We finally found a trip where we could escape the cold of Oklahoma and find consistent sun! After arriving in Montego Bay on Monday, we located our arranged transportation with some trepidation. A mid-sized bus was awaiting us - large enough for some 20 or so weary travelers. We were somewhat surprised, and skeptical, that this was our transportation. As it turned out, it was great! Our driver was a great orintational tour guide - full of information relating to the local landscape, culture, and people. This is where we were first introduced to the most important phrase one could utter - - - Irie Mon, meaning relaxed and happy! Add that to "No Worries", and you can almost pass for a local. Almost!
Our resort is great. Nestled between the mountain forests and the aqua-blue Carribean Sea, it is our home for the next eight days. Unlike the Gulf waters of Destin, the Carribean is a comfortable 70+ degrees and invites you in to take a dip. The waves are constantly rolling in as if to lull you into a deep, relaxed, somewhat hypnotic state of relaxation. They work!! We have become relaxed - if not somewhat lazy!
There is no schedule - meals are always available, drinks flow freely, and recreation abounds. We keep our snorkle gear on our veranda just waiting for the opportunity to hit the water.
We have had one expedition away from the resort which proved to be great! The tour was arranged at the hotel with a local tour guide and driver so we felt secure. The day started with a float trip down the Rio Bueno river, a beautiful river twisting and turning until it meets the sea. We met a great Canadian couple, Sue and Geno, on the float trip and have had a great time hanging out with them since.
Our guide helped us navigate the "white water" on the trip and Kenny and I even used a rope swing to swing out over the water and drop half way through the trip. After the float trip, we let the air out of the tubes and piled in small inflatable boats to take us to the sea and onto a near by beach.
From there, we traveled to Dunn's River Falls where we climbed up the 70 foot water fall. What
an absolute blast- and thanks to Geno's steady hand pulling me up the falls without any bruises or abrasions.We were tired, thirsty and hungry after out floating and climbing and ready for a rest at " Bamboo Beach", a gorgeous private beach where we were served tapas including vegetables, jerk chicken, rice, etc. and many ( and in Kenny's case many, many) rum punches, mojitos and the local Red Stripe beers.
Our last stop included a private shopping spree at a local store to buy coffee, rum, t-shirts, etc. What a fantastic time!
Our days are spent lounging by the pool, or the sea - depending on our mood (and whether we are currently suffering from an aversion to the beautiful, soft, but sticky sand. The skies are either full of sunshine, or occasionally covered with a light blessing of shade-giving clouds.
On this, our fifth day, we will spend the day snorkeling in the sea outside our room, lounging by the pool until early afternoon. Then we will be heading for a romantic sunset cruise that will include open-water snorkeling at a popular coral reef just off the coast. We
were told that the drink will flow freely as we sail around on this 30 foot catamaran. Sounds just like another day in paradise!!Later Mon!
Sherri
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Wow
Sounds like you guys are having a blast!! I'm so happy for you - jealous but happy! Haha. Love you guys. Sherri