Friday, December 30, 2011

Chilla, Thrilla, Lobsta



My beloved! Much has happened in the last few days. I am sorry it has been so long. My girlfriend told me my blog was boring so I considered a permanent hiatus. But fear not, I have returned to resume babbling on to you about things which you most likely do not care about.

One thing I forgot to mention was that on our little shopping trip into town that some guy at the market rubbed aloe on my face and then proceeded to point out bug bites on my arms and legs and rub the natural plant on such bites. Everything happened so fast I didn’t really know how to stop it. He then tried to tell me that usually he charges 30 dollars for such service but he would take 20 from me. I walked away, and he was not pleased.

Even with all the free food in the world at our fingertips my desire for seafood had not as of yet been quenched. Jordan and I moseyed down the beach and bought fresh crab and lobster from these guys who cooked it right there. It was delicious.

I have to admit my judgment on the entertainment was a bit hasty. I think maybe it was less than adequate only because it was Christmas. The last few nights have been awesome. There was an African tribal evening that told a story eerily similar to lion king. I say that mostly because they used songs from the lion king. Last night was a traveling steel drum band complete with break dancers they covered quite a few current songs including some Michael Jackson (rest in peace). Very impressive. Speaking of MJ, Tonight’s entertainment was an MJ impersonator. So good. Highly entertaining. Despite leaving out a few of my personal favorites I still really enjoyed the show.

Today we did our excursion. We got on a catamaran and set sail for a journey with three stops. The first was shopping at this marketplace. Not really that impressive because I had done all my shopping but we were only there a short while so it was ok. The second stop was snorkeling in some very cool looking caves. (One of which we were told had been used in filming the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. After seeing it for myself I realized it was a lie to up sell the tour). Despite the lies the snorkeling was sweet. The third and final stop was my favorite by far. It was the “famous” Ricks Café. The part I was looking forward to was the cliff jumping. There were guys there who I believe essentially make their living by doing crazy flips of these cliffs. There were even some kids doing some crazy stuff. Jordan and I both did jumps of the 37ft platform that was available for the tourists to jump of. Not the highest I have ever done but still fun never the less.

Tomorrow is our last day. It is as always for me bittersweet. The rest and relaxation was much needed. Jamaica was an awesome adventure to be had. One that I would recommend to anyone looking for a tropical getaway. I am more than satisfied with number 26 and am ever looking forward to that next adventure. I have some clues as to what it may be but who knows what the future holds.

For today’s song choice I had to go with one you might expect from a Jamaican vacation. A little Bob Marley. I have to say I really do enjoy reggae and it even made some of those annoying Christmas tunes enjoyable.

Iron Lion Zion – Bob Marley

Hopefully it wont be too long before I return to writing. I must say I did miss it. You never know, my next adventure could be right around the corner. Until next time…

You Stay Classy.

I ate this

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas in Paradise


2 for 1

Like I said, not a whole lot of goings on around here other than getting my tan on. So, two days one blog.

Christmas on the beach was very much a surreal feeling. Wind blowing in my face, the ocean breaking at my feet, it was very serene.

Best part of the day by far was eating authentic Jerk Chicken right on the beach. Straight up delicious. The food continues to be awesome all around, dinner was Brazilian food served on a sword. Pretty good stuff, makes me want to go try Pampa back home. I am really looking forward to this nice place we are eating at in a few days, you will here about it I’m sure.

On a side note they had Santa speedboat onto the beach and walk up this balloon walkway. I really did expect him to be black. Oh well.

Although most of the other entertainment has been somewhat lackluster I did appreciate this evenings entertainment. It was this guy who sang like Roy Orbison, very legit

On Boxing Day we decided to taxi into town for some shopping. There wasn’t a whole lot to actually buy, the town was pretty small. We stopped at this Jamaican Patti store and had some authentic Jamaican patties. So good. Its pretty cool growing up eating and loving them my whole life and actually tasting the real deal from the place they get their name. There will definitely have to be more of that happening in my future travels. (Buffalo wing, Philly cheese steak etc.)

The ocean is warm and just as I remember it. Its Still and will always be one of my favorite things on the planet. I wish to visit it more often.

Christmas was great and funny enough I actually shopped on Boxing Day. Tomorrow is a nothing but lay on the beach day I may or may not feel inclined to write. We will see. But for now I will leave with the song I was listening to all day.

Levels – Avicii (Skrillex Remix)

Peace

P.S. - I apologize for the lack of pics, not really lugging my camera out lots, maybe one of these days I will.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

26


An all-inclusive resort gives a completely new definition to the word chill. Because really that’s what you’re here to do. It’s a little bit of a new concept for me. Not generally of course but travel wise. Both of my last adventures were non-stop doing things type excursions.

Christmas Lights on palm trees is something I could really get used to. It no longer feels like the Christmas season. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Not that I don’t love being down here all I am saying is that it feels weird. What does remind me of Christmas if how warm and friendly the people are here. I find that most people from Jamaica are very welcoming and warm people. I do miss that about being in the Caribbean, I feel that many places around the world don’t treat visitors as kindly as the people here do.

Curious as to the title of my blog? 10 points if you figured it out. Don’t spend them all in one place. Jamaica marks the 26th country I have set foot in. It was a pretty cool feeling touching down and walking out of the airport. My goal of 100 countries does seem quite lofty but only death will stop me I promise you that.

Today’s adventure consisted of ocean kayaking, swimming, chilling by the pool, walking down the beach looking at trinkets, and turning down weed… several times. Also the Christmas Eve Buffet was unreal, maybe even top 5 buffets ever.

I am not quite sure that I will have an adequate amount of fodder for my ramble cannon given that the sole purpose of this week is to relax and do nothing. But I will try.
Theme song of the day

I first blogged about these guys last year when I was in London, I heard them in a restaurant and asked a stranger if she knew what the song was. Not that you care, I just found it interesting. If I was a hipster I would point out to you that I heard of these guys way before they were on American radio and became mainstream… but i'm not because hipsters are stupid.

Glad You Came – The Wanted.

Merry Christmas