Kingston

[Pepper]

I received an invitation to participate in the first annual Kingston City Run. The run included a half marathon and a 5K run/walk.

What the heck? I haven't run in years, but I could enter the 5k race as a walker. So I laced up my running shoes and off to Kingston I went.

I flew JetBlue, the entire process from check-in to customs was uneventful.

I stayed at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston. I visited Spanish court on a previous visit and was looking forward to staying as a guest. I passed by when it first opened was pleased to see many of the same faces I saw three years ago.

My room

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[Pepper]

I arrived on a Thursday evening. This was my first time landing in Jamaica in the dark. It was kind of weird, I usually land and start thinking of what to eat for breakfast. But after only a couple hours sleep the night before and running around all day, then making a mad dash to the airport, I was exhausted. Usually the morning air gives me energy to go all day, but the dark of night sucked what was left of my energy.

I checked into the hotel unpacked and had dinner at the hotel. I had oxtail and steamed mixed vegetables. It was tasty and was cooked well. Service was good, though slow at times.

After dinner I called friends and family, caught up on my emails and called it an early night.

[Pepper]

Friday morning caught up on work (that's what free in-hotel internet will do). After working I took a taxi to half-way tree for breakfast. Actually by the time I reached Pavilion mall it was lunch time, so I had cow-foot with steam and raw veg for brunch.

After brunch, it was time to get a new hairdo. When I am in Kingston, I don't have any salon referrals, my only female relative in town wears a natural style and gets her haircuts at a barbershop. So I have to take a chance and walk-in to a salon that catches my eye. I decide on 20/20 salon across from the bus station.

Young lady gave me a nice do.

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[Pepper]

Next its back to the hotel for a little rest and relaxation before heading to Bacchanal Friday. I took a few more photos around the hotel.

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[Pepper]

Setting up for a pool-side private party.

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[Pepper]

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[Pepper]

The dining room at Spanish Court Hotel

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[MsExced]

Looks really nice Pepper, you have more to share?

[Pepper]

Bacchanal Time!

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[Pepper]

Looks really nice Pepper, you have more to share?

Yes Ms. E. Coming right up.

[Peasie]

Very nice. I don't understand this whole soca and bachanal thing in Jamaica

[Pepper]

Mas Camp Bacchanal, every weekend leading up to Jamaica Carnival. I was surprised by the size of the crowd. And they did get down to soca, maybe one of these days I will take in Jamaica Carnival.

Carnival costumes, anybody interested in playing masquerade?

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[Pepper]

Very nice. I don't understand this whole soca and bachanal thing in Jamaica

It seems to have caught on, although the hostess for the night was from Trinidad.

[Pepper]

Good size crowd, and this was early...probably around midnight.

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[Peasie]

Last year I saw a costume displayed on a mannequin in The Courtleigh's lobby. It was so odd to me.

So when is the 5K?