So for the first time in 13 or so years, Bridgett and I took a real vacation. We’ve done several family related things over the years, but never just a trip for the two of us to really get away. We had the opportunity this year to travel to Jamaica and spend time with some friends of ours from Roseburg. I must say that it has been hard coming home and facing the reality of life once again.
The trip started off quite well, other than we chose to fly out of Portland airport at 11:59pm. While we moved quickly through security and the airport hoops, it was impossible to sleep in the “extra-spacious” seating that Continental airlines supplies to its economy travelers. We made a connection to Montego Bay in Houston after a 3 hour layover (no sleep there either). Once we arrived in Sunny and humid Jamaica we took at 90 min bus ride to Negril to the resort there. We promptly crashed….
Two days later we felt recovered enough to really start enjoying ourselves. I must say that if anyone has not stayed in an “all-inclusive” resort before – do so. Walking to the bar and dining room without concern for how much this time or packing cash around was fantastic. The amount of Rum that I consumed over 10 days more than reduced the price of the room to a few dollars a day!
The beach was warm, sunny, and relaxing. We spent most of our time there. I had to flip Bridgett once or twice to be certain she didn’t crisp too much on one side or the other. Evenings saw spectacular sunsets and dinner in either the resort restaurant or open dining room. The food was ok (better than we expected) and was available most times of the day. Breakfast was the only exception – if you slept later than 10am forget it! Nights were warm but breezy, the resort had great entertainers, and it was easy to lose yourself to the music and the dancing.
We had a catamaran tour of the Bay and surrounding area. I was surprised that Bridgett agreed (she doesn't swim and hates boats). The tour was 3 hours and we saw the sand caves that pirates used to use and the world famous Rick's Cafe where you can cliff dive into the sea. The water was vivid blue and as clear as a swimming pool!
We took a couple of days to travel around the western edge of the island (people told us to definitely avoid the Eastern/Kingston end of the island). We did some shopping in Negril with our friends and met some very interesting locals. Jamaicans are friendly, laid back, and genuinely happy. Even the hustlers weren’t that bad.
On another day we rented a taxi for the day ($200.00 US for four people) and went to the Appleton Rum Estate/Distillery and YS Falls. The distillery was a bit disappointing for the money they charged for entry, but a 1 liter bottle of extra premium dark rum was very cheap. Of course the free samples were great as well!
YS Falls was the highlight of the day. We ate good food here (we had already tried the curry goat at the resort and chose to go for the jerk chicken instead) and played in the various fall pools for a couple of hours.
Returning to Oregon was difficult but ultimately what we had to do. Besides, our bed is far more comfortable! We are already planning our next trip!
By the way - STAY AWAY from the Brownies!
