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It has been about a week (or two) now since I’ve been back from Jamaica and the memories of the hot island sun are still fresh enough in my mind that I thought I should do a trip synopsis post in fear that if I don’t, the clarity of my memories will slowly fade until all I have left is the faint beat of reggae in my eardrums.

The synopsis I am in the process of writing and you are in the process of reading will encapsulate a handful of my best memories from the trip. Please keep in mind that these are my views, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of my wife, Willa (by putting this in, I am trying to absolve myself from any blame of forgetting certain experiences, although I will inevitably recieve some blame :-) - you know I love you Will!). Ok, here goes:

The First Night - 4/25/05

The first night was like a dream. Stepping off the plane we were greeted by Jamaican dancers (reminded me of hula dancers, the likes of which we never again saw on our trip oddly enough) and a strumming guitar. Shortly thereafter we were wisked away by our fearless tourbus driver, Dudley. We arrived at around 6:30 - 7 pm at our hotel, Rondel Village, to a party in progress. My memories are scattered during this time but I remember Scott and Erin were definitely in the swing of things (Erin had a little more “swing” than Scott if I remember :-)) and they already had recomendations for everyone on which spot had the best drinks and which dealers were selling the best ganja and mushrooms. I must note that they had only arrived a few hours before us. Good job guys! That pretty much set the tone for a most amazing evening.

Scott getting the party started

Mayfield Falls - 4/27/05

The trip to the falls was epic. First of all, we were able to get Scott out of bead before 9am, which is no small feat. Then we all boarded Dudley’s trusted “Big Ship” (tour bus) and headed into the mountains for something no one was really sure of. Luckily, it turned out to essentially be a hike through a section of river with deep pools of mineral spring water (very cool). Accompanying us was a rastafarian guide who showed us the easiest way to walk while singing our favorite (and some of his favorite) reggae tunes acapella while simultaneously swinging his knee-length dreads in the air to dry them out and shower us with Jamaican love. I can safely say we will not ever have that same experience again.

Our tour guide through the falls

Pina Coladas and Dirty Bannanas

The pina colada and dirty bannana were Willa and I’s favorite drinks, and we ordered them often from our hotel’s bar, Irie. We tried them at various beach bars up and down the beach in Negril and not once did we find better concoctions than those served up by Crazy, Jerome and Peter (the three bartenders at Irie). Those three really made the whole experience all the more memorable with their insights into Jamaica, reggae music, and by macking on the various ladies that happened to stop by while they were on shift. Booyakasha!

Crazy (a.k.a. Peter), bartender extraordinare

The Wedding Ceremony - 4/29/05

This was the highlight of the entire trip, not unexepectedly. The hotel (namely Wendy and Heather) hooked up the entire set-up, and all we had to do was offer suggestions and show up. Perfect. The sunset was the best of the whole trip and having the family there was really nice. Winston, the pastor who married us, did a great job and the professional photographer captured the scene in all it’s glory. Afterwards we all partied into the night at Dan, Devon and Mari’s villa and had a great time. Thanks to everyone for making this an unforgettable night!

I will have pics posted soon, this is just to wet your appetite…get off my back about the freakin’ pictures already!

Saying Goodbye the Family - 5/1/05

How can this be a favorite memory, you ask? Well, it’s simple and I shouldn’t even have to explain myself but there is only so much you can do with your wife while her parents are staying in the villa right below you. ‘Nuff said.

Pictures of what happened after everyone left have been censored. Sorry to dissapoint!

Meeting with the Prime Minister - 5/4/05

Willa and I had the honor of meeting the Prime Minister on our trip to Jamaica. This is an honor we do not take lightly. In addition to meeting Prime, we were also introduced to his closest advisors (Rubber Man, 007 and Jeffery) and given the opportunity to buy him and his advisors multiple beers and a few cans of Irish Moss. Funny thing though, I never thought that Prime Ministers hung out at small-time beachside hotel bars. Ah well, it is Jamaica after all.

Prime’s associate, Rubber Man

Snorkeling with the Fishes - 4/28/05, 5/5/05

Willa and I went snorkeling on 2 separate occasions: once with the family and once by ourselves. Judging from how freaked Willa was on the second trip by ourselves, I must not be Survivor material. Freakouts aside, we didn’t see any dangerous fish, but did see lots of cool ones and great coral formations in the crystal clear water.

That’s me and Willa

Walking the Beach

Negril’s 7-mile beach is amazing. I’m going to do my best travel brochure description: As you walk down the beach in Negril, you are treated to the sights and sounds of emerald green water gently lapping up on pure white sand while the sun warms your spirit and reggae music provides a constant, happy soundtrack. Local’s mix with tourists and everyone is smiling and appreciative of the special place they find themselves in.

The beach, I wish it was nicer…

Staying at Rondel Village

The rooms and villas were spacious and clean, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and the grounds were beautiful. Rondel was the perfect place to have our wedding. I can’t say enough good things about it.

Rondel Village

Willa

Yes, Willa is one of my favorite memories. She was a beautiful bride and is an all around a radiant woman that wowed the Jamaican men (”I love your eyes!”) and made me very happy. We had a great time throughout the whole trip; were able to forget our cares back home and just relax and enjoy Jamaica. I am sooo happy to be married to her! (If you haven’t puked yet from this sappy entry, you are free to do so now…)

Willa and Her Dad

This pretty much concludes my postings on our Jamaica trip for now. It’s time to think about other things, like how I’m going to go back next year…pictures of the trip and additional wedding-related things will be published here soon. I know that your appetite is wet for more pictures, but you’ll just have to be patient, I am a busy guy these days!

One Love.

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