Doing IT My Way

[Grandmother]

When this old world starts getting me down, I call Worry Free, so that I can be Stress Free,when you have worked on the same job for over 34 years, one that you have hated for 34 years, it doesn't take much to set you off, well lucky for me I found Jamaica and as I said when I get ticked off I just hit the button and pack and go; to Jamaica of course.

I did this recently and for me it was like like Mother's Love, I am retiring at the end of the year, yes I know I said that two years ago, and then a year ago, and as recently as 3 months ago, but this time I mean it, because now it is either leave or run over myself with my forklift. Time to cut my losses. Time to close this door and open another. Time to go down one of those roads that Roots always takes beautiful pictures of.

Before I begin I will apologize because there will be no pictures, because I forgot my camera and besides the places that I went to have been been beautifully displayed in Sugar Shugs report and Roots, Diamond Dave, Seveen and JaJewel.

Yes I spent time in Negril and in Duncans Bay.We all know that I have never done a Trip Report, but the good feelings I have for both of the places sort of inspired me to want to share, my laid back relaxing, invigorating, soul searching week, at two places that are similar but different vibe. You guessed it I stayed at JaMiss's minus JaMiss and later with JaJewel at Jamaica Jewel.

[Jamaicamiss]

Re: Doing IT My Way

Glad to see a report coming, Orbra. Anything about home makes me feel good.

[QK13]

Re: Doing IT My Way

Bring it!!

[Grandmother]

Re: Doing IT My Way

To begin, my old charter company Champion Air went out of business last month , we would depart at 6:clock in the morning and arrive at 9:40 am, well now through the new company we leave at 3pm arrive 6:45 pm. One of the good/bad things about having a little knowledge about a place is that you don't wait around for instructions, I mistakenly gave Ted the wrong time for our arrival, and not realising this and thinking we were late I left the airport heading over to Negril, no key, no definite idea of where I was going but I can usually through telepathy or instinct remember where I have been, well that did not work in the hills of Negril in the dark and of course we road around with not a clue of where we were going.

I had called Ted from the airport but the phone kept going to voice mail, of course half way to Negril I had an Epiphany"Ted would not have left me at that Airport, no matter how late the plane was" too bad I did not think of that before I jumped into that van. Finally while riding around and up into the hills I was able to reach him, he was still at the Airport looking for me. Could I feel any dumber? To make matters worst I'm thinking, well we may as well go down to BarBBarn and see if they have a room. Why fool? you already have a place to stay. But that little voice didn't kick in until we're in the room chilling and there is a knock on the door, it's Security." There is a guy here to see you, named Ted" To show you how out of focus I was my first thought was how did he know where we were. I guess I thought the drums had told him. The conversation went like this "Hi Ted how'd you know how to find me. Ted's reply while looking at me as you would a child" the driver told me. Duh!! The man is a saint because if he was vexed he never showed it, there was more concern, probably about my sanity.

Spent a quiet night at Bar B Barn, in one of my favorite rooms. I've been there since Norm left, and Angela is great. But my Friends who were also there last month and I agree, It's a different kind of vibe since he left, I miss him and his beautiful, sweet daughters. Norm is Norm. And I really miss his cooking.

[R00TS]

Re: Doing IT My Way

How appropriate! wake up with the sea at your door
looking forward to your musings

[DiamondDave]

Re: Doing IT My Way

you picked two <span style="font-style: italic">really</span> cool places to stay

I'm glad you're doing a report

[Sophie Magoo]

Re: Doing IT My Way

hey orbra

am so glad to hear about your trip . . .

[Grandmother]

Re: Doing IT My Way

Hi Guys, I'm a little out of my league here, but this is really less a trip report than reflections of what this time in Jamaica meant to me. It was more like a home coming, My daughter was my travel mate this time and she and I both needed to just get away from our jobs and get some peace and sun. I thought I could get by til the end of the year, since I took my Postal Pals in May, but as July, August, September went by my attitude got worse, so I started stalking Worry Free and called JaMiss and JaJewel and when the fare was right $260.00 I grabbed it.

Since Ted wasn't picking us up until 1 we went down to the beach for breakfast, to hang out in the water and a little shopping, I like the gift shop at BarBBarn I always find something unique, this time it was two purses. Ran into Ingrid, and Ryan and got a welcome home, that always makes me feel welcome.

Ted and a different driver picked us up, had to make a stop at HiLo for groceries and the vegetable market on the cliffs. One of the things I realised on this trip is that I should never make plans nor promises, I left loaded with plans and did absolutely none of them. I had plans for a few tours, planned to go to the beach every day, and have dinner out every night. Not!! Beach of Negril once. Dinner out never. Hope you don't mind JMiss, but as you know your man is one of the best cooks in Jamaica and he was kind enough to help a Sister out. Steamed fish, rice and steamed callaloo and cabbage. Two days in a row. Delicious, fresh home cooking. Nothing like it. I can't wait for my cooking lessons.

