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The reson for my returning to Jamaica was two fold this trip. 1)Healing 2)GFT.
1)My year had been hectic with a new job with a drive 1 1/2 hours one way. Also there were many changes coming in the department I now headed. Several transferes out and in and a few cuts. This is never easy for people like me. I hate to tell somone that they are being let go from their current position. Secondly, my father was diagnosed with cancer and the healing for him was a long road but right on time.
2) GFT - the thrid and largest tour to date. I was both happy and a little concerned that everything be perfect. With so much on my plate at home, I wasn't as involved in the planning as I usually am. Marilyn took up this slack with no complaining, and I was thankful.
I'll start the trip report with my first few days before the GFT,and my healing and then fast foward to Satuday, the third day of the bashment. I beleive this is where Marilyn left off. She will come along and post pictures and her additions soon.
JULY4th: I arrived at Rock House Resort (RHR) early afternoon as tired as a old jogging suit that you just can't seem to throw away but should. I needed this break and finally I was home in paradise. As I checked in and was welcomed, I almost began to cry. Tears are always just on the edge of my lids these days.
I am led to my room and was disappointed at the size. I selected a deluxe room and asked if this was it. I was informed that is was and then wondered what the regular room looked like. The room was small with a high netted bed and one dresser. One door led to the large balcony that had a perfect view of the ocean. The other door led to the bathroom with the outdoor shower I had heard so much about. I unpacked and dressed in my uniform for the entire trip (sarong).
At the desk I asked for a cab to go to margaritville to meet my girlfriend. She was to be there from the 4th and leave on the 6th.Given a price of $10, I smiled and walked back to the room and called Solomon. He was at margaritville already with a group and came right away to pick me up. I met up with Jen and hugs, kisses and introductions of she and Sienna were made. Sienna and I struck out down the street for meat pies and found none. Later returned still hungry and Jen and I returned to RHR to dress for dinner. I have not eaten today.
We jumped in the shower and talked until the water ran cold. These showers are big enought for 5 people. It has been 6 months since our last meeting. Dressed and waited for her company and then sat on the balcony for hours chatting. I awaken later to her telling me to go to bed and their leaving. Ok, so much for food today.
JULY 5th: Awaken at 5am and pulled my blanket and pillow on the balcony and went back to sleep. Later called Solomon for pick-up to meet Queen at Bar-b-barn. Stopped at the cell phone place to purchase a phone and this took forever. We got in the car and spent another eternity trying to figure the thing out. Met Queen sitting on the stool at the bar. Her smile calmed me as I was on the verge of tears again from exhaustion and god knows what. We went for a long swim and talked. I like this women as I looked into her kind face and a smile that would sink a million ships. I knew that I would find a measure of healing in her presence.
We dried off, sat and chatted for a while. Never knew when she left becasue I feel asleep. Some friend I know. Later discovered Marilyn called for me but when told I was asleep,told Queen not to awaken me. See, who could ask for a more perfect partner.
Awaken late in the evening and moved to the bar for drinks. Caught a cab to RHR and took a shower. Today my room is wonderful for some reason. I sit on the balcony and regret that tomorrow I was leaving to stay at Bar-b-barn. Sat on the balcony for hours sipping Red Stripe and sorting out my life and choices. Thought I should go and meet Jen because she is leaving tomorrow, but I could not. My legs would not go. Climbed into bed and slept.
JULY 6th: Got up early and called Jen. Decided to walk towards her resort, Samsara and meet half way. We sat on a brick wall overlooking the ocean and chatting while a stray dog found rest at my feet. We talked of moving to Jamaica and what it would be like. She and I love to dream together. It is our escape. The hour was getting late and I knew we should move on but could not move. Finally there was no time left and I walked her to Samsara for her departure.
Walking back alone was peaceful. The world had not awaken yet and the road was deserted and cool. The ocean always to my right, I felt calmed. I stopped several times and thought deeply of why the healing was so hard to come this time. I usually am well on my way by now...still it eluded me.
