Blogs from Negril, Jamaica, Central America Caribbean

I wake up around 7 extremely groggy. I only got 4 hours of sleep. I go to the bathroom, drink some water and attempt to sleep. After an hour or so I give up and head to see Annette. She asks me how I take my coffee. I didn't want any but felt obliged since she already poured it. "white man who likes it black!" she observes. I sit at a table under the coconut tree. I lay on my back and try to clear my head. The view of the trees overhead with the birds flying around is soothing. The Spanish man walks by, "how was the party last night?" he asks. I chuckle a little and don't answer yet. "if you laugh immediately when I ask you then I know it was good!" I ... read more

At 6 am I heard a voice and knock outside my door. It was Melanie and she wanted to say goodbye. Last night when I made the decision to stay in I neglected to consider they were leaving very early in the morning. I'm glad she woke me up. They let a stranger tag along with them their entire vacation. I thanked her for that, and shortly after they left I realized I probably would never see them again. We'll keep in touch on Facebook at least. The two things I can't stand about southwest va are the cold water and the lack of diversity. I got to hang out with two Germans and learn about their culture and likes. Everyone in Bristol has the same story, same tastes in music, clothes and food, same mentality. ... read more

I'm up a little past 6. I look in my mirror. A 30 year old man looks back. He still has fun like a immature ten year old. I smile. I grab a papaya and two bananas and head to the hammock. I see Robert strolling around but don't approach him. The sun is up but it's brisk still. I woke up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, both because it was the hottest day here and I give out a ton of heat at night. I chugged water then so I wasn't thirsty. I lay in the hammock finishing my post about the previous uneventful day. I hear the cook open the kitchen at 6:45. I soak in a few more minutes of peace and go back to the room to fill ... read more

I woke up at 6:30 amwith ten hours of sleep behind me as planned. I took my iPad out to the patio chair to check the weather, it was already 79 degrees and the sun was out. Clear skies until about noon when we had a chance of rain. Robert, the security guard from last night came by to chat on his way home. He asked me if he frightened me last night, I told him no, just that's was tired and maybe out of it. I asked him when breakfast was served, he looked at his watch "7 am, they should be here by now." It was 7:10, and I was anxious because I had yet to see the beach. Their was a family from Spain who had just checked in last night, he asked ... read more

I stayed up until 1 am the morning of my flight watching the abomination that was laker/nuggets game 6. Thursday is the last day of my work week so I typically struggle to stay up that late. However my excitiement about my vacation combined with my sheer frustration at the lakers allowed me to stay awake with relative ease. When 6:30 rolled around I struggled to get up. I had packed the night before, and always pack lightly for the beach. 3 tshirts, one button down, 2 soccer jerseys, a pair of linen pants, swim trunks, sweat pants, shorts jeans and the long sleeve shirt I wore out my front door (didn't bring a razor to Jamaica) and didn't have anything to eat. I got to the airport and like a fool forgot there is only ... read more

Already we are in our final week in Jamaica. We really have enjoyed ourselves and it is a reminder that Negril is one of our favourite destinations! We are certainly entertained everyday on the beach by the travelling entrepeneurs. I did a little experiement the other day. In a span of 30 minutes these are the products that came by for sale: ( fresh fruit, patties, cooked lobster, scarves, tours, beach balls, massages, aloha vera, popcorn, peanats, cotton candy, jewellery, fresh fruit juices, cigarettes, parasailing, baskets, baked goods, jerk pork, jet ski rides, art work) What more could you ask for!!?? These vendors are not all pushy or annoying, just amusing, friendly and hard working. As well the fresh fruit and veggie truck comes by the condo most days they also sell various kinds of bread ... read more

This morning I sit in awe at a little restuarant table sipping a tropical smoothy next to our resort looking out onto the beautiful calm aqua blue ocean and sugary white sand. The scene never ceases to amaze me!! Week two was great in Jamaica! A highlight for us here is the beach as you can see by the pictures. Negril Beach is 7 miles long and never a dull moment. Many days we walk about 4 kms east along the beach. the Jamaicans selling their wares are fun and they are anxious to invite you to look. Wood carvings, beachwear, jewellery, massages, jerk chicken and everything you can imaagine are set out on the beach. As well many of the vendors trudge up and down the beach keen to make a sale. One of our ... read more

Day trip to Negril at the western tip of Jamaica with miles of picturesque sandy beaches and a rocky headland at the most western point. Attraction: beaches, lighthouse and cliff faced accommodation and bars of which Rick's cafe has earned international recognition. ... read more