On Wednesday I told Ted we wanted to do at least one excursion so he called our original drive, Orville and we went to Roaring River. There is nothing like a rainy day in Jamaica and I love them, but not on a day when you want to hang out. On the way up the rain started, but as we know it never lasts, so we left the windows down and continued on. Orville wasn't familiar with Benji's but he knew Roaring River so away we go. When we got to Roaring River the first face we saw was Dr. Scott so that was a special treat, we asked about Benji's and he said he wasn't sure if he was there, but he got into the car with us to guide us up, after seeing that road I was ready to turn around because I didn't think the car could stand it, that is the worst road I have ever been on. But of course all three of the men in the car said on we go. So very glad we did, but unfortunately or fortunately we never made it to Benji's, we stopped at a stream down below Benji's and now more than ever I have to make it up to Benji's next trip because the spot that we were in was so beautiful and spiritual.

My Daughter recently decided to join church, but she had not been baptized yet, when we were at Roaring River in the caves last year with Dr. Scott after our massages he takes you into an area of the caves, that he calls I think the cathedral, and he actually speaks to you in a soothing way like a prayer, she remembered this and when they came to another pool she told him that she wanted to be baptised and he did. Not sure what his credentials are, but she has been so much more relaxed since that day, that I thank him for that.

When we left the question was were to next I Told him to show me a new way from RR to home, take the long way around, that is one of the things I like about traveling with Alisia, she is never in a hurry and like her Mom she has no problem just smelling the roses, traveling down roads to see whats at the end of them, unfortunately when she does them with me it has to be in a car because I am unable to walk very far, but I just take it slow and eventually get where I am going. I have learned that walk adventures are most time more enlightening because you see more than you would in a speeding car. I did enjoy the route Orville took and I had told him I wanted to finally stop at Biggah's for food. Laurel I finally met your Biggah, and the soup, fish and chicken were delicious. I told him you sent me. He said you're a nice lady.

This was my second time staying at JaMiss's and from the moment I got there on the first occasion I felt a peacefulness like no other place. My measure of how secure I feel in a place is how well I can rest. My first night there, I went out onto the verandah and sat on the steps and just gazed at that awesome view of Negril Beach and said a prayer of thanks for my new friends, and my new home and went to sleep under the stars. I wondered how it would be in her absence but her spirit is still in the house, the curtains she made, the furnishings she chose, all JMiss. I kept asking Alisia if she had anything in particular that she wanted to do, the answer was always I'm content, I'm okay, why are you asking me this? I guess I felt guilty because even though my richter scale was a zero, it didn't mean hers had to be, but we mainly just lazed around the house, looked down on Negril from our verandah and just marinated for 3 of the 4 days we were in Negril. I can't wait to go HOME.

[nattydreadgirl]

Re: Doing IT My Way

(((Obra))) I can see the beach, feel the air, no pictures necessary!

<span style="font-size: 8pt"><span style="font-style: italic">natty pulling up chair</span></span>

[Pepper]

Re: Doing IT My Way

I love the title of this report.

So far, I am not missing the pictures.

[Sophie Magoo]

Re: Doing IT My Way

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One of the things I realised on this trip is that I should never make plans nor promises, I left loaded with plans and did absolutely none of them. I had plans for a few tours, planned to go to the beach every day, and have dinner out every night. </div></div>

hey orbra, the exact reason why i don't pre book anything. this next reach coming up is the first time i pre-book a few days . . .

can hardly wait to be there.

waiting for the next instalment ...

[Laurel2]

Re: Doing IT My Way

{{Orbra}} ... this is excellent ~

THRILLED you finally found Bigga!!

YeeHaa ~

enjoying this ever so much!!

[R00TS]

Re: Doing IT My Way

I dont need photos either natty, can see it all clear as a bell Orbra

A babtism at RR! wow Thats amazing! very cool

[Grandmother]

Re: Doing IT My Way

Friday came too soon, was already wishing I had planned for two weeks instead of one, I loved being where I was but looking forward to where I was about to go. We sadly prepared to leave, put some order to the place, the hardest part was leaving home, but also leaving a man that I have come to love as a Brother. Ted is a wonderful man, quiet, and unassuming but when you are around him you feel his goodness. If I had planned the place I will be in for the next year or so I could not have dreamed of a better place than with Jamaica Miss and Ted. I look forward to getting to know them better. And being in their space.

Next stop Duncan's Bay at Jamaica Jewel. After saying goodbye to Ted, we began the next phase of our adventure. Our first stop was MoBay, I wanted to stop and check out MegaMart, to see what they have to offer. I needed to see what they have so that I will know what I have to take with me. Mega Mart is actually a scaled down version of Sam's and Cosco, with a little WalMart thrown in. They carry it all, food, dry goods, home goods and appliances, you name it they have it. I decided it might be easier to shop there instead of shipping a lot of stuff already available there.