Arrived at RHR and went to my room. The bed was still un-made but welcoming. I knew I could not leave this calm place. The front desk welcomed me for another night. I returned to my room and grabbed my pillow and blanket to go to the balcony. As I sat I noticed a man on the cliffs next to my resort fishing with just a string, no pole. I wathced him for a while and as if he felt my stare, waved to me. I waved back and smiled.
Minutes later he waved again, this time beckoning me to come over. Ordinarilly I would never do this but today I knew I would. I asked by mouthing the words which way to go. Odd, we were too far from each other to see our features,but he knew what I asked and pointed towards the street and through the path.
Walking down this path I should have been nervous. No one else in sight. Hidden from view of others, a pefect place for crime to happen. I was not nervous, but felt strangely being pulled towards an adventure. You all know how I love adventures. Stepping cautiously over the broken reef, I found a lounge chair one reef back from him. I sat and waved...he waved and smiled. He turned around and continued to fish. The sun was hot but the breeze brisk and cool. Rain might come soon I thought as I relaxed on the chair and felt myself nodding off.
I hear in the distance singing and open my eyes to see that it was him that was singing. His song was personal and soft. His voice a perfect quiet pitch that soothed me so. I layed back and closed my eyes and the tears finally came. Even had I wanted to be ashamed, I could not. I needed this cry. My soul needed to give this cry as though it was an offering to the Gods in exchange for peace. He sang harder now, and I cried harder. Soon sleep came again and I was quiet.
Something cool and wet awaken me and I opened my eyes to see that it had begun to rain. At first my american instint is to take cover, but I am now almost one with my new country and I stay. It rains harder and I look at my new friend and he points to a little hut with a porch.
I sit on the porch and watch him fish and sing. The rain gets harder and he comes over with his black plastic bag of fish. He smiles and ask me if I have found the healing I needed and with tears on my face, I say almost. He says good, Jah has brought me here. Let him heal me.
He shares his story with me, his love story and it is pure and beautiful. He has not heard from his love since Sept 11th. She is an american. He will wait forever becasue Jah put them together and who is he to give up on what was ordained. He shares a smoke with me and we sit, and sit, and sit quietly.
He has caught 8 fish of which he will give 5 away to neighbors. He tells me that he can tell that america does not celebrate me as it should. He sees my spirit and knows it is wounded. The rain stops and he tells me to sit for a while.
I return to RHR and watch him from the balcony. He never spoke out of turn to me. He never was rude, he never did the come on that so many do. He just wanted me to find the healing that I needed so badly. The rain came down harder now and I could hear my friend begin to sing more. Louder and louder as the rain poured. Soon he undressed and danced in the rain and sang to the top of his lungs. I danced around and around on the balcony and he waved and I waved, he laughed and I laughed.
LAter that night I head a knock at the door and it was some man that had seen me earlier during the week on the beach. He actually climbed the walls of the resort and knew which room I was in. This frightened me and I called the front desk. Something was trying to steal my joy. RHR was so apologetic and concerned for my safety that they posted the nicest watchman beneath my balcony the entire night. RHR was a perfect resort for a single women. They always watched as I came and went. Could tell any caller if I was there or not. Always greeted me by name and always asked if I needed someone to walk with me when I left the resort walking. I felt protected there. I recommend it to single women everywhere.
The watchman was nice and we struck up a converstaion that lasted into the night. We read through two magazines that I had and talked about american and its people. He beneath my balcony and I on the balcony. Order was restored.
I awaken to someone calling my name, "psst, Ms. H." The watchman said I had been asleeping for a while and wanted to know if I should turn in. I did....sleep was right behind my dream of my singing friend on the reef with a brihgt smile that beleived that Jamaica was the place that would celebrate me as a home should. Finally I thought, no more tears, only a smile tonight. This was a very good day!
