A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

[hannahcommunications]

It's been years since I posted a trip report and I didn't think I had it in me and I don't...but thankfully there are videos to help to explain what I liked most about this trip.

My mother decided to build a home on family land she inherited. For many years we debated the wisdom of sinking resources into building a home so far off into rural Jamaica.

We instead talked about purchasing a condo or other options. But that's even more expensive. So we chose the slow, cheapo route...build your own home with local contractors...piece by piece.

Illness derailed work for a few years, but now we're back on schedule.

I have to say this was one of my favorite trips back to Jamaica. I met family members and really enjoyed seeing the good people of this town and the pace of life this Dry Harbour mountain village (not really a town).

We're located not too far from Brown's Town.

View from the porch


First 2 days my teen was b-o-r-e-d - her cousin gave her a phone with long distance time - here she is calling her best girl friend...away from the rest of us.



My mom purchasing a stove from Courts Brown's Town- this lady provided the BEST customer service.



A video...my mom giving us an idea of what life was like in the 1940s when she was growing up in this rural part of Jamaica:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMxLoIxjU_w

[Nylah]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StAnnMuse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMxLoIxjU_w

</div></div>


now this is just golden

[Sinco01]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff


yes ..
bring on the memories ..

[hannahcommunications]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

Thanks Nylah! I love hearing those old stories.

On my third morning living in the &quot;house-under-construction&quot; I decided to take a walk up the street as I love goings and comings of folks in the morning.

A neighbour's home



One of the oldest homes in the district


I never tried food at this restaurant, but saw this gentleman most mornings.


&quot;Good morning!&quot;


Finally, we arrive and have a wonderful morning chat...


Here's another video - this one features my mother's cousins talking about their farming and their produce.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2DS2d1cQns

[R00TS]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

Mom's lovely!
How exciting! Man I'm thrilled just hearing about it

Appreciate you sharing StAnnMuse

[Marilyn]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

&lt;sigh&gt; honestly, the REAL Jamaica

[hannahcommunications]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

For more recreation and to keep the teen in our group happy we planned some north coast fun.

Discovery bay is about a 25 minute drive down the mountain. There are beaches there but one of my favorite spots is the Ultimate Jerk.

You can't miss it - look out for the multicoloured posts. It's one of the best run facilities. Clean, fast and delicious jerk pork, chicken w/festival, fish escovitch, etc. Unfortunately I was so hungry I ate before taking the usual jamaicans.com food shot. I need to take lessons from ((Mokatee))



We took in a little cricket while waiting for our food.



After we ate lunch, some of the guys from the cricket game saw a picture of a bird Hannah was drawing. One of the players asked Hannah to do a portait/sketch of him. Up she went to take this man's portrait. He would have liked it to have been more flattering but his friends agreed it was the spitting image of him - lol! That was a great afternoon.



One of the lovliest areas of Jamaica is Llandovery near St. Ann's Bay. We booked a horseback riding tour for Hannah at Chukka Cove. Fantastic facility.

[hannahcommunications]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

Hi Roots - considering how long this house has taken it is pretty exciting to see it this close to completion. Still a ways to go but once that tile was laid we were smiling!

Marilyn - that's how I felt this trip...the REAL Jamaica is so sweet.

[Nylah]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Marilyn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">&lt;sigh&gt; honestly, the REAL Jamaica </div></div>

you see it Marilyn

StAnneMuse, I am trying to do some work but I keep checking in to see if you have posted anymore pix and videos

this is what I love to see and hear.

I am trying my damnest to get my mom to write down her childhood memories and thing from JA but the woman keeps telling me soon come

So you have given me the great idea of just sticking a video camera in her face and make her answer my questions

this may sound silly and it could be that I am just PMS-ing but this report really warms my heart!

[hannahcommunications]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sinco01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
yes ..
bring on the memories ..
</div></div>

So good to hear that

[hannahcommunications]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Marilyn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">&lt;sigh&gt; honestly, the REAL Jamaica </div></div>

you see it Marilyn

StAnneMuse, I am trying to do some work but I keep checking in to see if you have posted anymore pix and videos

this is what I love to see and hear.

I am trying my damnest to get my mom to write down her childhood memories and thing from JA but the woman keeps telling me soon come

So you have given me the great idea of just sticking a video camera in her face and make her answer my questions

You and I share the same experience. I've tried for years to get my mom to write down even a fraction of the stories she's shared over the years.

You got the right idea - get her on film. I purchased a Flip camera just before our trip and I love it. It's easy, no bigger than a small digital camera and features one button functions. So easy to use.
this may sound silly and it could be that I am just PMS-ing but this report really warms my heart! </div></div>

[Bink - the Only]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

loving this St. Ann Muse. having a love relationship with St. Ann .... oh yes, this is the jamaica that i experienced and grew to love so passionately.

your mom is lovely ... i so enjoyed her words.

don't you love listening to our elders? their words are so special.

again, thanks so much for sharing.

[Nanook]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

Very nice photos and story and love the video's! Great to see you StAnnMuse!!!

[Bink - the Only]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nanook</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very nice photos and story and love the video's! Great to see you StAnnMuse!!!

</div></div>

hi, nookie

[Laurel2]

Re: A trip up the mountain and almost off the cliff

oh my gosh - this is simply wonderful ~

lovely photos