After shopping we headed over to Duncan's Bay.As we neared Duncan's I called JaJewel to let her know we were near, handed the phone to Orville so that he could get directions. As we rounded a bend past Silver Sands a car was parked off to the side and a smiling face guy told us to follow him. Jamaica Jewel is a Jewel the pictures I have seen have been beautiful, but till you are there you can't totally appreciate the work that JaJewel has put into it. You can feel the Love. AS we park Orville and the guy realise that they know each other, they grew up in the same area. I see that a lot in Jamaica childhood classmates reuniting in different places, and they pick up as if time stood still.

We park and I hear this throaty sexy laugh coming from the Lady Cher. I am finally meeting JaJewel what a Joy she is. I am always a little apprehensive when meeting new people, will we connect, will we like each other, will this work out. I need not have worried, it was wonderful. We introduced ourselves hugged and were shown to our rooms talking non stop. Of course I had reserved the top floor with the awesome Ocean view with 2 verandas, one in front with the famous outdoor room with the built in for lack of a better word I will call them love seats, from pictures I had seen I did not realise that from this vantage point you can see the ocean. To keep down jealousy from mi Dawta I had given her the best room at JaMiss's because I knew, that I wanted to sleep in the room, that should be named Romance, Four poster king bed, beautifully decorated with Jamaican, and African art, and huge plants, with french doors that opened out to my own verandah with a panoramic view of the Ocean. One of the criteria for a place in Alisia's demands is that it must have a water view, she as not disappointed. It was everything and more than anticipated.

After freshening up I went down to see the rest of the place, the yard is beautiful and she has a little zoo going on two dogs, a cat, and a bird who all fit right in with the vibe of the place. I never figured out which was in charge but I think the female dog thinks she runs things.

In the back area there is a bar, that rivals a lot of the restaurants that I have seen in Negril. She had prepared dinner, Jerk chicken, potato salad and slaw, I ate like I was starving, delicious. I met some of their friends and I hope made some friends, one woman in particular that I hope to stay in touch with. On Fridays they have a cookout, and folks hang out, reasoning, playing dominoes and just having a good time. It was very nice. A feeling of being in a true Jamaican yard. You get to meet some really good people, I really enjoyed myself.

Of course after going back to my room I went out on my veranda and just soaked up the mystical vibe surrounding me while listening to the music and laughter from below. A very good start.

Saturday it took a while to get started, but when I made it down to the dining area breakfast and coffee were ready. Ackee and saltfish and roasted breadfruit, I had tried bread fruit before and decided I did not like it, must have been the way it was prepared, but however BG prepares it, was totally different and along with the delicious Ackee I ate most of it, so I must try it again.

We later went up to Duncan to take care of some business and I had a chance to see a town that I am usually just running through on my way to Ochi. Bad mistake. I believe Duncan's Bay is one of the best kept secrets of Jamaica. Nice vibe and friendly people, a nice clean beach, and some beautiful homes. I have made it a habit to always explore new places when in Jamaica and each time I learn or see something new.

Saturday nights there is a concert at the bar on the beach (forgot the name) but I had an amazing time. You never know what talent you might find in the oddest places in Jamaica. The Selector played some really good old school and new school music, and then it was time for the band. It seems that everyone participates, the bar owner, on base guitar, the selector on I think keyboard or drums not sure and the singers I thought John Holt was on stage when one of the guys was singing, and there was a female singer who reminded me of Tanya Stephens. I never go to clubs in Negril or Ochi, but this was a totally different vibe and structure. The bar as I said is on the beach, and your seats are the overturned fishing boats that had probably brought in the fish we had for dinner. Did I tell you JaJ can really cook Jamaican style and does it well. I could tell from the way the people treated her that she has gained respect in the community she has made her home. The Lady Cher. This was a new experience for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As I said I love when it rains in Jamaica and on the way home it started to rain, for two days I saw lightening on the horizon but we new got rain, they told me that it may be raining on one side of the bridge and be totally dry on thier side of the bridge, they don't get a lot of rain, but it is so green and lush in their area so I guess what little they get goes a long way. When it finally came it did a half [censored] downpour and then just stopped, but sitting on my veranda I enjoyed the 5 minutes of it.

On Sunday we decided to go to Ochi to shop, forgot most things are closed but the craft market was open. They make you wish you had unlimited funds, because as here everyone is hurting, not a lot of Tourists, not a lot of business, when I am in Ochi even on Sunday there are usually a lot of people, it's almost a ghost town and Negril was actually the same. So Sad, I hope there is a turn around soon.

[Grandmother]

Re: Doing IT My Way

Thanks guys for listening to my heart. I write in my journals but they are only for me, this is nice therapy, telling it to you, will help me get through the next 74 days.