1)My year had been hectic with a new job with a drive 1 1/2 hours one way. Also there were many changes coming in the department I now headed. Several transferes out and in and a few cuts. This is never easy for people like me. I hate to tell somone that they are being let go from their current position. Secondly, my father was diagnosed with cancer and the healing for him was a long road but right on time.
2) GFT - the thrid and largest tour to date. I was both happy and a little concerned that everything be perfect. With so much on my plate at home, I wasn't as involved in the planning as I usually am. Marilyn took up this slack with no complaining, and I was thankful.
I'll start the trip report with my first few days before the GFT,and my healing and then fast foward to Satuday, the third day of the bashment. I beleive this is where Marilyn left off. She will come along and post pictures and her additions soon.
JULY4th: I arrived at Rock House Resort (RHR) early afternoon as tired as a old jogging suit that you just can't seem to throw away but should. I needed this break and finally I was home in paradise. As I checked in and was welcomed, I almost began to cry. Tears are always just on the edge of my lids these days.
I am led to my room and was disappointed at the size. I selected a deluxe room and asked if this was it. I was informed that is was and then wondered what the regular room looked like. The room was small with a high netted bed and one dresser. One door led to the large balcony that had a perfect view of the ocean. The other door led to the bathroom with the outdoor shower I had heard so much about. I unpacked and dressed in my uniform for the entire trip (sarong).
At the desk I asked for a cab to go to margaritville to meet my girlfriend. She was to be there from the 4th and leave on the 6th.Given a price of $10, I smiled and walked back to the room and called Solomon. He was at margaritville already with a group and came right away to pick me up. I met up with Jen and hugs, kisses and introductions of she and Sienna were made. Sienna and I struck out down the street for meat pies and found none. Later returned still hungry and Jen and I returned to RHR to dress for dinner. I have not eaten today.
We jumped in the shower and talked until the water ran cold. These showers are big enought for 5 people. It has been 6 months since our last meeting. Dressed and waited for her company and then sat on the balcony for hours chatting. I awaken later to her telling me to go to bed and their leaving. Ok, so much for food today.
JULY 5th: Awaken at 5am and pulled my blanket and pillow on the balcony and went back to sleep. Later called Solomon for pick-up to meet Queen at Bar-b-barn. Stopped at the cell phone place to purchase a phone and this took forever. We got in the car and spent another eternity trying to figure the thing out. Met Queen sitting on the stool at the bar. Her smile calmed me as I was on the verge of tears again from exhaustion and god knows what. We went for a long swim and talked. I like this women as I looked into her kind face and a smile that would sink a million ships. I knew that I would find a measure of healing in her presence.
We dried off, sat and chatted for a while. Never knew when she left becasue I feel asleep. Some friend I know. Later discovered Marilyn called for me but when told I was asleep,told Queen not to awaken me. See, who could ask for a more perfect partner.
Awaken late in the evening and moved to the bar for drinks. Caught a cab to RHR and took a shower. Today my room is wonderful for some reason. I sit on the balcony and regret that tomorrow I was leaving to stay at Bar-b-barn. Sat on the balcony for hours sipping Red Stripe and sorting out my life and choices. Thought I should go and meet Jen because she is leaving tomorrow, but I could not. My legs would not go. Climbed into bed and slept.
JULY 6th: Got up early and called Jen. Decided to walk towards her resort, Samsara and meet half way. We sat on a brick wall overlooking the ocean and chatting while a stray dog found rest at my feet. We talked of moving to Jamaica and what it would be like. She and I love to dream together. It is our escape. The hour was getting late and I knew we should move on but could not move. Finally there was no time left and I walked her to Samsara for her departure.
Walking back alone was peaceful. The world had not awaken yet and the road was deserted and cool. The ocean always to my right, I felt calmed. I stopped several times and thought deeply of why the healing was so hard to come this time. I usually am well on my way by now...still it eluded me.
