How I Spent My Summer Vacation

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

As a child I dreamed of landing my sailing vessel on a deserted, tropical sandy beach with palm trees and coconuts. Like my favorite storybook character Robinson Crusoe. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

I have seen some pictures and heard some tales of Negril in the late 60's and early 70's. In those days 7 mile would have been just such a beach. I only wish I had made the trip back in those early days when both Negril and I were more young and carefree.

Alas, I am older and unfortunately somewhat less carefree. More responsibilities and time constraints and you know...day to day life in middle america.

But when I go to Jamaica I am able to capture some of those same feelings I dreamed of as a child. The mode of transportation is different...the beach isn't quite as deserted as I dreamed... the coconuts are not free for the picking, but those same feelings of adventure and exploration and survival and warmth and sun and water are there for me.

So now it is the big jet plane that takes me to my tropical paradise. And finally on this third trip I remembered to pick out window seats on the RIGHT SIDE in order to catch that first glimpse of da Rock through the mist and clouds. As you all know...there is nothing like that first glimpse.




And with my new camera in hand...I take my first pictures...and the excitement builds!

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

I have also learned to get seats as close to the front of the plane as possible...not only to be one of the first off...but also to be closer to those feelings and smells that come over me when they first open that jet plane door. AAAAHHHHH [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70459-hugs.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70459-hugs.gif[/img]

I close my eyes and breath it all in through my smile. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

From that moment, and for the next several hours, I am immersed in this sensory bath of sights and smells and sounds and feelings. The heat, the moist, the hustle and bustle. I try to take in as much as I can, opening my brain even more to the moment.

I look over at Audrey and her eyes tell me... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]they are as big as saucers...her skin is already starting to shine with that warm glow that will stay with her for the next 17 days. Yes, Audrey, we are not in Kansas anymore!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[QK13]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

[ QUOTE ]
the beach isn't quite as deserted as I dreamed... the coconuts are not free for the picking, but those same feelings of adventure and exploration and survival and warmth and sun and water are there for me...

[/ QUOTE ]

Adventure is still there, just waiting for you to get the itch to explore the rest of Jamaica. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]
Whenevah yuh ready sah. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I took my 19 year old for his graduation as well. We went to the south coast, which is my home base. Watching him experience Jamaica was one of the best experiences of my life. I watched his reaction to everything he saw.
When we stepped onto the stairs leading down from the plane, I saw his face and knew I'd done the right thing.

Welcome Papa Mark. Carry on noh. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

We get through customs without incident. I don't know how long it took us because I don't pay much attention to time in Jamaica.

I did notice the singers were not singing and I missed them.

I learned after my first trip to go through the nothing to declare line even tho two of our bags were filled with gifts. My first trip I honestly went through the declare line and I'll be damned...they confiscated anything that looked of interests (like cool squirtguns for the kids) and then charged me a few bucks for "duties" on what remained. I am a fast learner [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

It is so much fun going through the airport with a newbie. I kept looking over at my daughter with her big eyes [img]/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img], making sure she was with me.

We get outside and it is hot hot hot! Almost takes one's breath away.

As planned, there was smiling Barry, our driver, waiting for us, looking all cool in his white shirt, dark glasses, and ever present cloth to wipe away the sweat from his brow.

Since the first trip, I have used Talk of the Town Tours for guidance and transportation. Solomon, Sienna, Barry, and the rest of the family have always been most friendly, helpful, and trustworthy. Many thanks to Barry and TOTT !! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

Because I am immersed in the sensory moment, I have yet to take any pictures of the drive from MoBay to Negril. I only have those images in my mind.

We drive though MoBay mostly silent, again, trying to take in all the sights and sounds...trying to adjust to the heat. Barry insists we keep the windows up and the air conditioning on even tho I would prefer the windows down for full exposure. Barry knows this is Audrey's first trip and he does not want the "beautiful flower to wilt".

As we leave the city we are able to talk more and catch up on the events of the last year. Barry asks Audrey what she wants to do while in Jamaica. She tells him she wants to eat as much fresh fruit as she can get her hands on.

A few more kilometers and Barry is pulling over to a roadside stand and negotiating for a bag of what turn out to be Neeseberries (sp?). They are kind of like a kiwi who wants to be a plum. Barry shows us how to eat them by sucking the soft sweet inside from the rough peel which you later throw out the window.

We continue on our way, juice dripping off our chins. Again, I look back and Audrey's eyes are smiling. She is falling love too!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70377-loveeyes.gif[/img]

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Yes Q.K, we done good to take our children with us !! We love them soooo much [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70377-loveeyes.gif[/img]

We did make a trip down to the south coast... beautiful, beautiful...but more on that later [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

We stop at the HiLo and get a few supplies and Ja dollars. Barry had told us not to buy any fruit because he would get us some from the market in Sav...the freshest and sweetest...mmmm
He said was going to Sav later in the day and would return in the evening with our bounty.

So it was a quick trip through the HiLo for some Rum Cream, Digicell phone cards, and sweeties. And on to the West End!!

I love this place [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70459-hugs.gif[/img]

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

We are greeted at BCC with hugs and smiles and welcome homes. It really does feel like home. We settle into our room #2. I still feel like my brain is trying to catch up with my senses.

The first time I see the sea is from the jet. Then I flirt with the sea on the drive from MoBay to Negril...coming around those bends in the road, admiring the vistas, seeing more colors of blue than I ever knew existed.

But it is not until I open the doors to my room and step out onto the balcony and gaze toward the horizon, that I fully get to open up and feel the sea for the first time in almost a year! I stand in silent reverence and awe...

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Looking to the south...





Looking to the north...




And sometimes just closing one's eyes and listening and smelling and feeling...

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

We have settled in, taken our first swim and are sitting on the balcony when we hear a "Hello" from below.

Barry has returned from his errands, laden with treasures.
He opens the bags and takes out mangoes, papayas, pineapples, watermelon, honey bannanas, avacado, cucumbers and more. He handled the fruit gently and as he told Audrey about each you could hear the pride in his voice... pride for what his lands and her people could produce.

As for us, we could not believe how much fruit he had returned with for how little money we had given him. Unbelieveable...but deeeeeelllllicious!!



Needless to say, Audie was in her height of glory!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[PapaMark]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Well, I am looking out of my window and see the sun rising soft orange on the horizon...It is time to get ready for the work day... More come soon [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

So ends our first day...

[loops]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation



LOVE THIS! pure joy. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

[BND1999]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

lovely papa mark.. esp of your daughter enjoying that mango..

[Kojak and Lucky]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

All I can say is [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

[mina101]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/70458-applaud.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70458-applaud.gif[/img]loving this. Your daughter shot, like loops said pure joy, beautiful young lady.

[Seveen]

Re: How I Spent My Summer Vacation

loving your report - and i'm so happy you and your daughter got to spend some special time together - priceless [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]