee prepared for work. I talked, listened and giggled with them. I never felt so relaxed and so stress free. They were delightful and oh so precious. After answering a killion questions and taking a billion pictures, I showered, dressed, loaded my stuff in the car, kissed the kids good-bye and Agee and I are on our way to Dr.’s Cave Beach. This is where I would spend my last remaining hours in Montego Bay.

[Laurel]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

There is no feeling like that stress free feeling that overtakes us while in Jamaica!!

Great Story! Any more??

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

We arrive at the entrance of the beach. I got out, bid Agee a good day and made my way through the opening leading to my little world of blissss. The beach aaaahhh…oooooo…mmmmm…WHA?????? It cost me $3US to enter and $3US for a folding chair. Okay, a small price to pay to enjoy something so priceless.



The gentleman who set up my chair is about 60, but very vigorous. As I watched him trudging through the sand in the blazing heat, I couldn’t help but picture my father doing this. Dragging large, heavy lounge chairs from one spot to another, under the scorching sun - day after day. It breaks my heart. I tip him $5US, and he informed me that I could rent an umbrella for an additional $5US. I thanked him and said I wouldn’t need the umbrella because I welcome the warmth from the sun.

BOY did reality hit me like a blow torch… LITERALLY!!!! What was I thinking??? It must have been 105 degrees of beams scorching my skin, with NO sunscreen. Needless to say, the scent of my body smelling like barbeque pork brought me to my senses. Umbrella puhlezz!!!!. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70361-embarassed.gif[/img]

I ordered my usual, an ice-cold Red Stripe, $2US plus 30-cent tax. It was worth every penny. The beach was awesome and the water was a deep magnificent turquoise. This was my moment, now I can rock with Bob Marley. Mmmm yeah mon, "easy skanking..skanking it easy, easy skanking...skanking it slow I kick back to enjoy and savor my view and final minutes in paradise.

There is a small crowd on the beach this morning. It looks like a lot of folks from the area come here to get away from the hassles of life. This place will surely help do just that, as it is without a doubt peaceful.

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Originally posted by Laurel:
[qb] There is no feeling like that stress free feeling that overtakes us while in Jamaica!![/qb]

ya got dat rite!!

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

I hear the jolly sounds of giggling voices.

My attention turns to a father playing in the sand with his two little girls. With a small plastic shovel, he digs a hole and gently lowers the oldest one in. She looked to be about 8. He and the youngest carefully cover her with sand until no part of her was showing except her head full of beautiful long braids and her feet, exposing ten perfect little toes. The girls giggled uncontrollably while daddy tickled the tiny one’s feet. I thought to myself, I wish he were my dad.


The tiny cutie finally wiggled and jiggled until she freed herself from the sandy blanket.

She and her sister made a mad rush to the ocean only to abruptly stop at the very edge of the waters. The only thing that got wet was their tiny feet. They slowly inched their way into the water, up to their knees and rinsed the sand from their bodies. Such a precious moment and I am here to see it.

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

A gust of wind came from across the ocean and uprooted my umbrella. A fine young man came to my rescue. His name is Kevin. He was about 20, extremely CUTE and had a body like Adonis. (sorry - didn't get his pic!)

He chatted non-stop as he slowly, shimmied the wood spike snuggly into the sand. I listened to him as if I were listening to my own son.

He told me he is working 3 jobs to save money for his visa, which cost $1,500US. His determination is to move to New York, work hard for six to nine months and return to start the building of his home. I didn’t give him the “mommy” speech because believe me…he didn’t need it. He had a focus, a plan and the drive to succeed. He will do well.

I told him I was leaving today and how desperately I felt the need to STAY. He said his need to LEAVE was just as desperate.

I understood how he felt.

I had $10US in my pocket which I gave to him. He just stood there, staring at it. I thought………Oh no!!! I’ve insulted him! He is going to put me in my place Jamaican style. But instead looked into my eyes, gave me a strong hug and kissed my right cheek. He smiled and walked away. I sat down, still not sure if I did a good thing or not.

I drank the last of my Red Stripe and turned my attention to the ocean and Mr. Marley. I felt a tap on my right shoulder, it was Kevin with an ice cold Red Stripe. Yep, I did a good thing. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

No I don’t think this was the first time he got money from a woman; I just don’t think he expected to get it from me.

This is the beach bar/restaurant

[Vi]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

As I gazed out upon the waters, I tried not to think about leaving, but it was hard. The count down to my departure began and here I sit looking at one of the very things that has saved me.

Jah’s creation and gift, the Caribbean Ocean.


Here my mind and heart are safe. Here is where I found my reason for living and respecting life. Here is where my soul is at peace. Yet I could not totally relax and accept the fact that I can not stay.

I looked at my player and noticed 8 tracks of the Marley cd had played and I don’t remember hearing any of them. My mind is so distracted now it’s hard for me to focus. Ironically, “No Woman, No Cry” is spinning. I have to rewind and listen to the ones I missed, but this has to play first. I need to be strengthened.

It is 2:10. Time to leave. My heart is aching to the point where I physically feel pain. My sweet Caribbean you let me down when I needed you the most.

I slowly gather up my belongings and make my way out to meet Agee. She is driving me to the airport.

Agee takes one look at me and gives me a hug. She knew the agony I was going through and there was nothing either one of us could do to stop the hurt. She told me there was a change in plans. Her husband had to use the car and would not be back in time to take me to the airport. She said she called a cab which would be here in about 20 minutes. Wow, I thought to myself. How did I go from 11 days down to 20 minutes so fast! Oh this hurts.

We exchanged small talk, trying to say what we need to tell each other in 6 words or less.

"Be careful...call me when you reach...hungy? Have a good time??? Got everything??"

Neither one of us were ready to say goodbye. I guess it’s best that she doesn’t take me, it would just prolong this sadness. I gave her the rest of my cash and just kept enough to pay the driver.

I am at a low point, on the verge of tears. Didn’t think things could possibly get any worse then having to leave Jamaica.

They did.

[Laurel]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Originally posted by Vi:
[qb]
I am at a low point, on the verge of tears. Didn’t think things could possibly get any worse then having to leave Jamaica.

They did. [/qb]

Vi --- You are killing me with this story .....

WHAT IS NEXT???

[Seveen]

Re: MoBay - ...my 1st Jamaica experience

Vi - Thanks for the pics of Doctor's Cave Beach. That used to be my beach until they "remodeled" it. I can barely stand to go there 'cause there are ghosts of memories past.

I know it looks nice to you and it is nice but it used to be fun also. Jamaicans actually used to come to that beach. Once the Breezes (I hate that place) went up everything about the beach changed. Before Breezes you could walk through that lot and go to Cornwall beach or catch Steve sitting up in his tree selling t'ings. Now its pure tourist.

The old man that carries the chairs has been there forever - at least since 1974. When they tore the old steps down I was boo hooing and he thought I was crazy.

The beach bar would have all kinds of folks sitting around it and the music would be going. Now it's as quiet as a tomb - I know some folks like that.

Oh well things change [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]