Arrived at RHR and went to my room. The bed was still un-made but welcoming. I knew I could not leave this calm place. The front desk welcomed me for another night. I returned to my room and grabbed my pillow and blanket to go to the balcony. As I sat I noticed a man on the cliffs next to my resort fishing with just a string, no pole. I wathced him for a while and as if he felt my stare, waved to me. I waved back and smiled.
Minutes later he waved again, this time beckoning me to come over. Ordinarilly I would never do this but today I knew I would. I asked by mouthing the words which way to go. Odd, we were too far from each other to see our features,but he knew what I asked and pointed towards the street and through the path.
Walking down this path I should have been nervous. No one else in sight. Hidden from view of others, a pefect place for crime to happen. I was not nervous, but felt strangely being pulled towards an adventure. You all know how I love adventures. Stepping cautiously over the broken reef, I found a lounge chair one reef back from him. I sat and waved...he waved and smiled. He turned around and continued to fish. The sun was hot but the breeze brisk and cool. Rain might come soon I thought as I relaxed on the chair and felt myself nodding off.
I hear in the distance singing and open my eyes to see that it was him that was singing. His song was personal and soft. His voice a perfect quiet pitch that soothed me so. I layed back and closed my eyes and the tears finally came. Even had I wanted to be ashamed, I could not. I needed this cry. My soul needed to give this cry as though it was an offering to the Gods in exchange for peace. He sang harder now, and I cried harder. Soon sleep came again and I was quiet.
Something cool and wet awaken me and I opened my eyes to see that it had begun to rain. At first my american instint is to take cover, but I am now almost one with my new country and I stay. It rains harder and I look at my new friend and he points to a little hut with a porch.
I sit on the porch and watch him fish and sing. The rain gets harder and he comes over with his black plastic bag of fish. He smiles and ask me if I have found the healing I needed and with tears on my face, I say almost. He says good, Jah has brought me here. Let him heal me.
He shares his story with me, his love story and it is pure and beautiful. He has not heard from his love since Sept 11th. She is an american. He will wait forever becasue Jah put them together and who is he to give up on what was ordained. He shares a smoke with me and we sit, and sit, and sit quietly.
He has caught 8 fish of which he will give 5 away to neighbors. He tells me that he can tell that america does not celebrate me as it should. He sees my spirit and knows it is wounded. The rain stops and he tells me to sit for a while.
I return to RHR and watch him from the balcony. He never spoke out of turn to me. He never was rude, he never did the come on that so many do. He just wanted me to find the healing that I needed so badly. The rain came down harder now and I could hear my friend begin to sing more. Louder and louder as the rain poured. Soon he undressed and danced in the rain and sang to the top of his lungs. I danced around and around on the balcony and he waved and I waved, he laughed and I laughed.
LAter that night I head a knock at the door and it was some man that had seen me earlier during the week on the beach. He actually climbed the walls of the resort and knew which room I was in. This frightened me and I called the front desk. Something was trying to steal my joy. RHR was so apologetic and concerned for my safety that they posted the nicest watchman beneath my balcony the entire night. RHR was a perfect resort for a single women. They always watched as I came and went. Could tell any caller if I was there or not. Always greeted me by name and always asked if I needed someone to walk with me when I left the resort walking. I felt protected there. I recommend it to single women everywhere.
The watchman was nice and we struck up a converstaion that lasted into the night. We read through two magazines that I had and talked about american and its people. He beneath my balcony and I on the balcony. Order was restored.
I awaken to someone calling my name, "psst, Ms. H." The watchman said I had been asleeping for a while and wanted to know if I should turn in. I did....sleep was right behind my dream of my singing friend on the reef with a brihgt smile that beleived that Jamaica was the place that would celebrate me as a home should. Finally I thought, no more tears, only a smile tonight. This was a very good day!
the tears...I actually thought I was the only one who had the tears in my eyelids almost on a daily basis when in JA
Jah is so awesome [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
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